In Lanxi Pavilion, the candlelight flickered gently, casting a soft, golden glow across the room. Ye Jin sat across from Xi Ming, quietly observing his downcast expression, his eyes staring distantly as if lost in a deep thought. Unable to ignore the tension any more, Ye Jin finally broke the silence.
"What's bothering you?" she asked, her voice low.
Xi Ming blinked, as if startled back to the present, and glanced at her. For a moment, his gaze softened, but his brow furrowed once more, and he sighed.
"It's just…" He paused, quite hesitant. "The Fifth Prince. The fact that he even thought of touching you, let alone almost did." His jaw clenched, and his voice dropped dangerously low. "The thought of it… it disgusts me. It makes me want to torture him so badly and then kill him."
Ye Jin looked down, unsure of how to respond, and finally said, "I'm sorry, Xi Ming. I didn't expect him to notice me not to talk of even take any interest in me."