"Can fate be undone?"
———
Prince Cheng sighed as he walked through the palace gates, tired from another long day of lessons and strict rules. Wanting to escape, he changed into simple clothes and slipped into the busy city streets, blending in with the crowd.
As the sun set, he wandered through the streets, just another face among many. Free from the palace, he felt more relaxed here than behind those high walls.
He passed a lively teahouse, drawn in by the smell of warm tea and cheerful voices. He stopped for a moment and stood among ordinary people, enjoying the simple comfort of their presence.
Mei's pov:
The teahouse was loud, just like every evening.
People talked and laughed everywhere. I felt the busy energy as I walked in and looked around. Then I saw Hui Fen and Yue sitting in a corner, pretending not to notice each other, though anyone could see their shy glances.
Perfect.
They were clearly made for each other, and they only needed a small push. And I needed the money. Times were hard, and my purse was almost empty.
I walked over with a bright smile and greeted them like we met by chance. "What luck to see you both here! I've had visions, you know. Destiny bringing your paths together."
Hui Fen turned red, and Yue stared at the floor.
This was too easy.
I kept talking, turning their shy feelings into a story about fate and love. They tried to argue, but they were no match for my smooth words. I watched their resistance fade, their embarrassed smiles becoming softer and unsure.
Soon they were leaning closer, their discomfort turning into curiosity or maybe hope.
By the time I left them, they were sitting so close I knew they would be inseparable by the end of the night.
I dropped the two copper coins into my purse. It wasn't much, but it was something. With luck, sharp eyes, and the right words, I could weave both happiness and money from the same purse tonight.
•
Prince Cheng was still standing outside the teahouse, getting ready to leave, when he heard a familiar voice.
Mei.
She was charming customers again, telling dramatic stories and collecting coins.
Curious, he slipped inside and found a hidden corner to observe. Mei was talking about love and fate, and her audience listened closely.
Cheng found it amusing.
He suddenly spoke.
"And what do the stars say about the table in the corner?" His eyes gleamed.
Mei recognized the voice instantly and frowned.
Then he walked toward her.
"Must we meet like this?" Mei asked, annoyed.
"You tell me, matchmaker," he said lightly.
"It seems fate ties us together more than the people you advise. Maybe you should help untangle our own fate instead."
Her customers looked at them confusedly. Cheng only shrugged, he knew the night was about to get even more entertaining.
Mei huffed. "The only thing that needs fixing is you staying out of my business. Can't you see I'm busy? Not that a talker like you would get that."
Cheng smirked. "What can I say? Your creative matchmaking is free entertainment. Though your clients might run away if you give them any more visions."
A few customers were already giving Mei side-eyes.
She stomped her foot. "Go bother someone else and let me work."
Cheng bowed. "As you wish. But who knows, fate might bring us together again."
She sighed in frustration.
The look on their faces showed that she was losing trust, and money.
Watching Cheng walk away, an idea hit her.
"Wait!"
Cheng stopped and raised a brow.
Mei took a breath. "I— maybe we can work together."
Cheng grinned. "And what are you suggesting, Matchmaker?"
Mei explained her plan. If they created grand love stories about themselves for the clients, they could draw in more customers fast.
"That's the big plan?" Cheng said, amused.
"Don't act clueless. You already ruined my business, so now you have to do what I say," Mei replied, dragging him off before he could argue.
Cheng's Pov:
She explained her plan to mix her matchmaking tricks with my help. It sounded silly, but she dragged me along anyway.
"I'm only doing this because you looked desperate," I said, pretending I had a choice.
Soon we jumped into it. Mei and I threw out loud and ridiculous tales like we'd been doing it for years. At first I messed up, not sure how it was supposed to work. But once I saw the shocked looks and heard people gasp, I caught on. People love a story, and I guess I was good at telling one.
What surprised me was how little I had to say. I whispered something vague about destiny and they leaned in like it was the truth. The women were especially eager. Some even paid before hearing anything. I started to wonder if they cared more about me than the stars, but I didn't mind. The money kept coming.
