A Love Written In The Stars

"Jealous?" Cheng scoffed, though her words rang true. "I care only for your happiness. If Yizong provides that, who am I to object?"

Some Time Earlier

Cheng's Pov

I clenched the fries tighter, like they were treasures from the Emperor himself. Two bundles—one for her, one for me. A perfect plan, or so I had thought. Just when I thought fate was about to reward my patience and devotion, it threw me into the lion's den—except this lion had perfect teeth and a laugh that could charm the clouds out of the sky.

There he was, leaning slightly towards Mei, his words like silk, her laughter like bells. It wasn't as if I hadn't heard her laugh before—no, her laugh was the melody I carried with me even in the loneliest hours. But seeing it coaxed out by someone else? It felt like watching a thief pluck the ripest fruit from your garden while you held the watering can.

What was he even doing here? Shouldn't he be sorting out his messes, not basking in Mei's light?

I couldn't hear what he said, but it must have been brilliant. Oh, naturally. Yizong was the kind of man who probably thought up clever lines in his sleep. His perfect posture, his impeccable robes—he might as well have been carved out of marble by the gods themselves. And there I was, standing amidst the aroma of fried oil, holding potatoes wrapped in paper.

They passed a merchant selling painted fans, and Mei stopped to admire one, her slender fingers touching the fabric. Yizong leaned closer, saying something that made her giggle again.

Was it really that funny?

Surely not. Perhaps the oil fumes were getting to me, but I swore her laugh was just a touch louder with him than it ever was with me.

The fries in my hands began to cool, their heat dissipating just like my hopes of spending my free time with Mei. A woman with a basket of vegetables bumped into me, muttering something about inattentive young men. Inattentive? Me? Hardly. I was paying exquisite attention—to every movement of Mei's sleeves, every glance Yizong threw her way, and every step they took together.

What right did Yizong have to her smiles and laughter?

I gritted my teeth, trying to calm the turmoil inside me. The darkness responded faintly to my emotions, a presence I couldn't let rise. I closed my eyes, forcing my breathing to become calm. Count to five. Push the chaos down. Keep it together, Cheng.

But then he touched her.

Yizong's hand reached out, his finger lightly touching the corner of her lips in a gesture so tender it might as well have been a declaration. Mei smiled up at him, and something inside me snapped.

Before I could think, I was moving, my feet carrying me across the square, prepared to either join their conversation or end it. Likely the latter.

"Fancy meeting you here, Mei."

The words slipped from my lips with a sharpness I hadn't intended. Mei turned at the sound of my voice, her expression changing from surprise to a softer one. Beside her, Yizong inclined his head with that ever-present, irritatingly polished smile.

"Prince Cheng, what a surprise,"

"We were just—"

"Discussing the weather, no doubt," I interrupted, my eyes stayed on Mei, searching her face, I wasn't sure what I was hoping to find anyway. "It's hot this time of year, is it not?"

Before Yizong could reply, I moved my hand gently but firmly reaching for Mei's arm. I pulled her closer to my side, my movements controlled, my intentions obvious. She glanced at me, her eyes wide with confusion, but I didn't let her go.

"Brother," I said, turning my gaze to Yizong, my words as smooth as his had been moments ago. "You seem without company on a day like this. Do you not have a lady to converse with and ease your cares?"

Yizong's smile wavered for the briefest moment, but he quickly regained it. Mei, however, looked between the two of us, her brow furrowing slightly.

"I—" Yizong began, but I didn't let him finish.

"It must be lonely," I continued, my tone light but my grip on Mei unwavering. "A man of your talents wandering the marketplace without someone to share your thoughts with. Or perhaps you've already had your fill of company today?"

Yizong's smile grew smaller, his eyes narrowing slightly. Mei shifted beside me, her confusion turning into discomfort. I realized then that I might have gone too far, but the words had taken on a life of their own.

"Cheng," Mei spoke gently, her voice breaking the silence.

I blinked as her voice pulled me back to reality. I let go of her arm, my hand dropping to my side. For a moment, I considered apologizing, retreating, but the sight of Yizong still standing there, his composure unshaken, kept me rooted in place.

"What brings you here?" she asked.

"Nothing," I replied after a moment. "I was just passing by and thought I'd say hello."

