Ch75.2 - A New Perspective

Jian Mei still looked sulky.

Back at the dorm, Qiao wasted no time contacting his family. He asked his parents if they could reach his grandfather. When Qiao’s father heard that his son had somehow managed to transform a living person, he was utterly stunned. “You actually reached that level?”

Right now, only the old man could pull off something like that!

Even Qiao’s father himself struggled with transformation magic, so how did his son suddenly become this powerful?

Overcome with excitement, Qiao’s father exclaimed, “Son, you’ve really made something of yourself!”

“No, it’s not like that.” The burly Qiao was never good with words, and at this moment, he had no idea how to explain it either. He could only say, “Father, please just think of a solution first. My classmate is still stuck in animal form.”

Qiao’s father hesitated. “It’s not that I don’t want to help, but… your grandfather just left for an interstellar vacation not long ago!”

……

Qiao felt like he was on the verge of a breakdown. “So… what you’re saying is…?”

Qiao’s father sighed. “Just have your classmate endure it for now. Your grandfather isn’t the only one who can break our family’s illusions. There are plenty of extraordinary people in this world, and I do have some connections. I’ll ask around. If that doesn’t work, I’ll go there myself.”

Qiao quickly nodded. “That’s a relief.”

After ending the call, Qiao returned to the dorm, still unsure how to break the news to Jian Mei. Just as he was hesitating over how to explain, Nanfeng burst in from downstairs and called out, “Everyone, come out! The principal just announced that His Highness is coming to tour our old dorm!”

The entire dorm erupted into chaos.

Ying, usually carefree and messy, suddenly dashed back to her room and started frantically cleaning up. Nanfeng also bolted to his room to stash away a prohibited item. The once arrogant and unruly students, who usually strutted around like they owned the place, were now acting like nervous elementary schoolers about to face their strict homeroom teacher.

Before long, noises came from the dorm entrance.

The students quickly ran outside and lined up at the door. Looking toward the hot spring pool in the distance, they saw Lu Xingwang approaching alongside the principal. The two figures, so different yet equally imposing, walked in step—the principal, his full head of white hair a testament to his years, and Lu Xingwang, barely in his early twenties, exuding a presence just as formidable. As he advanced, an invisible pressure radiated from him, carrying an undeniable air of authority.

The principal glanced at them and asked, “Where’s Mei?”

The students exchanged uneasy glances, too afraid to answer.

After all, transforming a classmate into an animal—intentional or not—was a serious offense. Qiao was definitely in trouble, and as witnesses, they likely wouldn’t escape unscathed either.

Fortunately, no one outright betrayed him. After a long pause, Qiao sluggishly raised the cat and muttered, “Right here.”

The principal’s eyes widened in surprise. Intrigued, he took the cat for a closer look. However, since he wasn’t used to handling animals, he grabbed it with one hand—an awkward hold that was undoubtedly uncomfortable, if not outright painful.

Jian Mei let out a soft cry and used the principal’s hand as a springboard, leaping into the arms of the person beside him.

The movement was sudden, but the crown prince reacted swiftly, catching the cat with ease. Contrary to his usual strict and imposing image, he neither flinched nor handled the cat roughly. Instead, he steadied its posture, allowing it to settle comfortably in his arms.

A faint, refreshing scent lingered on Lu Xingwang’s body. Jian Mei had been a little frightened at first, but after rubbing against him once, he inexplicably felt at ease.

Qiao tensed—if Jian Mei didn’t know his limits and ended up scratching the crown prince, they’d all be doomed. He quickly called out, “Mei, come here, come to me.”

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Qiao immediately halted in his tracks.

As expected of the crown prince—so that was why he had been holding the cat all this time! Even after graduating, he still cared about his fellow students and the people. This level of responsibility was beyond their reach!

The principal turned to Qiao and asked, “Qiao, has your ability really reached this level?”

Qiao was completely at a loss. He quickly explained everything from start to finish. The situation boiled down to one issue: his grandfather wasn’t around, and while there were people capable of breaking illusions, finding someone who could undo one of this caliber wasn’t going to happen overnight.

The principal frowned in concern. “If someone remains trapped in an illusion for too long, it could have serious consequences.”

Jian Mei was startled and instinctively shrank closer to Lu Xingwang.

Lu Xingwang reached out his long, slender fingers and gently stroked the little cat’s head. His lips parted slightly as he spoke. “My father values talent, and over the years, the palace has gathered many skilled individuals. If the principal has no objections, allow me to take this student back to the palace with me. I will arrange for someone to treat him.”

The principal had no reason to refuse.

If a student ran into trouble right after enrolling, he’d be the one in hot water.

Qiao was relieved and overjoyed. “Meimei, you’re saved!”

Nanfeng let out a sigh. “Guess being a fool has its perks.”

Hearing this, Jian Mei bared his tiny fangs at Nanfeng in mock aggression. Just as Nanfeng was about to make a face at him, Lu Xingwang, who had been quietly watching the cat, suddenly raised his gaze slightly and shot Nanfeng a cold glance.

It was the kind of look that said: Sure, the little cub might be too weak to fight back, but the backer standing behind him isn’t someone you want to mess with. That single glance was enough to make Nanfeng shrink back.

The principal added, “Mei, you’re truly fortunate. Going back with His Highness is a great honor—remember to be grateful and mind your manners, understood?”

The little cat gave a small nod.

Since the dormitory inspection still had to be completed, even though a treatment plan had been settled, Lu Xingwang had to accompany the principal on his tour.