Before long we were ankle-deep in coins. The teahouse buzzed with noise as people emptied their purses for more. It felt almost too easy.
When things finally dialed down, Mei and I sat down to count the coins. I looked at her and she was smiling a little, even though she tried to hide it.
"It seems our talents work well together," she said.
She didn't know how right she was. Even after all my complaining, we made a good team. Maybe we'd do this again.
•
The teahouse was loud with laughter and merry music when the wooden window suddenly shattered. A group of rough men rushed in, holding weapons.
"Bring the money now!" their leader yelled.
People started screaming.
Mei prepared to fight but stopped when she saw two quiet men watching her from the corner. They looked like they had been observing her for a while.
Spies?
Before she could think more, Cheng grabbed her hand. "Come on," he whispered.
They slipped out as more shouting filled the teahouse.
Cheng pulled her along, trying to get them far from the chaos.
He had noticed the two men watching them earlier and didn't know if they were after him or someone else. He couldn't risk revealing who he really was. For her safety, he had to keep it hidden a little longer.
Cheng's Pov:
I had barely managed to drag Mei away from the chaos when she spun around, yanking her hand free and glaring at me like I'd committed a crime.
"Why did you pull me away?"
Wait—what? Was she actually serious? I blinked, trying to make sense of this.
"Uh, because there was trouble back there?" I replied, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "That's generally when people leave, not stay."
Her glare intensified. "I'm serious!"
Oh, this was rich. "My apologies for not sensing the urgency of your question in the midst of a bandit attack."
"We could've taken them!" she snapped.
"We?" My eyebrows shot up.
Oh, this was good.
Mei, with her gentle face and tea-loving hands, was somehow going to take down a gang of armed men. If anyone was going to fight, it wasn't going to be both of us. She's strong, yes, but armed men? That was definitely a me problem.
"There wasn't enough time," I said, trying to make up a reason. "And the situation was—"
"They were threatening innocent people!" Mei cut in. "I can't just walk away!"
"I get it. You want to do what's right, but you have to pick the right fights."
"It matters to me," she whispered. "I couldn't save… if I can help even one person…" Her words trailed off, and I saw that haunted look in her eyes.
I reached out, taking her hand again with every intention of saying something comforting. "You're brave, Mei, and—"
But before I could finish, she spun on her heel, marching right back toward the teahouse.
Oh, for the love of—
I let out a long, exasperated sigh.
Of course she didn't listen. She was going to run in there with nothing but stubborn courage. And if I didn't follow, she'd get herself killed. I hurried after her and took her hand.
"Fine. Come with me. I have a plan."
She breathed in, looked at me, and nodded.
•
They reached a crossroads far from the teahouse. Cheng turned to her. "The bandits should pass here. If we hide, we can catch them off guard."
He pointed at a thick patch of bushes. "In there."
Mei saw the worry in his eyes. She nodded, and they slipped into the bushes to wait.
After a few minutes Cheng nudged her and pointed.
She looked through the leaves, and spotted Figures hurrying down the road with heavy sacks, laughing and grunting.
The leader scoffed, "Foolish villagers. Their coins never last."
Mei met Cheng's patient gaze and nodded. Then they followed the thieves quietly, stopping whenever the group looked back.
The thieves halted at a crossroad.
Cheng leaned close. "Now."
She checked the area. Only grass and open sky. Clear enough.
She smirked and sprang onto the road.
The thieves were startled at first, but then burst into laughter.
"Well now. Lost princess?" the leader mocked.
Mei stayed silent. She'd seen this reaction before. Their pride made them stupid.
Cheng watched from behind, tense. "Try not to get yourself cut," he whispered, waiting for the right moment.
The leader leered. "A little flower like you must be shaking."
"Really? What will you say when you're the one crying?" Mei smirked.
"Feisty, I like that. Let me taste the little blossom," he leered, lurching forward to grope her.
Mei sidestepped, her palm landing a hot slap across his cheek.
Stunned, he staggered back as his comrades guffawed.
