Just as Nathan Ye was clinging to hope, April and Leonard Liang exchanged a glance, cheeks flushed. April turned to Su Li and Nathan Ye, announcing with excitement, "Minister Su, Minister Ye, we have some great news to share!"
"Oh? What good news?" Su Li eyed April suspiciously, a sense of foreboding bubbling up inside.
April looked bashfully at Leonard Liang, happiness practically radiating from her. "I... I'm marrying Leonard Liang," she stammered, face aglow.
"Getting married!?" Su Li gasped, eyes wide with shock. Instinctively, she turned to Nathan Ye for his reaction.
Nathan Ye, who’d been standing nearby, was instantly petrified. His jaw dropped in disbelief, and Su Li could almost hear the sound of his heart shattering into pieces.
April, blissfully unaware of Nathan Ye’s distress, beamed, "Yes! I already told my sister, and she’s given her blessing. Leonard Liang and I are tying the knot next month!"
Next month—they’re actually getting married!!!
Hearing it straight from April, Nathan Ye felt as if he’d been struck by lightning—a total thunderbolt out of the blue!
How could his beloved April suddenly become someone else’s wife?
Oh heavens, how is this even possible?!
Why, oh why, must the universe torment Nathan Ye like this? (Probably because he ticked off the author!)
Nathan Ye, panicking, grabbed at his head—only to yank off his wig. His bald head gleamed in the sunlight, making the scene all the more tragic (and a little funny).
Su Li couldn’t help but snort with laughter. April’s news was explosive, but Nathan Ye’s reaction was pure comedy gold.
Leonard Liang stepped protectively in front of April, shooting Nathan Ye a warning glare. "Minister Ye, I hope you’ll wish us well," he said, voice firm yet polite.
Nathan Ye, wig in hand, could only force a smile. "Congratulations, April. Leonard Liang, take good care of her," he managed, voice trembling.
April, ever the optimist, beamed even brighter. "Thank you, Minister Ye! Don’t worry, Leonard Liang is the best!"
Su Li, still chuckling, patted Nathan Ye on the shoulder. "Come now, Minister Ye, don’t let this ruin your day. There are plenty of fish in the sea!"
Nathan Ye sighed, clutching his wig like a lifeline. "If only I were a fish. Maybe then I’d have better luck."
April giggled, linking arms with Leonard Liang. "Don’t worry, Minister Ye. You’ll find your true love soon enough!"
Leonard Liang flashed a smug grin. "That’s right. But for now, April is all mine."
Nathan Ye rolled his eyes, but deep down, he was genuinely happy for April.
Su Li grinned, watching the trio’s banter unfold. Palace intrigue and rival kingdoms? For today, love and laughter ruled the day.
And somewhere in the distance, the author cackled, already plotting Nathan Ye’s next heartbreak.