Michael decided that instead of thinking about his family's sudden change of behavior, he'd rather speak with Li Jie.

"Your family seems to be very nice," Li Jie smiled, a little jealous. "To be honest, I envy you."

"Everyone have their burdens," Michael patted Li Jie's hand that was placed on the ground. "And between our noble children, it's like an unspoken truth. We know of the heavy responsibilities that comes with our status much more than our last generation. If this truth gets carried wisely, maybe the ones after us won't have to go through what we had."

"I'd never... thought about it that way." Li Jie felt a bit ashamed. Michael suddenly seemed way more mature than the image that Li Jie had of him in his mind. After all, no amount of pampering would change the fact that he was born with a privilege that came with heavy responsibilities, too much for a child's shoulders.

"It's only something I think about every now and then," Michael shrugged, a smile on his face. "For now, it's nothing more than a dream. I do wish that I could do something but I can't. Maybe someday someone will though. I'm neither brave nor powerful enough to hold on to that dream."

Li Jie stayed silent. He felt the same. But no one would ever be powerful enough. One person alone can't change the entire beliefs and roots of the world but if there were others who agreed, a community, then at least their voice would be heard.

"You know," Michael turned toward Li Jie, now fully face to face. "I want to make a confession and I hope you'll listen to me." Michael put his hands together, looking down. "Please don't get mad at me!"

"Uh..." Li Jie's mind was a little too slow to catch up with the sudden change of conversation. "First tell me what it is."

"I didn't come here because I wanted to," Michael said as fast as he could. His face was scrunched up and his cheeks were blushing intensely, hard enough for Li Jie to notice the color change.

"Honestly, I hated the thought of being here." Michael's hands were shaking. "And I hated the fact that I'm a pawn in a political game so my plan was to make you hate me. I wanted to be the most unbearable person!"

"I don't think you're doing a good job though," Li Jie enjoyed Michael's company, even though he still didn't trust him but that was natural. They knew each other for only a day. But even with that, he liked Michael. Wasn't that enough to build a connection?

"I- well, I like you! Like a lot!" Michel looked down. He had never felt this nervous in his entire life. "I really liked your aura at first! The way you looked and the air around you! Now I like your personality too!"

For some reason, Li Jie felt very embarrassed. He didn't know what to do or how to answer.

"I'll be a good husband!" Michael took Li Jie's hand, looking him straight in the eyes. "And I'll work hard to earn your trust!"

Oh, heavens... Li Jie felt a ringing noise inside his head. I feel embarrassed... Really embarrassed... And for him, not me. What is this feeling?

"..." Li Jie didn't know what to say to the boy that was staring intensely at him. He could swear there was a wagging tail attached to Michael. "Work hard?"

Li Jie cringed at the sound of his own voice. Suddenly, he was filled with the awkwardness of their first moments. "What I mean to say is, I think you are a good person too and I like the idea of that. So I hope that's your truth. I'll look forward to having you gain my trust."

What the hell am I spewing? Li Jie was this close to smacking himself in the head. There's no way he's gonna be okay with that...

"I'll work hard!" Michael's eyes sparkled. "Please look forward to it! I won't let you down!"

He's okay with it... Li Jie chuckled. He felt like he was raising a puppy.

As they continued their conversation, Li Jie couldn't help but observe Michael's animated expressions and gestures. It was as if every word that spilled out of Michael's mouth was accompanied by an invisible burst of energy, a testament to his genuine enthusiasm.

"I'm glad you're not mad at me!" Michael exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement. "I was really worried that you might reject me or think I'm weird. But I just couldn't keep it to myself anymore. You're so amazing, Li Jie! I can't help but be drawn to you."

Li Jie raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You do realize that we've only known each other for a day, right?"

Michael nodded eagerly. "I know! But sometimes, you just have this connection with someone that feels so strong, like a spark that ignites a flame. And I feel that with you, Li Jie. It's like we're meant to be together."

Li Jie couldn't help but chuckle at Michael's unwavering conviction. The boy's infatuation was endearing, even if Li Jie didn't fully reciprocate those feelings yet.

"You're quite the optimist, Michael," Li Jie remarked, his tone teasing. "But love isn't something that can be forced or rushed. It takes time to truly understand and develop such emotions."

Michael's eyes widened, and his grin widened even further. "I understand, Li Jie! I don't expect you to love me right away. I just wanted to be honest with you about how I feel. I'll be patient and work hard to earn your affection. Consider me your loyal and dedicated admirer!"

Li Jie couldn't help but admire Michael's determination. His unwavering commitment to winning Li Jie's heart was both admirable and amusing. Li Jie wondered if Michael had always been this way or if it was a result of their unique circumstances.

"Michael, I appreciate your honesty," Li Jie said, his tone softening. "But let's take things slowly, shall we? We have plenty of time to get to know each other better. Rushing into something may not yield the best results."

A look of disappointment flashed across Michael's face, but he quickly masked it with a bright smile. "Of course, Li Jie! I understand completely. I'll be patient and respect your wishes. But just know that I'll always be here for you, cheering you on and supporting you."

Li Jie's heart warmed at Michael's words. Despite his initial skepticism, there was an undeniable charm to the boy's unwavering dedication. It was as if Michael had transformed into a loyal companion, eager to accompany Li Jie on his journey.

"Thank you, Michael," Li Jie said softly, sincerity lacing his voice. "Having someone like you by my side gives me hope and strength. Let's navigate these uncertain waters together, shall we?"