"Touch me again and lose your hand."Her voice dripped venom.
Rage contorted his face. "Insolent girl! I'll teach you manners." He charged at her.
Mei grabbed his arm in one quick move and twisted until the bone snapped.
The thieves' laughter died as their friend screamed. Their hands reached for rusty blades.
Cheng's voice cut in from the sidelines. "A dozen men against one woman?"
The bandits came to a sudden stop, shocked. Cheng stepped into view, positioning himself behind Mei with effortless confidence.
"You must be cowards," he said calmly.
"Surrender," Cheng added. "You're outmatched. Fighting won't help you."
The leader's face went red with fear. "Kill them!"
His men rushed forward wildly.
Cheng attempted to pull Mei aside when she whipped a handkerchief from her blouse and flung it at the nearest fighter's eyes, catching him off guard. Cheng was momentarily startled but smoothly sidestepped another fighter's wild slash.
Mei stayed light on her feet, letting the half-blind bandit stumble past, then struck his neck and dropped him. Cheng fought two, blocking their sloppy attacks.
Soon the thieves were on the ground, groaning. Their leader shook under Cheng's boot. "Please...mercy."
Cheng stared down at him. "Return everything you stole. Take it back to the teahouse now."
Mei said, "If you refuse, we drag you to the magistrates in chains, if you even survive the trip."
The thieves scrambled away, tripping over each other as they dragged their heavy sacks into the dark.
When they were out of sight, he looked at Mei.
"Should we check their work? You think they will return everything they stole?" Mei asked, not noticing Cheng's curious gaze.
He had questions but kept them to himself. "It would hurt to find out they didn't," he said.
As they walked back to the teahouse, they saw people shouting and collecting their things with joy.
Cheng's Pov:
Seeing the thugs kept their promise, I was finally ready to ask my questions. I turned to Mei, but before I could speak, she reached over and ruffled my hair. Her fingers brushed my scalp, sending a strange warm feeling through me. I stepped back, feeling heat rise to my cheeks, and turned away as if checking the rooftops.
She laughed softly. "No need to be shy. You did well," she said, looking straight into my eyes.
I felt even warmer and stepped back again.
Before I could settle, she took my hand. Her touch was warm. "Come on, hero. This victory deserves a feast."
The smell of roasted meat drifted from a nearby shop, pulling us inside. Tired customers looked up as we entered.
Mei led us to a table and pulled out the money we earned from matchmaking. She counted it with a smile.
I watched her, drawn to her smile and the gentle side under her playful nature.
"Here's your share," she said, handing me some coins.
I pushed it back. "Keep it. Money means little to me."
She lifted a brow, amused. "Is that so? Then I won't feel bad spending it." She ordered the biggest dish and a bottle of liquor.
When the food arrived, she looked at me coldly.
"I know that look on your face Cheng. This feast is mine. You should order your own."
I chuckled lightly. "No need. Sharing it with you is enough."
Mei's Pov:
What's with that look he's giving me?
And what's with the overly dramatic tone?
Does he seriously think I'm going to share just because he's trying to charm his way in?
"Hey, snap out of it," I said, crossing my arms. "Get your own food this time. I mean it."
But did that stop him? Of course not. Cheng just scooted closer, totally ignoring my boundaries, and helped himself to my plate. I tried pushing him away but no use. The guy was as stubborn as a mule.
Finally, I just threw up my hands and let him have his way.
Unbelievable.
Here you go, trimmed down and cleaned up without losing the heart of it:
After we cleared the plates, he leaned close, giving me this deep, almost sappy look. "Truly, sharing with good company is better than any luxury. I'm glad we could enjoy this time together."
I felt warm inside, maybe from all the baijiu.
But for once, I stopped acting like I didn't need anyone and just relaxed.
Soon the sky started to lighten. He looked at the horizon, a bit of reluctance on his face. I could tell he wasn't too excited to leave.
"Thanks for the food and the company," he said. "Meeting you wasn't an accident. I hope we meet again."
His words hit me in a strange way.
"Go with care" was all I managed to say.