[A stunning girl living under someone else's roof] * [A carefree, dissolute young master] An uncle-and-niece coming-of-age romance
When news of the newlywed Prince Duan Jiang Zheng reached Jinzhou, He Xi sat dazed all night, then felt a weight lift from her shoulders.
The next day, her close friend came to congratulate her. "Everyone in Jinzhou used to say that Uncle Jiang was handsome, but lazy and unambitious. Who would dare look down on him now?"
He Xi's smile was strained on her lovely face. "Uncle has always been a good person."
"He's always cared so much about you. Now that you have him backing you, you can marry anyone you want!"
"Any of them would be fine."
"Don't you have someone you like?"
"No." He Xi's gaze drifted toward the snowstorm outside the window.
Her guardian was a powerful man, and she was an orphan fostered in his household. She should never have allowed herself to harbor secret, forbidden thoughts about him.
Besides, on the day he left, even though she clutched his sleeve and pleaded, "Jiang Zheng, take me to the capital with you. I'll be good."
Jiang Zheng, dressed in his ceremonial robe, stood ramrod straight. Not a trace of his usual languid smile remained, and his voice was icy. "Stay in Jinzhou and be good."
He had realized how she felt, and spared her the humiliation of saying it aloud.
Her gaze drifted once more to the luggage by the bed. He Xi lowered her lashes and pressed her full, cherry-red lips into a thin line.
-
Later, this guardian held He Xi by the ankle, resting her legs on his shoulders as he bent to peck at her lips. "Why didn't you wait for me before getting married?"
"Because I don't like you, Uncle Jiang."
In the brocade canopy, heavy with desire, He Xi closed her eyes and let herself sink into darkness, letting the sweat from his nose fall onto her cheek.
In a daze, she heard Jiang Zheng laugh lazily. "Xiao Xi, didn't I teach you? If you like me, call me Jiang Zheng. If you don't, call me Uncle."
1. SC.
2. No blood relation, ten-year age gap.
3. The heroine is a sweet, innocent type; the hero is very fatherly. Over-the-top melodrama and angst. If that's not your thing, please don't flame me. No personal attacks, please.
4. Blurb written on February 19, 2025.
Theme: Be brave!