At first, Jian Mei did his best to stay awake and pay attention, but as the conversation droned on, sleepiness gradually crept up on him. Eventually, he curled into a tiny ball in Lu Xingwang’s arms, and before long, soft snores could be heard.

When Lu Xingwang finally wrapped up his schedule and returned to his carriage, A’Ruo was the first to step down. She leaned in slightly, and upon spotting a cat, her eyes widened in surprise. “Your Highness, where did this cat come from?”

Lu Xingwang replied, “I found it.”

…?

Found it? Where?

Since when do you even like cats?

Aruo swallowed her questions and tentatively asked, “Would you like me to hold it for you?”

His Highness had always preferred peace and solitude, so normally, he wouldn’t refuse. But to her surprise, he glanced down at the sleeping kitten in his arms and declined. “No need.”

……

Your Highness, something’s not right with you!

Aruo had a vague sense of déjà vu. The last time His Highness had acted this strangely was a long time ago—back when he had just been poisoned. At that time, he would often do things that were out of character. But that was nearly a year ago.

The carriage continued toward the palace.

A palace attendant sent a message. “Your Highness, the evening schedule has been arranged. Would you like to review it?”

This was the standard workload for Lu Xingwang.

But this time, he replied, “Cancel it. I have plans tonight.”

…?

The prince’s attendant stared at the message, utterly stunned.

Your Highness, isn’t it my job to handle your schedule? What could you possibly be busy with?!

For most people, “having plans” usually meant something personal—like a date.But Your Highness… you’ve been single for so many years, I can’t even imagine it, okay?!

As the carriage neared the palace, the kitten in Lu Xingwang’s arms still hadn’t woken up.

Lu Xingwang turned to Aruo. “Send someone to my father and summon Nangong Xun. Tell him it’s urgent.”

Aruo immediately responded, “Yes, Your Highness.”

“Wait.” Just as Aruo was about to leave, Lu Xingwang looked up. “Have the palace prepare some sweet fruits, fruit platters, and desserts—the same ones as before.”

Aruo froze.

Just like before, over a year ago, the palace always kept these treats on hand. His Highness didn’t like sweets, yet he would always have the kitchen prepare them regularly. No one knew who they were meant for, but many envied the recipient.

But after His Highness ascended the throne, he never ordered them again. From that moment on, he slowly changed—he was no longer happy. And when he wasn’t happy, Aruo wasn’t either.

Now, hearing those familiar words again, joy welled up in her heart. She immediately responded, “Yes, Your Highness!”

……

At dusk.

Inside the Crown Prince’s Palace.

Jian Mei slowly woke up, having dozed off without realizing it. Since arriving in this world, he had never slept well—if it wasn’t nightmares, it was waking up several times a night. He was exhausted, but there was no one he could tell.

Yet, for some reason, curling up in that embrace during the day made him feel safe. Sleepiness had crept up on him, and before he knew it, he had drifted off. Now, as he stirred awake, the sky outside had already darkened.

Jian Mei sat up slowly, hesitantly glancing around.

The room was completely unfamiliar—lavish and gilded in gold. Even the bed beneath him was enormous. Around him were mechanical displays whose functions he couldn’t begin to guess, along with delicate vases and gold ornaments that looked absurdly expensive. The entire space exuded an air of extravagant detachment.

Lowering his gaze, Jian Mei found that he was no longer in his cat form—he had returned to his original body.

“I’m back?” he murmured, still groggy. Just then, voices drifted in from outside.

Nangong Xun’s voice carried over. “That illusion spell was tricky to undo, but lucky for him, he ran into me. There aren’t many people in the world who can break their family’s illusion arts—I just happen to be one of them. In fact, when His Majesty summoned me to the palace back then, it was precisely because of my abilities. Trust me, I’d bet anything he’s awake by now.”

Just as they were speaking, they ran into each other.

Nangong Xun stood beside Lu Xingwang. Their gazes met, and for a brief moment, silence settled over the room.

“You’re awake?” Nangong Xun quickly walked over. “Do you feel unwell anywhere?”

Jian Mei shook his head lightly, his gaze never wavering from Lu Xingwang. His round eyes fixed on the man before him—so familiar, yet strangely distant.

Worried that something might be wrong, Nangong Xun asked, “Do you remember your name?”

Jian Mei replied, “I’m Jian Mei.”

Nangong Xun smiled. Since the Crown Prince had brought him back, they must have known each other. He gestured toward the person behind him. “Then do you know who he is?”

Jian Mei lifted his head, meeting Lu Xingwang’s eyes. Most people looked at Lu Xingwang with layered emotions—some in awe, some in reverence, others with hostility or hidden intentions. But Jian Mei’s gaze was different—soft, damp, reflecting only Lu Xingwang’s image with quiet clarity.

He was sure he hadn’t mistaken him, yet at this moment, doubt crept in. “I…I don’t know…”

“Then let’s get to know each other.” Lu Xingwang stepped forward, stopping just in front of Jian Mei. The proud crown prince bent slightly at the waist and said, “My name is Lu Xingwang.”

A shimmer of tears surfaced in Jian Mei’s eyes. His lips quivered, but no words came out.

“You can also call me Lu Dazhuang.” At those words, Jian Mei’s head snapped up in shock. A rare gentleness softened Lu Xingwang’s face, his deep voice carrying a quiet warmth. “It’s good to see you.”

Tears slipped down Jian Mei’s cheeks in an instant.

Lu Xingwang reached out, the rough pads of his fingers gently brushing them away. His voice was low and soft. “Have you been doing well?”