Chapter 2: Awkward, but Sweet
The rooster's call echoed across Jingyang Village just as the sun began to rise. Light spilled through the paper windows of the Yu household, warming the courtyard in a gentle embrace. The scent of mushroom porridge and steamed buns wafted from the kitchen—Madam Yue was already up and preparing breakfast.
Yu Zhen sat on the front porch, still in his inner robes, holding a book he hadn't opened. His mind wandered—lingering on yesterday's meeting with Lan Yueran.
"Marriage, huh…" he murmured to himself, rubbing his chin.
The previous day had introduced him to a girl who felt strangely familiar. Since then, he hadn't been able to clear his thoughts. Not that he was nervous—he was the former Demon King, after all. But something about her presence unsettled the peaceful rhythm of his new life.
"Gege!" came the shrill voice of his younger sister, Yu Lian, from behind the sliding door.
Yu Zhen turned his head lazily. "What is it, Lian?"
"Your tea's in the kitchen! And Mother says you need to sweep the courtyard before your future wife comes back!"
"She's coming back?"
Yu Lian grinned mischievously. "Mm-hmm! Starting today, you're supposed to train together!"
Yu Zhen sighed. Apparently, his father had already started arranging bonding time.
---
As expected, a small spirit carriage pulled up by late morning. From within stepped Lan Yueran, dressed in a pale blue training robe, hair tied neatly with a soft ribbon. She looked more casual today, but just as elegant.
She stopped by the gate and gave a polite bow.
"Good morning, Yu Zhen."
Yu Zhen stood, brushing dust from his sleeves. "Good morning. You came early."
"I was told we would be sparring today."
"...Right."
There was an awkward silence as they both stood at the entrance. Then, from within the house came a booming voice.
"Go use the back courtyard! Don't forget to warm up!" yelled Yu Tianhai, their father, laughing as he sipped tea.
Yu Zhen and Yueran looked at each other and chuckled. Then, wordlessly, they made their way toward the training ground behind the house.
---
In the Courtyard
Lan Yueran stood poised, a bamboo staff in hand. Her stance was balanced, refined. She moved with the grace of someone born into discipline.
Yu Zhen stood with his arms behind his back, watching quietly.
"I've never sparred with a woman before," he said calmly.
Lan Yueran narrowed her eyes. "I'm not just any woman."
He smirked faintly. "That's true."
They began with light forms. No real strikes—just flow, testing each other's rhythm. But even so, there was something oddly… synchronized. Their bodies moved as if they had fought beside—or against—each other before.
One staff clash sent a shock through Yueran's grip. She staggered, slipping slightly. Before she could fall, Yu Zhen reached out and caught her arm.
"I'm fine!" she said quickly, her cheeks flushed.
He released her slowly. "You lost your center."
"You kept staring at me."
"I was watching your technique."
"I don't need supervision," she muttered, looking away.
Behind a tree, Yu Lian and Fang Wuji were peeking with wide eyes.
"They're totally flirting," whispered Lian.
Fang Wuji nodded solemnly. "Today, they spar. Tomorrow, they kiss. Day after tomorrow—boom—twins."
Yu Lian elbowed him in the ribs as they stifled laughter.
---
Midday
Later, they sat beneath the tree in the side yard, sipping jasmine tea.
"You used to live in the capital, right?" Yu Zhen asked.
Lan Yueran nodded. "Too noisy. I prefer this… peace. The skies here are clear. The air doesn't reek of politics."
"You ever fight?"
She paused, then smiled faintly. "A bit. But that was a different life. I just want something quiet now."
"Same," he said, turning his teacup slowly.
The irony, of course, was thick in the air. The once-Demon King and the Heroine who nearly killed him were now talking about flowers and birds, sitting in the sun, sipping tea. The world was cruelly poetic.
---
Afternoon
After lunch, Lan Yueran helped Madam Yue in the kitchen. Despite her noble upbringing, Yueran didn't hesitate to scrub dishes or chop vegetables. Madam Yue was delighted, and before long, she was teaching Yueran how to make the family's famous steamed rice cakes.
Yu Zhen watched from the window, leaning his chin on one hand.
"She's getting flour on her nose," he muttered with a half-smile.
Just then, Fang Wuji popped up beside him. "She's more graceful than I expected. If you don't make your move soon, someone else might."
"I'm already engaged," Yu Zhen said flatly.
"Doesn't count until the wedding kiss."
Yu Zhen gave him a look. "This isn't one of your silly romance scrolls."
"Maybe not," Wuji grinned, "but it's a good one."
---
Evening
When the sun began to set, the Lan family returned to fetch Yueran. Before stepping into the carriage, she turned to Yu Zhen.
"Thank you for today."
He gave a small nod. "Will you come again tomorrow?"
She hesitated, then smiled gently. "If you don't mind."
"I don't bore easily," he said.
She gave him one last glance before stepping into the carriage. The moment lingered in the air like perfume.
Yu Zhen stood there for a while, watching the dust trail behind the wheels. The fading sun painted the rooftops orange and gold. Crickets chirped softly.
---
That night, he sat in his room with the window open, the breeze cool and sweet.
This life… was so different. So quiet. So simple.
No armies. No betrayal. No throne.
Just tea. Laughter. A girl with flour on her nose.
Do I really deserve this? he wondered.
But he shook the thought away.
It wasn't about what he deserved. It was about what he chose.
And for once, he chose to stay. To live.
To protect peace… not with fire, but with care.
Maybe, just maybe…
He would fall in love with her.
And maybe… she would fall in love with him, too.
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