Faced with her refusal, the Queen was evidently even happier, which indicated that Nangong Lin wasn’t one of those money-hungry commoners!

"No, no, no, you must accept this, it’s just a small token of my feelings," the Queen insisted, pushing the box into her arms.

Nangong Lin: "..."

Suddenly being stuffed with several billions worth of jewelry, Nangong Lin was bewildered and felt immense pressure. She was just about to say something when the elevator doors opened again.

Prince Alvin appeared in the elevator.

"Your Highness." John quickly went up to him and greeted him respectfully with a bow.

Alvin nodded and stepped out of the elevator, his deep eyes falling on Nangong Lin.

Nangong Lin, holding a large box of jewelry, felt a bit embarrassed, resembling a sudden nouveau riche!

"Mother." Alvin walked forward and politely hugged the Queen, planting a kiss on her forehead.

The Queen beamed with joy and said earnestly, "Alvin, since you’ve accepted a role here, you should work hard and learn more about the Empire’s culture."

Alvin didn’t respond, only furrowing his brow slightly. He took a role here?

Wasn’t this arranged by the Queen!

Out of politeness, Alvin didn’t refute the Queen publicly, nor did he complain, but instead turned to looked at Nangong Lin.

Nangong Lin, who had been watching the scene, was startled by Alvin’s gaze, and hurriedly greeted, "Hi, Prince Alvin, hello."

"Hello." Alvin, elegantly and royally, suddenly asked Nangong Lin, "Is it heavy?"

Hmm?

Ah?

Before Nangong Lin could react, Alvin’s arms extended courteously, "Let me take it."

It was only then Nangong Lin realized Alvin was talking about the box.

She hurriedly let go and handed it to Alvin to hold properly, as she didn’t really want this box of jewelry, but Alvin’s gentlemanly gesture warmed her heart.

"Thank you." Nangong Lin smiled, then turned to the Queen and said, "Queen, I really can’t accept this gift, it’s too precious. I appreciate your kindness, but I feel undeserving. You should take it back."

"My mother gave it to you?" Alvin glanced at Nangong Lin, then at the jewelry in the box.

"Yes." Nangong Lin smiled awkwardly, "The Queen asked me to take care of you and gave me such a big box of jewels. It’s too valuable. Please persuade your mom to take it back."

"Once given, there’s no reason to take it back." The Queen insisted, maintaining her stance of forcefully giving the box to Nangong Lin.

Nangong Lin was truly helpless, and could only look to Alvin for help.

"Since my mother gave it to you, just accept it." Alvin replied lightly, obviously not finding the box of jewelry particularly valuable.

Nangong Lin: "..."

"Alright, alright, just take it, we’re all on such familiar terms." The Queen smiled cheerfully, "Let Alvin carry it into your room for you."

Nangong Lin: "..."

There’s a saying that it’s hard to refuse a well-meant offering, and with no way of defying these two, Nangong Lin could only tacitly agree to accept it.

But she was truly red-faced and opened the door extremely embarrassed, yet also very courteously made a curtsey, "In that case, thank you, Your Highness."

"No need to thank me," the Queen slyly laughed, covering her mouth like a fox, gave Alvin a push on the back, "You brat, hurry up and take it in."

Alvin was taken a bit by surprise by the Queen’s push, and accidentally stepped forward, nearly bumping straight into Nangong Lin.

Nangong Lin was startled and also took a step back in surprise. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

"Careful!" Alvin quickly secured the box with one hand and seized Nangong Lin’s hand with the other, steadying her posture to prevent her from falling awkwardly to the ground.