{"id":8056,"date":"2026-07-10T09:03:06","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T07:03:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/?p=8056"},"modified":"2026-07-10T09:03:06","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T07:03:06","slug":"a-love-struck-brain-is-nothing-in-the-face-of-melodrama-chapter-74","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/2026\/07\/10\/a-love-struck-brain-is-nothing-in-the-face-of-melodrama-chapter-74\/","title":{"rendered":"A Love-Struck Brain Is Nothing In The Face Of Melodrama &#8211; Chapter 74"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Wangxing closed his eyes, and his mind went numb.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Good news: Ye Bai had given up on committing suicide.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Bad news: he still planned to fake his death to awaken Woden.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">A bunch of melodramatic future scenarios whirled through Ye Wangxing\u2019s mind.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Like Ye Bai faking his death, Woden regretting it, but discovering Ye Bai hadn\u2019t died and then, in anger, doing something irreversible to him.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Or Ye Bai faking his death, Woden regretting it, and then committing suicide, causing Ye Bai to regret it and also commit suicide.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">And so on\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">In Ye Wangxing\u2019s mind, sometimes it was a short social media post, sometimes a world classic, and by the end even \u201cRomeo, Romeo! Why are you Romeo?\u201d appeared.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Wangxing quickly shook his head, dismissing all the theatrical actors his mind had conjured.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u2018<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><i>No wonder my brain is full of this after performing high-intensity plays with 19 recently,\u2019<\/i> he thought.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">He recalled that he had been monitoring Ye Bai, dragging 19 everywhere to perform, writing countless scripts, and losing a huge chunk of brain cells. Ye Wangxing felt sorry for himself.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">He had almost strained his face these past few days, and even looking at 19 felt off. And what had he gained from it?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Wangxing opened his eyes. The morning sunlight outside the study was dazzling, yet he only felt a gray, bleak future.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">This future looked like it ended as soon as he glimpsed it.jpg<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">At that moment, 19 seemed to sense Ye Wangxing\u2019s mood and spoke appropriately.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">[Host, this is already a significant change for the destiny line. For a small-world destiny line of this difficulty, it doesn\u2019t play word games.]<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">[If it says let Ye Bai commit suicide, then it really means suicide. Now that Ye Bai has agreed to fake his death, it indicates the situation is turning for the better. After all, as the task difficulty increases, the synchronization between the small world\u2019s destiny line and the protagonist\u2019s thoughts also increases.]<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">19\u2019s calm but steady voice made Ye Wangxing calm down.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Indeed, this was his first time changing the original timing and scene of the destiny line, it was normal for problems to occur.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Moreover\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Wangxing reflected and realized that because the previous events had gone smoothly, he had become overconfident. Otherwise, he wouldn\u2019t have panicked and rushed to fix even minor deviations.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">In fact, as long as he observed quietly, and since 19 had taken over the intelligent robots around Ye Bai, Ye Bai\u2019s life would certainly remain safe.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u2018<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><i>So it\u2019s really because I got carried away when things went smoothly.\u2019<\/i><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Wangxing felt a little embarrassed and turned to express his gratitude to 19.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">[19! What would I do without you!]<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">19 heard his host\u2019s words of gratitude. Although the words were perfectly normal, he still didn\u2019t know why his mainframe felt like something furry had brushed against it.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Especially his CPU, which felt like it had been installed with a tactile module\u2014it felt ticklish.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Like in the previous world, when a passing little golden retriever brushed its head against him.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Wangxing didn\u2019t know that 19\u2019s CPU had started to heat up. He looked at Ye Bai in front of him, who had regained his composure.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai just wanted to fake his death. If His Majesty didn\u2019t approve, Ye Bai wouldn\u2019t do it, since that would count as deceiving the Emperor.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">As long as Ye Bai didn\u2019t fake his death, Woden probably wouldn\u2019t awaken. This version of Woden would purely consume his feelings toward Ye Bai.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">And when His Majesty eventually found a reason to strip Woden of his crown prince title, Ye Bai\u2019s feelings for Woden would probably be entirely exhausted.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Thinking of this, Ye Wangxing\u2019s eyes lit up, and the future seemed bright again.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">But as hope filled Ye Wangxing\u2019s face, Ye Bai\u2019s father remained furious.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai! Have you thought that faking your death would mean our family is deceiving the Emperor? And you still want to hold a funeral? His Majesty would definitely know if the youngest son of the Finance Minister\u2019s family died! You\u2019re driving our whole family to ruin!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Wangxing listened to his father\u2019s voice with concern and nodded in agreement.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Yet Ye Bai once again displayed his stubbornness regarding Woden. He looked his father in the eyes and said firmly: \u201cDad, I came to inform you, not to consult you\u2014and besides, His Majesty has already approved it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Before his father\u2019s hand could strike him, Ye Bai dropped a shocking revelation.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">What!