Xu Ye kept looking at them. He still couldn’t look away even after they had left and closed the door.

Beitang Lie couldn’t bear to see Xu Ye so dejected. He walked forward and patted his shoulder, comforting him. “Brother, take it easy. Don’t be so dejected.”

Xu Ye looked at him and laughed helplessly. “I originally thought that I was not that far behind Quan Jue. But now, it seems that there’s a huge gulf between us. He’s indeed too outstanding.”

Seeing his dejected expression, Pei Yao hesitated for a moment before saying, “Xu Ye, Jiaojiao chose Mr. Quan not only because he’s so outstanding. If two people love each other, they will love each other no matter what. Jiaojiao and Mr. Quan truly cherish each other. Even if Mr. Quan doesn’t achieve anything, I think Jiaojiao will still choose him.”

Pei Yao watched their relationship develop. She knew very well that Chi Jiao and Quan Jue’s relationship had developed beyond the usual romance. They already envisioned each other as a part of the future and they worked together to achieve this outcome.

Xu Ye’s expression changed again. He smiled helplessly and stood up. “Sister Pei Yao, I understand. I’ve been tired these past few days. I’ll go back to my room to rest.”

Xu Ye left the room looking as if he had lost his soul.

Beitang Lie looked at Pei Yao in exasperation. His tone was laced with reproach as he said, “You were too direct. Xu Ye must have been badly affected.”

Pei Yao also couldn’t bear to see him like this. She didn’t want to be a bad person either, so she could only say helplessly, “I didn’t want to be so direct, either. It’s just that the truth is indeed like this. What’s the use of hiding it? He’ll still realize it in the end. It’s better to deal with painful things quickly, like ripping off a Band-Aid. I don’t want to see Xu Ye in so much pain.”

Beitang Lie pulled her into his arms and said seriously, “Fortunately, I don’t have to suffer from romantic problems anymore. I’ve finally made it!”

Pei Yao rolled her eyes at him before pinching the skin on the back of his hand.

Beitang Lie cried out in pain. He rubbed his hand. “What are you doing? Are you trying to kill your husband?”

Pei Yao was already bashful. After hearing Beitang Lie’s words, her face instantly turned red. “Nonsense! I… I was asking if you’re free tonight?”

Beitang Lie raised his eyebrows and asked teasingly, “Why? Do you want to go on a date with me?”

“It’s not me. It’s my father. He said that you helped him last time. Since we know each other, he wants to invite you home to express his gratitude.” Pei Yao realized that Beitang Lie was looking at her with a faint smile.

“I didn’t expect to meet your parents so soon. Uncle has a good impression of me, right?” Beitang Lie said proudly.

“You’re making me wonder if you deliberately got close to my father to gain his favor?” Pei Yao’s eyes were filled with suspicion.

Speaking of which, it was rather strange. Last week, Pei Yao’s father was on his way home from shopping when he accidentally sprained his back. Beitang Lie happened to pass by and kindly sent him home. He then bumped into Pei Yao, who was also on her way home.