Fly Away, Daisy

Daisy's mind suddenly cleared a little from Adel's manipulative influence.

She stared blankly ahead, lost in thought.

Zhou Yi didn’t know what had crossed her mind, but her expression had abruptly shifted.

"Daisy, what’s wrong?"

"There’s a problem troubling me, but I don’t know who to turn to for answers."

She had no one to rely on, no confidant to share her burdens with. Even when distress weighed on her, there was no one to listen.

Zhou Yi’s presence offered her a sliver of relief—a chance to catch her breath.

With a gentle smile, he reassured her:

"You can talk to me. Keeping worries bottled up isn’t good. Speaking them aloud helps, even if I can’t solve them. At the very least, I can be a good listener."

A faint smile touched Daisy’s delicate face. She couldn’t be sure of the intentions of other men around her, but this kind soul before her was different.

Daisy confessed her identity to Zhou Yi and revealed Adel’s plan to auction off her virginity.

Though the topic was shameful, it was an open secret among those present. Sooner or later, Zhou Yi would hear the truth from others’ whispers.

The answer ignited Zhou Yi’s fury.

"Daisy, you shouldn’t listen to him. He’s just using you."

"I can’t believe such a brother exists in this world. He doesn’t deserve to be called human."

"A nation’s survival shouldn’t rest on your shoulders."

Daisy lowered her eyes in sorrow.

"But I have no choice. The Duke of Y truly holds the power to decide whether our countries go to war again. I can’t bear to see more bloodshed on this land."

"Our royal family has failed to bring our people happiness, yet they still suffer endless wars. It shames me."

Zhou Yi wasn’t her. He couldn’t understand her resolve.

If Daisy were selfish, she could flee—but she wasn’t that kind of person.

Her heart belonged to her country and its people. She couldn’t abandon them.

"Daisy, I don’t understand. I respect your willingness to sacrifice for your nation, but not like this—not by enduring such humiliation."

"You’re a princess. How heartbroken would your mother be if she knew?"

Daisy’s eyes reddened instantly.

Biting her lip, she turned away. "What else can I do? If I leave, innocent people will suffer. I think... my mother would understand."

Zhou Yi patted her head. "Come with me, Daisy. Leave this banquet. Give yourself a moment to breathe. You look like you’re on the verge of collapse. Holding on like this isn’t helping anyone."

Daisy wavered.

After a final hesitation, she asked, "But where would I go? If I disappear, won’t there be chaos? How will my brother face them?"

Zhou Yi took her hand and stood. "That’s not your concern. Adel can figure it out himself."

He led her to Jones.

Jones had been conversing with a high-ranking official when she spotted Zhou Yi and Daisy approaching. Surprise flickered across her face.

After exchanging pleasantries with the official, Jones joined Zhou Yi in a secluded corner, casting a discreet glance at Daisy.

"Zhou, what’s going on...?"

"I’m taking Daisy away after the luncheon."

"What’s between you two? A date?"

Jones wasn’t pleased. Though she pitied Daisy, her fondness for Zhou Yi made it hard to watch him leave with another woman.

Zhou Yi chuckled helplessly and pulled out his phone, showing Jones some photos.

"Actually, Daisy resembles my late sister. Seeing her in this state pains me, so I want to help her escape."

Relief washed over Jones as she studied the images.

So that was why. No wonder Zhou Yi had asked about Daisy earlier.

Worried, she said, "I know you mean well, but have you considered how she’ll face her brother afterward? We can’t let impulse ruin her life."

Zhou Yi countered, "If it were you, would you rather leave with me or stay here to be taken by a stranger after the banquet?"

Jones paused. Perhaps she’d been too pragmatic, fearing consequences over Daisy’s immediate anguish.

"She needs this recklessness. Otherwise, she’ll never break free from Adel’s grip. Truthfully, Adel can’t do much to her. Compared to being violated by a stranger, would his scolding really be worse?"

Convinced, Jones sighed. "I just don’t want you dragged into this. It’s not your fight. But your actions only prove I was right about you."

Her eyes gleamed as she looked at Zhou Yi.

She hadn’t misjudged him.

In this entire banquet, he was the only man who’d reached out to Daisy.

If she were in Daisy’s place, she’d choose to leave with Zhou Yi too.

As for Adel’s wrath—that was a problem for later. At least Daisy would escape her ordeal for now.

"After lunch, take her through the back door. I’ll cover for you here and distract Adel, steering his attention elsewhere."

"Thank you, Jones."

"Don’t mention it. As a woman, I’m glad to help her."

Zhou Yi returned to Daisy and explained the plan. She nodded nervously.

"Go back now, before your brother notices. If he keeps his eyes on you, it’ll be trouble."

Daisy obeyed, slipping back to her secluded corner.

Luckily, Adel hadn’t noticed her absence.

Her heart raced—this was her first act of rebellion.

Like a golden canary about to flee its cage, she trembled with excitement and hope.