\u201d x3<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai\u2019s parents sat on the sofa. Ye Wangxing stood behind them like a judge in a tribunal, while Ye Bai sat on the sofa recounting his previous visit to His Majesty.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">That\u2019s the situation. His Majesty also approved my idea.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai told everything about his visit to His Majesty, explaining that he wanted to give Woden one more chance. His Majesty didn\u2019t seem particularly pleased, only asking Ye Bai if he was certain.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">After Ye Bai confirmed again, His Majesty finally nodded in agreement.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">However, Ye Bai noticed the puzzled expression on His Majesty\u2019s face when looking at him. It seemed that His Majesty also wondered why he had such a thought.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai understood that His Majesty had already done her utmost for Woden\u2014she had truly exhausted all her efforts. But the future of the empire could not be left in the hands of a ruler like Woden.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">He also understood the puzzled look directed at him, a look he often saw in those around him.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">He just wanted to give Woden one last chance, and give their relationship one last opportunity.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Even if it ended tragically, he would have done his best.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">While Ye Bai was thinking this, his father and mother sighed deeply, but Ye Wangxing had recovered.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">After all, the destiny line had a significant impact on the protagonist, though it was hard to say whether Ye Bai\u2019s decision truly came from his own heart, since in real life Ye Wangxing had indeed encountered people of that temperament.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai\u2019s case was much lighter than that person\u2019s. At most, Ye Bai had tricked a few friends in the early stage, but when it came to the empire and his family, his mind was always alert.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Thinking of how his father had been tormented at 3 a.m., standing by his bed cosplaying a zombie, Ye Wangxing\u2019s gaze softened when he looked at Ye Bai.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">He even considered cooperating a little. As long as Ye Bai faked his death, Woden, following the destiny line, would certainly begin to regret his actions.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Moreover, once the tragic male lead in the short story began regretting it, he would become utterly frenzied.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">By then, the Emperor would likely have a legitimate reason to strip Woden of the crown prince title.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">With Woden no longer the crown prince, the Finance Minister\u2019s family and the avatars created by 19 could easily keep him in check.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Wangxing thought through this logic and realized it was feasible. He began to persuade Ye Bai\u2019s father and mother.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Dad, Mom, since His Majesty has approved, let Ye Bai try. Who knows, maybe Crown Prince Woden will genuinely regain his feelings for him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Upon hearing his usually reckless eldest son speak, Ye Bai\u2019s father widened his eyes. Before he could say: &#8220;How could Woden have any feelings for Ye Bai?\u201d he saw his eldest son lean between him and his wife, speaking quietly: <\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">In fact, His Majesty agreeing to Ye Bai\u2019s reckless action also indicates that His Majesty may indeed be very dissatisfied with Woden. If Woden reacts in a way that displeases His Majesty, there may be a reason to remove him from his position.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Listening to Ye Wangxing\u2019s calm and steady voice, Ye Bai\u2019s father sobered from his earlier frustration over his son\u2019s antics.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Indeed, His Majesty agreeing to let Ye Bai do this reflected a certain preference. And since their eldest son wouldn\u2019t stop until achieving his goal, it was better to let him do it and finally give up completely.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai\u2019s father exchanged a glance with Director Fei beside him, closed his eyes, sighed deeply, and nodded.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai nearly jumped from the sofa in excitement and quickly went to his room to plan his fake death.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">His eagerness to fake his death made Ye Bai\u2019s father and Director Fei sigh again.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u2018<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><i>At least Ye Wangxing can hold this family together.\u2019<\/i><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">As this thought crossed his mind, Ye Bai\u2019s father looked over and saw Ye Wangxing gazing at him warmly, appearing very reliable.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Yet, he didn\u2019t feel happy, only suffocated.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">His gaze wandered over the bracelet on his eldest son\u2019s wrist, the necklace around his neck, the newly pierced earrings, and the ring on his index finger.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">All the accessories matched his temperament and were very expensive.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">If they weren\u2019t gifts from his eldest son\u2019s lovers, he would have been even happier.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai\u2019s father waved his hand, sending his other troublesome son out of the room, then turned to Director Fei to vent.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s Mom\u2019s parenting or our genes, but why are both of them so entangled in love? When I was young, I wasn\u2019t like this at all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Though he controlled the empire\u2019s finances and usually maintained a stern demeanor, Ye Bai\u2019s father now looked utterly pained in front of his wife.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai is understandable, after all, he had a childhood engagement. His persistence toward Woden is normal, given the influence of the Emperor and society on his personality formation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">But Ye Wangxing\u2026 what\u2019s going on with him? Dating a few ex-boyfriends isn\u2019t a big deal, but why does he stay entangled with them after every breakup? He has delusions, and those guys still mess around with him. Don\u2019t they feel like Wangxing is playing them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai\u2019s father\u2019s expression of pain almost rivaled the Emperor\u2019s whenever their foolish son caused trouble.