Chapter 650: Dragon

This is...

Holding a hand-drawn ticket painted with watercolors depicting a hazy starry sky, with a tiny rose emblem in the corner, Li Ang asked, puzzled:

"You mean... the Princess invited me to watch a play?"

"Yes."

After stealing a curious glance at the ram's head on Li Ang's desk, the maid sent by the Princess bowed slightly, her demeanor respectful:

"Master Wang Erde's Morning Star Troupe will perform his most classic play today at the Central Cross Theater — an extremely rare opportunity.

Princess Veronika greatly admires Master Wang Erde's works, and upon hearing this news, she immediately thought of you, so she hopes you can spare some time this afternoon to accompany her to watch the Morning Star Troupe's performance."

"..."

I don't believe your ghost!

Recalling how he'd been bamboozled during their previous engagement breakup, Li Ang's expression darkened slightly, his instincts instantly on guard.

A super workaholic who turns his bedroom into an office, whose shelves hold nothing but files and not a single leisure book — could he possibly be a theater enthusiast?

Don't make me laugh!

Anyone with half a brain can see this invitation is clearly not what it seems — she's 100% targeting you!

With his exceptional vigilance, Li Ang instantly recognized the "murderous intent" behind the ticket and shook his head, returning it.

"Please tell her I'm planning to work overtime today."

When I suddenly showed up to break off our engagement without warning, I certainly caught her off guard — yet even then, she tricked me into nearly signing the papers on the spot.

This time she's clearly prepared — if I dare go with her to the play, next will be dinner, shopping, buying clothes, strolling the streets, admiring the scenery... hey, it's already so late, why don't you just stay over tonight — and before I know it, I'll be completely trapped!

If I watch this play, I won't be coming back!

"Your Grace, please don't refuse so hastily."

As if expecting this reaction, the maid who delivered the ticket didn't look surprised by Li Ang's refusal; instead, she smiled softly:

"Your sister Anna has physically recovered, but after being ill for so many years, her health remains fragile and requires careful treatment. Princess Veronika happens to know the best alchemists in the entire capital..."

Hearing this, Li Ang frowned:

"So her meaning is — if I want to help Anna with her health, I must accompany her to today's play as payment?"

"No! No! You mustn't misunderstand!"

The maid quickly shook her head:

"Princess Veronika says she already made a similar mistake in front of you once, and she will never repeat such a mistake again — from now on, she will deal with you honestly, without any hidden schemes.

Whether or not you attend today's play, Anna's health will receive the best possible treatment — Anna's condition has nothing to do with her invitation to you. Princess Veronika already sent someone this morning to summon the alchemists."

"..."

"Moreover, in addition to arranging Anna's treatment, she is currently contacting several senior tutors to ensure your brother and sister receive the best possible education without changing schools."

And beyond that, next year's budget for the Clearance Bureau will be maximally increased, and so on — Princess Veronika told me these are not gifts or attempts to flatter you, but apologies for what happened before.

At the time, she acted out of desperation and used some unsavory tactics against you; she feels deeply ashamed and wishes to do something for you to make up for her mistake, and hopes you won't refuse — give her a chance to make amends."

"..."

Is she making amends to me? She's welded this ticket straight onto my hand!

After hearing the maid's "message," Li Ang sighed deeply, realizing he had no choice but to attend the play this afternoon. In just one night, the Princess had already done so much — and to spare his pride, she refused to acknowledge even a hint of favor or kindness, insisting these were merely corrections for her past error, hoping he'd grant her a chance to make up for it...

She's gone this far, lowered herself this much — how could I possibly refuse to even watch a play with her?

"Alright..."

Again targeting the people he cared about most, showing maximum sincerity, then lowering her stance without demanding anything in return... it felt as if her every weakness had been completely exposed to her...

Under the Princess's fierce assault, Li Ang — whose skin hadn't yet thickened to that degree — silently collected the ticket from his desk and prepared to bravely enter this dragon's den and tiger's lair.

"Actually... watching a play isn't so bad... Where do I find her?"

Seeing him reluctantly accept the ticket, the maid smiled gently, rose, bowed, and gestured toward the door with a graceful hand, answering softly:

"Princess Veronika's carriage is waiting right now on the main road outside the Clearance Bureau — you can go directly. She's probably already aboard, waiting for you."

"..."

So she's already come straight to my doorstep... So from the start, she knew that once I accepted these benefits, I'd be too embarrassed to refuse accompanying her to the play, right?

This woman... her mind may not be brilliant, but she truly understands human nature. After only a few brief encounters, she's already found the perfect way to control you.

Since resistance was futile, he might as well enjoy it. Completely orchestrated by the Princess, Li Ang took his "Dragon's Den and Tiger's Lair Pass" and left the Clearance Bureau, guided by the maid to the carriage parked at the intersection.

"Here! Here!"

Spotting Li Ang, Princess Veronika, dressed in a plush velvet gown, leaned out the carriage window and waved vigorously, then opened the door herself, shifting aside to make room, her eyes bright with delight:

"I thought you'd be angry with me and refuse to come with me to the theater... Li Ang, you're so good!"

"..."

You're so good... Stop it, please. This was all planned — given how busy you are, if you weren't certain I'd come, why would you waste time waiting here?

Though he saw through her little trick at a glance, seeing the radiant smile on her lovely, expressive face — lit up by his arrival — Li Ang's minor resentment over being forced to come vanished instantly, beyond his control.

How to put it... for some people, even if you know they're probably pretending, even if that smile isn't entirely real, you simply can't get angry at them.

In fact, thinking of how much effort she's put in, how many things she's done, just to earn your favor — you even feel touched, and despite knowing it's likely fake, you're willing to play the fool and go along with her performance...

Ugh! Li Ang, snap out of it! You can't be that fool!

Taking a deep breath of the cold air, he forcibly suppressed the flutter in his chest, then silently boarded the carriage and asked as calmly as he could:

"Princess Veronika, today..."

"Call me Veronika."

Sniffing her slightly reddened nose from waiting outside, Princess Veronika affectionately linked her arm through Li Ang's, her soft, pliant body leaning gently against him, her voice pleading:

"It's so cold today, Li Ang — can I lean on you for a moment? Just a little while!"

"..."

(End of Chapter)