The man exuded an extraordinary handsomeness, his delicate facial features a masterpiece meticulously crafted by the divine. Amidst the gathering of men, none could rival his appearance, and the mere sight of him set the place abuzz.
“It’s His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!”
“Prince Diqin!”
“His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is really here!”
Amidst the excitement, Huang Quan turned to look. Their eyes met—a pair as deep as the night, long, narrow, and cold, devoid of warmth. Initially startled, Huang Quan soon witnessed a transformation. The coldness gave way to gentleness, the biting ice turning into clear and bright water. Ripples on the water’s surface captivated onlookers unconsciously.
The owner of those eyes averted his gaze, returning to his previous indifference as he descended the stairs. Step by step, he surveyed the crowd with a regal air, his domineering presence undeniable.
Huang Quan, with complicated emotions, watched as he reached the first level and took a seat next to the high priest. Nangong Mian, noticing her sister’s scrutiny, asked, “Quanquan, did he smile at you just now?” The smile, though subtle, stood out against his usual indifference.
Di Qin had been looking in their direction, witnessed by many sitting around Huang Quan. As Nangong Mian voiced the question, cheers erupted.
“Amian, it must be because your sister is so pretty,” remarked a familiar student.
Nangong Mian grinned, “Of course, my sister is the prettiest.”
“I surveyed the crowd, and while there are plenty of good-looking people, not many can compare to Huang Quan.” Apart from Huang Quan, only Feng Jiuyuan and Di Qin boasted such remarkable looks.
Some speakers failed to lower their voices, catching the attention of those in front of them. Students from the Imperial College turned around, curious to witness Huang Quan’s beauty for themselves. As they gazed upon her face, shock registered on their expressions. However, one person’s reaction went beyond surprise—it was fear. Although it swiftly vanished, the fleeting fear left its mark, evident to all as Huang Quan overlooked them.
It was Nangong Qingle, upon observing this reaction, she got curious on why she would display such fear upon seeing her. Their paths had never crossed before today, making such a reaction perplexing. Yet, it hinted at a possibility—perhaps there were connections between the Nangong family of Tianhuang and the Nangong family of the Tianqi Empire.
Huang Quan, astute as ever, chose to remain silent with the impending competition. Nangong Qingle, looking away, sat absentmindedly, pondering the uncanny resemblance.
Why the striking similarity?
Why did Di Qin smile at her?
The questions weren’t confined to Nangong Qingle; others openly and discreetly stared at her, fueled by curiosity. Huang Quan felt helpless under their scrutiny, as she, too, couldn’t fathom why Di Qin’s attention seemed fixed on her. Despite Di Qin’s undeniable attractiveness, Huang Quan’s heart belonged solely to Qin Qin.
Wait!
Qin Qin, Di Qin, Ye Qin?
“Why do they all bear the name Qin? And they are all so remarkably good-looking! Is it merely a coincidence?” Huang Quan pondered, raising her eyes before returning her gaze downward. This time, all she could see was a figure with their back turned.
Qin Qin’s status was undoubtedly noble. Could he be connected to Di Qin? Or perhaps, they were the same person?
No, that couldn’t be right. Di Qin didn’t exude the aura of death.
While Huang Quan contemplated these thoughts, the competition commenced.
