Empress Of The Lost Kingdom

As soon as the nuptial rituals ended, the banquet started with a grand musical cue led by Zhang Zhi Jun,

Though it has become a norm in the Yu clan to host Zhang Zhi Jun's performance whenever there is a joyous occasion. However, today's performance was a bit different.

It was a wedding gift for his biggest fangirl and her husband, who turned out to be his best friend. 

Once he finished the performance, Zhang Zhi Jun bumped into Li Juan's colleagues from Jing city as well as Qiao Chu.

"Of course, the legendary Zhang Zhi Jun for a reason." Cheng Tao almost squealed as he greeted the superstar after so many months. 

"Thank you, Cheng. I hope I didn't disappoint you." He replied with a genuine smile adorning his face and approached Qiao Chu. 

"Hi there, little brother. It's been a while." 

"Hello, Mr Zhang," Qiao Chu's response was colder than his usual 'I don't care- who you are- I will treat you-only like this' attitude and Zhang Zhi Jun could easily figure out the possible reason for his indifferent demeanour. 

"Are you still angry at me?" He inquired the boy, just like the way he usually talks to his brothers. 

"Why would I be angry? 

"For saying that Li Juan is my fiance?" Zhang Zhi Jun reminded. Even though he introduced himself as Li Juan's cousin, her protective little brother figured out Zhang Zhi Jun's true feelings and sought confirmation from the latter.

"I didn't lie...I was something called a 'suitor' for her and Tae Yang also..." He tried to elaborate his complicated relationship status with Li Juan, only to get interrupted by the other. 

"I know." Qiao Chu casually replied as his gaze scrutinized Zhang Zhi Jun's perplexed face. 

"You knew?" His eyebrows perched up in surprise as he spoke, "If you already aware of it, then why didn't you-" 

"I know my Jie and her type." Qiao Chu retorted with a chuckle as he interrupted Zhang Zhi Jun with his face rippling with humour. 

"Oh, dear!!! Your Jie used to have a huge crush on me." Zhang Zhi Jun haughtily argued back without any intention to back off. 

"Have you ever asked Jie's reason for liking the "Nation's husband' who is loved by everyone?" Qiao Chu rambled back to win the argument. 

"Of course, I know... She loves my singing. I mean...she liked the man who sung her favourite songs." Zhang Zhi Jun proudly stated. He still remembered when he found his albums in Li Juan's room, preserved like her precious possession.

However, Qiao Chu, who wasn't satisfied with the reply, probed more. 

"Why do you think Jie likes people who sings?"

"Well, people tend to develop an attachment to entertainers, especially actors and singers." 

"NOOO" Cheng Tao rolled his eyes and gestured Zhang Zhi Jun not to fall for Qiao Chu's word games.

"No. My Jie has specific reasons to like people who love to sing." 

"What's that?" Zhang Zhi Jun inquired to Qiao Chu, who pointed at the podium where the bride and groom received their wedding guests. 

"I heard it from Aunt Li. She said that uncle Bai was the one who taught my brother-in-law how to sing. While Aunt Li was pregnant with Jie, whenever baby heard their voices, she starts to kick her mom in excitement." Qiao Chu explained while looking at his sister with gleaming eyes.

"It's Jie's first and probably the last memory of her father. So whenever she hears someone singing, she-" 

"Yaaa.... don't father zone me. I'm not that old." Zhang Zhi Jun interrupted even before Qiao Chu could tease him more. 

"It's a proven fact that Lily connects easily to musicians, especially to men who sing." Cheng Tao validated Qiao Chu's point

"Hey, that's a lie."

"You can ask anyone if you want." Two renowned personalities in the country, an A-list celebrity and a pro-basket ball player began to bicker like kids. 

"You are friends with actor Mo Yan, aren't you?" Qiao Chu pried again, "He used to be Jie's best friend," 

"Mo Yan and Li Juan are friends?" Zhang Zhi Jun's eyes almost popped out in disbelief. As far as he knows, Mo Yan was the ultimate bully who always messed up things for Li Juan. "I don't believe you. Mo Yan hates her." 

"They go way back before Jie joined Silver Oak. Though Mo Yan's family was super-rich, he started his career as a vocalist of a local band that often performs street concerts. We used to go and listen whenever they play. Maybe he must have felt that she is his brain-dead fan and asked the reason for her obsession. Can you guess what happened next?" 

