"..."
Jia Baoyu was immediately rendered speechless by Daiyu's utterly merciless response. His face turned red, then white.
He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found himself with no answer.
After all, in Rongguo Mansion, everyone had always treated him like a treasured darling. Aside from his old man, when had anyone ever so bluntly said they had no regard for him and talked back to him?
And so!
In an instant, a jumble of hurt, embarrassment, and confusion clogged his chest, making him feel awful. He wanted to smash his jade again.
But just as he'd thought a moment ago, there didn't seem to be anyone here who cherished him, so smashing it would probably be pointless. It would only stir up trouble without getting him anything in return, so he forced himself to hold back.
Then, seeing Daiyu turn away to talk with Tanchun, he stood there hesitantly, wrestling with himself for a long while. In the end, he didn't dare keep pressing the subject. He was afraid he might hear something even more hurtful from Lin Daiyu.
Those words might not have been meant maliciously, but he still didn't like hearing them!
"Oh, right!"
Then, hoping to ease the awkwardness and change the subject, he suddenly remembered the news he'd just heard from his mother—Lady Wang.
"Lin Daiyu!"
"You haven't heard, have you?"
"I just came from Mother's place. She said that in a few days, my aunt's family from Jinling will be coming to the capital. They'll be staying at Rongguo Mansion, too!"
That was actually why he'd made a special trip over, so now he naturally tried to use this bit of news to pique Daiyu's interest and get a proper conversation going.
"My aunt?"
At that, Lin Daiyu was indeed drawn in.