The clatter of hooves and shouts of panic shattered the peace of Lanyun Market, scattering vendors and shoppers like leaves in a storm.
———
That sunny afternoon, as Prince Cheng walked through Lanyun Market, he noticed the crowd was more restless than usual. A group of horsemen was charging down the busy street, pushing vendors out of their way.
One came dangerously close to an innocent woman busy selecting fruits and vegetables from a stall.
He Cheng pulled the woman from the path just in time. But in the chaos, her purchases went flying. Melons and cabbages were crushed under the horses' hooves.
The woman spun around angrily, facing the horsemen, "Watch where you'r—" But her words stopped as her gaze fell to the goods now scattered across the ground.
"All this food gone to waste! And right before dinner!" she muttered, crouching down. "At least the cabbages can be saved. But look at the melons! What a mess."
She stood and glared at Cheng. "Do you know how much this all cost? The tomatoes are ruined, and now I have to replace everything. You could have warned me before dragging me."
Cheng was confused. Did she not see he saved her?
"I only tried to help," he said. "Is a little thanks too much?"
Her eyes flashed. "Help? You ran in without thinking. I had it under control."
"You were about to be trampled,"
"This is the thanks I get?"
"Trampled? Please," she scoffed. "I grew up here. A few horses don't scare me. You're the one who needs watching."
Cheng let out a short laugh. "Since my good deed goes unappreciated, I must be o—"
"I've wasted enough time here. Good day you big oof," She cut in curtly, turning on her heel, intent on salvaging her evening elsewhere.
Cheng's pov:
Big oof?
really?
I forced a smile, but it faded fast.
So that's what she thought of me, even after I saved her life. A clumsy fool.
I wanted to be angry, to talk back, but her words just left a dull ache in my chest.
I watched her walk away, each step sharp with anger.
I didn't understand her. I should be the one upset, yet she scolded me and stormed off. She was like a small, fierce storm, annoying, loud, and still somehow impressive.
I looked at the mess on the ground, the fruits and vegetables everywhere. She had a right to be upset, but it still hurt that she answered my help with anger. I hadn't meant to make things worse.
I sighed and pulled my hood up as I moved through the market. I never looked for trouble, yet it always seemed to find me.
Walking down, I couldn't stop thinking about her. How could someone so short cause so much frustration? She was tiny, but her presence filled the whole space.
A chuckle escaped my lips.
The fight was annoying, but exciting too.
But when the palace gates came into view, my smile disappeared. Back to the place where every word and action was controlled.
Mei's Pov:
I stormed down the crowded streets, still fuming with anger. My goods were ruined, all because of that reckless man. And to think he had the nerve to ask for gratitude after making such a mess!
When I reached the teahouse, its comforting scents wafted through the door.
"Yu Jin!" I called out, needing my friend's calm company.
Yu Jin looked up, visibly concerned. "Mei, you look like you've been through quite a day. What happened to your goods?"
I dropped into a chair angrily. "The market was a mess. Someone almost trampled me." I told her about the wild horsemen, the young man who jumped in, and my ruined produce. By the end, I felt more tired than angry.
Yu Jin poured me tea. "That sounds awful. But at least he kept you safe, even if he caused problems."
I frowned and held the cup to my lips. "Good intentions don't help when everything gets ruined. Now I have nothing for dinner because of him."
Yu Jin smiled. "He can't be that bad if you're still thinking about him."
I shot her a look. "I'm not wasting thoughts on him."
She came closer and checked me. "Are you hurt?"
I shook my head. "Just my pride."
She relaxed. "I'm glad you're okay. Drink your tea."
The warm tea and her calm presence eased me. "Thank you, I feel better."
She nodded. "Good. Let's get you something to eat." She headed toward the kitchen.
As we walked, she glanced at me. "Tell me more about this man. Who rescues someone only to cause more trouble?"
I hesitated. "He seemed decent, just clumsy. His eyes were kind, but he expected thanks he didn't earn."
Yu Jin nodded. "First impressions can be wrong. Maybe he deserves another chance."
"Maybe. But I doubt we'll meet again."
She smiled as we entered the kitchen. "Let's focus on dinner."
I smiled back. "What's cooking? It smells great."