Zhang Ruiyan still remembers the morning vividly, especially the girl he met that day. She had eyes as beautiful as the ocean and a face as serene as the moon.
The scent of the lavender field enveloping them, he didn't even care that he has wandered too far in the woods, crossing the borders of his empire. How could he? How could a man like him not melt in front of such a goddess?
A goddess, yes. That's what he thought of her.
She notices the rabbit he caught during his hunt and couldn't help but feel pity. Seeing her face, he handed her the rabbit immediately.
Her slender fingers caressing the soft white fur.
For the first time, the emperor fell jealous of a mere hare.
She didn't even say anything, yet he gave her what she wished for in her eyes. He had a very ominous feeling in his heart. A feeling that told him that if this girl wishes for all his possessions with those beautiful blue eyes, he would gladly give them to her and ask if she wanted anything more.
He asks in curiosity, masking his admiration and hopelessness underneath.
"What's your name and where do you hail from?"
Her smile fades at his words. All he got was silence from her. She didn't want to reveal anything about her to a stranger.
He sighs and takes off his pendant which had a engraving of the divine phoenix, gently placing it around her neck, making sure not to touch her more than needed.
He notices her carriage waiting for her.
He didn't want to make her late to wherever she is heading. He says calmly
"You can leave, my lady. Don't worry, we will introduce ourselves next time"
As he walks away, he was sure that he will find her again. After all, the phoenix pendant is connected with the his soul and how can the emperor not find something that utterly belongs to him?