{"id":8029,"date":"2026-06-22T08:36:19","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T06:36:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/?p=8029"},"modified":"2026-06-22T08:36:19","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T06:36:19","slug":"a-love-struck-brain-is-nothing-in-the-face-of-melodrama-chapter-66","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/2026\/06\/22\/a-love-struck-brain-is-nothing-in-the-face-of-melodrama-chapter-66\/","title":{"rendered":"A Love-Struck Brain Is Nothing In The Face Of Melodrama – Chapter 66"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Martha, on the side, also spoke in shock: \u201c\u2026How long had it been since I last saw such an authentic palace intrigue plot?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cThose directors all tried to please the ugly sons of those capitalists. I just wanted to watch a normal palace intrigue story without a male protagonist\u2019s halo, but I didn\u2019t expect to see one here\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

While the trio at the scene were still shocked, inside the private room, Semos\u2019s dagger-like eyes were already slashing at Unobert.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Facing the cat-eyed man\u2019s gaze, which seemed as if he wanted to stab someone, Count Unobert still smiled calmly and said: \u201cYes, but it was really such bad timing. When I met Wangxing then, there happened to be a project. Wangxing was also very interested, and we hit it off immediately, directly going to the project site. That place was remote, without signal. I didn\u2019t expect that it just made us miss each other.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Count Unobert said this with an expression that even carried some deeper meaning.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cBut speaking of it, Your Excellency, you truly were infatuated. At that time your contact with him had already been cut off, and yet you still tried every possible way to find out which planet Wangxing went to, even hoping to find him in a sea of people. That was really admirable.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The golden-eyed man\u2019s expression turned sincere, as if he even wanted to applaud Semos.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

But in the man\u2019s words there was no tone of mockery, not even irony\u2014just teasing.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

This made His Excellency Semos\u2019s expression immediately take on a wary look upon hearing it, and although Alina and the others didn\u2019t know what exactly Count Unobert was thinking, they were certain it wasn\u2019t a genuine compliment.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Sure enough!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cBut I also didn\u2019t know how exactly Your Excellency Semos knew that Wangxing had left the planet. Was it that Your Excellency searched on the planet for many days?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

As Count Unobert spoke, he looked curiously at the cat-eyed man opposite, his expression still carrying that aristocratic elegance. Even his questioning seemed like polite small talk.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

This demeanor didn\u2019t make the young man notice anything unusual, but it did make Semos\u2019s expression grow darker.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Alina: \u201c\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

No way, Your Excellency Semos, why were you silent! Could it be that back then you really used some illegal method?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Ye Bai and the others were even more shocked, almost unable to speak. The direction of this plot became more and more unexpected. They had thought before that this was just Ye Wangxing meeting his ex-boyfriend for an ordinary gathering, but who would have thought that the revelations kept getting bigger!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The cat-eyed man, however, looked darkly at Count Unobert and finally said: \u201cOn a short video someone filmed the entry and exit footage of that day. I saw you and Wangxing there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cOh, really? But that day we took a private ship.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Count Unobert finally revealed his gleaming white teeth, smiling like a dragon that had finally spotted its prey.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cWould someone really film their daily life even in the VIP passage? Looks like I needed to file a complaint about the staff that day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Semos\u2019s expression grew even darker, but the young man quickly smoothed things over in a low voice: \u201cAlright, Unobert, don\u2019t tease him. Semos having some of his own information channels was also normal. Back then didn\u2019t you also know I left through irregular channels? Besides, he didn\u2019t break the law, he just confirmed whether I was on that planet or not.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The young man\u2019s words seemed to relieve Semos, and his face wasn\u2019t as gloomy anymore. Count Unobert also knew when to stop, but then he turned and changed the topic, smiling as he spoke to Ye Wangxing: \u201cI was just curious. After all, when I first met you, your psychological state was not very good. Now that I saw you in person, of course I became curious\u2014how exactly did His Excellency Semos manage to do such a thing back then?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The golden-eyed man smiled as he said: \u201cTreating his boyfriend like a trash bin, on the second day after being told about the ex-boyfriend, he sent someone to give the ex a sum of money, and on the third day he directly broke up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cAnd now he still said he had lingering feelings for Wangxing and asked for a reconciliation? This change from then until now was really so huge. It made me very curious\u2014what exactly did Your Excellency Semos experience?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The professors, who had just finished eating and came to the door to eavesdrop, immediately gasped in shock. They had just finished dinner and planned to return to the research institute, but unexpectedly, before leaving, they leaned on the door for a moment and heard such a shocking piece of gossip.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

