{"id":8042,"date":"2026-07-01T08:26:26","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T06:26:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/?p=8042"},"modified":"2026-07-01T08:26:26","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T06:26:26","slug":"a-love-struck-brain-is-nothing-in-the-face-of-melodrama-chapter-70","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/2026\/07\/01\/a-love-struck-brain-is-nothing-in-the-face-of-melodrama-chapter-70\/","title":{"rendered":"A Love-Struck Brain Is Nothing In The Face Of Melodrama &#8211; Chapter 70"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Although the four had not arrived yet, news of their attendance at the ball had already been posted on the royal spokesperson\u2019s account. How could that not excite all the men and women present?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Alina watched many people at the banquet whispering and discussing the events of that day, her eyes full of curiosity, and she felt a little proud.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">After all, even if the knowledge of everyone present were combined, they still did not know as much as she did.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">She thought this while accepting the attentive service of other friends.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">A round-faced girl, with a flattering expression, approached Alina and said: \u201cGood, Alina~ just tell us, what exactly happened after the livestream ended that day? And did Ye Wangxing really\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">As the girl spoke, she started winking and gesturing at Alina. Although she had a cute face, her expression suddenly looked somewhat sleazy.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Others quickly joined in, all giving puppy-eyed looks, begging Alina silently with their gaze.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">They all knew whose ex-boyfriends those few people were. So when the livestream ran into trouble, while the viewers panicked, they remained calm, holding all the leverage.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">They even mocked Woden, treating him like a naive kid who had never seen the world, screaming in shock over a few words.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Until the information revealed in the livestream surpassed what they had known.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Alina looked at her friends\u2019 pleading eyes and felt the intensity of the massage she was receiving. Finally, she raised her chin and mercifully told them the aftermath of the livestream.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">From the moment Ye Wangxing covered the post until he never returned to the project office, to the confirmation of the hickeys on that day, Alina spoke cheerfully, and her friends listened in shock.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Now I understand why those few were photographed recently looking like they could grace a magazine cover,\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">the girl murmured.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">So it had been a contest of beauty all along!<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The girl snapped back to reality and looked at the ambitious men and women around her, her gaze now full of pity.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">However, the officials and elite men and women present did not feel disappointed. They all stared at the four golden bachelors, their eyes full of competitive spirit.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Under the determination of these men and women, the atmosphere of the ball became tense. Though they continued talking with others, their peripheral vision never left the door.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">By the time, it was nearly the moment for the four to enter.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Soon after, a group of people appeared at the door. The eyes of all the men and women present lit up, and then\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">They saw the Minister of Finance entering the ballroom, arm in arm with his wife.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Two children followed behind them.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Although the eldest Ye son was also considered a prime bachelor, and the Finance Minister\u2019s family had a normal family atmosphere, the men and women present still sighed.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ahh\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Finance Minister: ?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The many sighs left the Minister confused. Fortunately, he soon understood the situation, which made him chuckle helplessly.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">These young people, really\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The Finance Minister shook his head, smiling as he spoke with the Deputy Minister. He noticed his youngest son running excitedly toward Crown Prince Woden.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai, as usual, chased after Crown Prince Woden as soon as he arrived at the banquet.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">However, due to the Crown Prince\u2019s recent bad temper, he did not approach immediately, only watching Woden with a saddened expression.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Combined with his delicate, doll-like face, everyone nearby glared at Woden with disapproval.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">In the interstellar era, the Emperor could at most reduce an official\u2019s score via the central brain. Want to take their lives?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Impossible. Every life was precious. Even the Emperor could not arbitrarily take one. Since life could not be deprived, and since the current Emperor would not punish someone over a glance, why not scold Woden?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">So, even though veins bulged on Woden\u2019s fist, he still held onto his female companion and did not look at Ye Bai.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The Finance Minister also ignored Ye Bai\u2019s masochistic display.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">He knew it was impossible to call Ye Bai back now. It was better to let him stay near Crown Prince Woden. After all, with so many people present, the Crown Prince certainly would not harm Ye Bai. Woden had caused a huge commotion previously, and now it was time to regain public favor.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The Finance Minister thought numbly. But when he shifted his gaze to his obedient eldest son behind him, he felt no relief.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Instead, he began to worry.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">He remembered something\u2014<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Tonight, all four men would be present. Would his son mess up?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The thought made the Finance Minister tense. With his eldest son\u2019s puzzled gaze on him, he looked at the crowds and the drones filming, and dared not discuss the four men with his son.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">He could only pray that the four would be busy and not watch the recent livestream.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">While the Finance Minister prayed, another figure approached the wide-open doors of the banquet hall.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">This time, the crowd was less tense but still watched with their peripheral vision.