It felt like a fairytale gone wrong. For once, Lu Ming was able to dress up and pretend to be somebody different. Instead of the shy, compulsive truth-teller, she could've been a confident, young woman that had no worries. Yet, reality twisted the evening for her. Instead of a cruel step-mother and step-sister, it was the king that was wicked. Unlike Yeh Shen [1], she never wanted to see that man again. Li Jun was a scoundrel that only knew how to cause trouble. The 'sight' should have been warning enough that he was different in the worst kind of way.
After the kiss, Lu Ming was furious but fought the urge to beat Li Jun then and there. The place was filled with celebrities and people who thrived on gossip. If she did anything now, it would only cause a bigger disaster, especially for Chi Sying. Without another word, Lu Ming ran off, feeling every cold glare from jealous women nearby. This only added to her anger. How dare he kiss her! There was no consent! Now she had to continue the evening under scrutiny from others! It should be Li Jun who was in trouble and not her!
"Sying!" Lu Ming shouted, filled with relief when she saw her friend towards the end of the room.
"Where were you?" Sying asked and abandoned the group of colleagues around her.
"At the bar. I want to go home."
"What about the contest?"
The truth was on the tip of Lu Ming's tongue but she hesitated. It would only burden Chi Sying and ruin her fun night out. It was obvious she was having a good time with her work friends and the mention of Li Jun might ruin that. Also, Lu Ming didn't want a lecture about her actions and ignoring Chi Sying's warning. She would tell her the full story in the morning. "I just want to go home. This place is too grand for me. I will catch a taxi and go alone."
"But-"
"I will text you every step of the journey," Lu Ming assured her and quickly left before Chi Sying refused and joined her.
Luckily there were plenty of taxis outside the venue and Lu Ming paced over to the closest car, feeling the overwhelming need to escape. Large, social gatherings like this were never her interest and she highly anticipated returning home to bed. There was no one trying to kiss her at home nor did she have to worry about her sight.
As she opened the door, something strong pulled her back. A large, male hand was firmly gripping her upper arm and attached to this was a wickedly handsome face. Li Jun had returned just like the king in 'Yeh Shen'.
Lu Ming scowled, her mood turning sour again. "Let go."
"Are you leaving already?" Li Jun asked, dropping his hand but keeping a close proximity between them.
"Yes. Someone ruined my night and I wish to leave."
"Who is it? I will be sure to protect you," Li Jun said with a wink.
Lu Ming's eyebrows shot up. Protect her? It was him who she needed protection from! "Please go back to the party. I must go."
"You are running away."
"I am," Lu Ming said through grit teeth, avoiding his eye and trying to get into the cab.
"Running away doesn't solve anything," Li Jun replied, inching closer to her. "Try indulging in the fear and unknown. We are all beasts that crave intimacy and the company of others. Instead of running, you should embrace it."
There was something strange about the way he said these words. The tone was almost melodic and she could envision many girls being hypnotised by it. Luckily, she wasn't like most girls. Instead, she thought the man simply insane. Her eyes bulged at the implication of his words and watched his face change; now his eyes were very dark red instead of grey, with an indescribable heat in them. Quickly, she looked away and shook her head. "That is nonsense! You are full of nonsense! How could you k-k-kiss-" Lu Ming blushed recalling it, "-a stranger and act this way!"
"It was rather thrilling," Li Jun replied cheekily. This nonchalance aggravated her further.
"Why torture me? There are dozens of girls tonight that would be overjoyed by your company! Return to them!"
"But they aren't you."
"And what am I?"
"A challenge."
Something inside Lu Ming snapped. She was never hot-tempered or argumentative but tonight, Li Jun pushed her boundaries. When five seconds passed and she was still staring into his eyes, watching them turn a dark red again, she anticipated the words that came out of her mouth. "The very existence of you has been soiled by twisted perception and arrogance. You have strayed too far from your duty and one day, this cruelty you have tricked others into receiving will haunt you. There must be balance between heartbreak and love. You will relearn that soon. Goodnight, Li Jun. Let us never meet again."
And with that, Lu Ming got in the cab and got the driver to move. Li Jun faded into the distance and Lu Ming slumped back into the seat, all the confidence and bravo leaving her body. It was terrifying how exhausted she felt after one confrontation with Li Jun. At least the noodles at home would give her some energy and she could leave her troubles aside by wearing comfy, oversized pyjamas while watching soap operas.
It was far too bothersome to pretend to be a princess for a night. How did Yeh Shen do it?