Her voice drew the attention of those nearby. Who wouldn’t love a bit of drama? Immediately, people turned to watch.

Lu Qingyun’s expression grew flustered. She had only begged her aunt to let her come and catch a glimpse of Bai Qingqing—she had never intended to stir up trouble or ruin her aunt’s plans. But she hadn’t expected Bai Qingqing to be this kind of person—who would reprimand someone so harshly at a banquet?

"My lady is a cousin from the Household of Prince Ping. She came today accompanying Young Master Fu Yi to the banquet," her maid hurriedly explained.

Bai Yaoyao, who had just arrived, caught this statement and raised a brow in mild surprise. "Your young master brought his cousin to a banquet? What kind of etiquette is that?"

But Bai Qingqing still didn’t look convinced. She immediately ordered someone to fetch Fu Yi.

With the growing crowd watching her, Lu Qingyun’s cheeks burned with humiliation. The moment she saw Fu Yi approach, she rushed over and clutched his sleeve as if grasping a lifeline, lifting her delicate face to him with a pitiful expression. "Cousin…"

Fu Yi had arrived in a hurry, unaware of what had happened. His gaze first landed on Bai Qingqing, who stood amidst the crowd, dazzling like the camellias in full bloom that day.

Bai Qingqing, upon seeing him, finally allowed a smile to resurface on her lips. "So, this young lady truly is Master Fu’s cousin? Then I must have misunderstood."

The maid behind Lu Qingyun, unwilling to let the matter go, spoke up indignantly on her behalf. "Miss Bai, you dismiss this as a simple misunderstanding? My lady came as a guest, yet you doubted and reprimanded her—does that settle it?"

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Bai Qingqing did not spare her a glance. Instead, she smiled politely at Fu Yi. "I hope Master Fu won’t take offense. This is my first time hosting a banquet, so I’ve been extra cautious. I simply didn’t expect you and your cousin to be so close that you would bring her along to the gathering. That was my oversight—next time, I’ll be sure to recognize her."

Her tone was warm and gentle, yet the words she spoke carried undertones that set minds to wandering.

Fu Yi quickly responded, "Qingyun rarely leaves the house. When she heard there was a flower-viewing banquet, she insisted on coming—it wasn’t my decision."

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

"It was our mistake this time, bringing someone uninvited without informing you first. Miss Bai is not at fault."

Bai Qingqing covered her lips with her hand and chuckled lightly. "As long as Master Fu doesn’t mind. If you ask me, you and your cousin must share a truly close bond—you indulge her even when she stirs up trouble. I can only envy such a doting cousin; what good fortune the young lady has."

At this, the watching ladies exchanged glances, their eyes brimming with unspoken understanding.

But Bai Qingqing wasn’t done. With an especially kind and affable air, she stepped toward Lu Qingyun. "It was my fault just now—I suppose I was just nervous hosting for the first time. You seem so gentle and kind, so please don’t take it to heart."

Lu Qingyun had to maintain an air of magnanimity, so Bai Qingqing took the opportunity to clasp her hand and smile sweetly. "You must come out more often, my lady—only then will people know that the Household of Prince Ping has such a beautiful young cousin… Oh my, this pendant of yours is quite exquisite! Could it be the birthday gift Master Fu gave you?"

Lu Qingyun froze. "How do you know that?"

"I happened to be in the shop when Master Fu was selecting it. He was so thoughtful, worrying over whether you’d like it. He even asked if I had any suggestions. To have such a considerate cousin—how fortunate you are."

A faint blush dusted Lu Qingyun’s cheeks, and her eyes softened with shy delight. To hear admiration from others—especially from Bai Qingqing herself—was an irresistible pleasure.

But Fu Yi’s expression was the complete opposite. His eyes flickered with panic, as if he wanted to explain, yet when he opened his mouth, he found himself at a loss for words.