It was a lie, of course, but it was the only explanation I could offer.

"You seem quite protective of Lady Meiying." His smile was easy, but his eyes gleamed with pointed amusement. "Be careful, the court may begin to think of her more as your woman if you continue so."

The words were a jest—at least on the surface—but there was truth in them. My hand rested lightly on Mei's arm again. I understood the wisdom in Yizong's words. Appearances mattered, especially for someone of my status. Still, I didn't want to admit it. Maybe, deep down, I wanted her to be seen as mine.

Ignoring Yizong's comment, I focused on Mei. My expression softened as I released her arm and reached for the basket I'd carried through the market. I held it out to her. "I brought you something. Sweet potato fries."

Her eyes lit up, and a smile spread across her face like sunlight breaking through clouds. "Yes!"

She picked one up and took a bite, her happiness clear as she enjoyed the salty-sweet taste. I watched as she licked a tiny bit of salt from her lips. That small, ordinary moment felt like everything slowed down, her simple joy wrapping itself around my heart.

Then she did something that surprised me—no, it shocked me. She offered a piece to Yizong. Before she could hand it over, I quickly grabbed it and ate it myself. Mei stared at me, her expression blank, while Yizong smirked in that irritating way of his.

"I shall take my leave and allow you two some privacy. Perhaps next time, you will share with me what has Cheng in such... thoughtful moods of late." Yizong left with a casual bow, finishing it off with a wink that sent a new wave of annoyance through me.

I watched his retreating figure as my frown deepened.

But I didn't watch for long; Mei's voice brought me back. "Hey, you brick head!"

I turned to her upon hearing those words.

"Why did you do that?"

"What do you mean?" I replied, feigning ignorance.

"Don't play games with me. What is with you today?"

"Well, you didn't offer me any, so I thought I could take it myself," I said with a shrug.

"Oh, you petty pig!" she shot back.

But before I could respond, she grabbed my hand and led me through the busy market.

We stopped at a secluded spot, a stone bench nestled beneath the shade of a blossoming tree. Mei sat and immediately reached for another fry from the basket. Her face lit up with unrestrained bliss as she took a bite, a soft, delighted laugh tumbling from her lips.

"Simply divine," she murmured, her joy radiating.

I watched her, half in wonder, half in confusion. Just minutes ago, she was furious with me, and now, here she was, smiling like the world had righted itself—all because of a handful of fries. It was a moment so disarmingly simple that I couldn't decide whether to be charmed or deeply concerned.

"I'm pleased you find them to your liking," I said warmly.

Mei tilted her head. "Don't you want some?"

I shook my head, the corners of my mouth quirking upward. "No need. I want you to eat to your satisfaction."

She grinned, her next words muffled by a mouthful of fries. "I wasn't offering. I was just suggesting you buy some for yourself."

I couldn't help but laugh, mei's unguarded humor had a way of disarming even my darkest thoughts. "Point taken," I replied, leaning back slightly as I continued to watch her savor the last of her fries.

"Why were you laughing so much with him?" I asked, I couldn't keep the question at bay any longer.

Mei raised her eyebrows, and I caught the faintest smile on her lips as she looked at me.

"Was that why you seemed upset when you saw me with Yizong?"

Upset?

Upset doesn't even begin to describe the feeling inside me, but I forced myself to keep my voice even. "I just want to understand." I looked away, letting the words out. "It's only... he seems quite taken with you. Are you so close?"

"And if we were? Would that bother you, Cheng?" she asked, her tone playful and full of mischief. "One might think you jealous."

Jealous? The word stung, but I scoffed, trying to dismiss it even though her words were spot on. "I care only for your happiness. If Yizong provides that, who am I to object?"

"Yizong is simply a poor storyteller," she said, the affection in her voice undeniable. "I laughed not to embarrass him."

Her explanation helped calm me a little, but a small doubt still lingered in the back of my mind. I needed more to feel reassured.

"I've known him since childhood. My father used to bring my siblings and me to the palace, and we'd play for hours."

That was all the answer I needed. Turning to face her, my voice took on a quieter, more earnest tone. "Humor me, Mei. Laugh for me too, even if my jokes aren't funny."

She stared at me for a while, then gently stroked my hair, and I felt my heart melt.

"Alright, alright," she said with a warm smile. "I promise."