As soon as Liu Wei arrived at the palace, the first thing she did was go to her room for a shower. In the meantime, she asked Anna to find Huan Yang and ask him to come to her room.
She wanted to take advantage of the fact that the queen was gone to talk to him in peace.
As soon as she came out of the bathroom, she dried the wet strands on her head with a dry towel. Huan Yang was already waiting for her inside the room, accompanied by Anna.
Huan Yang, who was standing while holding various papers in his hands, bowed slightly and greeted the young princess. "Hello, Princess. Did you request my presence?"
"Yes! Well, it's a little embarrassing to say this, but I want to know what kind of food the queen likes. Can you tell me?"
Huan Yang smiled. The princess looked like a really charming person. He could see the blush on the young omega's beautiful face, and she looked very embarrassed.
He thought for a while. The queen liked many types of food, but her palate was very refined, which made her very demanding.
"Her Majesty likes sweets, particularly strawberry pie, and she appreciates a good tea as an accompaniment... Despite drinking coffee every morning, she has a strong caffeine intolerance. She likes fresh and dried fruit and sweet and sour savory dishes."
Huan Yang hadn't noticed, but Liu Wei had a small notebook and was diligently jotting down every word he spoke.
She seemed dedicated to making the queen satisfied. "Noted."
Huan Yang understood Liu Wei's intentions; after all, the best way to win someone over is through their stomach.
"Would you like me to request the royal kitchen to prepare these dishes for the day of your meeting with the queen?"
The proposal to have the food cooked by the royal kitchen was tempting, but if she accepted, what difference would it make if she ate inside the palace or somewhere different? The food was the same.
Liu Wei wanted to offer a complete date experience and also wanted to show how good the food she made could taste.
"No! No... I'm just asking."
He nodded, demonstrating that he understood what she meant.
"Understood. What is the queen's favorite flower?"
"Ah, she likes a particularly rare flower. She even created a special greenhouse so she could grow it properly."
Wang Zheng had a great admiration for flowers and plants since childhood, and this was easy to notice when looking at the diversity of plant species present in the garden. The only plants she didn't have were the ones she knew wouldn't adapt to the climate of Wang's country.
"What?"
"She likes all kinds of desert flowers, but our country's climate only allows the flower to be cultivated artificially."
"I see."
Liu Wei looked thoughtful, and Huan Yang resolved to secretly help her.
"Miss, let me share a secret with you."
"Yes." Liu Wei looked very interested in the secretary and what he might say about the queen and even came closer as if they were sharing a huge secret.
"The queen is looking for a blue desert flower, which is extremely rare and many thought it had become extinct."
Liu Wei looked surprised. "Seriously?"
"Yes, but I recently found a laboratory that managed to cultivate the flower. I was going to personally pick it up and bring it back after the Bloody Spring, but you can try to get it yourself."
"Yes! Give me the contact of the person who has this flower."
Money wasn't an issue for Liu Wei, and while it wasn't an issue for Wang Zheng either, it was a romantic and perfect gesture to show affection.
The young princess was happy and excited.
"Great."
"I'll send the lab contact to Anna."
"Excellent."
Liu Wei was extremely excited and didn't even care about her wet strands anymore.
"Do you need anything else?"
The secretary was happy with the enthusiasm of the young princess; it was really rejuvenating.
He felt the queen needed that kind of person around her.
He hadn't worked inside the palace for a long time, but it was clear that Wang Zheng was always shrouded in melancholy solitude. He didn't understand how the queen could endure living just to rule and work, and nothing more.
"No, I think the rest I can get by just talking to the other employees."
"Okay."
"Thank you very much, Secretary Huan… Ah, please take this to the queen. It's a dessert; I bought it for her."
"Alright, miss." Huan Yang had a good feeling about the princess.
Liu Wei laughed happily in her heart. She quickened her steps and walked out of the room, eager to get back to work.
That day had been exhausting for Wang Zheng. She had woken up early to handle all her responsibilities, and even though it was the first day of Bloody Spring, her duties as ruler of a country left no time for a break.
At Chen Fu's request, she was wearing a fine party dress. Her fair skin contrasted with the bright reddish hue of the gorgeous fabric that clung to her skin.
