Chapter 38 – Snow White

Autumn arrived quickly, and as the season gradually became cooler, Jian Mei’s school organized a sports meet.

In the past, Jian Mei’s parents would definitely not attend due to work issues. But this time, because of previous events, Shen Meina and Jian Shencheng suddenly realized that no matter how important work was, nothing was more important than spending time with their child. So, when Jian Mei casually asked, thinking that his parents wouldn’t come, their response was surprisingly similar:

“I’ll reschedule a few business activities. I’ll definitely go that day.”

“I’ll request some time off from the hospital. It’s not very busy during this period anyway.”

Jian Mei hesitated and said, “Won’t it be troublesome?”

Their parents’ unexpected response came, “Not troublesome at all!”

Jian Mei looked at his parents’ determined faces and laughed softly. After thinking for a moment, he gave them a precautionary reminder, “It might be a bit tiring though. The school sports meet is supposed to last a week, and if you go, it should only be two days. Then, there will be relay races during the last two days that you’ll need to participate in.”

Jian Shencheng said, “Are you underestimating your dad? I am very good at sports.”

Shen Meina picked up some food for Jian Mei and said with a somewhat proud tone, “I even starred in an athlete’s movie last year. I underwent professional training for nearly half a year. Don’t worry, we won’t embarrass you!”

Jian Mei nodded and said, “Yes, yes, you’re the best, Mom and Dad.”

Although the two adults were fine themselves, Shen Meina was still concerned about her child’s physical well-being. She said, “It’s best if you don’t participate in any intense competitions. They’re not good for your health, and you may not be able to handle them.”

Jian Mei replied, “Oh, the teacher didn’t sign me up for any competitive events. I’m only participating in the relay race.”

At this point, Jian Shencheng consoled from the side, “It’s fine to run in the relay race. It’s just a short distance, and some exercise will be good for your body. Don’t be too strict with him.”

Shen Meina glared at her husband.

Jian Shencheng said to Jian Mei, “Just be careful and stay safe.”

Jian Mei smiled and said, “Don’t worry! But this time at the school sports meet, our class will perform a play called ‘Snow White’ during the opening ceremony, and I have a role in it too.”

Shen Meina, as an actress, was curious when she heard that her child would also be in a play. She asked, “What role are you playing?”

Jian Mei straightened his chest and answered loudly, “I’am playing the fifth dwarf among the seven dwarfs.”

…….

The dining table fell into silence.

After a moment,

Shen Meina picked up a piece of meat and softly said, “Let’s eat first.”

……

Stan Star

In autumn, Stan Star is adorned with falling blossoms. The national tree, the cherry blossom tree, blooms in full during this season. The cherry blossom leaves flutter in the wind, sweeping through the air and the streets, painting everything in a pink hue. The fruit of the cherry blossom tree is a powerful and nourishing fruit, so even though it drifts throughout the entire realm, it is regarded as a symbol of divinity and beauty.

Lu Xingwang left the palace, riding a celestial horse, and finally arrived at the Golden Town in the northern region before sunset. This time, he came as a deputy officer of a brigadier general, using the excuse of military defense in the northern region. His clear purpose was to come for the Lan family in the northern most sea area.

Zuo Qingshan said, “It’s not sure that if your grandfather still recognize you.”

Lu Xingwang replied expressionlessly, “It doesn’t matter if he recognizes me or not.”

Zuo Qingshan sighed, “Tsk…”

In a certain sense, the Lan family has always been ruthless.

The border town was certainly not as bustling as the main city, but it had its own local charm. Tall wooden houses were surrounded by lush greenery, and most pedestrians wore golden-colored clothing. Golden Orchid flowers grew here, which were commonly used by the pharmacists to make medicine. In Stan Star, the position of the healing priests was highly esteemed, and most ordinary people had to pay a high price to receive treatment. As a result, the medicinal properties of Golden Orchid flowers were highly valued, and their purchase price was naturally high, making the town prosperous.

Zuo Qingshan stood beside Lu Xingwang and watched an argument between a merchant and a herbs vendor not far away.

