Reborn to Become A Queen: The Real Heiress's Comeback-Chapter 392 His Love is a One-Man’s Chaos of War!

Xiao Chen, apart from solving cases, now barely has time to deal with other matters.

It’s rare for him to come out today—he wanted to immerse himself in the lively atmosphere of the marketplace.

After all, being alone sometimes makes him feel suffocatingly lonely.

Whenever he thought of Zhan Lan, unable to control his love for her, he’d often seek out wine to drink.

It was as if only during those moments, the one sitting across from him was still Zhan Lan—the person who had shared life and death, joy and sorrow with him across two lifetimes.

But now, Zhan Lan was married and had found her happiness.

Though he knew he couldn’t approach her anymore, he still couldn’t help but think about her.

He lifted a jar of wine, placed two cups flat on the table before Vermilion Bird and Xue Lingling, and poured each of them a drink.

Vermilion Bird sat beside Xue Lingling, watching Xiao Chen with an expression that conveyed both concern and the sense that even his wine-pouring movements were tinged with melancholy.

Xiao Chen smiled faintly and said, "I’ve been to this tavern twice before; they have peach blossom brew and plum wine with such a refreshing and elegant taste."

Vermilion Bird hadn’t expected Xiao Chen to be someone who enjoyed drinking. Xue Lingling, drawn by the sweet aroma, said, "Let me give it a try!"

She lifted the cup and downed it in one gulp. Vermilion Bird immediately objected, "Take it easy; it’s easy to get drunk from wine!"

Xue Lingling choked on the alcohol, coughing a couple of times, and Xiao Chen gently reminded, "Miss, wine should be savored slowly."

Vermilion Bird glanced at Xiao Chen and explained, "She’s not my mistress; her name is Xue Lingling, and she’s the daughter of the Clan Leader of the Poisonous Insect Clan."

Xiao Chen smiled slightly and said, "I can tell—this young lady’s demeanor is quite unique, not like someone from Nanjin."

Vermilion Bird mentally complained that Xue Lingling was certainly unique—she was nothing but trouble!

Xue Lingling mimicked Xiao Chen’s manner of drinking, taking a small sip.

"It tastes so good like this!" Xue Lingling said with a delighted smile, her eyes curving into crescents.

Vermilion Bird warned, "Only three cups."

Xue Lingling protested, "Why?"

In his heart, Vermilion Bird thought: If Xue Lingling gets drunk, she’s definitely the type to disregard all manners, and in the end, wouldn’t all the trouble fall on him?

Xiao Chen covered his face with his sleeve while drinking, seemingly asking casually, "How are the Princess and the Prince doing?"

Vermilion Bird nodded, "They are doing well."

Vermilion Bird felt bitter inside—aside from him, the Master and Madam were indeed doing well.

"Oh." Xiao Chen took a sip of wine, his emotions complex as he lowered his cup.

"Has Mr. Xiao been busy lately?" Vermilion Bird asked.

Xiao Chen let out a bitter smile and replied, "Very busy. Today is a rare occasion for taking some time off. This night market is bustling—I like it a lot."

A bustling place like this, Zhan Lan would likely enjoy it too.

Except he was unlucky; every time, he failed to meet her.

During this brief conversation between the two, Xue Lingling had already started gulping down an entire small jar of wine.

"Xue Lingling!" Vermilion Bird was frightened by her audacious drinking and immediately snatched the jar from her hands. After shaking it, he thought to himself: This is bad. Xue Lingling drank so much for her first time—if she doesn’t get drunk, it would be a miracle!

Xue Lingling glared at Vermilion Bird and scolded, "Little Vermilion Bird, I want more! This is such sweet and delicious wine—how could it possibly make someone drunk? Impossible!"

Vermilion Bird’s face turned serious. Seeing that Vermilion Bird was truly angry, Xue Lingling obediently sat back and ate peanuts.

Xiao Chen directed a gentle smile at Xue Lingling and asked, "Why did you come to Ding’an City?"

Xue Lingling pointed to her cheek and said, "Me? I came to escape a marriage!"