They looked at each other with disbelief in their eyes\u2014like elementary school students writing a first-author SCI paper.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

But unlike elementary school kids writing papers, where one could still find the cause through family background, the matter of their vice dean wasn\u2019t that simple.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The professors present exchanged looks and instantly felt guilty. After all, at first they thought Ye Wangxing was a scumbag, stringing along four men at once. But now it seemed that the real scumbag might have been their vice dean!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Outside the window, still soaking in the water, Alina and her group just clicked their tongues, feeling that things became more and more melodramatic. Even with their toes they could figure out that, judging from Semos\u2019s behavior, that money definitely wasn\u2019t sent by him personally.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Inside the room, Count Unobert ignored the cat-eyed man suddenly standing up from his seat. He looked at Ye Wangxing beside him with a distressed face and said: \u201cBut since you said so, of course I wouldn\u2019t go and tear open your scar. At that time, persuading you to leave that planet was also to take you to relax. I fell in love with you at first sight then, and naturally didn\u2019t want you to be immersed in memories of the past.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

After speaking, Count Unobert still held the young man\u2019s hand, comforting him like a real lover.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The young man\u2019s expression grew a bit dim, seemingly because he thought of the situation at that time and felt sad.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

And just then, the cat-eyed man suddenly stood up and said loudly: \u201cWangxing! That money back then definitely wasn\u2019t sent by me. You also knew I gave you access to my account, it was completely impossible for me to do something redundant like that\u2014I even gave you access to the surveillance of my room. There was no way I would transfer money redundantly again!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Semos spoke a little flustered, like a cat about to be kicked out of its home, speaking extremely fast.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cAt that time the one who gave you money was definitely sent by my father. He probably did it because he wrongly guessed my preferences, so\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

But before Semos finished his words, Count Unobert reached out and interrupted him. With a tone carrying some reproach, he said: \u201cYour Excellency failed to protect Wangxing, that was your fault. Please don\u2019t push the responsibility onto others.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

In Semos\u2019s beautiful cat eyes, tears gathered once again.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

But this time it was truly guilt. He didn\u2019t even refute Uno, only looked pitifully at the young man.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

If this matter had happened to someone else, Alina definitely wouldn\u2019t have believed the two could reconcile. Even if it had been a misunderstanding, so what? Missing the chance meant missing it.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

But when she saw the young man\u2019s expression\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cI now understood why your brother could date four boyfriends, and why you, Ye Bai, could only date one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Alina sighed and said this to Ye Bai.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Ye Bai, still eating melons: \u201c? Why?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cLook at your brother\u2019s expression. I even felt that he had never really blamed His Excellency Semos. With this kind of soft heart, plus good looks, it really wasn\u2019t entirely his fault that his ex-boyfriends ended up like this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Ye Bai looked at his elder brother, who was already comforting His Excellency Semos, and sighed. He nodded, admitting that Alina was right.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cBut His Excellency Semos truly admitted his mistake, and when he found the right chance, he also truly made his move.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Alina sighed as she looked at the man inside the private room, who had already buried himself into the young man\u2019s embrace.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t expect that from the moment Count Unobert entered, His Excellency Semos was suppressed, and now there was actually a chance for a comeback.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

And indeed, the situation inside the private room was just as Alina had said. The young man gently hugged Semos, the two of them looking rather warm together, as if they were about to reconcile.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Then Alina turned her head and saw Count Uno, looking like a resentful husband, his eyes shooting knives that almost pierced Semos into a sieve.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

But he was actually able to immediately adjust his expression back to normal when the young man turned his head. This ability to bend and stretch made Alina rather admire him.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

But the next second, Alina swallowed her words.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u2014This man had no intention of holding back.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201c\u2026So the two of you cleared up your misunderstanding? That was indeed good news. But Wangxing, did you forget that your official partner was here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Alina looked at Semos, whose expression froze on the spot, and at the young man whose expression also froze. In her heart, she was full of admiration.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u2014He actually faced those two directly with such an ultimate move!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

