After I Toyed with and Abandoned the Ailing Crown Prince

Blurb:

When Cui Ying first met Deng Shu, he was a filthy little beggar asking for food on the street, while she was a doctor at a clinic, healing the sick and helping the world.

When he was so hungry he was on the verge of death, Deng Shu took his hand. "My pharmacy needs an apprentice. Would you like to work here?"

And so Cui Ying spent three years working as an apprentice at Deng Shu's side.

At the end of the third winter after they met, heavy snow fell. The emperor suddenly passed away, and the crown prince ascended the throne, launching an extensive search for the young imperial grandson who had gone missing among the common people years ago.

That day, Cui Ying sent away three groups of imperial guards who had come to take him back to the palace. When he hurried back to the pharmacy with his New Year's provisions, Deng Shu was leaning against the doorframe. Seeing him return, she hurried over and gently brushed the snow from his shoulders.

"A Ying, happy new year." Amid the crackle of firecrackers, he heard her voice, soft as a whisper.

That very night, she left without a word.

·

Cui Ying never expected to see Deng Shu again.

At Grand Tutor Deng's birthday banquet, the imperial consort and Madam Deng chatted and reminisced about how the two families had once arranged a betrothal when their children were still in the womb.

Cui Ying grew impatient listening to them and found an excuse to step out for some air. He had barely crossed the threshold when a young woman approached him.

Madam Deng's voice came from behind her. "A Shu, come pay your respects to His Highness the Crown Prince and the imperial consort."

Deng Shu bowed from afar. As her gaze passed over him, not a ripple stirred.

She acted as if she didn't know him at all.

Note: Male lead, male/female romance.

Theme: I'll write it when I start the story