I remembered our first meeting when I was the most beloved little princess, my father still alive, and my mother was the favored consort, reigning supreme in the harem.
The female lead, Nina, was born of a discarded concubine, suffering endless humiliation. She and Huston were childhood friends.
He often sneaked through a dog hole to bring her food. He was the devoted second male lead.
While I was merely his admirer.
That day, Huston was beaten mercilessly by a group of eunuchs, and I protected him, even though he didn't say a word of thanks and cursed me instead, saying I was just like my wicked mother.
Huston told me not to pretend to be kind, and I could only follow him from a distance, afraid he'd reject me even more.
I watched as he stayed by Nina's side, bringing her countless fireflies to cheer her up.
At first, I didn't care. To complete my mission quickly, I even tried to seduce Huston.
But as time passed, my heart yearned for his closeness. My previous life had been so painful, and it seemed this one was no different.
My soul was pulled by a powerful force, and I appeared by Huston's side.
This face I hadn't seen in three years was still incredibly handsome.
He didn't come as promised to fetch me but went to find Nina instead. On the way, he received a secret letter that Nina had been kidnapped, and without hesitation, he turned around with his trusted aides.
Arriving in the desert, he knew it was a desolate area, possibly leading to danger, yet he still dove in headfirst.
Was his heart for the female lead truly unyielding?
Hadn't I successfully completed my mission?
I wanted to ask the system why there was no after-sales service, but it was my foolishness, being greedy for the little sweetness Huston had given me.
He searched tirelessly in the desert for a long time, covered in injuries, until he ran out of water.
One of Huston's subordinates cautioned, "Master, if we go any further, we may not be able to return. We'll die."
"It's nothing and dying for Nina is worth it."
My heart ached deeply. I floated in front of Huston, wanting to ask if he truly had a heart.
"Found her, Master."
They discovered Nina in the quicksand, unconscious and murmuring the male lead's name.
Huston held her in his arms, treating her like a treasure as he brought her out of the desert.