The Fallen, Stubborn Prince - Chapter 7

Fang’s mother sighed. Everything that happened was her decision alone.

“But that’s what Dad left for us…”

“What your dad left is precious, but he’s already gone. He didn’t stay to work hard with us, he left first. Are we supposed to shoulder all these loans by ourselves?”
Though her tone sounded harsh, the bitterness came from grief — from blaming her husband for leaving too soon. “It’s not even a small amount…”

At nineteen, Fang Xian felt completely lost. She thought she was smart enough to handle problems, but this was beyond her. “Didn’t the bank loan get paid off in installments? When Dad was here, it was never a problem!”

When her father was still alive, the Fang family lived off their orchard. The land he and her mother had bought together when they were young was meant to be their life’s work — a loan they would slowly pay off, and one day, when the debt was gone, that land would be her dowry.
But everything changed after her father’s death.

Fang Xian had always known they weren’t well-off. She couldn’t even dream of living next door to her best friend’s beautiful house. Yet she had never let poverty change her character — she was grateful, diligent, and never complained.
Still, she never imagined her mother would have to sell the family’s land just to survive.

Her mother looked helpless.

“After your dad passed, I couldn’t even pay two installments. Then the interest started piling up… and now the bank’s chasing us.” Her lonely tone made her seem ten years older. “I didn’t learn everything about tending the orchard from your dad. I’m afraid I won’t even be able to harvest this year’s oranges.”

“How can that be? Isn’t there any other way?”

Compared to Fang Xian’s panic, her mother was calm — painfully calm.
“There isn’t.” She managed a faint smile. “The only thing I’m grateful for is that you’re doing well in school. Selling the land so you can go to college isn’t a waste. As long as you study hard, I’ll feel at peace.”

Then, getting up to do her chores, she paused by her daughter’s side and softened her voice. “Your father would have agreed with me too.”

Fang Xian stood frozen. She couldn’t believe it. She didn’t want to trade away her parents’ dream for her education, but what could she say to stop her mother?

Back in her room, she sank to the floor, weak and heavy-hearted.
The twilight slanted through the window, a thin golden line across the floor. In the half-darkness, her bright eyes flickered with quiet resolve.

At just nineteen, she’d already weathered more than most — her father’s sudden death, her best friend’s disappearance before they could make amends. She had learned to walk out of every storm on her own. And now, facing another hardship, she refused to crumble.

There must be another way. There had to be.

The classroom buzzed with noise as students surrounded Fang Xian. The final exam results had just been released. Papers passed from hand to hand — some faces bright with joy, others crumpled in despair.

“Su Qian,” she called, holding out his paper. “Here.”

Without a word, she folded it once and slipped it into his hand.

Su Qian didn’t need to look. He knew from her expression — his score must have been terrible.

But their classmates wouldn’t let him off easily. “Come on, Su Qian, show us your paper! Let’s see how the genius did this time!”

Fang Xian frowned. Their teasing was a routine by now. Before she could say anything, Ling Huanchen swaggered up, shooing the others away.

“Hey, Ah Qian, it’s fine! Grades aren’t everything.” He snatched the test paper, stuffed it into Su Qian’s desk, and patted him on the shoulder like a big brother. “A man’s worth isn’t on paper — it’s in his ability to earn money. Look at me, I’m doing fine! Don’t overthink it.”

He winked, clearly proud of himself.

Fang Xian watched the scene, a little annoyed. Ling Huanchen’s fake bravado grated on her nerves — especially the way he touched Su Qian’s shoulder like they were close.

“Ah Qian,” she called again. “Teacher Chen wants to see you. I’ll go with you.”

“Okay.”

Like a cat drawn by fish, Su Qian followed her without hesitation — leaving Ling Huanchen behind, deflated and speechless.

For Su Qian, one word from Fang Xian outweighed a hundred from anyone else.

Once they reached a quiet corner, Su Qian looked around and smiled faintly.
“Fang Xian, you tricked me again. Teacher Chen isn’t looking for me, is he?”

He was right — it wasn’t the first time.

Fang Xian laughed awkwardly. “Well… maybe not. But Teacher Chen did tell me to keep an eye on your studies. I just wanted to talk to you.”

Su Qian’s lips curved up. Her flustered tone was adorable — he couldn’t resist teasing her.

“You don’t like me talking to you?” she snapped, frustrated. “Fine. I won’t anymore.”

Usually, she was calm and self-contained. But around Su Qian, she couldn’t keep her guard up — she treated him like someone special, almost like family. Yet he still dared to tease her!

Seeing her turn away, Su Qian panicked. He grabbed her hand. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it.” His voice trembled. “I like talking to you. I like when you take me with you everywhere. I like walking home together. And most of all… I like that you care about me. Please don’t ignore me.”

If emotions could be painted on paper, some would be vivid and wild, others calm and composed — but Su Qian’s would be pure white, untouched, sincere.

He said “like” four times — each one heavy with truth. His hand held hers tightly, almost painfully, but she couldn’t bring herself to pull away.

It almost felt like… a confession.

“Do you know what you’re saying…?” she whispered.

He blinked, confused. “Didn’t you hear me clearly? I can say it again.”

“Don’t!” Her face flushed scarlet. “I heard you!”

He still wouldn’t let go, and she couldn’t either. The air between them grew warm, thick with something unspoken.

Then, biting her lip, she asked softly, “Do you… like me because of what I do for you? Or would you like anyone who did the same?”

“What does that have to do with anyone else?” He frowned slightly, puzzled.

“So… you mean it’s me?”

“Yes.” He didn’t even hesitate. “You’re the only one who’s ever been this kind to me. If I don’t like you, then who else would I like?”

His answer hit her like a jolt — sudden, clear, undeniable. It melted away her doubts, leaving only a trembling heartbeat.