A Love Written In The Stars

"Can fate be undone?"

———

Prince Cheng sighed as he walked through the palace gates, tired from another long day of lessons and rules. Wishing to get away, he put on simple clothes and stepped into the crowded city streets, blending in with the people.

As the sun went down, music and laughter filled the air, and Cheng wandered through the streets, he was just another face in the crowd. Free from the strict life of the palace, he felt more at ease here than he ever did behind those tall walls.

Walking past a lively teahouse, the smell of fragrant tea and the sound of cheerful conversations pulled him closer. He allowed himself to pause and imagine what life would be like without the heavy responsibilities of his royal role.

For a brief moment, his heart, once weighed down, felt lighter as he stood among the ordinary people, enjoying the simple joy of their company.

Mei's pov:

The teahouse was buzzing, just like every other evening, the din of laughter and conversation could be heard at every corner. I could feel the hum of energy as I stepped through the door, eyes scanning the familiar faces. Then I spotted them—Hui Fen and Yue—tucked away in a corner, pretending not to notice one another, though their stolen glances were painfully obvious to anyone paying attention.

Perfect.

These two were practically made for each other, and their shy, awkward attraction was just waiting for a nudge in the right direction. And, to be honest, I needed the commission. Times had been hard, and my purse was almost as empty as the promises I had been hearing from debtors.

I made my way over, putting on my brightest smile, and greeted them like we'd just stumbled upon each other by pure chance. "What fortune that we should all meet like this! I've had visions, you know. Destiny, weaving your threads together in the most unexpected ways."

Hui Fen turned crimson, and Yue suddenly found the floor extremely interesting. I smiled inwardly. It was all too easy.

As I wove my tale, spinning their shy affections into a grand narrative of star-crossed lovers and fate's undeniable pull, they tried to protest, but their weak objections were no match for my silver tongue. I watched their resistance crumble, their embarrassed smiles giving way to something softer, more uncertain. Exactly what I needed.

It wasn't long before they were leaning just a little closer, their discomfort with my predictions melting into curiosity or hope, Who Knows.

When I finally left them, they were sitting so close I was sure by the end of the night, they'd be inseparable.

I jingled the two copper pieces in my hand as I slipped them into my purse. Not much, but it was a start. With a bit of luck, a sharper eye, and more words spun just right, I could weave happiness and money from the same fabric tonight.

Prince Cheng lingered outside the teahouse, reluctant to return to the suffocating palace just yet. Then a familiar voice caught his ear, raising his eyebrows in amusement.

Mei.

She was evidently working her charms again, spinning elaborate tales to confused patrons while gleaning every coin she could. Cheng had witnessed her antics once before, and couldn't resist observing further, if only to tease her later about her wild imaginings.

Stepping inside, Cheng found a small hidden spot where he could watch without being noticed. Mei was telling stories about passionate love and destined meetings with a lot of emotion. Her captivated audience hung on every word, much to Cheng's delight.

Seizing the opportunity for more mischief, Cheng suddenly spoke up.

"And what future do the stars foretell for this table in the corner?" His eyes sparkled with mirth.

Mei spotted him, pressing her lips together in irritation, while her clients glanced between them in confusion. Another amusing evening was unfolding, and Cheng had a feeling he was just getting started in tormenting the matchmaker. With any luck, this would provide plenty of entertainment before his duties summoned him back to the palace.

Cheng stood up, moving closer to her.

"Must we cross paths only in such circumstances?" Mei asked, clearly irritated.

"You tell me, matchmaker " he replied teasingly.

"It seems fate weaves our threads together more tightly than the ones you predicted for your clients. Perhaps you should offer your services to untangle our destinies instead."

Cheng shrugged, but his eyes sparkled with mischief.

Mei huffed. "The only thing that needs untangling is you from my business! Can't you see I'm busy here? Not that a busy mouth like you would understand that".

Cheng smirked. "What can I say? your...creative matchmaking provides me much amusing entertainment. Though I fear your clients may revolt if subjected to any more "visions" about themselves".

A few patrons were indeed shooting Mei askance looks. She stamped her foot. "Just go bother someone else and leave me to my work".

Cheng sketched a bow. "As you command my lady. But I make no promises our paths won't cross again...by strange fate".