The vendor said, “Take a look at the Golden Orchid flowers we collected. The quality is top-notch, and they have been well-preserved. You won’t lose out if you buy them.”

The merchant pondered for a moment, seemingly weighing something, and finally said, “This flower was picked when it was already slightly aged, so its refining properties are not significant. I can offer a maximum of five gold coins.”

“Only five coins!” The vendor cried, “Please, be kind! Do you know how difficult it is to harvest these Golden Orchid flowers? My husband almost died and broke his legs just to pick them. Five coins, just five coins?”

The merchant didn’t buy it and said, “I am a business person, and this Golden Orchid flower is indeed of little use. Five coins is already quite generous. If the deal cannot be made, then I’ll go…”

The vendor was indeed somewhat afraid that the transaction would not be successful, as there were medical expenses waiting at home. She quickly said, “Alright, alright, five pieces it is.”

The transaction succeeded, and the herbs were taken away, leaving the vendor with a worried expression.

After reading it, Zuo Qingshan withdrew his gaze and said, “Indeed, nowadays things are like this. A single Golden Orchid Flower sometimes costs more than a life. Yet, this thing is merely a pastime for the healing priests. Five gold coins, that’s half a month’s salary for some soldiers. What’s happening to this world? Are those priests really so wealthy?”

Lu Xingwang replied , “The power of healing abilities is scarce, there’s nothing to be done about it.”

Zuo Qingshan muttered, “Those priests rely on their healing powers and look down on everyone else. They truly think they are gods.”

What’s even more frustrating is that the people on Stan Star might naturally have some aversion to high-tech medicine from other planets. They can only rely on their own healing powers to solve most of their health problems. This often leads to a situation where someone from an ordinary family with healing powers may have a higher social status than some aristocrats on Stan Star.

Lu Xingwang entered the private room of the inn and glanced back at him, saying, “It seems like you have a lot of opinions about those priests.”

“Why not eat meat?”1 Zuo Qingshan was straightforward, saying, “His Highness rarely leaves the imperial city, so how could he know the hardships of ordinary people? It’s so difficult for an average family to seek medical treatment. For minor illnesses, it’s manageable if you grit your teeth and gather the money. But for severe and incurable diseases, it might cost the entire family’s savings without guarantee of a good outcome. What’s even worse is that some priests, with their arrogance and low skills, exploit the commoners without noble status!”

Lu Xingwang looked back at him with a serene gaze, causing the discontented young general to involuntarily close his mouth.

The door to the private room was closed, leaving silence inside. The young man in a black brocade robe stood by the window, looking at the passing pedestrians for a while before saying, “The young general seems to be quite knowledgeable about these matters.”

Zuo Qingshan found it strange that he didn’t understand, “In this distorted society, unless a living bodhisattva suddenly appears and develops a new treatment plan, it will forever remain in dire straits.2 Do you understand, Your Highness?”

Lu Xingwang remained calm from the beginning and spoke softly, “What difference does it make whether I understand or not? You are well aware of the sufferings of the mortal world and carries a heart full of sympathy and compassion, Did it change anything?”

Zuo Qingshan choked up, unable to argue.

A faintly sarcastic smile appeared on the corner of Lu Xingwang’s lips, “The issues between healing priests and patients have existed for a long time. Even the military’s young general has heard of it. How can the officials and experienced ministers in the court be unaware?”

The emperor was a wise ruler, a bright military leader who hopes for the people to live a peaceful and prosperous life. If he truly wanted to address this matter, why wouldn’t he take action? The suffering of the common people in the field of medicine had persisted for a long time. Did the emperor really not know about it?

“You can see where the majority of the income goes by looking at the annual tax revenue,” Lu Xingwang said leisurely. “From the county level to the towns, the total amount of medical taxes paid by the medical priests each year accounts for twenty percent of Stan Star’s financial revenue. It is these tax revenues that allow the people to enjoy better government welfare and provide more support and protection to your military soldiers. If we intervene and unravel layer by layer, who will suffer the loss? What can be done?”

As a prince who had once reviewed imperial memorials, no one understood the sentiments of the people better than Lu Xingwang.

