My father died after a failed investment, and I couldn’t afford the rent on our warehouse, so I had no choice but to move the stockpile of medicine we’d hoarded during the pandemic back to the villa. By chance, I discovered that our ancestral jade dragon screen could connect me to the least-favored Ninth Prince in the ancient imperial palace. Through the screen, I sent him medicine and drones, helping him end the plague and establish his rule over the region. In return, he sent me ancient treasures, helped me pay off my debts, and even helped me become the head of the chamber of commerce. Not long afterward, he heard I was going to marry the capital’s most powerful young heir. He risked his life to cross over to my world. His usually stern, commanding eyes were now filled with tenderness and shameless determination. “If you won’t return with me to be my empress, then I’ll stay here and never leave.”
