Ning Yan sat down across from her. As he passed by, Bai Qingqing's nose twitched slightly, and her gaze fell on his waist.

  That was the sachet she had made—she wouldn’t mistake its scent. She had thought he wouldn’t use it.

  Ning Yan sat down in a bold and relaxed manner. He didn’t mention the sachet; asking or not made no difference. Leaning lazily against the chair, he looked at Bai Qingqing, who remained motionless. “Eat. Don’t be shy.”

  “I…”

  “I got it.”

  Ning Yan interrupted her, clapping his hands. Immediately, someone pushed the door open. Without saying a word, Ning Yan made a simple gesture, and the person seemed to understand perfectly before retreating again. Bai Qingqing was stunned.

  Ning Yan’s tone carried a hint of complaint. “I know you all have your rules and like things to be refined. Just this once.”

  Bai Qingqing was puzzled. “Lord Ning, I don’t understand what you mean.”

  But soon, she understood. A group of women gracefully entered the private room, each holding a musical instrument. Their flowing robes and elegant demeanor were mesmerizing.

  Then, another person entered. Bai Qingqing looked over and was immediately stunned, her eyes following closely.

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  Wasn’t that… Wasn’t that the famous Lady Qiyue?

  Qiyue’s face was covered with a thin veil. She bowed slightly and walked to the center of the room.

  Bai Qingqing was completely dumbfounded. She hurried to Ning Yan’s side and whispered, “How did you manage to invite Lady Qiyue? That’s way too extravagant!”

  Ning Yan glanced at her sideways. “You don’t want to watch?”

  Without hesitation, Bai Qingqing nodded eagerly. “I do!”

  The music started, and Qiyue began to dance. The last time Bai Qingqing had only caught a fleeting glimpse, but even that had left a deep impression. Now, being able to watch so closely, she found Qiyue’s movements even more breathtaking—like a dragon in flight, her every gesture was captivating.

  So beautiful!

  Bai Qingqing was completely enthralled, her heart swaying with Qiyue’s graceful dance. She didn’t notice that beside her, Ning Yan’s brows were gradually furrowing.

  What was with this woman? Her eyes were practically glued to Qiyue. He had never seen anyone, especially a woman, so utterly mesmerized by a dance. Was it really that enchanting?

  As the performance ended, Bai Qingqing’s bright eyes sparkled with excitement. She clapped enthusiastically and quickly scooted over, making space. “Lady Qiyue, would you like to sit here?”

  Ning Yan: “…”

  Beneath her veil, Qiyue’s lips curved into a slight smile. Bai Qingqing’s unreserved admiration was something rare, especially coming from another woman.

  However, after a glance at Ning Yan, Qiyue politely prepared to take her leave along with the musicians.

  Bai Qingqing was visibly disappointed. As Qiyue reached the door, she twisted in her chair to steal one last glance, her gaze filled with reluctance until the door finally closed behind Qiyue.

  Ning Yan tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Was it really that mesmerizing?”

  “Of course! I didn’t expect that being up close would make Lady Qiyue seem even more breathtaking. She’s truly a beauty beyond compare.”

  Bai Qingqing’s face was still full of admiration and lingering delight, her expression one of pure enchantment. Ning Yan felt an urge to roll his eyes. “I thought women usually looked down on people of Qiyue’s status. Didn’t expect you to be an exception.”

  “Everyone has a heart that appreciates beauty. Besides, no one has the right to judge others.”

  Ning Yan’s gaze deepened as he looked at her. Seeing that she was about to drift off into another trance about Qiyue, he tapped his fingers against the table. “Did you forget why we’re here?”

  Bai Qingqing snapped back to reality, immediately turning more reserved. She quietly returned to her seat, her eyes darting around uneasily.

  “Didn’t you say you had some discovery about the sachet? Let’s hear it.”