She sighed, her last clients had fled costing her potential profit but maybe there was a way to turn the situation around. As she glared at his retreating back, an idea suddenly struck her.

"Wait!" she called after him. Cheng paused, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

Mei took a deep breath. "I have a proposal ...perhaps we could work together."

Cheng's grin widened. "And what exactly do you propose, Matchmaker?"

Mei laid out her plan—if they both crafted elaborate romances for their clients, using stars and divination, they would attract more customers in short time.

"Really? That's your big plan?" Cheng asked. Amused.

"Don't ask silly questions. You've already messed up my business, so you don't have much choice but to do exactly what I say," Mei replied, pulling him by the hand before he could protest.

Cheng's Pov:

She laid it out—her plan to combine efforts with her matchmaking nonsense. Honestly, it sounded like a ridiculous scheme. But I didn't have much of a choice as she pulled me with her.

"I'm only doing this because you looked desperate." I said, trying to make it seem like it was my choice.

Soon we dove into the act, Mei and I, trading over-the-top fortunes and exaggerated predictions like seasoned performers. At first, I fumbled through it, unsure how this whole "matchmaking" thing was supposed to work. But as soon as I saw the wide-eyed stares and heard the gasps of our customers, I caught on quick. People love a good story, and apparently, I was a natural storyteller.

What really surprised me, though, was how little I had to say to hold their attention. I'd mumble something vague about destiny, and suddenly, they were hanging on my every word. The best part? The female clients seemed... a bit too eager to listen, more than a few paid upfront for their "predictions." I couldn't help but wonder if they were more interested in me than the stars. Not that I was complaining. it didn't matter as long as the money kept rolling in.

Before I knew it, we were standing ankle-deep in coins. The teahouse filled with laughter and chatter as people emptied their purses for more. It was almost too easy.

When it finally wound down, Mei and I sat together, counting the pile of coins. I glanced at her, and she was actually smiling, though she tried to hide it.

"It seems our talents are... complementary," she said, almost grudgingly.

You have no idea, I thought, smirking to myself. It was clear—despite my earlier protests, we'd made a good team. Maybe this wouldn't be the last time we worked together.

For now, though, I had no complaints. Our odd little partnership had paid off, and judging by the weight of the coin bag in my hands, it had paid off very well.

The teahouse was full of laughter and conversation as people enjoyed their drinks, when suddenly, the window shattered. Rough-looking men stormed in, waving weapons.

"Hand over the money, now!" their leader shouted. Panic spread as people started screaming. Mei immediately got into a fighting stance but stopped when she noticed two men quietly watching from the side. They seemed too focused on her, like they'd been watching for a while.

Her eyes narrowed. Spies? But why? Before she could ponder further, Cheng grasped Mei's hand firmly. "This way, quickly!" he whispered.

They slipped outside just as shouts erupted from the teahouse. Cheng quickly led Mei by the hand, putting as much distance between them and the chaos as possible. Earlier, he had noticed two men watching them closely, unsure whether they were after him or someone else. Whatever the case may be, he couldn't risk exposing his identity—not yet. For her safety, it had to remain a secret a little longer.

Cheng's Pov:

I had barely managed to drag Mei away from the chaos when she spun around, yanking her hand free and glaring at me like I'd committed the crime of the century.

"Why did you pull me away?" she demanded.

Wait—what? Was she actually serious? I blinked, trying to make sense of this.

"Uh, because there was trouble back there?" I replied, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "That's generally when people leave, not stay."

Her glare intensified. "I'm serious!"

Oh, this was rich. "My apologies for not sensing the urgency of your question in the midst of a bandit attack."

"We could've taken them!" she snapped.

"We?" My eyebrows shot up. Oh, this was good. Because clearly, the delicate Mei and her tea-sipping fists were going to take down a gang of armed thugs. If anyone was going to fight, it sure wasn't going to be a we situation. I mean, sure, Mei's tough, but armed men? Really? That was definitely going to be a me situation, she'd probably be… what, yelling inspiring things from the side?

"There wasn't enough time," I started, scrambling for an excuse. "And the situation was..."

"They were threatening innocent people!" Mei snapped. "As someone tra.., I can't just leave them!"