Xiao Chen hadn’t casually chatted with others for a long time, so he continued asking, "Was it the Princess who allowed you to stay at the Prince’s residence?"

Xue Lingling’s eyes widened. "You’re amazing! Yes, it was Princess who let me stay."

Xue Lingling always felt Xiao Chen had a certain emotional distance about him, which was why she no longer called him ’Brother Xiao Chen.’

Xiao Chen was different from Huang Gun and Vermilion Bird. Although he didn’t seem to carry an air of superiority in conversation, he nevertheless gave off a vibe that wasn’t easy to approach.

Even the Regent King made her feel the same way. Ultimately, Vermilion Bird and Huang Gun were still more fun!

Xiao Chen understood Zhan Lan well; she was someone who lived with an acute awareness.

She knew, with precision, who were friends she could pour her heart out to and who were friends she could cultivate connections with.

Moreover, considering her status as the Poisonous Insect Clan’s little princess, forming ties with her would only benefit her quest for revenge.

Zhan Lan wasn’t unkind, nor was she overly calculating—she just didn’t want to lose again.

Xiao Chen turned to Vermilion Bird and said, "Commander Zhu, can you help me with a favor?"

Vermilion Bird nodded slightly, "Please go ahead, Mr. Xiao."

Xiao Chen’s fingers brushed against the wine jar as he said, "Help me take a few jars of wine to the Princess—she should like them."

Vermilion Bird knew Xiao Chen was Zhan Lan’s most capable and trusted subordinate. However, the Master seemed to harbor some animosity toward him.

But upon thinking that it was Madam who had the final say in the Prince’s residence, Vermilion Bird felt less anxious.

"Alright." Vermilion Bird agreed, and the Hidden Guards placed several jars of wine into the carriage.

Xiao Chen hadn’t seen Zhan Lan in quite a while. These jars of wine were chosen from the best flavors across more than ten taverns—she should enjoy them.

As the two conversed, Xue Lingling’s face had already begun to flush red. She looked at Xiao Chen with a dazed expression and asked, "Why don’t you deliver them yourself?"

Xiao Chen momentarily froze, not knowing how to respond.

He turned his gaze elsewhere with a faint smile and said, "I’ve been too busy."

Xue Lingling giggled at Xiao Chen and said, "You’re lying! You’re clearly sitting here drinking alone—how can you say you’re so busy?"

Having his feelings exposed by Xue Lingling so directly, Xiao Chen’s gaze faltered and he replied, "Your Princess is also very busy—I don’t want to disturb her!"

Xue Lingling waved her hand dismissively and frowned. "You’re lying again... My father always says: Words should be spoken face-to-face, and gifts should be delivered personally. Living like this must be so exhausting for you..."

Watching Xue Lingling drunkenly gesturing at Xiao Chen, Vermilion Bird turned to him and said, "Apologies, Mr. Xiao—she’s drunk and rambling."

Xiao Chen gave a bitter smile, observing outside as the wind grew stronger, whipping at the clothes of passersby. He remarked, "It’s alright. Miss Xue has indeed had too much. It looks like it’s about to rain—you’d better take her back now!"

"Alright." Vermilion Bird stood up to support Xue Lingling.

Xiao Chen remained seated alone, watching as Vermilion Bird and Xue Lingling left.

He lowered his eyes to gaze at the cup in his hands. His love for Zhan Lan was a chaotic, solitary war.

On the surface, he appeared calm and serene. Yet only he knew that the name Zhan Lan was engraved on his heart—a destiny he couldn’t erase.

...

Vermilion Bird helped Xue Lingling onto the carriage. They had barely left the night market when Xue Lingling dashed out of the carriage to vomit profusely.

Vermilion Bird helplessly rubbed his temple, feeling utterly at a loss.

"You really are nothing but trouble!" Vermilion Bird walked over, patting Xue Lingling’s back as he spoke.

Xue Lingling, too drunk to hear clearly, rebutted, "You’re the little rascal—I still want to drink!"

With that, she stumbled forward, her head heading straight for the ground.

Vermilion Bird panicked and quickly caught her with his hands, holding her tightly in his embrace.