Ning Shu felt dizzy after receiving the storyline, a slight ache in her heart reminding her of the toll it had taken. Sighing, she reflected on her past experiences in hospitals; nothing mattered more than a healthy body. Why harm herself like this?
She could easily fulfill the original host's wish of not loving that cruel and unscrupulous wolf. As for seeking revenge on the lowly couple that had wronged her, Ning Shu suspected that the original host's pride had kept her from letting it go. And concerning the matter of not being bestowed in marriage, she'd take it one step at a time.
This task felt a bit easier than her previous one—at least there wasn't a supernatural entity like Ling Xue lurking around. Moreover, as a princess with a high status, she had significant advantages compared to a general or a village girl.
With these thoughts swirling in her mind, she drifted back to sleep, her body still far too weak.
Ning Shu couldn't help but feel exasperated. Why was she always in such a pitiful state when entering these task worlds?
She didn't know how long she had been asleep, but when she finally woke up, her body was sticky with sweat. Struggling to open her eyes, the first thing she saw was a figure sitting silently beside her bed. Startled, she gasped, her heart racing as if it might leap out of her chest.
The man noticed her fright and said mildly, "You're awake."
"Imperial Older Brother," Ning Shu managed to say as she struggled to sit up. She recognized him from the original host's memories—he was Li Wen, the current Emperor. Although his name suggested gentleness, his imposing aura and cold, dignified expression contradicted it.
Li Wen wore an ornate dragon robe adorned with five-clawed dragons, his features as handsome and defined as a work of art. His manner was as austere as ice and as tranquil as glass, and the power inherent in his high status added a chilling indifference to his presence. His detached arrogance made him incredibly attractive, possessing a charm that no woman could resist. In short, he was an iceberg.
Even when interacting with the original host, his younger sister, he rarely smiled. The most he ever did was bestow her with high status and rare objects.
Li Wen was a natural-born monarch, skilled in strategy and careful with his words and expressions, making it impossible for anyone to glean his true thoughts.
Ning Shu felt a twinge of anxiety facing such a formidable figure. Her body tensed instinctively; she sensed that the man before her was dangerous—like a lion king meticulously grooming its sharp claws.
"It's fine if you stay lying down," Li Wen said mildly, his gaze sweeping over her face. After a pause, he continued, "This matter hasn't been confirmed yet. You shouldn't jeopardize your health."
His brows furrowed as he noticed the cold sweat on her forehead, dampening her hair. His tone softened slightly. "Jiahui, don't be so willful."
Ning Shu felt even more cold sweat at his words. It was almost comical that her mourning for her future husband was being interpreted as willfulness.
She opened her mouth and finally replied, "Jiahui understands." Jiahui was the bestowed name of the original host.
"Someone, come," Li Wen called toward the door, his deep and commanding voice echoing through the room. The chill in his tone made people instinctively obey.
Two servant girls entered immediately. Ning Shu recognized them—Miao Qing and Yuan Dong, the original host's closest companions. They were both interesting characters in their own right, and the situation felt somewhat laughable.
Li Wen addressed them with an indifferent tone, "Take good care of the princess."
"Understood," Miao Qing and Yuan Dong replied in unison.
Li Wen seemed preoccupied with government affairs. After a brief inquiry about Ning Shu's health, he left. Ning Shu barely spoke, uncertain whether he had noticed anything unusual about her demeanor.