Michael beamed, his eyes shimmering with joy. "Absolutely, Li Jie! We'll face whatever comes our way, hand in hand. And who knows, maybe along the way, our hearts will find their own rhythm."

Li Jie couldn't help but smile at Michael's infectious optimism. Despite his reservations, he couldn't deny the budding connection between them. Perhaps, in time, he would come to see Michael as more than just a puppy to raise, but as a partner who brought light into his life.

As they continued their conversation, the room filled with laughter and the promise of a blossoming bond. Li Jie couldn't predict what the future held, but he knew that with Michael by his side, the journey ahead would be filled with both challenges and moments of unexpected joy.

Eventually, the conversation waned, and the weariness of the day settled upon them. Li Jie realized that they would have to address the unusual sleeping arrangements dictated by the emperor. He mustered the courage to broach the topic.

"Michael, about sleeping together..." Li Jie began, his voice faltering slightly.

Michael's face lit up with understanding, and he nodded eagerly. "I've been thinking about that too, Li Jie. Don't worry, I have a plan. We can sleep in the same room, but I'll position myself farther away from you. That way, any potential spies won't suspect anything, but we'll still be together."

Li Jie marveled at Michael's thoughtfulness. The boy's eagerness to accommodate their situation and ensure their safety touched Li Jie's heart.

"That sounds like a reasonable plan," Li Jie agreed, a small smile playing on his lips. "I appreciate your willingness to help and your respect for our circumstances. I trust your judgment, Michael."

A blush crept onto Michael's cheeks as he basked in Li Jie's trust. The mere thought of being in such close proximity to Li Jie made his heart flutter with excitement.

"Thank you, Li Jie," Michael replied, his voice filled with gratitude. "I won't let you down. I'll do everything in my power to ensure your comfort and safety."

With the arrangements settled, Li Jie and Michael prepared for their first night together. The room was dimly lit, casting a cozy ambiance upon their surroundings. As they settled into their respective spaces, a few nervous glances and shy smiles were exchanged.

Li Jie felt a blush tinge his cheeks as he noticed Michael stealing glances in his direction. It was as if the boy couldn't contain his overflowing happiness at being near Li Jie.

"Are you comfortable, Li Jie?" Michael asked softly, his eyes filled with genuine concern.

Li Jie nodded, his heart fluttering at Michael's attentiveness. "Yes, thank you, Michael. I feel at ease with you here."

The two of them shared a few more shy glances and nervous smiles before exhaustion finally took hold of Li Jie. As he drifted off to sleep, he hoped to dream of the day's events, of the challenges and possibilities that lay ahead.

But instead, his dreams took an unexpected turn. Li Jie found himself in a familiar place, surrounded by memories of his deceased lover, Parsa. Their shared moments played out in his mind, Parsa's handsome and beaming face etched into his memory.

As Li Jie slipped deeper into his dreams, the realm of memories merged with the ethereal landscape of his mind. He found himself standing in a tranquil garden, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. And there, standing before him, was Parsa, his deceased lover, adorned in a flowing robe that seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly radiance.

Li Jie's heart filled with a mixture of joy and sorrow at the sight of Parsa. He approached him cautiously, his eyes brimming with longing.

"Parsa..." Li Jie's voice trembled with emotion. "I miss you so much. I wish you were here with me."

Parsa's smile was gentle, his eyes filled with tenderness as he reached out to cup Li Jie's face. "Li Jie, my love, even though I'm no longer by your side, my spirit remains intertwined with yours. I've watched over you, protecting you from afar."

Tears welled up in Li Jie's eyes as he reached for Parsa's hand, desperate to hold onto the connection that fate had torn away. "I've felt so lost without you, Parsa. The pain of your absence weighs heavily on my heart."

Parsa's touch sent a comforting warmth coursing through Li Jie's veins, soothing the ache that had plagued him for so long. "Li Jie, my love, please remember that love transcends the boundaries of time and space. Our love will always endure, even if we are physically apart."

Li Jie nodded, his voice choked with emotion. "Yes, Parsa, I believe in the power of our love. It's what gives me strength, even in the darkest moments."

Parsa's eyes sparkled with admiration as he leaned closer to Li Jie, their foreheads touching. "You have grown so much, Li Jie. Your resilience and determination have inspired me, even from beyond the veil of life. I want you to find happiness and embrace the love that comes your way."

Li Jie's heart ached with a mixture of gratitude and sorrow. "But Parsa, how can I move on? How can I open my heart to someone else when it still belongs to you?"

Parsa's smile remained unwavering, his voice filled with unwavering support. "Li Jie, love is not finite. It expands and multiplies, capable of encompassing more than one person. Just as I will always hold a special place in your heart, there is room for another to enter and bring you joy."

Li Jie's tears fell freely now, mingling with a mix of grief and newfound hope. He clung to Parsa's presence, seeking solace in his comforting words.

As the dream faded away, Li Jie clung to the remnants of Parsa's presence, his heart filled with a newfound sense of purpose. He awoke with a renewed determination to cherish the love that had entered his life in the form of Michael, a boy whose unwavering dedication and boundless optimism had sparked a flicker of hope within Li Jie's heart.

Unbeknownst to Li Jie, as he slept, Michael watched over him, his heart swelling with a mix of admiration and affection. He marveled at Li Jie's resilience, even in the face of heartache, and silently vowed to bring happiness back into his life.

And so, in the quiet of the night, as Li Jie dreamed of a love lost, Michael silently swore to become the beacon of light that would guide Li Jie's heart towards a new beginning.