Zuo Qingshan clenched his fist with some reluctance. “Fine,” he said.

“But…” Zuo Qingshan, for some reason, still raised his head and said, “Does Your Highness also approve of such a social phenomenon? Do you…?”

Lu Xingwang’s voice resounded clearly in the room. “What difference does it make whether we approve or not?”

“Criticizing from a moral high ground is something anyone can do. I can sympathize with you, Young General, but don’t forget, I am just a prince now. Even if the Crown Prince was standing here, he would still be able to do nothing.”

Zuo Qingshan stood still, his mouth opened, but he couldn’t come up with a rebuttal.

Finally, Lu Xingwang turned around, no longer looking at the pedestrians outside. The golden light of the sunset fell on him, casting a serene golden hue. At this moment, the young boy, who was always quiet and reserved, gazed deeply at the young general, who was similarly young and inexperienced. He spoke, “One day, when you and I have relative strength, our compassion will be effective.”

Those words felt like a heavy stone dropped into Zuo Qingshan’s heart.

In that moment, he seemed to see in Lu Xingwang’s eyes a surging ambition, and at the same time, he was astonished by the extraordinary rationality of this man.

In the past, he never thought that anyone was destined to be an emperor, but at this moment, he suddenly felt that if this world needed ruler, who else should it be if not Lu Xingwang?

…

In the evening, after finish washing up , Lu Xingwang received a mysterious message.

Jian Mei was acting unusually. Normally, he would chatter about homework or trivial matters, but today he seemed hesitant and talked for a while before saying, “Do you have free time these days?”

Lu Xingwang leaned against the bedside, looking at the map of the Lan Family’s sea territory. The Lan Family had always been elusive, and it was not easy to find them. He had been quite busy recently, and Jian Mei might have sensed that. Seeing the message, Lu Xingwang didn’t rush to refuse but asked first, “What’s the matter?”

Jian Mei hesitated and said, “Actually, it’s not a big deal.”

A faint smile curved at the corner of Lu Xingwang’s mouth. Being mischievous for once, he decided to tease Jian Mei and said, “Hmm, if it’s nothing, then forget it.”

!!!

Jianmei was shocked.

How could this person, how could he be like this!

Jian Mei pouted and rolled around on the bed with the phone in his hands. In the end, he couldn’t resist any longer and admitted, “Okay, okay, I have something to tell you!”

Even through the screen, Lu Xingwang could imagine how Jian Mei would be pouting in frustration and then perking up again. This inexplicably brought joy to the tired prince. He spoke, “Go ahead.”

Jian Mei decided to go all out and said, “In a few days… I have a performance at school. The school said it will be live-streamed. Would you like to watch?”

Lu Xingwang’s movement of looking at the map paused for a moment.

He had imagined what Jian Mei looked like, but he was neither curious nor uninterested. On one hand, he thought it didn’t matter since they wouldn’t meet in the end, so knowing or not knowing wouldn’t make a difference. On the other hand, he had subconsciously been afraid of knowing what Jian Mei looked like. He worried that such a deepening connection would bring him concern.

Jian Mei waited for a while, feeling anxious in his own heart. He sent a message, asking, “What’s wrong? Are you particularly busy? If you’re busy, it’s fine. It doesn’t matter. I was just asking casually, don’t worry about it.”

Jian Mei always wore his emotions on his face, clearly showing his disappointment while still trying to hide it.

Lu Xingwang sighed inwardly and tapped his fingers lightly. He watched the jumping text on the screen and pondered for a while in his mind. Finally, he replied, “I’m not busy. I will watch it. Do your best.”

…

The next day.

School Sports Day.

The school picked a good day , with clear skies and perfect conditions for sports.

The majority of the events had taken place in the previous two days, and the final two days were dedicated to interactive competitions between parents and teachers. After the student competitions had ended, the school’s closing ceremony, which they attached great importance to, started with the nervous beating of drums. The people behind the scenes of the performance were rehearsing repeatedly, worried about possible errors during the live stream.

