Your Highness's Thoughts

Nangong Lie was surprised to see Baili Jiajue's reaction to Helian Weiwei's words, believing that he thought they were directed at him. He glanced in Baili Jiajue's direction in astonishment while sipping tea and reading an ancient scroll, a text so profound that even a martial arts master would struggle to comprehend it. His tea had a delicate hue, and his lips glistened with moisture, enhancing the allure of his focused and serious eyes.

Despite his royal background and immense elegance, Baili Jiajue responded to the remark with a slight smirk: "Good."

Caught off guard, Nangong Lie questioned, "Ajue, what are you up to now?" He spoke softly, ensuring no one else could hear him.

Baili Jiajue remained silent, simply swirling the teacup in his hand. He turned his gaze sideways, revealing a subtle, ascetic smile on his fair and handsome face, exuding a distinct aura of unpredictability.

Witnessing this, Nangong Lie's skin crawled once again. It reminded him of a childhood memory when Emperor Taishang asked him to make tea and his mood determined whether he brewed a few pots or left the Emperor with cold water. Now, Baili Jiajue's willingness to be addressed by Helian Weiwei was a clear sign of his addiction to being a hunter, and the "prey" remained unaware, much like Meng Zhou Gong. Nangong Lie felt relieved that he had chosen the royal family over the four major families. Confronting this man would undoubtedly send shivers down his spine.

Returning to his seat, Nangong Lie noticed that Baili Jiajue had stopped reading the ancient book. He leaned back in his chair, arm resting on the armrest, and his fingers tapped rhythmically, deep in thought about something important.

Suddenly, Baili Jiajue leaned toward Helian Weiwei's ear and smiled mischievously, saying, "Shall we leave? Is there any silver to be gained?"

Helian Weiwei felt a chill in her ears as she woke from her drowsiness, realizing she had made yet another foolish mistake due to Yuan Xiaoxiao's influence.

"No silver," Helian Weiwei yawned. "But there's a free lunch. Shall we go now?"

Baili Jiajue's smile remained present, and an enigmatic shadow flickered within his faint grin. "Well, it just so happens that I don't have silver either."

Nangong Lie couldn't help but cough and sputter out a sip of tea. "Your Highness, don't you blush or skip a beat when you say such things!"

However, Baili Jiajue spoke the truth—he didn't possess any silver. Nevertheless, the small ring on his hand alone could be traded for an entire city.

It was common knowledge that even without his martial energy, the third prince held a special place in the heart of Emperor Taishang and was the only holy son of the Battle Dragon Empire. People often used terms like exalted, holy, and divine when referring to him.

The irony was that he lacked silver!

Nangong Lie found it difficult to listen further, so he decided to ignore the situation and feign ignorance.

Baili Jiajue casually brushed away nonexistent dust from his blue shirt and white attire. His warm voice, like mellow wine, intoxicated those who heard it. "Let's go."

Helian Weiwei didn't think much of it. She licked her lips, longing for roasted lamb with cumin and sauce, crispy on the outside and tender inside.

The dining hall at Taibai College was impeccably clean, and one could request a personal chef to prepare a meal. Helian Weiwei never skimped on such luxuries—there was an abundant spread of meat on the table, along with the freshest watermelon and a fine daughter red wine.

Indulging in every bite, she experienced unparalleled happiness.

Since she had brought Baili Jiajue along, Helian Weiwei made sure to offer him a few dishes with her chopsticks.

If not for the crowd of onlookers, the meal would have been even more enjoyable.

While biting her wooden chopsticks, Helian Weiwei gazed deeply into the eyes of the man across from her. He had become a renowned son at a young age, exuding a strong masculine charm with every gesture. The hormone in the room overwhelmed everyone present.

The esteemed ladies who dined there couldn't help but envy her and cast flirtatious glances in her direction, truly allured by the presence of this man.

Helian Weiwei found it peculiar—was this man always the center of attention whenever he dined out? Wouldn't he experience indigestion?

Unbeknownst to Helian Weiwei, His Royal Highness had never frequented a dining hall before. Since his hospitalization, his clothing, food, housing, and transportation had been arranged by his shadow guards. Water was sourced from clear springs in the mountains, and the meals were prepared by the palace's finest chefs, who devised ways to keep the food warm and delivered it to the academy each night.

That explained why Baili Jiajue frowned upon entering the dining hall. At a time like this, there were still people oblivious to their own insignificance.

"Everywhere you go, you encounter shameless pests. One has to admit it," remarked Helian Mei. She stood alongside several other renowned ladies, all from Youyuan. Except for Helian Mei, the rest belonged to the Helian family. Helian Jiao'er, too, stood among them, her elegant gown billowing around her. She spoke in a soft voice, trying to dissuade Helian Mei. "Third sister, please refrain."

"Why hold back, second sister? You're just too kind, allowing yourself to be bullied by this wicked woman!" Helian Mei didn't miss the opportunity to criticize Helian Weiwei, her eyes brimming with anger.

Helian Jiao'er had no genuine intention of stopping Helian Mei. In fact, she had long desired to teach Helian Weiwei a lesson. The sight of Helian Weiwei and Baili Jiajue together had stirred up an intense displeasure within her.

After all, what kind of luck had this insignificant woman stumbled upon to capture the attention of such a son?

But... Despite his extraordinary looks, Baili Jiajue was merely a penniless scholar who couldn't even afford a bachelor's hat. In contrast, Murong Shaofeng, born into wealth, was a young master.

This realization fueled Helian Jiao'er's desire for retaliation. She glanced around, wearing an innocent smile on her lips. "Third sister, the eldest sister's friend is still here. It wouldn't be appropriate to cause any misunderstandings." She then shifted her gaze toward Baili Jiajue, her smile growing coy and innocent. "Young Master, we meet again."

"Huh?" Baili Jiajue raised his eyes, their depths adorned with fine lines so profound that one could easily fall into them. Helian Jiao'er's heartstrings inexplicably quivered. Back in Youyuan, merely his presence had a magnetic effect on her body. Now, as she listened to his voice up close, she sensed a captivating magnetism combined with a coldness, as refreshing as the March breeze and comforting in its own unique way.

Helian Jiao'er's heart began to sway again, and her smile grew even wider. "Since our last encounter, Young Master, I haven't had the chance to learn about your visit to Youyuan that day. I wonder what transpired?"