Mama's Princess is Daddy's Beloved

"Yes, I decided because it's you" Chen Rui firmly said. Her expression not showing any regret or sympathy but only confidence. "Not because you helped His Majesty in the hospital. Not because I pity your past. But yes, because it's you on whom I can have my confidence". 

Li Xue didn't understand. She just stared at the woman, waiting for her to explain. Chen Rui smiled before leaning on the desk more properly. 

"Dear, don't look at me like that. My meaning is itself clear enough for your comprehension. I chose you for this project because I believed that you could do it. Please don't get me wrong, but I am not a woman who would mix my professionalism with my emotions. Though I really like you as my own, I would still not risk the culture of our country if you aren't capable of handling it. You got the offer solely because you deserved it". 

The Queen said in a resolute tone that warned to not raise a finger over her words and decisions. 

Li Xue was befuddled at her words. Not like she doesn't believe in her capability or she was an unconfident one, but because she simply couldn't remember the time when the Queen has tested her for some project or the topic. 

"Sorry, I know that's not a place to ask but can I still ask how are you so confident in me? I mean you already know even being at the peak once, now, I still have to start with the beginning. I might not be as high as you think".

Chen Rui chuckled out at her words. "Dear, I don't know if you have underestimated yourself or have underestimated me. But in both of the scenarios, I should tell you that you are wrong. A Queen once will always be the queen. Be it me or be it you, the quality within us will never change. You might be dethroned in the past but the queen can always fight and win back her throne. People think that to be tough but that's because they have never seen the fire of determination we hold in our heart."

Li Xue was stunned. With those words, she could literally feel like she was watching her real, true self in the mirror. Though it sounded a little poetic to ears, yet she knew the reality was no different from those words. Though not to be queen, she has herself always believed that she has cultivated to rule the industry of fashion. Be it in the past or future, that one thing was under control and was something that would never change.

"And apart from that, it's not like I have not tested you, Xiao Xue. I have personally witnessed everything before selecting you. Especially in the mall, where you have perfectly amalgamated the different sides of nature. At that time itself, I have concluded that this time my thoughts of combining two trends into one will be possible." The Queen added more, giving a teasing raise of brows at her. 

Li Xue was at once embarrassed. Rubbing the back of her ear, she said, "Sorry, with you standing so upright with me, I thought you had not noticed it properly. But believe me, that was the need of the situation. There are some things for which I need to get back at them."

"I know you are sensible enough to separate right from wrong. I would not ask what made you pull that stunt that day. But I must say, seeing you there like that quite impressed me."Chen Rui said and Li Xue could not say more to that. 

Impressed with her? If people have known this they have not hesitated in calling her a vengeful villain, right at the front. But here the royal queen of the country was saying how much impressed she was with her. She did not know whether to laugh or cry over it. 

*** 

After finishing quite a long hearty discussion, Li Xue was finally on her way out from the palace. On her way itself, she has pulled her phone out to inform Lin Xinyi about her decision. 

"Hello, Sister Xinyi. I think I am ready to accept the offer. Please help me see the other things related to it" Li Xue greeted and said the moment the call got connected. Then hearing the other side agree, nodded before disconnecting the call. 

She looked around. As the name suggests, the palace looked really magnificent, there was not a corner that looked dark or dull. Though only three main members were living at the palace, the air of the place still looked a lot lively and positive to say.

"What are you looking at? Are you finding the exit difficult?" Suddenly a familiar voice popped out from the end of the corridor and Li Xue turned to find the young Crown Prince standing and looking at her. 

Li Xue smiled and then shook her head. "Nhnn … I was searching for you, dear Crown Prince, after all, I would need to ask the things related to our cooperation. That time we didn't get time to discuss it, right? I thought you would be wanting to meet me separately."

The young prince was at once back in his form. Squinting her eyes at Li Xue, he took a threatening step towards her. "Our cooperation? That sure will be a nightmare for you. Believe me! Hmph!" 

To his threatening stance, Li Xue remained unfazed, instead she pursed her lips. "Really?" She asked, giving a raise of amusement to her brows and like a new pet who would respond to every question of the master, but not give in easily to them, Shin You Jun also nodded. 

"Of course! I will make sure of that. Just you, wait and watch"

"If I were you, I wouldn't be that confident, you know. Especially after two consecutive defeats in a row. But anyway, it's your choice. What I need from this part of the sequence is your awareness of the surroundings. Growing in just height will come to no use." Li Xue said and her words that were meant to get on the boy's nerves did their job well. 

"You … what do you mean?" 

Li Xue smiled further at her question, knowing well that she had hit the soft part of the boy. Raising her hand, she moved a little to reach the young prince's hair before ruffling it adorably. At her action, the prince was so stunned, that for a moment, he almost forgot his reflex actions. Instead, he became all concentrated on the next words that came his way. 

"A Crown Prince today will become a King in future. Be a little more aware of your responsibilities, so that none could raise a question on you tomorrow. As for your other hobbies, believe me, if you can establish good coordination between things, you will never miss your favorites".  She said and for the first time, she felt like her words may not go to waste on the person used.