Your Highness the Crown Prince, You Smell So Good!

As a transmigrator, Xiao Lin knew Qian Renxue's background better than anyone.

Although this young lady possessed extraordinary talent, she was far from outstanding when it came to political scheming. She had infiltrated the Heaven Dou Empire for years, yet her greatest achievement was being defeated by Tang San at the end, then inexplicably falling in love with the man who had defeated her.

What grand ambition could anyone expect from a top-tier love-struck fool?

Though Xiao Lin mocked her inwardly, he put on a deeply moved expression. "Your Highness's favor overwhelms me. I am deeply grateful. But I am still young and inexperienced. I fear I cannot bear such an important responsibility from Your Highness."

"Ah, there is no need to belittle yourself." Qian Renxue waved a hand, her tone sincere. "I have always had a keen eye for people. You are no ordinary person; sooner or later, you will soar into the heavens. I merely hope to forge a good connection with you before you take flight."

Qian Renxue did not notice Xiao Lin's true thoughts. In her eyes, this youth might have astonishing talent, but he was only thirteen and had little experience in the world. He should not be difficult to control.

She had absolute confidence in her disguise and her words. For all these years, she had used this gentle and refined crown prince mask to deceive countless eyes throughout the Heaven Dou Empire.

"Student Xiao," Qian Renxue said as she returned to her seat and lifted her teacup with elegant poise, "you may take your time considering my proposal. There is no need to answer immediately, and I will not force you into any decision."

Xiao Lin's eyes shifted, and a plan had already formed in his mind.

Rejecting her outright was definitely not an option. That would offend this future Angel God.

But agreeing directly would not do either. He had no desire to become a chess piece in someone else's hand. The best approach was to define their relationship as one of mutual benefit without subordination.

"Your Highness," Xiao Lin said slowly after choosing his words, "to be honest, I have grown used to freedom and dislike being constrained by others. Joining some faction and becoming someone's subordinate is simply not something I can do."

A trace of disappointment flashed through Qian Renxue's eyes.

"However," Xiao Lin continued, changing his tone, "while I do not like joining factions, I do enjoy making friends. Especially friends who share the same ideals and speak the same language. If my friends encounter trouble, I, Xiao Lin, will surely draw my blade to help them without hesitation."

Qian Renxue's eyes brightened again.

Making friends? That phrasing was much more tactful than directly joining her ranks, yet it also left plenty of room to maneuver. As long as she could maintain a good personal relationship with Xiao Lin, what difference was there between that and having him as her subordinate?

"Student Xiao's way of putting it is certainly novel." Qian Renxue smiled. "Then how might one become Student Xiao's friend?"

Xiao Lin smiled without answering directly, instead casually mentioning, "Speaking of which, I could be considered friends despite our age difference with the Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."

Qian Renxue's pupils contracted slightly.

Sword Douluo Chen Xin and Bone Douluo Gu Rong—the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's two great Titled Douluo—were renowned peak experts across the entire continent. Xiao Lin actually had ties to both of them?

If that was true, Xiao Lin's value was far greater than she had imagined. Winning him over meant indirectly establishing a connection with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, which would undoubtedly be a tremendous aid to her future plan to seize the Heaven Dou Empire's throne.

"Student Xiao truly has a wide circle of friends." Qian Renxue's smile became several degrees more genuine. "To befriend seniors such as the Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo shows just how exceptional you are."

"Your Highness flatters me." Xiao Lin smiled modestly, then shifted the topic. "Speaking of making friends, I believe shared interests are very important. As for me, I love the Way of Musical Tones above all else. If someone understands music and can discuss the principles of qin and flute with me, that person would be my best friend."

Qian Renxue's heart stirred.

The Way of Musical Tones? As a noble, she had received the most comprehensive aristocratic education since childhood and was proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting alike. Music was not unfamiliar to her.

"What a coincidence." Qian Renxue smiled. "I would not dare claim mastery, but I do have some knowledge of music. I learned the guqin and pipa when I was young, though I gradually neglected them as government affairs became more demanding."

"Oh?" Xiao Lin looked interested. "Your Highness plays instruments as well? Then that is wonderful. Would Your Highness be interested in learning the flute? Its sound is clear and far-reaching, and it is excellent for cultivating one's temperament. If Your Highness is willing, I can teach you."

Qian Renxue froze for a moment.

She had merely mentioned it casually, never expecting Xiao Lin to take it seriously. She was the crown prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, burdened with countless affairs. Where would she find the time to learn the flute?

But upon further thought, this was a fine opportunity to grow closer to Xiao Lin. If she could build a deep personal connection with him through learning the flute, everything afterward would become much easier.

"Then I shall trouble Student Xiao." Qian Renxue spoke with a smile, though inwardly she encouraged herself. For the greater cause, what is learning the flute?

Xiao Lin drew the Nine Phoenix Ceremonial Flute from his waist and held it out before Qian Renxue. "Your Highness may first get a feel for it."

Qian Renxue accepted the flute. It felt smooth and warm in her hands, with delicate craftsmanship that made it clear at a glance that it was no ordinary item. Copying Xiao Lin, she raised it to her lips and tried blowing into it.

"Wooo—" A dull, strange sound emerged from the flute, like the miserable shriek of a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

Qian Renxue's face reddened slightly.

Xiao Lin held back his laughter and instructed her seriously. "Your Highness, playing the flute is not about brute force. It requires control of your breathing. Relax your lips and keep the airflow even—not too rushed, but not too slow either. Come, I will demonstrate."

He stepped beside Qian Renxue, bent down, and lightly held her wrist, adjusting the way she held the flute. "Your fingers should curve naturally. Cover the holes tightly; do not let air escape. Yes, just like that..."

Qian Renxue's body stiffened slightly.

She could clearly feel the warmth of Xiao Lin's fingers, as well as the warmth of his breath brushing past her ear when he spoke.

A faint scent of fresh grass drifted from Xiao Lin, clean and natural, making her unconsciously draw in a deep breath.

After serving as crown prince for so many years, this was the first time anyone had dared stand so close to her.

Yet strangely, she did not dislike the feeling.

"Your Highness, try again." Xiao Lin's voice sounded beside her ear, low and gentle.

Qian Renxue steadied herself and followed Xiao Lin's instructions, blowing into the flute once more.

This time, a clear, lingering note emerged from the flute. Though it was still unstable, it was already far better than before.

"Your Highness truly has exceptional talent." Xiao Lin praised her sincerely. "Being able to produce a sound on your first attempt is already quite impressive. Many people cannot even make the flute sound their first time."

A small trace of pride rose in Qian Renxue's heart, though she maintained a reserved smile on the surface. "It is because Student Xiao taught well."

Xiao Lin continued guiding her for a while, correcting several small issues with her hand positions and breathing. The distance between them grew ever closer, and Qian Renxue could even feel Xiao Lin's steady, powerful heartbeat.

She suddenly realized that this youth was indeed rather charming when he was serious. Those jade-green eyes were focused and clear, as though they could reflect every beautiful thing in the world.

His fingers were long and nimble, carrying a unique sense of rhythm as they danced over the flute's holes.

Qian Renxue's heartbeat unconsciously quickened.

"Your Highness, your talent truly is excellent." Xiao Lin straightened up and praised her sincerely. "With diligent practice, perhaps you will be able to play a complete piece before long."

Qian Renxue smiled and was just about to offer some polite response when Xiao Lin suddenly said:

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, you smell so good."