Bai Qingqing looked full of admiration, but her gaze swept over the young ladies watching the scene, noticing their knowing expressions. Only then did she feel satisfied.

  She didn’t want another foolish girl to end up like her past self. She couldn't understand why Fu Yi, despite clearly being in love with Lu Qingyun, insisted on keeping it a secret. Wasn’t that just harming others?

  With her goal achieved, Bai Qingqing resumed entertaining her guests. She had painstakingly organized this flower-viewing banquet, and she wouldn’t let an insignificant matter disrupt it.

  After ensuring her guests were settled, Bai Qingqing intended to go to the back to change her clothes. As soon as she stepped out of the courtyard, she saw Fu Yi standing under a tree by the path, seemingly waiting for her.

  "Miss Bai... may I have a word with you?"

  Bai Qingqing maintained her composure and curtsied slightly. "Is Young Master Fu lost? I shall have someone escort you back at once."

  Her polite tone and distant attitude made Fu Yi feel uncomfortable. He unconsciously took a step forward, only for Bai Qingqing to naturally create more distance between them, her eyes carrying a hint of mild curiosity.

  It was then that Fu Yi realized—the woman before him was no longer the Bai Qingqing who used to be infatuated with him. A wave of melancholy washed over him.

  "You misunderstood earlier. My cousin and I do not have that kind of relationship."

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  Bai Qingqing raised an eyebrow. "?"

  "I just... I just didn’t want you to get the wrong idea—"

  "You must be joking, Young Master Fu. What misunderstanding is there? I trust what I see with my own eyes. Besides, what does this matter have to do with me?"

  Bai Qingqing’s curved eyes held little warmth, and her heart grew cold. What was his intention? To specially come here and say this—what was he trying to do?

  Realizing his words had been too abrupt, Fu Yi caught the chill in her gaze and decided to drop the matter. Instead, he brought up another request. "Please don’t take it to heart. I was simply anxious. In fact, I had another favor to ask of you today."

  "What is it?"

  "It’s like this—previously, you gifted my mother a fragrance called Spring Grace. She is very fond of it. I heard that you personally made it. I was wondering if you had any left. I sincerely hope to request some from you."

  "I have none left."

  Bai Qingqing refused without hesitation, leaving no room for discussion.

  "Earlier, I was reckless. How could I present a self-made fragrance as a gift to someone as noble as the princess consort? It was thoughtless of me. Please forgive me, Young Master Fu. Making fragrances is merely a hobby of mine, and I only share them with those close to me. The princess consort was simply being kind in her praise, nothing more. There’s no need for you to take it seriously."

  "No, my mother truly likes it. Please, out of consideration for my filial piety, help me with this favor."

  Bai Qingqing sneered inwardly. Of course, she knew Fu Yi was a devoted son!

  He put his mother above all else and even expected Bai Qingqing to treat the princess consort as if she were her own mother. When the princess consort made things difficult for her, she had foolishly hoped Fu Yi would stand up for her. Yet, in his eyes, his mother was never wrong—it was always Bai Qingqing’s fault. She wasn’t good enough; she wasn’t pleasing enough; she was the one who failed to meet expectations.

  Bai Qingqing also knew that the princess consort genuinely enjoyed her fragrances. Both mother and son were the same—praising her only in this aspect. In her past life, every scent the princess consort used had come from Bai Qingqing’s hands. It had to be unique, elegant, and befitting of nobility. Yet, neither of them ever considered how much effort she had put in; they merely believed that using her creations was a privilege she should be grateful for.

  "Young Master Fu, are you trying to put me in a difficult position? The Ping Prince’s residence can acquire any rare fragrance they desire. Besides, Spring Grace was an accidental creation of mine, and I cannot replicate it exactly. If I fail to recreate it perfectly, wouldn’t that just disappoint the princess consort? You are indeed a dutiful son, but perhaps you should also spare a thought for others."