But Alina wasn\u2019t too surprised. After all, Count Unobert already looked like a very scheming person\u2014and he indeed was.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

If no one else knew, doing something like secretly reconciling with Ye Wangxing wasn\u2019t impossible for him at all.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Ye Bai, however, was somewhat shocked. Then he immediately began worrying whether the remaining three would start fighting, and whether Count Uno\u2019s wealth could allow him to hire an army to fend off Prince Janus and General Ortas\u2019s attacks.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

After a long silence, the first one inside the private room to react was the cat-eyed man. His hands still held tightly around the young man\u2019s waist, and his beautiful eyes stared firmly at Count Uno. Through gritted teeth, he said: \u201cWangxing, when did you reconcile with this old man?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

But upon hearing Semos\u2019s words, Count Unobert didn\u2019t get angry. On the contrary, he looked at the young man as if he were an ignorant child. He didn\u2019t even answer his words, just silently raised his wine glass, smiling as he offered him a toast.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

What a posture of a victor.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Alina thought so and turned her head, only to see that His Excellency Semos indeed looked rattled, his face flushed red with anger. He raised his head from the young man\u2019s embrace, loosened his arms, then clenched his fists, looking ready to fight Count Unobert at any moment.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

But faster than His Excellency Semos\u2019s movements were the young man\u2019s words\u2014along with the lip-reading translation of the optical brain.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201c\u2014Unobert, when did we reconcile?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

This made Semos freeze, and it also stunned the people outside the window. Even the professors widened their eyes.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The young man didn\u2019t know that he had reconciled with Count Unobert? Then didn\u2019t that mean Count Unobert was simply being self-indulgent?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

They instantly connected this to a series of questions\u2014was Count Unobert planning to use this title to force the young man into marriage, or was the young man actually a playboy who had given the Count the wrong signals?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Alina even thought of the plot where the young man had a terminal illness and planned to bid farewell to his ex.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

But then she slapped her own forehead and realized she had watched too many old-fashioned dramas\u2014how could there still be terminal illnesses with modern medical standards?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

And when Alina lifted her head again after slapping her forehead, she saw that Count Unobert hadn\u2019t flown into a rage, nor had he frozen in surprise. Instead, he only gave a helpless smile and said: \u201cDarling, if you didn\u2019t want to reconcile with me, why did you bring that necklace to see me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Count Unobert pointed at the young man\u2019s neck. The young man touched the necklace around his neck, froze for a moment, and then\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Boom\u2014<\/span><\/p>\r\n

His face instantly turned bright red. He stammered as if trying to say something, but couldn\u2019t get the words out. He looked completely flustered.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Finally, the usually calm young man, in a rare fit of exasperation, directly took off the necklace, threw it at Count Uno, flung open the private room door, and ran out of the restaurant as if fleeing for his life.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Count Unobert, however, didn\u2019t get angry. Instead, he smiled even more charmingly, watching the young man leave.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cAlina, what exactly is that necklace? Why did my brother turn so red when he saw it, and why wasn\u2019t Count Unobert angry?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Ye Bai asked, curious.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He truly didn\u2019t recognize the necklace, nor did he understand why such a delicately crafted piece would make his brother\u2019s face turn so red. Alina also didn\u2019t know, so they both looked at Marsha, who was most knowledgeable in such matters.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Seeing their unusually innocent eyes, Martha didn\u2019t know how to explain.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Although the necklace looked delicate and beautiful, and had no exact counterpart on the market\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n

By analyzing its special bioelectric unlocking mechanism at the clasp, it was clear that\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u2026this thing was currently the empire\u2019s best-selling synesthesia necklace.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Martha silently covered her bright red face, avoiding the innocent gazes of the other two, internally despising Count Unobert.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201c\u2026Old man, he really plays a complicated game.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Martha didn\u2019t speak, giving the other two an uneasy feeling, but seeing her expression, they didn\u2019t ask and instead turned back toward the private room.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Inside, Lord Semos sat quietly, looking strange. He didn\u2019t ask Unobert about the necklace, instead keeping his eyes on the food on the table, not stopping the young man from leaving.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He didn\u2019t respond to Unobert\u2019s flirtatious remarks toward Ye Wangxing either.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t expect Wangxing to still be so shy. It\u2019s just a necklace, and he ran away immediately. When I gave this necklace to him before, he wasn\u2019t this shy,\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Count Unobert said, his expression showing a hint of pride.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cHowever, it seems I misunderstood. Wangxing apparently treated it as an ordinary accessory. Could it be that this piece has become part of his life? I\u2019m truly honored\u2014after all, I thought he had thrown it away long ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