Jian Mei played one of the seven dwarfs in the play. He had to wear a wig and a cute tree elf costume. Although it was a supporting role, he took it seriously, memorizing his lines and stage positions. Liu Can, helped him put on the headgear and jokingly said, “Jian Mei, I don’t know if I’ve told you before, but your skin is really good.”

Jian Mei: “Huh?”

Liu Can generously praised him, “Really, it’s better than some girls. And your skin is exceptionally fair, just like Snow White.”

Jian Mei felt embarrassed by the compliment. “Come on, don’t say that. It’s so strange.”

Cai Zhenzhen, who played the female lead in the play, happened to pass by and overheard their conversation. She sneered, “Indeed, it’s so strange. A boy like you resembling a princess, how novel.”

Liu Can had been joking with Jian Mei, but after Cai Zhenzhen’s comment, he couldn’t laugh anymore.

Cai Zhenzhen was wearing a princess dress and had beautiful makeup. She was recognized as the school’s beauty queen, always being adored and pampered. She couldn’t openly admit her jealousy towards Jian Mei, but she could still vent a little by making sarcastic remarks.

After Cai Zhenzhen left, Liu Can pulled Jian Mei’s hand and said, “Don’t mind her. She’s just used to being petty.”

Jian Mei looked at Liu Can, who had a nervous expression, and gently smiled to comfort him. “It’s okay, don’t worry. I don’t mind.”

The plain-faced3 and pure-hearted young Jianmei looked astonishingly beautiful amidst the chaotic backstage, as if he was a painting.

Jianmei had been raised in a wealthy family since childhood, and his perspective, tolerance, and character had been nurtured through exposure to a circle of people who knew how to handle themselves. Even without deliberately showing it, his natural elegance and presence was striking in any setting, as long as he wished it to be.

Liu Can licked his lips and murmured softly, “Don’t judge a person by the role they play. I think she’s more like the malicious supporting character from Cinderella. But some people doesn’t play the princess, but have much more princess-like aura and elegance than her. If you had a gender swap, would she even be fit to be a princess?”

Jian Mei didn’t hear clearly and asked, “What did you say?”

Liu Can hurriedly said, “Nothing, nothing!”

A grand closing ceremony was scheduled for noon, so many students went out to greet their parents. Jian Mei was no exception. As soon as it was lunchtime, he went to meet his parents. Shen Meina was wearing sunglasses and a mask today because of her special identity. Instead of going unnoticed, she attracted a lot of attention as she followed Jian Mei. Many people kept looking in their direction.

Jian Mei helplessly said, “Mom, you’re too conspicuous.”

Shen Meina jokingly replied, “Is it because I am beautiful?”

Jian Mei playfully smiled, “Yes, Mom is the most beautiful.”

He led his parents to the class area and took a seat. Many other students’ parents had already arrived, and when they saw Jian Mei coming with his parents, many secretly looked at them. Seeing Shen Meina so securely wrapped up, some wondered if she was too embarrassed to show herself. However, those with a discerning eye noticed the bag she casually carried—a limited edition Hermès crocodile skin bag, worth tens of millions. What kind of family was this?

The attention then shifted to Jian Mei’s father. He was dressed in a simple yet elegant manner, and his handsome and refined appearance made him look much younger. He had a very low-key presence, but the expensive watch on his wrist revealed his substantial wealth. In this family of three, only Jian Mei wore the most ordinary school uniform, appearing the most average.

Shen Meina wasn’t idle. She cared about her son and started to nag as soon as they sat down:

“Drink some water. It’s very dry today.”

“Wipe your hands. This thing is dirty and full of bacteria.”

“Have something to eat. Oh, you can’t eat this. It’s junk food.”

Her voice was gentle, but her actions were very motherly. She was accustomed to taking care of her child, giving him detailed instructions as if he was a delicate porcelain doll. Jian Mei listened obediently. He knew that his mother worried about his illness and didn’t want to make her more anxious.

However, in the eyes of others, especially those who were not familiar with the situation, it seemed comical and amusing.

Cai Zhenzhen crossed her arms and stood nearby, chuckling. “Such a mommy’s boy.”