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">And this time, their anticipation was not in vain.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The moment they saw the newcomer, many men and women sighed in admiration.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Truly, he was the most handsome man in the entire Empire.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The newcomer was tall, standing around 1.9 meters, like a walking fortress of hormones.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">He wore a deep gray suit, cut sharply like the streamlined lines of a warship, perfectly fitting his awe-inspiring physique. Broad shoulders and a narrow waist, his muscles subtly visible under the fabric, radiated restrained power, as if he could charge into an interstellar battlefield at any second.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">His tight waist contained incredible explosiveness, and the tailored trousers outlined his firm buttocks and long straight legs perfectly.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">His deep green eyes resembled a hunting python, yet in the next moment, they looked like a hidden spring in bloom, shifting with a blatantly seductive intent.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The most eye-catching detail was the golden serpent ring on his index finger. The coiled serpent, with intricately carved scales, reflected mysterious light under the lamps, polished to a brilliant shine\u2014a clearly cherished possession.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Everyone admired General Ortas\u2019s attire that day, but Martha frowned.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">She felt that something was off and said to Alina: &#8220;\u2026Why does he seem so flirtatious tonight?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Alina looked at Martha with slight confusion and said: &#8220;When has General Ortas ever not been flirtatious?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">True.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Martha nodded, still frowning, but she continued to feel that something was not quite right.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Just as she tried to organize her words, other friends interrupted them first.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">They said in shock,<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Why would you think General Ortas is flirtatious every day?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Alina and Martha fell silent.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Yes, when had that impression even formed?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Probably because we only looked at three pages of the contract that day,\u201d Alina said solemnly.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Martha nodded along with her.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Other friends: ?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Before anyone could ask further, Martha seemed to remember something and gestured with her hands.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">I remember now. Previously, his flirtatiousness had little aggression, but today it feels like his entire body is bursting with hormones\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Before Martha could finish, they saw General Ortas, exuding hormones, notice someone and walk decisively in one direction.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">They saw him stop in front of the Finance Minister\u2019s family.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The Finance Minister looked as if he was about to faint, but his wife remained calm and exchanged a formal greeting with General Ortas.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Remarkably, General Ortas restrained his hormones and performed the greeting properly.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Then he moved close to the eldest Ye son.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The previously restrained hormones burst forth completely, bombarding the Ye eldest son.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Alina watched as the young man blushed deeply.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">General Ortas seemed satisfied with the effect. With a faint, mischievous smile on his thin lips, he leaned close to the young man\u2019s ear, whispered a few words, then embraced him.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The young man was nearly overwhelmed.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Fortunately, General Ortas seemed to remember the occasion and did not overstep. After the embrace that enveloped the young man, before leaving, he lightly touched the back of the young man\u2019s hand.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">He even added a meaningful look.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Alina watched the entire sequence of General Ortas\u2019s actions until he left, then said: \u201cYou were right. He really is flirtatious tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Alina looked at the young man, whose blush had not faded, and spoke to Martha beside her.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Martha regained her composure. She had a premonition that a grand performance was about to unfold tonight.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Prepare yourselves, friends. Tonight will definitely be a sleepless night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Although Martha and Alina had judged General Ortas this way, only someone like Alina, who knew the truth, would perceive his actions as ambiguous.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Those who did not know the truth would only wonder when the eldest Ye son had established a connection with General Ortas.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">After all, all of General Ortas\u2019s actions remained within social norms. Even the hug was brief and proper.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">And the young man\u2019s blush seemed natural\u2014who wouldn\u2019t blush when embraced by General Ortas?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Soon, those unsure if they were overthinking or convincing themselves sensed that something was off with the young man.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">After all, why did all the protagonists from the rumors immediately approach the Finance Minister\u2019s eldest son upon entering?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The second to enter was Lord Semos.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The moment he arrived, the surrounding air seemed to drop several degrees. Tall and lean, he wore a steel-gray suit that covered him completely, with minimalistic lines and no unnecessary decoration. The fabric was stiff and matte, exuding a distant, unapproachable aura, perfectly matching his usual icy demeanor.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">His hair was neatly combed back, revealing a smooth, full forehead, not a strand out of place, which made him appear even more stern and serious.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">However, such a serious Lord Semos seemed to melt like ice when he faced the eldest son of the Minister of Finance, even wearing a smile on his face.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Even his beautiful cat-like eyes looked somewhat pitiful.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">After Lord Semos lingered, talking to the Minister of Finance\u2019s young master for quite some time\u2014enough that even people unaware of the situation felt the word fit\u2014he turned to leave, and his face returned to its icy expression.