After a few sentences, seeing Semos didn\u2019t respond, Unobert stopped, ending his childish display.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He smiled victoriously and said to Semos: \u201cLord Semos, I hope you enjoy your meal today. I\u2019ve already settled the bill. The company has matters to attend to, so I\u2019ll take my leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Count Unobert bowed elegantly and left the private room, leaving the cat-eyed man behind, seemingly stunned and wanting a moment of quiet.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Alina and the others prepared to leave as well, since the main participants had left, and there was nothing left to witness.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u2014But just as they were about to leave, another person entered the private room.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

This new person wasn\u2019t one of the two departing main figures, nor the two remaining people involved in the rumors. He was a man in a standard three-piece suit.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He focused on the neural interface, honestly translating the conversation.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cYoung master, the professors outside have left. Count Unobert didn\u2019t chase the young master of the Ye family. Should I handle the person from back then?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The assistant reported seriously.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Alina immediately realized this assistant belonged to Lord Semos, not sent by the Marshal to monitor his son.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The person mentioned for \u201chandling\u201d was likely the one who had independently given money to Ye Wangxing years ago.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Alina didn\u2019t care, as this was Semos\u2019 family matter. But hearing this, she felt like she had forgotten something.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u2018Could it be that the person being handled is related to their family?\u2019 <\/i>Alina wondered if her parents had ever mentioned it.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Her empty mind confirmed no relation.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

As she puzzled, the neural interface continued translating. Alina finally remembered what she had forgotten.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201c\u2026Understood, young master. I will follow your instructions. Should I also help bring back the young master of the Ye family to explain things properly?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The assistant asked sincerely.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cAfter all, Count Unobert isn\u2019t actually Ye Wangxing\u2019s partner, so there\u2019s still a chance for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Unexpectedly, the young master refused the proposal, instructing that the assistant must not disturb Ye Wangxing during this period.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201c\u2026After today\u2019s events, I\u2019ll personally invite him, but under no circumstances will I mention the necklace.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The man\u2019s beautiful cat eyes even showed nervousness.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

This surprised the assistant.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Meanwhile, Martha and Ye Bai, about to leave, froze, sensing something big was about to happen.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

And indeed:<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201c\u2026Years ago, I installed several tracking devices on Wangxing. That\u2019s how I knew he left this planet,\u201d Lord Semos admitted nervously.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cI reported this to Wangxing at the time, and he agreed. But our breakup was too sudden, he probably forgot that some gifts I gave him contained tracking devices. Don\u2019t remind him during this time!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The cat-eyed man\u2019s eyes turned sharp, glaring at the assistant like a wild feline.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cOtherwise, he\u2019ll recognize these items, similar to the necklace\u2014and return them to me! Understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The assistant had been curious about the necklace, but upon hearing his master\u2019s words, immediately took it seriously and nodded.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Outside, Alina and the others reacted.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201c\u2026Tracking devices? How did Ye Wangxing agree to this back then?\u201d Alina exclaimed, then looked at Ye Bai, who wore a face full of admiration.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Aha, case solved\u2014heritage in the genes.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Alina asked: “Martha, could the necklace be a tracking device? But Ye Wangxing doesn\u2019t seem like the type to run away over this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Watching Semos and his assistant leave, Alina realized it was finally over. She led them back while asking this.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Martha was still in a daze.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

She felt she had learned too much, and it had burdened her. She looked at Alina, still confused, and covered her face again.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Yes, in that sense, this was nothing compared to the necklace.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u2014But if the tracking devices pinged every ten minutes, this was far more thrilling than the necklace.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Martha thought to herself, again marveling: \u2018Those two really play a complex game.\u2019<\/i><\/span><\/p>\r\n