A companion girl beside her chimed in, “Yeah, yeah, acting like a little mama’s boy. No wonder he looks like a pretty boy. It’s so disgusting.”

“Now you know what kind of person he is,” Cai Zhenzhen said, not holding back her disdain for Jian Mei, especially when speaking to the other cast members of the play. “Stay away from him as much as possible, or you’ll be easily deceived by this pretty boy.”

Others echoed her sentiments.

Cai Zhenzhen huffed coldly and turned her head, intending to talk to her crush, Cheng Yu, who was a few steps away. However, to her surprise, Cheng Yu’s attention wasn’t on her at all. Instead, he sat in a chair, leaning on his hand, and gazed not far away at Jian Mei. She pursed her lips in annoyance. “Yu ge , what are you doing?”

Cheng Yu snapped out of his thoughts and lightly said, “Hmm?” He smiled and replied, “Nothing.”

Cai Zhenzhen didn’t believe it. She asked, “Are you looking at Jian Mei?”

Cheng Yu’s gaze flickered slightly, but he maintained his smile. “I was just lost in thoughts. I’m recording the achievements of our classmates in this sports event. Jian Mei performed well too. In the relay race, he had an excellent performance and secured second place.”

Cai Zhenzhen’s expression changed slightly, and she felt a bit dissatisfied. She muttered softly, “Just second place. What’s so impressive about that? I can do it too…”

Cheng Yu narrowed his eyes. “What did you say?”

Before Cai Zhenzhen could speak, someone behind her called out, “ZhenZhen, your 400-meter race is about to start. Hurry up!”

She couldn’t finish her sentence, but she had already made up her mind. Second place wasn’t anything special. Could she be worse than that pretty boy? She was determined to win first place and show Cheng Yu how capable she was!

…

The final few races were about to begin, but their class didn’t have anyone participating, so Jian Mei didn’t go to the front with his parents to watch. Instead, they stayed in the back chatting.

Suddenly—

“Cheng Ge! Teacher! Something bad has happened!”

Someone ran over from the track in a hurry, attracting everyone’s attention. Cheng Yu turned around and asked, “What’s wrong? Why are you so agitated?”

The student who came to report wiped the sweat off his forehead and said, “Cheng Ge, it’s really bad. It seems that Cai Zhenzhen fell during the last 400-meter race. She ran too fast or was too anxious, and accidentally collided with a classmate in front. It looks like she’s in pretty bad shape. It’s really unfortunate.”

A nearby teacher exclaimed, “What?!”

Cheng Yu furrowed his brows, but he wasn’t concerned about Cai Zhenzhen at all. His cold and indifferent nature was evident at this moment. He calmly said, “ZhenZhen is playing Snow White. Now that something has happened suddenly,but our performance is scheduled for the afternoon.”

He played the prince in the play. It was already 9 o’clock in the morning, and finding someone to replace Snow White with impeccable looks and who wouldn’t disrupt the play would be incredibly challenging.

The teacher also grew anxious. “What should we do? Our performance is going to live this afternoon. It’s the highlight of our entire grade. If something goes wrong, I won’t be able to explain it to the principal.”

Cheng Yu said, “We can only find a substitute actor.”

The teacher looked at the student and asked, “Well, do you have a candidate?”

At that moment, Jian Mei, who was nearby and had heard about the play, also approached with some concern. After all, he was going to make his first appearance in front of DaZhuang ge in the afternoon. So, a strong sense of worry appeared on his fair little face as he asked, “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

Cheng Yu looked at Jian Mei’s face for a moment and then slowly said, “If you ask me , it’s not a big deal.”

There was still room for salvage4 in this matter.

Translator’s Note-Guys don’t forget to support and comment your views(^-^)

See you all in next chapter.Hope you enjoyed the chapter(^-^)

(it means here if someone is not experiencing a particular hardship or difficulty, they may not fully understand or empathize with the struggles of others)

.(dire straits” refers to a state of extreme difficulty, hardship, or adversity)

as in without makeup

saving things that have been or are likely to be lost or damaged, especially in an accident