Wang Jingyuan stood at the doorway, carefully carrying the gift boxes, and watched Xiao Moxian's carriage drive away in the snow. She felt a twinge of guilt of lying to him. She did not full-heartedly want him to join the party, and not just because Yan Qiuyun disliked him. Unlike the others, who shared common interests or allegiances, the fifth prince was only friends with her. His status as a prince would make things formal and awkward, unlike the fun, relaxed atmosphere she wanted. In a way, Xiao Moxian was too different from everyone else.
But he was her friend, and it would be mean not to invite him. Plus, he had invited her to his, and she was the one who was different there. At least she was certain that he wouldn't be humiliated like she had been.