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Whenever I go to the Finance Ministry these days, I\u2019m afraid people will ask how I raised these two sons. It\u2019s not embarrassing, I really don\u2019t understand how they grew up like this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai\u2019s father looked distressed. Director Fei remained calm, she had seen many strange situations in her poverty alleviation work and kept her composure.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Although the brief flash of pain in her eyes suggested she wasn\u2019t entirely calm either.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">At least it shows both children are sincere in love, unlike other men who toy with women, abandon families, and hurt others.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Director Fei said this with wide eyes, making Ye Bai\u2019s father look at her in shock.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Wangxing\u2019s actions\u2014did they really count as \u201cnot harming others\u201d? At the royal banquet, the four were almost in tears.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ahem,\u201d Director Fei coughed, seeing Ye Bai\u2019s father\u2019s incredulous expression, and said somewhat helplessly: &#8220;Well, actually Ye Wangxing\u2019s matter did have a bit of an issue, but it wasn\u2019t serious.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Before Ye Bai\u2019s father could respond in disbelief, he heard Director Fei whisper: &#8220;After all, the incident with your mother back then was truly a big deal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Director Fei had only two fathers, and the one he referred to as \u201cmother\u201d could only be one person.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">My mother?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai\u2019s father asked in shock, pointing at himself.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Director Fei nodded affirmatively and summarized Ye Wangxing\u2019s situation: \u201cYe Wangxing probably took after his grandmother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai\u2019s father: \u201c\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Had his mother really been surrounded by all her ex-boyfriends for answers at a royal banquet?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Not that extreme\u2014though she was questioned one by one at her own celebration banquet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Director Fei enthusiastically shared gossip he had heard from the elders.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Back then, mother didn\u2019t choose wisely. When her many ex-boyfriends found out, they all left. But Ye Wangxing\u2019s vision is good\u2014none of his four intend to leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Director Fei looked oddly gratified.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">At least later, when I asked the military and royal family for money or personnel, I wouldn\u2019t worry about finding anyone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai\u2019s father, about to remark: &#8220;You call that good vision?\u201d fell into deep thought.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Come to think of it, perhaps he could also use this opportunity to push down military and royal funding.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai didn\u2019t know his parents were already calculating how to squeeze resources from the military and royal family because of his eldest brother. He excitedly discussed his plan with Alina.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">He opened a private room in the holographic network. No matter how far others were, they could enter via holographic projection and converse with him in real time.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">As soon as Alina entered, she heard Ye Bai excitedly grasp her hands.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Alina, I succeeded! His Majesty has approved my fake death plan, and my parents agreed after His Majesty\u2019s approval!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Alina had initially been confused. Once she realized what Ye Bai said, she felt uneasy.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Not His Majesty\u2019s approval\u2014how could she agree? And your parents didn\u2019t stop you?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Alina screamed.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Martha, who had entered behind her, also looked at Ye Wangxing in disbelief.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Alina, why are you reacting like this? Weren\u2019t you the one who suggested I go to His Majesty?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai asked Alina, puzzled.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">I did suggest that, but I never expected His Majesty to actually agree to your ridiculous plan!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Alina exclaimed in disbelief.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">She couldn\u2019t believe her aunt would agree to Ye Bai\u2019s absurd plan. Her agreement even gave Ye Bai confidence to confess to his parents.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai, slightly annoyed, said: \u201cHis Majesty didn\u2019t think my plan was ridiculous. I explained the situation, and she nodded in agreement. She even said she would help keep an eye on Woden!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Seeing Ye Bai so confidently justify himself, Alina\u2019s hands itched\u2014she wished she could pick up the teapot and knock some sense into him.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">But then she remembered this wasn\u2019t the real world\u2014it was holographic space. Throwing the teapot wouldn\u2019t wake Ye Bai.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Are you sure your aunt didn\u2019t express doubt or surprise but just happily agreed?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Alina questioned.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Her aunt never agreed to anything without benefit. Could she really be planning to interfere with Woden\u2019s crown prince position?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai remained oddly silent.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">After a moment, once Alina flopped onto the sofa like a triumphant peacock, Ye Bai reluctantly spoke: \u201cWhether or not His Majesty genuinely agreed, she already did. Help me see if my plan is feasible.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Alina and Martha exchanged a long sigh. They realized Ye Bai wouldn\u2019t stop until he succeeded, just like before when he tried to get close to Woden.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">No one around could oppose Ye Bai on Woden matters, yet they couldn\u2019t watch him jump into danger. Luckily, Ye Bai hadn\u2019t caused them too many troubles lately, so they finally agreed to help him review his plan.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Of course, Alina and Martha didn\u2019t agree for free.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">You must tell us how your brother\u2019s progress with those few has been.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">They asked, gossiping. Ye Bai looked puzzled.