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Everyone present began to speculate, though some people simply could not read expressions anywhere.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Lord Semos unceremoniously scolded the approaching person harshly, then turned toward the people from the research institute.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">This contrast of extremes left the onlookers stunned. The crowd started murmuring again, but this time, all eyes turned toward Ye Wangxing.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The Marshal, however, did not notice anything unusual. He was chatting with the Minister of Finance but did not see that the minister\u2019s face had begun to pale.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">What followed made the minister\u2019s face look even paler, almost as if he had a single breath left.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Fortunately, Count Uno\u2019s arrival temporarily silenced the crowd. Tonight, he wore a custom deep-black suit, its texture like the finest dark matter in the night sky, silently exuding nobility.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The handcrafted patterns appeared faintly under the light, hinting at luxury hidden within restraint. Though he was already forty, time had given him a mature and captivating charm, with no sign of fatigue, only a rich allure.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The suit featured a classic British peak lapel, sharp and structured lines outlining his broad shoulders perfectly. The tailored waist subtly showcased a firm midsection, not overly tight, yet revealing years of disciplined self-care.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The trousers fell straight, slightly covering polished leather shoes that gleamed with every step. Each step was steady and confident, without a hint of haste.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u2018<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><i>A perfect British \u201cdaddy\u201d style,\u2019<\/i> Ye Wangxing thought to himself. He could not believe 19 taste could be this refined.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Especially those golden, fluid-like eyes, Ye Wangxing momentarily felt as if 19 had appeared in real life.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">By the time Ye Wangxing realized it, his face had already turned red, before 19 even made a move.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The Minister of Finance, observing his own son, thought: &#8220;&#8230;&#8221;Could this be the boy\u2019s true love?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">While the minister pondered, Count Unobert walked toward him, exchanged a few polite words, and then took Ye Wangxing along, claiming he wanted to introduce him to some business partners.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The minister did not object, after all, his son was still young in politics. At least until he turned thirty and gained experience, he would be less vulnerable to manipulation.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Moreover, Count Unobert seemed well-matched with his son.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">His gaze toward partners was cold yet polite, softening only when looking at Ye Wangxing.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">As he guided Ye Wangxing through the crowd, he subtly shielded him from the pressing crowd and quietly asked if he felt tired.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">He displayed an unquestionable sense of control, but this was beneficial to Ye Wangxing. Mr. Ye certainly did not want to hear that his son had yet another boyfriend, just these four major figures were already overwhelming enough.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Yet\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">By the way, does Count Unobert even know how many ex-boyfriends Wangxing has\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Mr. Ye whispered to his wife.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Director Fei, already aware of the truth but powerless to intervene, looked gravely at his son and sighed deeply and long.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">All we can do now is pray.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Pray that it resolves peacefully?\u201d Mr. Ye asked in confusion.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Director Fei shook his head, his expression resolute.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Pray the palace survives.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Soon after, apart from the Emperor, all nobles arrived at the ball. Strangely, Prince Janus was absent.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Her Majesty has arrived\u2014!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The herald\u2019s voice made the guests bow as the Emperor\u2019s gown passed over the red carpet.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">When the Emperor finally sat on the throne, everyone looked up in shock.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Prince Janus stood beside the throne.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Guests bowed their heads, controlling their expressions to hide surprise, yet their gaze focused on one direction.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Woden pursed his lips, stiffly staring at Prince Janus standing next to his mother.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">He could not understand what was happening. Could his mother truly intend to interfere with his crown prince position?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">And the person she chose was Prince Janus?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Even the Emperor\u2019s announcement to start the ball did not improve his expression. \u2014And Prince Janus ignored Woden\u2019s approach, rushing instead to Ye Wangxing, which made Woden\u2019s face darken like the bottom of a pot.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The attendees lost all joy of the ball, wearing solemn expressions, wondering what was happening.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Everyone understood it as a signal.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">A very clear signal.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">They also knew that although the capital planet seemed colorful and vibrant, under the surface, tensions ran high.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Previously, something had happened in the palace, leading to martial law, yet neither commoners nor nobles had any information. They only knew that, due to the livestream incident, Crown Prince Woden had been beaten by the Emperor.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Afterwards, the Emperor acted as if nothing had happened, stripping Woden of his position and arranging a tutor for him to continue studying.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">This left the nobles puzzled about the Emperor\u2019s intentions. Normally, the crown prince\u2019s mistakes would be met with loud reprimands, showing he had been punished, preserving the royal reputation while eliciting public sympathy.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">But now, the Emperor did nothing. Were the nobles to believe she considered the public outcry unimportant\u2014or\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">She was playing a very large game?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The nobles looked again at Crown Prince Woden, whose dark expression led their gaze to follow his line of sight.