The Queen’s Fury and a Princess’s Predicament

Meanwhile, a faint rustling, like an animal stirring through leaves, emanated from a dense clump of ornamental bushes a dozen meters away.

Gu Wei squatted behind the bushes, clutching a pair of binoculars. The lenses were fogged with a thin layer of mist from her heavy breathing.

She admitted it: she had followed them.

The moment Xiang Qing and Shen Lanzhi stepped out, Gu Wei had trailed them like a phantom.

Her initial plan had been impeccable.

‘I, Gu Wei, queen of the mountain, must maintain a grand perspective.’

‘My little canary, stretching her wings, flirting and mingling—that’s all part of the fun.’

‘As long as she eventually remembers to fly back to my golden cage, nothing will be an issue.’

She had even brewed herself a cup of goji berry and chrysanthemum tea, bringing it along to embody a calm mind, reduce inner heat, and project an air of detached elegance.

Then, through her binoculars, she witnessed the scene: Shen Lanzhi kneeling on one knee, cradling Xiang Qing’s foot.

‘Kill her.’

Only those two words looped endlessly in Gu Wei’s mind.

‘But no.’

‘Xiang Qing was still there.’

She couldn’t expose her crazy side in front of Xiang Qing. She had to maintain the image of a sophisticated benefactor, a god looking down on mortals, not a shrew rolling in the mud with a rival.

Thus, Gu Wei began to silently recite the calming mantra taught by the psychologist she had paid a hefty sum for.

‘I am the mountain, I am the sea, I am the vast heavens and earth…’

‘Shen Lanzhi is massaging my little nanny’s foot; this is an employee benefit, I am very magnanimous…’

‘She’s touching the sole of her foot; this is to promote blood circulation and dispel stasis, it’s scientific…’

Gu Wei gritted her teeth fiercely, feeling her molars let out a mournful cry.

She yearned to rush out, snatch Xiang Qing, pin her against a nearby tree, and kiss her until she was breathless, making her realize who truly owned her!

Time ticked by, second by agonizing second, amidst Xiang Qing’s restless discomfort and Gu Wei’s silent fury.

After about half an hour, Xiang Qing felt her ankle was completely pain-free.

‘In fact… it was even a little comfortable.’

‘Damn it!’

She vigorously shook her head, trying to dislodge that terrible thought.

‘This couldn’t go on.’

‘If she let Shen Lanzhi keep massaging, she feared she’d wake up tomorrow morning and start crying “Mama, mama, I’m hungry!” to Shen Lanzhi.’

“Um, Sister Lanzhi.”

Xiang Qing cleared her throat, interrupting Shen Lanzhi’s ministrations. “It’s really better. Let’s head back.”

Gazing at Shen Lanzhi’s face, a little pale from squatting for so long, Xiang Qing felt her earlier aversion mysteriously lessen once more.

‘Forget it. Considering her diligent service for half an hour, this would be enough for today.’

Shen Lanzhi looked up, her gaze filled with concern.

“Your foot still isn’t strong enough. I’ll carry you back on my back.”

As she spoke, she began to turn, preparing to position herself for Xiang Qing to climb onto her back.

‘On her back?!’

Xiang Qing’s internal alarm blared once more.

‘Carrying me on her back?’

‘Wouldn’t our entire bodies be pressed together?’

‘Chest against back, feeling each other’s body heat and heartbeats… this is a much larger contact area than a bridal carry, okay!’

‘No!’

‘Absolutely not!’

‘This is a matter of principle!’

“No.”

Xiang Qing refused without a moment’s hesitation.

Shen Lanzhi’s movements paused, a perfectly timed flicker of disappointment crossing her face.

Xiang Qing watched her, looking like a discarded puppy, and her heart gave an uncooperative tug.

‘No, the mission must continue.’

‘Offense is the best defense. Even though I failed last time, if I persevere, I’ll scare her off eventually!’

‘Yes, that’s it!’

Having completed her mental pep talk, Xiang Qing’s face once again shifted to the expression she believed to be devilishly charming and unrestrained.

“I don’t want you to carry me on your back.”

She paused, then raised her chin, delivering what she believed would instantly give her the upper hand, her voice taking on a commanding tone.

“I want a bridal carry.”

As if that wasn’t enough, she added a classic line she’d learned from CEO romance novels.

“I like the feeling of being held.”

‘How about that!’

‘You must be shocked by my sudden, domineering demand, right!’

‘Hurry, say I’m being unreasonable! Say I’m willful!’

Xiang Qing screamed internally.

However, the disappointment on Shen Lanzhi’s face vanished instantly, replaced by a smile full of indulgence and pampering.

