The sound of her voice attracted the attention of others. Who doesn’t love a bit of excitement? Soon, more and more people turned to watch.

  Lu Qingyun’s expression showed a trace of panic. She had only pleaded with her aunt to come and see what Bai Qingqing looked like. She had no intention of causing trouble or interfering with her aunt’s plans. But she hadn’t expected Bai Qingqing to have such a temperament—who would be so severe at a banquet like this?

  "My young lady is the cousin of the Ping Prince's household. She came today to attend the banquet with Young Master Fu Yi," the servant explained.

  Bai Yaoyao had just arrived and caught the conversation. She walked up beside Bai Qingqing, looking slightly surprised. "Your young master brought his cousin to a banquet? What kind of etiquette is that?"

  Bai Qingqing still wore an expression of disbelief and immediately sent someone to invite Fu Yi over.

  Being watched by so many people, Lu Qingyun’s cheeks burned with embarrassment. She had only wanted to see Bai Qingqing, not become the center of a spectacle. When she finally spotted Fu Yi, she hurried over and clutched his sleeve, looking up at him pitifully. "Cousin…"

  Fu Yi had rushed over, confused by the commotion, but the moment he arrived, all he could see was Bai Qingqing standing among the crowd—radiant and striking, just like the camellias in bloom today.

  When Bai Qingqing saw him, the smile returned to her face. "So, this young lady is truly Young Master Fu’s cousin? Then I must have misunderstood."

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  Lu Qingyun’s maid, Xin Sui, immediately stepped forward, indignant. "A simple misunderstanding? My lady came here as a guest, yet you questioned and reprimanded her. Is that all there is to it?"

  Bai Qingqing paid her no attention, still wearing a polite smile as she addressed Fu Yi. "I hope Young Master Fu doesn’t take offense. This is my first time organizing a banquet, so naturally, I have to be cautious. I truly did not expect Young Master Fu to have such a close relationship with his cousin—so close that he would bring her along to a banquet. That is my oversight. Next time I see the young lady, I will remember her."

  Her tone was gentle, but the implication behind her words was enough to stir gossip. Fu Yi hurriedly explained, "Qingyun rarely goes out. She heard about the flower banquet and insisted on coming. It wasn’t my intention."

  Lu Qingyun’s face turned pale. She looked at Fu Yi with disbelief, but he wasn’t even looking at her. His only concern was explaining himself to Bai Qingqing.

  "This was indeed our mistake," Fu Yi admitted. "We came uninvited without prior notice. It was improper. Bai Qingqing is not at fault."

  Bai Qingqing chuckled behind her silk handkerchief. "As long as Young Master Fu doesn’t mind, that’s all that matters. If I may say so, you truly dote on your cousin. She merely causes a little fuss, and you immediately indulge her. I only regret that I don’t have such a caring cousin myself. The young lady is truly fortunate."

  As soon as she said this, the other young ladies watching exchanged glances—those who understood, understood.

  But Bai Qingqing wasn’t done yet. She stepped forward, her demeanor warm and kind as she took Lu Qingyun’s hand. "It was my fault earlier. It’s my first time hosting a banquet, so I was naturally a little nervous. You seem like such a gentle and kind person—I do hope you won’t take it to heart."

  Lu Qingyun had to maintain her composure, so she smiled graciously.

  Bai Qingqing then spoke again, her voice filled with kindness. "In the future, you must come out more often. That way, everyone will know that the Ping Prince’s household has such a beautiful cousin… Oh my, this bracelet is exquisite! Could it be the birthday gift Young Master Fu gave you?"

  Lu Qingyun was startled. "How did you know?"

  "I happened to be in the shop when Young Master Fu was picking it out," Bai Qingqing replied with a smile. "He was so careful, afraid you might not like it. He even asked for my opinion. Your cousin is truly thoughtful, always thinking of you. Such devotion is rare. You are indeed fortunate."

  A faint pink blush appeared on Lu Qingyun’s face, and her eyes softened with shyness. Hearing such admiration from others—especially from Bai Qingqing—filled her with joy.

  However, Fu Yi’s expression was the complete opposite. Panic flickered in his eyes as he opened his mouth to explain, but he didn’t even know where to begin.