A Sense of Foreboding
Nathan Ye leaned in, proudly showing off the sparse, malnourished fuzz on his bald head right in front of Martin Wu’s face. He happily stroked it a few times and added, “See? No matter how much you touch it, it won’t fall out. It’s solid! Just wait a few more months—once the hair here grows in, my baldness will be cured!”
Martin Wu stared awkwardly at Nathan Ye’s sparse scalp, thinking, Even if those little fuzzies grow out, it’s not like you’ll have much more hair!
But seeing Nathan Ye’s genuinely happy expression, Martin Wu didn’t have the heart to burst his bubble. Instead, he forced a smile and said, “Haha, congratulations, Minister Ye!”
"Hehehe! Once my baldness is gone, I’ll finally be qualified to pursue the girl I like." Nathan Ye muttered, his mind conjuring up the delicate face of April.
April was supposed to be his fiancée, but she’d run off because of his baldness. Once his hair grew back, he refused to believe that he, the dashing and elegant Nathan Ye, wouldn’t win back her heart!
"Ahem, Minister Ye, let’s get back to the engineering project." Martin Wu looked at Nathan Ye, feeling that something about him was just off. Only now did he understand the strange looks the Ministry of Works folks gave when they mentioned Nathan Ye.
Minister Ye really was acting bizarre!
Nathan Ye nodded enthusiastically, humming a little tune as he began discussing the project with Martin Wu. Martin soon realized that, at least when talking business, Nathan Ye was perfectly normal, so he joined in the planning.
Before they knew it, afternoon had arrived.
As soon as their discussion ended, Martin Wu thanked Nathan Ye, saying, “Thank you, Minister Ye. So our preliminary plan is set—we just need Chancellor Evans to review and give the final approval.”
“Alright, let’s head to the Palace of Qin.” Nathan Ye declared.
The two men left the Public Works Office and, after a short walk, arrived at the Palace of Qin—it was conveniently close.
Princess Jade Hayes was in her study at the moment. Nathan Ye and Martin Wu requested an audience and presented the proposal.
And that feeling was quickly confirmed, as Belle announced with delight, “My sister April and Leonard Liang’s wedding is set for the first of next month. Please do join us!”
“Good. The proposal is settled, and I approve the entire plan. Construction of the comprehensive university will be funded from my private accounts and handled by Belle. For future disbursements, coordinate directly with her.” Princess Jade Hayes instructed.
With business concluded, Nathan Ye couldn’t resist boasting about his hair to Princess Jade Hayes.
Princess Jade Hayes frowned, eyeing the sparse patch. “Is this the remedy you tried last time? Did it really make your hair grow?”
Nathan Ye nodded vigorously, beaming. “Yes, Chancellor Evans! That remedy worked wonders! Hard work really pays off—I’m not bald anymore, and I won’t have to worry about my marriage prospects!”
No sooner had Nathan Ye finished speaking than Belle, April’s elder sister, arrived.
Belle’s face was radiant with joy. Nathan Ye was about to discuss the medical academy’s funding when Belle cheerfully greeted everyone, “Greetings, Chancellor Evans! Oh, Minister Ye and Scholar Wu are here too—how convenient! Saves me a trip. Here, these are for you.”
Belle pulled out three red invitations from her sleeve and handed them to Princess Jade Hayes, Nathan Ye, and Martin Wu.
Nathan Ye took the invitation and saw two large characters on the cover: 'Wedding Invitation.'
A sense of foreboding crept in…
And that feeling was quickly confirmed, as Belle announced with delight, “My sister April and Leonard Liang’s wedding is set for the first of next month. Please do join us!”