Xiang Qing watched her smile, an ominous premonition stirring in her heart, sensing that things were hurtling in a direction she utterly could not control.

That smile sent a shiver down Xiang Qing’s spine.

“Alright.”

Shen Lanzhi’s voice carried a hint of laughter as she cheerfully responded, “Anything for you, you little rascal.”

The next second, Xiang Qing felt her body lighten again, and she was once more securely scooped up into a bridal carry.

Shen Lanzhi’s movements were effortless, as if she wasn’t holding a living person, but a wisp of cotton.

Xiang Qing froze completely.

‘The script was wrong again, and again, and again!’

‘Why was her reaction excitement?!’

‘I commanded you! You’re supposed to be troubled and awkward!’

“Let’s go.”

Shen Lanzhi, holding her, took a step and began walking towards their home. “Hold tight, my little princess.”

Xiang Qing:

“…”

‘Princess my foot!’

****

From the bushes, a crisp, grating crunch echoed.

Gu Wei expressionlessly released her grip. A brand-new sports water bottle had been crushed into a twisted mess in her hand.

She watched the two figures in the distance—Shen Lanzhi holding Xiang Qing, their forms elongated under the streetlights—appearing incredibly harmonious and intimate.

The sight stung her eyes painfully.

She slowly rose to her feet, the mask of “I am very magnanimous” on her face shattered beyond recognition.

She pulled out her phone and dialed a number.

“Hello? Is this security?”

Her voice was eerily calm, the stillness of a storm’s prelude.

“Near Building 3, Zone A of Star Convergence International, there’s an ornamental bush that’s grown too dense. It’s obstructing the view.”

“Yes, deal with it.”

“How should I deal with it?”

Gu Wei lifted her head, watching the two figures disappear around the corner.

“Burn it down.”

****

The walk home felt longer to Xiang Qing than her entire life.

She was held steadily in Shen Lanzhi’s arms, like a bag of rice freshly bought from the supermarket.

Shen Lanzhi’s steps were steady, her breathing even, and she even seemed to have strength to spare.

Shen Lanzhi adjusted her hold, making Xiang Qing a little more comfortable.

“Sister Lanzhi, are you…”

“…aren’t you tired?” Xiang Qing felt her voice tremble.

“I’m fine.”

A slight vibration came from Shen Lanzhi’s chest. “You’re very light, like a kitten.”

‘Thank you very much. Next time, just say I’m malnourished.’

Xiang Qing rolled her eyes internally, yet her body stiffened even more at the comparison.

Finally, the elevator doors opened, then closed.

In the cramped space, the scent of traditional Chinese medicine mingled with elegant floral notes emanating from Shen Lanzhi enveloped Xiang Qing completely.

Upon reaching the door, Shen Lanzhi still held her, showing no intention of setting her down.

“Keys.”

Resigned, Xiang Qing fished the keys from her sweatpants pocket and handed them over.

Shen Lanzhi took them with one hand, opened the door, stepped inside, and then gently closed the door with her heel.

With a soft click.

Shen Lanzhi carried her through the entryway and gently placed her on the sofa.

“You sit here first. I’ll get the medicine box.”

A few minutes later, Shen Lanzhi emerged with the medicine box, only to find Xiang Qing had darted into the kitchen.

“I… I’m a little hungry,” Xiang Qing mumbled, avoiding her gaze as she rummaged through the refrigerator. “I’ll make you some noodles, as… as a thank you for bringing me back.”

She had to do something to steer this strange atmosphere back to normal.

Cooking was her last stand.

Shen Lanzhi didn’t refuse; she simply leaned against the kitchen doorway, watching her silently.

“There’s some chicken broth in the fridge from before. Use that as the soup base.”

“…Okay.”

Water boiled, noodles were added, a few greens blanched, and a beautiful poached egg nestled on top.

Finally, steaming chicken broth was poured over it all.

A bowl of visually appealing, aromatic, and delicious late-night noodles was quickly prepared.

The two sat at the dining table, neither speaking, only the sound of slurping noodles filling the air.

The atmosphere was quiet, but no longer carried that suffocating intimacy from before.

‘Instead… it was a little cozy.’

‘Cozy my ass!’

‘This is a sugar-coated bullet!’

“It’s truly delicious.”

Shen Lanzhi finished her last mouthful of noodles, drinking every drop of soup.

She set down her bowl, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and said, “It’s been a long time since anyone specifically made me a hot bowl of noodles this late at night.”

Her tone carried a sigh of contented satisfaction.

‘Alarm!’

‘Level One Alarm!’

‘She’s at it again!’

‘She’s started her self-strategy again!’