Chapter Thirty-Two: The Prince and I Share the Same Pants

“I’m not angry at them—they’re not even worthy of my anger. I’m angry at you.” What was this woman thinking? Did she really believe Xiao Jingxuan cared about those people in the palace? The only thing that concerned him was her safety.

“All right, all right, let go first. I haven’t seen you in five years. Surely I’m allowed to rile you up a little? Let’s be reasonable and fair, shall we? I won’t pretend to be mad anymore.” Facing a man teetering on the edge of violence, she knew it was best to placate him as long as he kept his hands to himself.

At last, Xiao Jingxuan released his grip. How petty women could be—this was all about those five years, after all. Yet, when he thought of those years, he couldn’t help but feel guilty. Looking at the woman before him, her eyes filled with fear, his anger crumbled all at once, and his emotions slowly calmed.

“No, you’d better go on pretending to be mad,” Xiao Jingxuan said, letting her go, making an utterly unreasonable demand.

“Really, look at you! I already admitted I was wrong, and you still won’t let it go.” Su Jingluo felt she’d done her part; why did he have to keep mocking her? If he was so angry, he could divorce her—throw in the little tagalong as well. He could continue to keep their mother and son coldly at arm’s length; wouldn’t it be easier if they each just lived their own lives in peace?

“I’m not joking. I want to see what tricks the Empress still has up her sleeve, and this way, no further harm will come to you.” Xiao Jingxuan was thoroughly composed now; playing along was a good strategy.

So that was his plan. Su Jingluo was still thinking of how to coax this prickly old darling of hers, but his mood had shifted as quickly as it came, and his schemes arrived just as swiftly.

“So, what you’re saying is, we’re grasshoppers tied to the same rope now? Partners in crime?” Su Jingluo edged closer, glancing around furtively as if afraid of being overheard.

“What kind of expression is that?” Xiao Jingxuan had never heard such a saying, but it seemed to make sense. Su Jingluo’s hair brushed unintentionally against his forehead—soft and ticklish—and recalling the wounded look she’d worn a moment before, his heart skipped a beat.

Su Jingluo sensed his slightly labored breathing and looked up at him in puzzlement. Their eyes met, each seeing the gleam in the other’s gaze. Xiao Jingxuan felt a rush, as if struck by lightning; for a moment, his mind went blank. This woman had just wounded him deeply, and yet—she was dangerously captivating.

Su Jingluo had a better word for this sensation: it was like an electric shock, her heart jolting and tingling all over.

“Keep your distance from me. This is only a temporary alliance. With a cunning woman like you, I have no desire to share anything more than that.”

When Xiao Jingxuan realized he was being ensnared by this woman—and that she was impossible to control—the sense of danger filled him with inexplicable panic, and he instinctively wanted to push her away.

Su Jingluo gave an awkward smile, feeling foolish herself. This so-called heart-flutter was nothing but her own foolish fancy—Xiao Jingxuan had never said he liked her.

“There’s a tricky matter at hand. We need to discuss it.” Xiao Jingxuan tried to compose himself again. Seeing Su Jingluo’s bashful smile, he found her shy demeanor unexpectedly endearing. Some people, when they can’t resist, claim the other is playing at a higher level, never willing to admit they themselves are already in too deep.

“You want to discuss it with me?” Hadn’t he just insisted they weren’t partners? Why the sudden change of heart?

“Didn’t I say it was a temporary alliance?” Was she unwilling? Xiao Jingxuan felt a pang of annoyance—was she playing hard to get with him?