Wang Zheng secretly nicknamed the man "Fishface" due to his strong, salt-scented pheromone. The alpha wanted to impress her with a nice meal, so he took her to the penthouse of Wang's country's top luxury hotel. He had specially booked the presidential suite for them to enjoy a meal prepared by their personal chef while watching the sunset in the luxurious surroundings.
In the alpha's view, his guest would be dazzled by his efforts, but it was frustrating for him to see that everything he planned seemed to be unremarkable for her. Throughout the meeting, Wang Zheng did not show the slightest surprise or enthusiasm.
She couldn't hide her boredom and revulsion. She couldn't stand the foul fishy smell of the alpha pheromone, and every time he released a little, she felt like throwing up. They didn't even stay for dessert.
Chen Fu knew he couldn't force the queen to stay and grudgingly accepted her departure. He continued to enjoy the food alone in his luxurious penthouse. Meanwhile, the queen, almost running, reached her car and asked the driver to return to the palace as quickly as possible.
She didn't get to see the sunset with Chen Fu, but the orange sky was beautiful and romantic. She admitted it wasn't a bad idea to admire it with someone.
Secretary Huan was hurriedly notified of the queen's return and rushed through the palace to receive her properly. As soon as the car stopped, Huan Yang opened the door and offered his hand to help Wang Zheng out of the vehicle.
The queen had eaten well, but she was already well-fed at home.
The queen was angry and just asked him to move away. She didn't want to be touched. She felt dirty with that fishy smell lingering in her nostrils.
"Majesty."
The queen glanced at Liu Wei's window and saw the young princess deeply engrossed in a book inside her room. She looked so beautiful. Wang Zheng sighed inwardly.
She turned her gaze back to Huan Yang and started walking inside the palace, knowing he would follow her. "Prepare my bath. I smell like fish."
From the tone of the queen's voice, he knew she wasn't in a good mood, but some pleasantries needed to be made. "Was the queen's meeting unsatisfactory?"
"Nothing impressive. He just wanted to take me to dinner at an expensive place."
They quickly arrived at the queen's room, and she started throwing her shoes aside.
"Would Your Majesty like something else to eat?"
"No, just my evening tea… and add cookies."
"Certainly."
"I'll bring it right away."
"Thanks."
The queen watched the young man leave her room and quickly removed her dress, placing it on the floor beside her shoes.
After half an hour, the queen had finished her bath and felt much more relaxed. She watched her secretary come in and serve her tea, place some cookies, and a slice of chocolate cake on the table. She felt curious; she hadn't asked for this.
"Cake?"
Huan Yang smiled and nodded. "Miss Wei left this morning for the city center and said she bought it especially for Your Majesty."
The queen felt happy to know that Liu Wei remembered her.
"I see… Thank you for bringing him. You may go and rest now."
It wasn't that late, but the queen looked tired, and the secretary wasn't going to insist she handle any official matters after dark. "Good night, Your Majesty."
He smiled kindly at the queen and could tell that she was in a much better mood after enjoying her little slice of cake. He left feeling satisfied; the princess was truly someone who would make the Queen happy, he was sure of it.
Wang Zheng stared at the piece of cake and wondered: What would it be like to watch the sunset with Liu Wei?
She sighed, took a bite with her spoon, and let it melt on her tongue. It was really sweet, and she enjoyed the taste of the chocolate.
The second day of dating had finally begun.
Liu Wei felt anxious as her turn approached. She woke up very early, even before the sun had risen.
She stretched her arms and legs, then got out of bed and walked lazily to the bathroom for a shower.
After drying her hair, Liu Wei made notes about what she should look for and where she should go. She had received a map of the palace from Secretary Huan, which would be very helpful.
While having a picnic in the palace garden might seem unremarkable, its vast beauty made it a great alternative if she couldn't find another location in time.
She was lost in thought and didn't realize how much time had passed until she heard the bedroom door slowly open.
Anna was startled to see the princess already dressed and ready to leave so early.
"Good morning, Miss."
"Good morning, Anna."
"I brought your breakfast. Are you going somewhere?"
Liu Wei nodded. "Thank you... Today I will be out alone, just taking a walk around the palace, so I won't need you to accompany me."
Anna wasn't thrilled about leaving the princess unattended but understood it was within the palace grounds.
"As you wish, Princess, but please take your cell phone and call if you need anything."
"Of course."
Wang Zheng was already in her car, watching the scenery rush by the window. It was still very early, and she had barely had time for breakfast.
