The Side Character Wants to Lie Flat-Chapter 79: Foreseeing the Future

Hua Manman didn’t know what they had talked about.

In any case, when Li Ji left Jade Pavilion, he looked no different than usual.

He gave an order to Gao Shan, who had rushed over upon hearing the news.

"Have Jade Pavilion sealed off. From now on, no one is to enter or leave without my express command."

Gao Shan was taken aback.

’The Prince is putting Han Ruren under house arrest!’

Hua Manman pushed Prince Zhao back to the Mountain and Sea Residence.

As usual, she helped Prince Zhao change his clothes.

Li Ji was silent the entire time, his eyes fixed on the candle flame, lost in thought.

It was only when he had been helped into bed and was about to lie down that he suddenly asked a question.

"Do you believe there are people in this world who can foresee the future?"

Hua Manman’s movements paused.

She asked, confused, "Why does the Prince ask such a thing?"

But Li Ji had no intention of answering, only saying lazily,

"I’m tired."

Hua Manman: "..."

’Damn it! People who leave their sentences half-finished deserve to be alone forever!’

Li Ji, hearing her inner thoughts, reached out and pinched her cheek.

"What in the world goes through that little head of yours all day?"

The pinch hurt, but Hua Manman was furious and didn’t dare show it. She could only say pitifully,

"I am, of course, thinking of you, Your Highness. My heart, my eyes, my mind—they are all filled with you and you alone."

Li Ji released her face and said with a smile, "I just love watching you spout nonsense."

Hua Manman feigned a blush. "Thank you for your favor, Your Highness."

Li Ji: "..."

’This woman really knows how to take a mile when you give an inch.’

He then reached for Hua Manman’s arm, wanting to see the injury there.

Hua Manman instinctively tried to pull away, but his gaze stopped her.

He rolled up her sleeve, revealing a slender arm.

On her snow-white skin was a glaring whip mark.

Some time had passed, so the mark had faded from bright red to a dark bruise. Fortunately, the skin wasn’t broken, so there was no need to worry about a scar.

Li Ji personally applied ointment to the mark.

"If something like this happens again, don’t just stand there foolishly and take it."

In this era, filial piety was paramount. Even if beaten by one’s parents, one could not dodge, let alone resist.

To do so would be unfilial.

But Li Ji didn’t share this view.

In his eyes, nothing was more important than protecting oneself.

Hua Manman said in a small voice, "I didn’t have time to react this time. It definitely won’t happen again." 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

Li Ji put down the ointment, picked up a handkerchief to wipe his fingers, and his gaze lingered for a moment on her slender, snow-white arm.

"From the looks of it, I doubt you’ve ever learned martial arts. Starting tomorrow, I’ll teach you a few moves for self-defense. That way, you won’t be completely helpless when you face danger in the future."

Hua Manman’s eyes immediately lit up.

She had been dreaming of learning martial arts!

With martial arts, she would have the power to protect herself and could survive a little longer.

She said sincerely, "Thank you, Your Highness! You’re truly wonderful!"

After the oil lamp was blown out, they both lay down in their respective beds.

Soon, Hua Manman fell asleep.

In the quiet room, her steady breathing could be heard clearly.

Li Ji, however, couldn’t fall asleep.

He was still pondering the things Han Zhenzhen had said.

According to Han Zhenzhen, she had a cousin named Lin Qingzhi.

The Lin family had met with disaster, leaving Lin Qingzhi as the sole survivor. With nowhere else to go, she was sent to live temporarily with her maternal grandmother’s family.

Han Zhenzhen had originally looked down on this cousin, feeling that she came from a small town. Even though she was beautiful, she had an unrefined air about her that made her unfit for high society.

But unexpectedly, Lin Qingzhi had recently suffered a serious illness, and after waking up, her personality had completely changed.