Let Me Be Your Darling

When she was young, Chu Yin was an orphan living under someone else's roof, all skin and bones, with no one to rely on. At the Imperial College, she was often teased by mischievous boys.

She was always alone, clutching her books and keeping silent.

Everyone thought Chu Yin was dull, and turned to gossiping about the Imperial College's most dazzling figure: Sheng Mingyu, the only son of Prince Chuyin.

Sheng Mingyu had recently won first place in an archery contest in the Forbidden City. His exceptional talent for mechanical devices had also led the Ministry of Works to petition for his services several times. A heaven-sent prodigy, he was also extraordinarily handsome. Though not yet twenty, he was already famous throughout the capital. Even his foul temper was renowned throughout the capital, but that did not stop noblewomen from flocking to him.

One day, Chu Yin fell and twisted her ankle. Her books spilled out of her basket. She silently gathered them up, slung the basket over her shoulder, and stood. But as soon as she took a step, a stabbing pain shot through her ankle.

Sheng Mingyu stepped down from his carriage and walked over. He took her book basket and asked, "Can you walk?"

Chu Yin said softly, "I can."

Then everyone saw Sheng Mingyu scoop Chu Yin up in his arms. "You can? Why are you pretending you can?"

Chu Yin struggled. "You told me not to use our connection to you to get close to you at the Imperial College."

Sheng Mingyu's expression was calm. "Then, little sister, would you rather I let go and drop you on the ground?"

Chu Yin was so frightened that she obediently gave in.

The people nearby exchanged looks, nearly dropping their jaws in shock.

Chu Yin was actually the orphaned daughter of a meritorious official, living under the care of Prince Chuyin's household!

Sheng Mingyu had long since seen through Chu Yin's humble, cautious affection for him.

But he was proud and ambitious, with his sights set on court affairs. His marriage would naturally have to be an equal match. Chu Yin wasn't worthy of him.

When Sheng Mingyu first learned that Chu Yin admired him, a scornful smile appeared on his face. He had always treated her with pride and casual ease, entirely in control of himself.

But when a young master from another household began approaching Chu Yin and pursuing her, Sheng Mingyu's irritation reached its limit. He grabbed the man's collar and gritted out, "She's mine!"

The ever-refined and dignified Sheng Mingyu tried punching someone for the first time.

That same night, Sheng Mingyu experienced the dizzying feeling of being lovestruck for the first time.

The story of a born genius at mechanical devices and a gifted, radiant female painter.

Gentle, scheming woman x proud young lord

Painter x master artisan (mechanical genius)

Master artisans: "Officials of the Directorate of Works... The Directorate oversees the construction of city walls and capitals, the establishment of altars and ancestral temples, and the making of palaces, carriages, clothes, and tools."

Also known as:

Coveting a Beauty. Sheng Mingyu is the beauty, haha.

Content warning:

The haughty young lord thinks the little rabbit is after fame and fortune; the little rabbit thinks he sees her as an insignificant plaything.

Theme: Artisanship, architecture, and flying murals.