Xie Beihan's figure was obscured by trees and flowers, making it hard for the noblewomen to notice him. Though often carefree, he understood the concept of avoiding suspicion. Just as he was about to take another path, a simpering voice caught his ear:
"It's truly annoying. Lu Yanyan wants to get close to someone from the countryside, fine, but why drag us into it?"
"Indeed, I'm worried her shabby air might rub off on me."
"Shabby? She's wearing Cloudy Voile, that's quite expensive."
"Cloudy Voile? Oh my, I wouldn't have known if you hadn't told me. Definitely a country bumpkin--dressing in such fine fabric yet still looking utterly out of place."
The ladies burst into laughter at this remark.
Another added, "If you ask me, that other one is smarter. She knows her worth and wears simple dresses made of ordinary material daily, with a plain hairstyle and barely any hairpins."