Meanwhile, an enraged Woden saw the trio slowly returning and immediately vented: \u201cWhat on earth happened? I asked you to come observe business negotiations, but you ran off mid-meal, and it took two hours! I finished my work before you even returned!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cIf you behave like this next time, don\u2019t even bother coming!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Woden shouted angrily at the three. Except for Ye Bai, who looked guilty, the other two regarded him with pity.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Woden tried to continue, but Alina interrupted harshly: \u201cSo, did you close the project? Or are you just biting everyone here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Martha added in time: \u201cJudging by his expression and the barely touched food, it seems he didn\u2019t succeed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Alina rolled her eyes at Woden: \u201cNo wonder you took it out on us innocent people. So our dear crown prince didn\u2019t even secure this tiny project?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cHis pride must have taken a huge hit, Your Highness. Want to go home and cry to your aunt about being bullied?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Alina\u2019s sarcastic remark triggered Woden\u2019s reflex\u2014he raised his hand to strike, but realized too late\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Alina was wearing a diving suit.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

This full diving suit, equipped for the underwater restaurant, had heavy ballast blocks. Woden\u2019s punch hit the block, not her, and the force recoiled painfully in his arm.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cHa, serves you right,\u201d Alina deadpanned, rolling her eyes again.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Ye Bai didn\u2019t dare blame anyone. He didn\u2019t mention Woden\u2019s arm, seeing him grimace in pain, not wanting to hurt his pride.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Instead, he comforted Woden: \u201cIt\u2019s alright, Your Highness. This project\u2019s failure doesn\u2019t matter, there will be another chance. Besides, you\u2019re only 24, the same age as my brother. You\u2019re still young. A few more years of learning won\u2019t hurt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Ye Bai spoke with a gentle, almost saintly expression, guiding the lost lamb.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

However, it was precisely Ye Bai\u2019s expression that made Woden feel even more humiliated.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201c\u2014Get lost! This time it was the clients\u2019 fault, not mine! Why did you insist on blaming me? You kept telling me to reflect, reflect, reflect! Were you some kind of parent from ancient society?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Woden shouted like a madman, then turned and left without looking back, leaving Ye Bai standing there with a sad expression.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Alina looked at Ye Bai in disbelief, sighed, and then patted his shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cIf it doesn\u2019t work out, Ye Bai, you should go home and learn from your brother how to speak\u2014being too blunt, especially with someone like Woden, really didn\u2019t please him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Ye Bai looked up at Alina and asked quietly: “Really? Is it because I spoke too bluntly? But he wasn\u2019t the kind of person who was perfect, right? I was trying very hard to express myself. Even if he wasn\u2019t perfect, I would still like him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Alina shrugged. \u201cThere lay the problem. Woden only liked people who pampered him\u2014but honestly, I didn\u2019t think he really liked you that much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Yet, the usually good-tempered Ye Bai once again firmly objected.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cNo! He liked me. He said it himself. He even told me a couple of days ago! There was no way he would lie to me!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Seeing Ye Bai like this, Alina\u2019s temper, which she had just suppressed, flared up again.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Just as they were about to argue, Martha spoke sharply: \u201cDid he like you the way Prince Janus liked your brother?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Ye Bai: \u201c\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Martha pressed the point: \u201cOr like Lord Semos? General Ortas? Or even Count Unobert?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Ye Bai fell silent.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

For the first time, he began to examine his own feelings.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He had never had a reference point before, but now, comparing his brother and the four others, Ye Bai realized for the first time that something seemed off about his relationship with Woden.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Even with breakups and class differences, those four, in all the situations he had witnessed\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u2014Did they ever say anything to belittle his brother?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Woden didn\u2019t know, but after he left, Ye Bai began to examine their relationship under the perspective of his close friends and his brother.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He angrily got into his flying car and headed toward the palace.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Yes, he planned to explain to his mother exactly why he had failed this time.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

As for the reason, it was definitely not what his hot-tempered cousin claimed\u2014that he wanted to cry to his mother because everyone was bullying him.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He merely reported to his mother normally, kids always thought that reporting to parents was tattling.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Woden thought this but his face grew even redder. Fortunately, no one could see him, and he gradually composed himself.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