She noticed they were moving farther from the palace and approaching a more rural area. Her curiosity was piqued.
Her chauffeur drove quietly, not daring to look at the queen unless instructed.
"What region are we heading to?"
"We are going to the nearby Wang Ban River."
"I see."
The queen found it unusual; that area was sparsely populated and not used for grazing.
She continued to ponder the possibilities of the day's events and eventually gave up on guessing.
She felt the car slow down and then come to a complete stop.
Wang Zheng didn't bother to look through the windows and went straight to the car door to get out. Yen Bai was waiting for her with a huge bouquet of roses, and as soon as the queen exited the car, he presented her with the flowers.
"Thank you."
The queen especially loved flowers—so beautiful and fragrant.
She smiled as she held the bouquet and gently brought the petals to her face. She sighed contentedly.
"Shall we go?"
The car had stopped in front of a large black tarp, likely placed there to conceal the surprise awaiting her.
Yen Bai made a quick attempt to take the queen's hand, but she smoothly dodged his touch. She wasn't interested in his advances.
They walked side by side in silence, and moments later, the black cloth revealed a large structure... They had arrived at a circus!
Wang Zheng was particularly fond of the circus and was curious about how they had managed to set up this venue without her royal seal.
However, one of the privileges granted to participants was the freedom to go all out to impress the queen. Therefore, for events specifically organized for Blood Spring, the royal seal was not required, allowing her to simply observe the festivities.
She smiled politely.
"You managed to be quite original."
"Well, I've hired the best circus troupe in my country, and they are here exclusively to put on a show for us today."
Meanwhile, in the palace:
Liu Wei emerged from her room and began exploring the palace. She encountered many kind faces, each bowing respectfully.
Despite not knowing exactly where to go, she was determined to find a perfect spot for a picnic. Navigating the unfamiliar kingdom was proving to be quite a challenge. The palace garden, however, remained a promising option.
The more she walked, the more she realized how vast and beautiful the grounds were. The area was vibrant with numerous plants and flowers, and the fresh scent of wet grass added a soothing touch to her stroll.
Liu Wei wondered if Wang Zheng ever took the time to appreciate these flowers. It seemed like a shame not to.
The weather was pleasant—winter was ending, and spring was making its presence felt. There was no more snow or rain, and the flowers could finally bloom in peace.
Laughter and the sounds of children running around filled the air.
She decided to take advantage of a nearby ice cream stand and spent a few minutes sitting on the grass to rest.
She approached the smiling vendor.
"What flavors do you have?"
"Chocolate, strawberry, mint chocolate, milk, pineapple..."
"I'll have pineapple ice cream."
Hearing that flavor made her mind go blank; it was all she could think about. She felt embarrassed as her face flushed.
While waiting for her ice cream, she noticed a child standing apart from the others. The little girl had a wistful look as she watched the other children play without her.
"Do you know why she's not playing with the others?"
"She's not of noble birth; they won't let her join in."
"Do you know what flavor she likes?"
"Strawberry."
"Then give me one of those too."
The vendor smiled and quickly handed over the two ice creams. Liu Wei walked over to the little girl.
"Only special children get ice cream before dinner."
The child grinned and took the ice cream.
"Don't worry about playing with them. There are other kids around now."
"I don't care."
"If I were a child, I'd be upset..."
The girl looked confused; she clearly cared about being excluded but pretended otherwise.
"...When I was your age, I felt lonely sometimes, but I always wished for friends around me."
The girl pondered this for a moment and then confidently replied, "I have lots of friends."
Liu Wei smiled and feigned surprise. "Really? Can I be your friend?"
"Of course!"
The omega took a big bite of her ice cream, savoring the sweetness.
Liu Wei spent a while talking to the child and learned her name was Chun Lei, and she was the daughter of the royal palace's head cook.
Realizing it was getting late, Liu Wei checked her phone and knew she needed to continue her search. She quickly stood up, brushing off the dirt from her clothes.
"Leilei, I need to keep looking."
The girl looked curious, her eyes shining with excitement.
"What are you looking for?"
"I need to find a beautiful place for a picnic, somewhere special and different."
Chun Lei's eyes lit up. "I know a place!"
"Can you take me there?"
"I can, but it's a bit far."
The girl sounded a bit disappointed, but Liu Wei was determined to go.
"It's okay, if you can show me, I'll follow."