Hai Bo Dong choked on Ya Fei's retort. A trace of embarrassment flashed through his icy crystal eyes, yet he stubbornly said, "I merely thought you two were well matched and mentioned it in passing."
Though he said that, he did not persist any further—he had only meant it partly as a joke. Now that Ya Fei herself was being so open about it, he naturally would not keep pressing the matter.
Ya Fei ignored him and turned to Yao Ye, her tone softening somewhat. "Sister Yao Ye, today's matter was merely a misunderstanding, so do not take it to heart. With Your Highness's beauty and talent, you will surely meet someone who truly understands you someday." Her words were meant both to comfort Yao Ye and to quietly ease the atmosphere in the hall.
Seeing Yao Ye forcing herself to remain composed, Xiao Yao also felt a trace of guilt. After considering his words, he said, "Princess Yao Ye is dignified and refined. Someday, you will surely meet someone who understands and cherishes you. What happened today was due to my bluntness and impropriety. I hope Your Highness will not take it to heart."
His tone was sincere, his gaze open and honest, without the slightest hint of perfunctoriness.
Watching from the side, Hai Bo Dong stroked his chin. Rarely, he did not crack another joke, merely snorting. "Enough, enough. It's no big deal. Don't stand around here spoiling the mood."
Upon hearing this, Yao Ye quietly curled the hand hanging at her side. Her long lashes lowered once more, concealing the fleeting bitterness in her eyes, while a faint smile tugged at her lips. "Xiao Yao, this was never your fault. Why apologize?"
Though she said so, the shy aura that had quietly spread around her had completely