During the ride, he also determined the reason for the project\u2019s failure.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Anyway, the responsibility was definitely not his. The clients couldn\u2019t understand young people\u2019s way of thinking, and such clients\u2019 companies would inevitably be eliminated by the tides of the times.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Thinking this, Woden felt even more justified and even vented his anger on the officials who had gone bungee-jumping in space for team-building with him but then refused to come to work.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Such team-building activities clearly allowed people to appreciate the beauty of life, the truth of living, and strengthened colleague cohesion. After all, they had jumped together\u2014it was like risking life together\u2014but\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n

They didn\u2019t appreciate such a good team-building project!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The more Woden thought about it, the angrier he became. Coupled with the project\u2019s failure today, his mood grew increasingly unstable.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

When he reported to the Emperor, his angry voice filled the entire study.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201c\u2026Mother, this was absolutely their fault. Their thinking was outdated, they couldn\u2019t keep up with the times, and they couldn\u2019t accept new things\u2014such companies would inevitably collapse!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Woden shouted angrily and didn\u2019t notice his mother sitting behind the desk, rubbing her temples in headache.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The Empress, who had never bowed her head in her life, was finally overwhelmed by her own son.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Actually, the project was very simple. Even a maid could handle it perfectly, the Empress thought.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

It was just signing a contract with a client who had already been briefed, not sending him to the heavens or to another planet to expand business!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

If her inexperienced son had gone on those projects, it would have been a disaster!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

It was really just an ordinary palace procurement project! Even a dog could sign it, all he needed was a paw print!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

But look at what her foolish son actually did.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He took people to the coral reefs in the deep sea, to eat some underwater restaurant\u2019s specialty food?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Or food that had to be consumed through a feeding tube? That was pure torment!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Just thinking about it raised the Emperor\u2019s blood pressure.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

She originally wanted to comfort her foolish son a bit. After all, he was foolish but still a normal person, at least he hadn\u2019t broken the law, just dumb.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Moreover, when he had failed projects before, he had returned with a forlorn expression, as if society had beaten him up, which had stirred her maternal instinct. But now\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Hearing Woden\u2019s angry tone and completely outrageous words, the Empress finally lost patience.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cWoden Eric! You scoundrel! Shut your mouth!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The Empress rarely shouted like this after ascending to the throne, and she was shouting at her own son.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

This shocked Woden.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cI tell you bluntly: the reason this project failed was entirely your fault. Your arrogance and foolishness ruined it! The clients had cooperated with the palace for many years without any problem, and the only variable was you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The Empress scolded him without restraint.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cYes, only you were the variable! So everything was your fault, not the clients\u2019! I had preserved your pride before and didn\u2019t tell you, but now I had to correct your mistaken ideas!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cAll your so-called ingenious ideas were rubbish!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The Empress said sternly: \u201cNo one liked bungee-jumping from high altitudes, except some thrill-seeking young people, and they obviously wouldn\u2019t enjoy going bungee-jumping with colleagues during work team-building.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cEspecially the officials, many of whom were older, nearly at retirement age. Taking a group of middle-aged and elderly people to such a thrilling activity, it was normal that they didn\u2019t want to go. Your complaints were worthless!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

That afternoon, the Empress scolded Woden for three hours without restraint.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

From his projects to his conduct, even his attitude toward Ye Bai was criticized.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The Empress no longer cared about Woden\u2019s pride or other issues. She had previously focused too much on his pride and psychological safety, which led to his arrogant attitude.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Anyway, the Emperor had already arranged a world-class psychologist to ensure Woden wouldn\u2019t commit suicide.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

As for whether Woden would hate her?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

She was prepared, if he hated her, fine. The throne\u2019s succession was a separate matter.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u2014She was only sixty, in her prime, and could have another child later if needed.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

But the Empress didn\u2019t want to do that. Woden was the result of her education, and his current state was partly her own responsibility. Unless Woden was beyond saving, she didn\u2019t want to use him like a tool and discard him.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Of course, she still had time and was an actual power-holding Emperor, otherwise, she would have had a second child already.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

