Love at First Sight Chapter 58: This Is Only the Beginning

Zun You smiled and said, "I'm not ready to sleep yet. Sit down first, and keep me company for a late-night snack."

Wen Yueqing was momentarily stunned—he still remembered that, while she herself had forgotten in her nervousness. Hearing him mention it now, she realized she truly was hungry.

She nodded gently and sat to the side. "Then, after we eat, you must rest. I noticed you lost quite a bit of blood from your back."

"So you only care about my health? Why don't you stay tonight?" Zun You grinned mischievously. "Don't leave, keep me company, won't you?"

She immediately felt a little awkward. This young man was injured, and yet his mind was wandering off again.

She thought to herself: ‘He’s definitely saying this on purpose,’ just to tease her; Wen Yueqing knew he would never force her.

"Stop fooling around. If I really stayed, do you think you could rest properly?"

Wen Yueqing decided to tease him back. Young man, you still have much to learn when it comes to banter with me.

He hadn’t expected such a reply—instead of making her blush as intended, he found himself being teased.

"Alright, you win. I wouldn’t dare let you stay, is that good enough?"

He admitted defeat, not because he truly feared her, but because his back hurt so badly. The wound was deep, and every movement brought stabbing pain.

"Your Highness, the food is ready," Liu Yi reported from outside.

Zun You straightened and said, "Bring it in."

The door was pushed open, and the kitchen staff laid out a table full of dishes.

The table was laden with food, with a well-balanced mix of meat and vegetables, plus some refreshing fruit.

Liu Yi had given special instructions: His Highness was injured, so nothing too stimulating. The dishes included mild ones, as well as spicy flavors.

Chef Wu immediately understood—the spicy dishes were clearly ordered for Miss Wen, so he prepared them as before, without reducing the ingredients.

Wen Yueqing hadn’t eaten properly all day; now her stomach was growling. If not for some pastries earlier, she might have fainted from hunger.

Seeing so many delicious dishes, she didn’t stand on ceremony and picked up her bowl to start eating.

Zun You also took some food, but he ate slowly, watching Wen Yueqing as he did so.

Seeing her devour the food, Zun You found her especially adorable.

Her cheeks were stuffed full; Wen Yueqing’s face was already round and oval, but now she resembled a little hamster.

"Well, will you go join the excitement again next time?" he asked with a smile.

Wen Yueqing's mouth was full and she couldn't speak, so she shook her head vigorously.

He gave a soft hum and continued eating.

"Why are you eating so slowly? Aren't you hungry?" Wen Yueqing was almost full and noticed he took ages to eat a single bite.

"My back hurts, I can't use my right hand," Zun You moved his shoulder slightly and said with a serious face, "Hurry up, after you finish you'll have to feed me, or I'll starve."

She pursed her lips—so that's how it is. Now he had a proper excuse to act spoiled.

"Alright, alright, I'll make sure you’re full. Okay?"

The next day was the first day of the new year.

Lady Tian rose early, planning to pay her respects. But upon hearing Zun You had been injured in the palace the night before, she hurried to the front courtyard to visit him. Zun You slept until noon, and she waited the whole morning.

As soon as Zun You awoke, she announced her arrival outside.

"Come in, and Aru, you come too," Zun You called, asking Aru to help him dress.

Lady Tian’s eyes were red, tears glimmering as she looked at Zun You with concern.

"Your Highness, is your injury serious? Are you alright? I heard you were hurt and came early to see you."

Zun You stood there, glanced down at her and said, "It's nothing serious, you needn’t worry."

Aru helped Zun You dress, moving with great care to avoid his wound.

Lady Tian walked over to assist Aru. "Your Highness, while you recover, allow me to serve you?"

Upon hearing this, Zun You responded immediately, "No need, there are already enough attendants in the front courtyard."

Lady Tian bit her lip, not expecting such a direct refusal—he hadn’t even considered her offer.

She still wanted to try, so she continued, "Your Highness, I truly wish to care for you."

"Enough, say no more. If you have nothing else, return for now. I’m about to eat."

Zun You sounded impatient—he disliked repeating himself. Usually, his words were never contradicted by servants.

Though he knew Lady Tian was concerned, he simply didn’t want her to tend to him.

Lady Tian was a good person, but he just didn’t like her—what could be done?

Aru listened nearby and thought Lady Tian was pitiful—offering to serve, yet not given the chance. Look at Miss Wen, the prince seeks her company every day.

She thought to herself, "Being a woman is so difficult; how can there be such a gap between people?"

Hearing Zun You’s words, Lady Tian stood stunned for a few seconds, then followed as he walked outside.

"Then I’ll take my leave, Your Highness. Please rest well," she said, bowing her head.

Though she felt bitter inside, she dared not disobey him.

Qiao’er saw them come out, bowed to Zun You, then hurried to Lady Tian’s side when he moved ahead.

"Miss, how is His Highness’s injury? Should you stay and serve?" Qiao’er asked.

"We’ll return to the rear courtyard. His Highness is fine," Lady Tian replied dejectedly.

"Oh, alright," Qiao’er noticed her mood and asked no more.

As they walked back, they heard Zun You speaking to Tong’er.

"It's already so late, and she’s still not up. Go wake Wen Yueqing for me and have her come keep me company for the meal," Zun You said loudly.

Lady Tian nearly stumbled, but Qiao’er quickly steadied her.

"Miss, slow down, don’t fall," Qiao’er said, holding her arm.

"Clearly there are enough attendants in the front courtyard, so why keep the rear courtyard at all? Wouldn’t it be better to send us all away?"

Her brows furrowed as she spoke quietly.

Qiao’er detected the complaint in her tone and just wanted to silence her mistress. "Miss, we’re outside; you shouldn’t say such things."

"Yes, you’re right," Lady Tian resumed a calm expression.

"Wen Yueqing, this is only the beginning," she said, a faint smile curving her lips.