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">How would I know there was any progress with my brother and them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Alina and Martha exchanged a glance, realizing Ye Bai had likely been preoccupied with his fake death plan and hadn\u2019t paid much attention to Ye Wangxing\u2019s interactions with those four.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">During this period, Ye Wangxing and the four caused a huge stir online. Their past relationships and recent interactions on Capital Star were all exposed.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Wangxing\u2019s social media was now flooded with requests for him to write a book.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">But the five themselves remained quiet, unlike Woden, who constantly stirred up incidents, contacting ministers privately or trying to enter business.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Thinking of Woden, Alina shook her head to dispel the negative thought and exclaimed: \u201cDidn\u2019t you know your brother met a week ago? I remember the restaurant they went to\u2014it was the same one you went to with us!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Alina and Martha looked surprised.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">That day, they thought Ye Bai had already seen it, otherwise, why was his face so red?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">They had helped Ye Bai make excuses, thinking his blushing was normal. After all, when and Ye Wangxing tangled in the garden, Ortas pressed Ye Wangxing against the wall without hesitation.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Though it was just a kiss, the atmosphere and physical difference\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Alina and Martha had returned blushing, not their fault.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">I wondered why you were out so long that day, and you came back looking gossipy. I had to leave for something anyway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai said, suddenly remembering his brother had something extra on him that day.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">A ring! My brother\u2019s ring!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai said excitedly, almost scaring Alina and Martha.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">When Ye Wangxing returned that day, he had a delicate ring on his index finger. I checked\u2014it was made by a master, with expensive liquid metal used in mechas! It even had protective features.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Alina and Martha looked serious.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">They quickly asked Ye Bai questions based on gossip from the elite crowd.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">That day, did Prince Janus invite Ye Wangxing to see his mecha performance?\u201d Alina asked, recalling a friend in the elite group who saw Janus enter the lounge with Ye Wangxing.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Because of good soundproofing, she didn\u2019t hear anything, only saw them exit, Ye Wangxing tapping Janus.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Janus didn\u2019t get angry, he performed at his highest level that day.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai recalled: \u201cI went to school for materials that day, didn\u2019t notice much. My brother came back happy, with a new bracelet and a slightly swollen mouth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Alina nodded:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">A kiss, obviously! Prince Janus knows his moves!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Martha quickly asked: \u201cWhat about the day Count Unobert invited Ye Wangxing to his new restaurant?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Unobert behaved gentlemanly, but before leaving, kept Ye Wangxing in a corner for a long time. When Ye Wangxing emerged, he looked nearly cooked. Yet Unobert smiled happily, despite his broken lip.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">I knew that day. After our dinner, my brother had a new earring. I asked why, and his neck was red, saying a dog bit him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Seems that dog isn\u2019t young\u2026\u201d Martha smirked.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Alina excitedly said: \u201cLast one! Last one! The day Vice Dean Semos called him for the new exoskeleton test!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">I went with my mother, my brother was there too. He disappeared for a while, returned with a necklace. It was hot that day, I didn\u2019t understand why he buttoned his shirt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai became more animated, realizing: \u201cSo he went on a date with Semos\u2014my brother said a cat bit him!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Alina recalled Semos\u2019s height and remarked: \u201c\u20261.93m, that\u2019s a big cat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The three finally relaxed, even laughed. Alina and Martha lay back on the sofa, satisfied after consuming all the gossip.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">By the way, Ye Bai, who do you think will succeed in becoming your true brother-in-law?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Alina sat up, teasing Ye Bai.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">He shook his head that day. He didn\u2019t really know the men well, his interactions were limited to how they treated his brother.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">A week later, Ye Bai regretted not picking randomly.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">He watched the four men at his door, attending his brother\u2019s birthday banquet and still flattering him, looking utterly pained.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\">\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">No, if you give gifts, fine. But asking me which gift my brother liked? Really!<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Bai thought: <i>I should\u2019ve faked death sooner!<\/i><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u00a0<\/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>Ye Wangxing closed his eyes, and his mind went numb. Good news: Ye Bai had given up on committing suicide. Bad news: he still planned to fake his death to awaken Woden. A bunch of melodramatic future scenarios whirled through Ye Wangxing\u2019s mind. Like Ye Bai faking his death, Woden regretting it, but discovering Ye [&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_seo_schema_type":"","_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-8056","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\/8056","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=8056"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8056\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8057,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8056\/revisions\/8057"}],"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=8056"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8056"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8056"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}