"You sound like my father." Zhang Zhi Jun added as he tried to control his laughter.

"Exactly!!! At an age of 16, who would like to compare to a dead old man?" Qiao Chu broke into a peal of laughter. "After that, he doesn't even dare to talk to Jie, again."

"That's so silly of him. Is this is the reason for his hatred towards Li Juan? I don't think so." He shrugged his shoulders in protest.

"You should go and ask him, then." Qiao Chu scoffed and continued in a mocking tone,

"I don't understand why men get easily offended when girls compare their boyfriends to their father but they like to be called as 'Sugar daddy." He snarled in dismay.

"I've never said like that."

"You aren't different either. You said 'don't father-zone me'. My Jie grew up without her father, so it's normal for her to seek some fatherly affection from the men in her life." Qiao Chu harshly criticized. "Luckily that doctor guy is the only one who never gets offended no matter how my Jie treats him. That's why he deserves to stand next to her on that podium."

"I agree...I totally agree that they are made for each other. But why are you trying to say this to me? It's over for me. I don't hold any feelings for her. She is my cousin." Zhang Zhi Jun tried to avoid looking at Qiao Chu as he came up with excuses.

"Is it really over? Your actions say the opposite." Qiao Chu stated, startling Zhang Zhi Jun, all of sudden.

For a moment, he was rendered speechless as if he was caught red-handed by the young man.

"I'm aware of the fact that my Jie is a remarkable person, but brother, this world doesn't revolve around Li Juan." Qiao Chu gently touched Zhang Zhi Jun's shoulder and affirmed in a soft voice.

"You are the 'Zhang Zhi Jun' there will be thousands of women who can reciprocate your feelings and unconditionally love you as if their world revolves around you." 

Hearing Qiao Chu's words, Zhang Zhi Jun silently turned in the direction of the newlyweds as his mouth curling up into an agreeing smile. 

At the same time, Li Juan was busy recieving greetings and blessings from everyone.

"Xiao Li, do you remember me?" Chi Yan who approached the podium with a bouquet of flowers enthusiastically asked Li Juan. 

"What is wrong with your friend, Yangyang? Why is he asking me the same question whenever he meets me? Look at Ren Gege, he is not at all bothered with my memory." Li Juan complained about Chi Yan, jokingly. 

"Woahhh that's impressive, what about this person?" Chi Yan turned Li Juan's attention to the other person who accompanied him to the podium.

As her eyes caught the sight of the middle-aged man, she felt a sense of familiarity, but for some reason, she failed to recall his identity. However, since he came with Lee Tae Yang's doctor friends, she assumed the other person's identity must be the similar to the duo. 

While Li Juan contemplated over the issue, the man smilingly revealed his identity.

"My name is Luo Ben Cheng." The man spoke in an amiable tone. " I used to be a neurosurgeon in the first hospital in S city. "

"Oh my god, Professor Luo!!!!" Li Juan's black irises widened as she recognised the person who stood before her.

"It's quite surprising that you are finally here. The hospital people said that you resigned and went somewhere else."

"How can I not attend my best student as well as my amazing patient's wedding?" Luo Ben Cheng replied with a question as he witnessed the immense joy gleaming over the bride's face. 

"Professor, you were the first person whom Xiao Li searched when she reached S city. She doesn't even recognize me and good lord, she kicked me in the gut." Chi Yan shared his memory of meeting Li Juan after long seven years.

"Really?" Li Juan glanced at Lee Tae Yang, who agreed with a sheepish smile.

"Well, I'm glad to meet you after so many years and also congratulations, Li Juan, you kept your word." Luo Ben Cheng shook hands with the girl who remained blank without any idea about he is saying. 

"While you were in S city, you kinda challenged professor. You said that how long it might, you will make sure to end up with no one but Tae Yang." Chi Yan helped Li Juan to recall the adamant decisions she took as teenager. "You even had a crazy reason for pursuing him." 

Li Juan cluelessly looked in the direction of her husband, silently gesturing him to help her out.

"Professor, I knew him from my past past past life, that's what you said to me." Luo Ben Cheng reminded her, leaving Li Juan with an astonished look. 