Great, now I was the bad guy. I softened my tone, trying to be the voice of reason. "Listen, I get it, I really do. You want to fight for justice, we all do at some point in our lives but some battles must be chosen wisely."

"It matters to me," she said, her voice shaking. "I couldn't save... If I can help just one person…" Her words trailed off, and I saw that haunted look in her eyes.

I reached out, taking her hand again with every intention of saying something comforting. "You're brave, Mei, and—"

But before I could finish, she spun on her heel, marching right back toward the teahouse.

Oh, for the love of—

I let out a long, exasperated sigh.

Of course she wasn't going to listen. She was going to charge in there, hero-complex blazing, and what was she going to do—glare them into submission? someone had to make sure she didn't get herself killed. With reluctant steps, I caught up to her and took her hand, giving it a firm squeeze.

"Alright, fine. Come with me—I've got a plan."

She took a shaky breath, glancing at me, then nodded.

At last they reached a crossroad far from the teahouse. Cheng turned to her. "I am certain the bandits will move past here, if we hide and wait here, we can surprise them."

He looked around and focused on a thick patch of bushes. "In there—we'll have the advantage of surprise."

Mei studied his face and saw only concern in his eyes. She nodded and they quietly moved into the bushes to plan and wait.

A few minutes had passed when Cheng nudged Mei and pointed down the road. She looked through the leaves and saw them—figures rushing along with heavy sacks, laughing loudly and grunting under the weight of their loads.

The leader sneered, "Stupid villagers! As if their coins could sate us for long."

Finally.

Mei met Cheng's focused gaze and nodded. Without a sound, they followed the thieves, stopping every time the group glanced back cautiously.

At last the thieves stopped where the road split off into open fields.

Cheng leaned close. "Now's the time."

She scanned the road sides once more. Nothing but swaying grass beneath the vast sky. The path was clear.

She smiled predatorily and kicked off from the hiding place, Her sudden leap onto the road startled the thieves mid-conversation.

For a moment, they stared in disbelief at the lone girl, then broke into mocking laughter.

"What's this we have here? You seem lost princess?" Their leader sneered.

Mei said nothing, watching them. She had witnessed this reaction before, this dismissal due to her sex. Let their arrogance be their undoing, as it was for so many others.

Cheng watched carefully, eyes scanning the area, "try not to get yourself sliced open" he whispered while waiting for the perfect moment to step in.

He couldn't risk her getting hurt. He felt a strong sense of responsibility to protect her, whether it was because of his duty as a prince or something else, he wasn't quite sure.

Mei's gaze hardened as the leader leered at her. "So a delicate flower as yourself dares cross our path, she must be weeping like a baby already."

She smiled coldly. "Oh really? What will you say when you're crying later?"

"Feisty, I like that. Let me taste the little blossom," he leered, lurching forward to grope her.

Mei sidestepped, her palm landing a hot slap across his cheek. Stunned, he staggered back as his comrades guffawed.

"Touch me and lose your hand. I am no one's flower to desecrate." Her voice dripped venom.

Rage contorted his face. "Insolent girl! I'll teach you manners." He lunged at her.

In a blur Mei seized his arm, twisting brutally until bone snapped.

Panic replaced the thieves' laughter as their friend screamed in pain. Hands reached for rusty blades.

From the sidelines, Cheng's voice cut through the chaos, cold and clear. "A dozen men against one woman?"

The bandits came to a sudden stop, shocked. Cheng stepped into view, positioning himself behind Mei with effortless confidence.

"You must be cowards indeed," he said softly.

"Surrender yourselves," Cheng stated calmly. "You're clearly at a disadvantage here, violence will solve nothing."

Rage and fear reddened the leader's cheeks. "Kill them!" he shrieked.

His men rushed forward wildly.

Cheng attempted to pull Mei aside when she whipped a handkerchief from her blouse and flung it at the nearest fighter's eyes, catching him off guard. Cheng was momentarily startled but smoothly sidestepped another fighter's wild slash.

Staying light on her feet, Mei let the half-blind bandit blunder past and delivered a precise chop to his neck, dropping him. Cheng tangled with two at once, parrying their haphazard strikes with practised poise.

