He Regretted Toying with Him Too Late

Duan Xuyue is the daughter of a seventh-rank official in the capital. In terms of status, she's the least noticeable person at every banquet. In terms of beauty, she is as delicate as a flower and soft jade, with limpid eyes like autumn waters. She is the brightest moon of all.

What no one knows is that her lover is the most esteemed young lord in the capital, the emperor's favorite fourth prince, The Outcast with only the emperor above him. His beauty is otherworldly, yet he is proud and unruly.

As he passes by beneath everyone's admiring gazes, he'll secretly brush the back of Duan Xuyue's hand, making her blush and her heart race.

At banquets, he'll pull her into a rock garden and kiss her until she loses all sense of time. When someone passes outside, he'll wickedly make her gasp, then calmly help her out of it just as they are about to be discovered.

When he sees another man showing interest in her, he stares at them without blinking, his eyes cold as ice. A dangerous smile slowly appears on his lips. Only when Duan Xuyue flusters and sends the man away, then shyly presses her lips to his, does he hold her tightly in his grasp.

He says, "Little Moon, you're mine, and mine alone."

Her heart pounding, she replies, "Mm, I'm yours."

**

"Fourth Brother, are you still not tired of playing with Duan Xuyue?"

"Fourth Brother, don't tell me you've fallen for her?"

Everyone at the banquet fell silent and looked toward the seat of honor.

The fourth prince's hand paused around his wine cup. He smiled carelessly. "True feelings? Is she even worthy?"

Everyone laughed. "She's not. If she hadn't stuck her nose in where it didn't belong, you and Yizhen wouldn't have been separated. Yizhen wouldn't have had to suffer in a place like that."

His jaw was relaxed, his expression indifferent.

"She's utterly devoted to you now, Fourth Brother. When are you going to throw her down into the mud?"

The fourth prince rested his elbow on his knee. After a long moment, he raised his emotionless eyes, a smile on his lips. "How about on her birthday?"

Everyone excitedly cried out that it was a splendid idea!

Outside the door, Duan Xuyue's lovely face turned pale as snow, and the light in her eyes shattered.

**

When they met again, Duan Xuyue attended a banquet with her fiance. The fourth prince, surrounded by admirers, watched coldly as the man held her hand. He gave a laugh, a vein slowly rising at his temple.

As people offered one blessing after another, calling them a match made in heaven, the fourth prince flew into a rage and overturned the table.

A short scene:

At their furious falling-out in front of the palace:

"You think I actually care about you? Don't flatter yourself! Get lost!"

After their falling-out in front of the palace, crying like a teakettle:

"My Little Moon is gone. Please help me find her..."

Before you read:

The hardest thing about the male lead, besides one other thing, is his mouth. He's arrogant and domineering, and initially doesn't realize he's in love. He was born with the superiority of an imperial noble.

The heroine's engagement to another man is real.

Later on, the male lead will compete and fight to claim her. He can be soft, acting spoiled and pitiful, or forceful, abducting and coercing her. He'll use both tactics, and if all else fails, he'll become the third party in her relationship for love.

Theme: Sincerity, true love, and cherishing what you have.