"I'm sorry, professor. Though I recovered from my illness, my memories are still blurry." She apologetically replied.

"No...no...you don't have to remember anything...It's just...I'm so happy for both of you, especially Li Juan, even after going through countless misfortunes, you are here, looking all pretty and healthy." Luo Ben Cheng tried to console her as he spoke,

"Well, it's all because of your students relentless efforts to take good care of me." Li Juan stated with a pleasant smile adorning her gorgeous face.

"Uffooo....can you at least stop giving us dog food on your wedding day?" Chi Yan meddled between the couple and stopped them from being lovey-dovey, "As we are on the topic of food, have you eaten, Xiao Li?"

"Nope, Gege. I'm starving." Li Juan informed with a barely audible voice. "

"Then let's have a meal together." Chi Yan suggested and looked at Lee Tae Yang for confirmation.

"You guys take a seat, I will join you in a couple of minutes." Lee Tae Yang told them and moved to his grandfather who has gestured him to come over. Though Chi Yan and Hao Ren left the podium, Luo Ben Cheng stayed a little longer with Li Juan, as he probed more about her life. 

"So I heard that you are an archaeologist, now. Did you find your queen?" Luo Ben Cheng inquired.

"Yes, professor." 

"How about building a house in the countryside with orchards and a large garden?" 

"Yangyang built it for me." She replied with a pair of sparkling eyes, "and gifted it while proposing." 

"Ahha, that's great." Luo Ben Cheng praised and handed over a rectangular box wrapped in purple gift paper to her.

"Here, it is a small gift from me."Actually, it is for my student, but I want you to give this to him." He requested and looked at her face, brimming with happiness. "But don't worry, you will receive your wedding gift after a while."

Li Juan wholeheartedly accepted the gift. Of course, Luo Ben Cheng had a closer relationship with his students and, understandably, he wished to give separate gifts to the newlyweds. 

"Thank you so much, professor. You are here, that's itself is a great thing for me. I don't need anything else." Li Juan honestly replied. Two months ago,, she gave up on the thought of meeting her beloved people or even getting married to Lee Tae Yang and live a life together, as she waited for her death in the overflowing swimming pool. But the heavens blessed her with a second chance to live her life without any regrets and guilt.

All is left to do is embracing her fate and lead a life, happily. 

Once the banquet came to an end, the guests started to leave and the newlyweds were escorted to the nuptial chamber in the Yu palace.

As soon as Li Juan entered the room, the first thing she did was to search for Luo Ben Cheng's gift. 

"Are you excited to unwrap the gifts?" Lee Tae Yang grinned as he crouched down to the girl, who was rummaging through the gift boxes. "At least, change into your pyjamas." He suggested sweetly and brushed a lock of hair covering her face. 

Li Juan inclined her head and took a look at the man who sat beside her without any hesitations or complaints. It was their wedding night and yet he never urged, but let her do whatever she wants to do. 

Such a man!!! Her heart fluttered, once again at his sweet gestures. 

"Just give me a minute, hubby." Li Juan winked and got back into her business. After a few minutes, she somehow found a rectangular box from the pile of gifts, with a triumphant smile on her lips. 

"Here, it's yours," She extended the gift to Lee Tae Yang, who was taken aback by her actions.

"Were you looking for this to give to me?" He rolled his eyes as he took the gift from her. 

"Open it and take a look." She suggested and kowtowed on the soft carpet as he unwrapped the gift.

The moment, his obsidian eyes fell on the 'gift' inside the box, Lee Tae Yang reverted his gaze at his wife, unable to suppress the astonishment as well as the overwhelming emotions surging deep inside his heart. 

"Xiao Li, this..." Words got stuck at his throat as he gently picked up the stethoscope lying in the box. 

"Professor Luo asked me to give this to you." Li Juan rendered with utmost happiness and lifted her arm to touch his chiseled face. 

"You have burned enough to brighten up my world." She affirmed as she took the stethoscope from his hands and placed around his neck. 

From the day, she accepted Lee Tae Yang as her soulmate, Li Juan always worried about repaying the love and affection she has received from him. 

However, right at this moment, she finally found an answer for that question. 

As her eyes glisten like a starry sky, Li Juan proposed in a tranquil yet resolute voice, 

"Tae Yang, now it's your turn to shine."