With this in mind, after scolding Woden, she gave him one last learning opportunity.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u2014She assigned Woden to the upcoming logistics and poverty-alleviation joint project.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Of course, he had no real authority. At most, he collected data, which AI could do, so all his employees were AI.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The living people he could contact were mostly his superiors. The few other team leaders either had real authority or\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The Emperor squinted at the documents she had just retrieved.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Among them, a young man, like a little animal, stood out.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u2014If he were put into this project to coordinate and collaborate, he might create a surprisingly effective synergy.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Moreover\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The Emperor\u2019s lips curled, and a gossip-like sparkle appeared in her eyes as she pulled up another document.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Looking at her niece in the document, the Emperor murmured: \u201cYou must bring me the latest news, Alina.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Woden didn\u2019t know his mother\u2019s mischievous tastes. He returned to his palace in a daze and collapsed on the bed.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He couldn\u2019t accept his own flaws, even wondered if someone had bewitched his mother to treat him this way. But\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Woden did not want to admit that his mother had been handling affairs normally and brilliantly carrying out the joint poverty-alleviation and logistics project.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

If he admitted that she was sane, then putting him on this project to run errands was correct.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He didn\u2019t even have a single human employee under him. When he wanted to assert authority as a high-ranking official, he could only see AI employees before him.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

They worked diligently, anyone trying to bother them would be insane.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

At first, Woden didn\u2019t give up. He thought he wasn\u2019t asserting authority, he was reviewing other human employees\u2019 work progress to help his peers.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He succeeded, but the good times didn\u2019t last\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cYo, yo, yo, isn\u2019t this my cousin, the prince? How did you finally emerge from the shadow of failing every project before? This perseverance is something we should learn from.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Woden was guiding employees when he heard his extremely annoying cousin approaching, full of sarcasm.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He didn\u2019t know why Alina appeared in this project, she was a spoiled rich girl! She had never led a project!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Even if he had failed more times before, he had projects he had actually signed! Why did their mother put Alina here?!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cI came to ask Aunt to guide me. I\u2019m about to take over mother\u2019s projects, so my resume has to look good. Even as a puppet, it should be the prettiest puppet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Seeing Alina so confidently say this, Woden was incredulous.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

How could she say such shameless things? Didn\u2019t she want to achieve something?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201c\u2026Unlike you, I understood my abilities clearly. If my money wasn\u2019t squandered, I thanked the heavens. Unlike you, giving money away everywhere.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cHave you thought about how your employees see you?\u201d Woden asked incredulously.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cI gave them fair pay, let them have afternoon tea freely, and provided all kinds of welfare. They gave me results during work hours. Why should I care what they think?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Alina looked at Woden blankly.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cAs long as they didn\u2019t betray the country and delivered results on time, even if they left, I could find someone to perfectly replace them. Why should I care what they think? Am I insane?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Woden: “…”\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Woden felt defeated and retreated to his office, not coming out for a while.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Alina, however, hid her blank expression, snorted, and ordered milk tea for the disturbed employees, then sent a big red envelope to the harassed employee.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Seeing the employees happy, Alina returned to her office in a great mood, just in time to see Ye Bai sitting dazed.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cWhat happened? Were you discouraged by Woden?\u201d Alina teased.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Ye Bai shook his head weakly. \u201cNo. I just went with my brother to the military department\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t that General Ortas\u2019 territory? You wouldn\u2019t have been bullied following your brother. Why do you look so discouraged?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Alina worried.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cMy brother went to discuss guarding the files with General Ortas and told me to wait outside. When he came out, he said next time I should go\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cWhy? Wouldn\u2019t it be better for him to go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Alina asked in confusion. Ye Bai nodded vaguely.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cYes, but my brother said General Ortas\u2019 work efficiency was too slow. Even if the contract wasn\u2019t important, it still needed confirmation. So I went to ask General Ortas what happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He had really mustered courage to protect his family, but\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Ye Bai said softly: “General Ortas said, \u2018\u2026You only kissed a few dozen times but only read three pages of the contract?\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Alina: \u201c\u2026What?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

Support translation:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\"This<\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n

<\/p>\r\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Martha, on the side, also spoke in shock: \u201c\u2026How long had it been since I last saw such an authentic palace intrigue plot?\u201d \u201cThose directors all tried to please the ugly sons of those capitalists. I just wanted to watch a normal palace intrigue story without a male protagonist\u2019s halo, but I didn\u2019t expect to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7815,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[118],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8029","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a-love-struck-brain-is-nothing","entry","has-media"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ontimestory.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20250409131120_300_420.jpeg?fit=300%2C420&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8029","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8029"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8029\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8030,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8029\/revisions\/8030"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7815"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8029"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8029"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8029"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}