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Then they saw Prince Janus cheerfully circling the eldest son of the Minister of Finance.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The 19-year-old was tall and strong, like a young wolf king just grown. His fitted suit highlighted his broad shoulders and narrow waist, muscles subtly visible under the fabric, exuding youthful energy.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The open collar revealed a small patch of tanned skin, his Adam\u2019s apple moved as he spoke, full of innocent yet alluring masculine charm.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">His slightly silly expression, combined with clear, icy-colored eyes, slightly ruined the atmosphere. Fortunately, his physique compensated.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">However\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Everyone felt this scene seemed familiar.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">And this person seemed familiar too\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Smart attendees quickly realized the key, and someone in the crowd whispered shakily: \u201cDo you think\u2026 all four ex-boyfriends could be the same person\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">How likely?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Shh\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Everyone gasped.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">They immediately forgot the signal from the Emperor and began scrutinizing the four men.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Yet, since it was a royal ball, their actions were not exaggerated.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Still, the tense atmosphere made some timid guests sit in corners, afraid to approach.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Zhang Qi was one of them, hiding in a corner, fearful of being caught in that strange tension.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Watching online gossip was one thing, offline, it was terrifying.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Until her cousin came to pull her along, she reluctantly left the corner.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">She had not wanted to come, being a commoner, but coincidentally had an aunt married into a noble family.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Her aunt had risen through skill and scheming and now managed the noble family\u2019s company.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The aunt happily supported their relatives, hoping someone capable would arise to help her gain more resources.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Zhang Qi had learned of a good internship opportunity within Count Unobert\u2019s group thanks to her aunt\u2019s support and had successfully passed the probation period.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">So when her cousin was sent into the royal ball, Zhang Qi naturally agreed to watch over her, ensuring no harm from other nobles.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Zhang Qi disliked the atmosphere, but her cousin thrived in it, making Zhang Qi admire her aunt\u2019s child.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Cousin, why are you here? Come meet more people!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Seeing her cousin hiding in the corner, her cousin scolded her silently: \u201cThis is a great opportunity! All top nobles are here. Even if you don\u2019t plan to marry, at least make connections. You never know when a brief meeting will matter!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">When Zhang Qi followed her cousin\u2019s advice, she stared at the four glowing figures. Her cousin tugged her lightly and whispered: \u201cStop staring. Those people aren\u2019t within our reach right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Zhang Qi snapped out of it and shook her head furiously: \u201cI\u2019m not coveting them, I was just curious from watching the livestream.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Her cousin relaxed and added: &#8220;Who wouldn\u2019t be curious? Especially dressed like that today. Let\u2019s stay low-key and avoid that whirlpool, political scandals often hide behind rumors.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Zhang Qi nodded quickly, keeping her face down, afraid to glance over. Her cousin sighed in relief that she obeyed, at least not aiming to climb the social ladder.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Her cousin also planned to introduce Zhang Qi into the Crown Prince\u2019s circle.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Even though he had declined, his resources were still unimaginable to ordinary people.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">And the Crown Prince, though arrogant, was easy to appease for investments.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Just then, a loud bang occurred, followed by chaos.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">When the crowd dispersed, Zhang Qi and her cousin were stunned.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Crown Prince Woden was holding an empty wine glass, splashing it forward.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The person drenched was his fianc\u00e9, Ye Bai, falling in disbelief, covered in red wine.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">His head was tilted to one side, looking as if he had been struck.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">That was indeed Crown Prince Woden\u2019s fianc\u00e9, Ye Bai.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Support translation:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/bePatron?u=25191841\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"217\" height=\"51\" class=\"wp-image-338 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ontimestory.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/become_a_patron_button.png?resize=217%2C51\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 217px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 217\/51;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ko-fi.com\/lajnaa\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ontimestory.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/kofi3-3.png?resize=185%2C47\" alt=\"This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is kofi3-3.png\" width=\"185\" height=\"47\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 185px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 185\/47;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n<p><!--EndFragment--><\/p>\r\n<p><!--EndFragment--><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Although the four had not arrived yet, news of their attendance at the ball had already been posted on the royal spokesperson\u2019s account. How could that not excite all the men and women present? Alina watched many people at the banquet whispering and discussing the events of that day, her eyes full of curiosity, and [&hellip;]<\/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-8042","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\/8042","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=8042"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8042\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8043,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8042\/revisions\/8043"}],"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=8042"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8042"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8042"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}