I didn't really run toward Jin Wei.
I *launched* myself like a malfunctioning missile.
To explain it scientifically: imagine a desperate squirrel seeing a human with peanuts. That squirrel? Me. Jin Wei? Peanut guy.
He just stood there, eyes wide — not in concern, not in alarm — more like *mild confusion mixed with deep regret for being born that day*.
I reached him and instinctively grabbed his sleeve.
"Save me," I whispered dramatically.
He stared at my hand. Then at my face. Then at the advancing five-maid squad that looked like they'd been trained by the royal army.
Once. Twice. Then he asked slowly, "You want me… to stop them?"
I nodded so fast my neck almost detached.
A muscle in his jaw twitched. He glanced at his sister — the princess — then back at me.
Great. They were siblings. Fantastic. I had literally run into the lion's den asking protection from the lioness.
And then he said the words that froze my spine.
"Why would I interfere in a matter that concerns my sister?"
Silence.
Xiaomei gasped.
Yuxi smirked.
The princess smiled like she'd already won.
And me?
I died internally.
How could he be so mean?
I'm literally making the most pitiful, wronged, puppy eyes in history — the kind that melts desi moms when they're about to throw slippers — and still, this man chooses his sister.
Yeah… I'm an idiot. Why on Earth did I think he would help me?
But too late now. I can't back off. My dignity packed its bags three sentences ago.
I looked up at him seriously and said,
"You are a police officer. It's your duty to protect civilians… and you owe me one."
His eyebrow raised, expression unreadable, clearly asking: *When?* and*How?*
"I'm talking about the day you mistook me for a traitor and dragged me to the police station! I cried so much, you know? I have never even *seen* a police station before!"
He stared at me silently.
Not angry. Not amused. Just… deeply questioning why I was allowed human interaction.
I turned my head — Yuxi was still fuming, face matching a tomato — but strangely, most of the girls around us now looked *shocked*.
Why? What did I—
…Oh.
Right.
I was still holding onto his sleeve.
Like a clingy girlfriend from a K-drama.
Slowly, I let go.
Okay yes, he definitely thinks I'm shameless now.
But priority is survival, not image.
Gathering whatever was left of my dignity, I straightened up and said,
"I can help you manage your accounts. You need someone for that, right?"
His eyes narrowed. "How the hell did you know that?"
Great. He thinks I'm a spy again.
"I overheard your men arguing about the accounts. The day you arrested me. *By mistake*." I emphasized that part with my best "victim of injustice" expression.
Still unconvinced.
That's when Yuxi marched toward me, voice sweet as venom.
"Brother, she not only disrespected me today, but also behaved improperly with you. Let me take her and… teach her a lesson properly."
My jaw dropped.
Excuse me?
Lesson?
Lady, I'm not a school project.
At that very moment, instincts kicked in.
I pouted like the most helpless lost puppy *and unleashed my ultimate weapon.*
Bringing my hands together in a *namaste pose*, I bent my knees slightly toward Jin Wei and pleaded—
"Please."
What? You thought I was going to fight?
Are you *crazy*? I'm a coward. *And* lazy. There's no universe where I waste energy on a physical fight.
And then… something shifted.
He turned to his sister and asked,
"What happened?"
Wait. WAIT.
Is he still not going to help me.
Idi—
No. Can't curse. My father always said decent girls don't.
Still… this *annoyingly handsome man* is testing my limits.
Yuxi spoke in a soft, innocent voice, retelling the whole story — *completely one-sided*, of course.
I rolled my eyes so hard my ancestors probably felt it.
Jin Wei *saw* that.
He turned to her again, his tone cold and authoritative.
"Did you know she was injured?"
She nodded.
"And that she supposedly lost her memory? This is her first time seeing you. How would she know you're the Princess?"
Silence.
My heart did something weird.
Why would he defend me like that?
I mean, yes — I wanted him to.
But actually hearing it…
I'm… strangely moved.
Yuxi opened her mouth again:
"But brother—"
Jin Wei lifted a hand, silencing her.
"What punishment were you giving her?" he asked calmly.
…Huh? Why is he asking that?
Yuxi's eyes sparkled. Oh no. If he takes her side now…
Looks like kneeling *might* happen today.
Why am I such a coward?
Why can't I be one of those bold, energy-charged heroines who kick everyone into the horizon?
Can I fight royals? Absolutely not. One wrong move and bam — dead. And I can't die here without my mom by my side.She would be so mad if I die without her knowledge.
Yuxi declared:
"Kneeling."
Jin Wei looked at me… then at her.
And then, calm as a pond, he said:
"She can't do that. She is still recovering."
My soul did a victory bhangra.
But before I could even celebrate…
He added:
"But she will write the full script of *'The Virtue of a Woman'*."
…WHAT?
He then turned to the teacher, who had been silently watching this epic drama unfold.
"This is a class. You should be the one handling them. The students should respect *you*, not another girl. If you can't maintain order, inform me — I'll request His Majesty to replace you."
Then his gaze met mine.
"Give her the script. Don't let her leave before finishing it."
I blinked.
Once. Twice. Thrice.
I hate him.
I *really, really hate him now.*
And that's how I ended up, reluctantly, facing the *most ridiculous punishment in history* — writing the entire ancient feminine guide while trying not to die of embarrassment, exhaustion, or sheer frustration.
But hey… at least I didn't kneel as the princess ordered. It's a win right?