Within moments the thieves lay groaning, their leader quaking beneath Cheng's boot. "Yield," Cheng said, "and you may limp free with your lives."

The Bandit leader quivered under Cheng's boot. "P-please...have mercy."

Cheng gazed down coldly. "Return what you have stolen. All of it, to the teahouse now. Then you may flee with your skins intact."

Mei added, "Refuse, and we drag you to the magistrates in chains... that is if you make it there alive."

The thieves ran, stumbling over each other in haste. Cheng watched them scatter like spilled ants, dragging their bulging sacks into the darkness.

When they were finally out of sight, he turned to Mei with a curious look.

"Shall we verify their work? You think they will really return all they stole?" Mei asked, not noticing Cheng's curious gaze.

Cheng had questions he wanted answered, but decided they could wait. "It would pain me to discover they did not." He replied.

As they made their way back to the teahouse, they saw people shouting and happily gathering their returned belongings.

Cheng's Pov:

Mei turned to me, her eyes bright with triumph, that spark of joy so vibrant it left me breathless. We had completely ruined the ruffians' plans, and her laughter displayed just how much she relished it. Then, out of nowhere, she reached over and ruffled my hair, her fingers brushing my scalp. It sent a rush of warmth through me, unexpected and strangely unsettling. I stumbled back, my cheeks hot, and turned away quickly, pretending to study the rooftops in the distance.

She laughed softly, and her voice seemed to wrap around me like silk. "No need to be shy; you did well."

Before I could respond, she took my hand, her touch so warm. "Come on, hero. This victory calls for a feast!"

The rich scent of roasted meat wafted from a nearby shop, luring us inside. Tired patrons glanced up as we entered, their eyes curious but welcoming. Mei led us to a table and, without missing a beat, pulled out the day's earnings from matchmaking. With focus, she counted the coins, her lips curling into a faint smile. I watched her, drawn to the quiet way she found joy in each small moment. Beneath her playful spirit was a gentleness that touched everyone around her, and I found myself wondering how much of her remained a mystery, waiting for someone to discover.

"Here's your share," she said, handing me a portion of the coins.

I gently pushed it back to her. "Keep it. Money… means little to me."

She raised a brow, amusement glinting in her eyes. "Oh, is that so? Well, then I suppose you won't mind if I spend it all." She ordered the largest dish and a bottle of liquor with a mischievous grin.

When the food arrived, its scent wrapped around us, rich and inviting. She looked at me, her eyes playful. "I know that look. This feast is mine—you'd better order something for yourself."

I couldn't help but smile, the words coming softly. "There's no need. It would be an honor to share it with you."

Mei's Pov:

What's with that look he's giving me? And what's with the overly dramatic tone? Does he seriously think I'm going to share just because he's trying to charm his way in?

"Hey, snap out of it!" I snapped, crossing my arms. "Get your own food this time. I'm serious."

But did that stop him? Of course not. Cheng just scooted closer, totally ignoring my boundaries, and helped himself to my plate. I tried pushing him away—no use. The guy was as stubborn as a mule. Finally, I just threw up my hands and let him have his way.

Unbelievable.

After we cleared the plates, he leaned close, giving me this deep, almost sappy look. "Truly, sharing with good company is better than any luxury. I'm glad we could enjoy this time together."

I felt this weird warmth in my chest, probably a side effect of all the baijiu I've had. For once, I let go of my usual lone-wolf ways and just enjoyed the moment—eating, drinking, laughing, and somehow, feeling… comfortable. We kept talking, stories and jokes spilling out as freely as the wine.

Before I knew it, the sky was starting to lighten. He looked at the horizon, a bit of reluctance on his face. I could tell he wasn't too excited to leave.

"Thanks for the food and company," he said softly, giving me this lingering look. "Meeting you wasn't by chance—it was destiny. I hope our paths cross again."

I felt a strange sensation at those words. "Go with care," I replied, watching him go.

On the way home, I felt oddly content. Sure, the night had been a whirlwind of action and chaos, but what stayed with me was the warmth I'd found in someone else's eyes—a light that somehow felt brighter than the dawn.

As I lay down, I wondered what the day would bring, my mind drifting back to that unexpected connection we'd shared.