Bai Qingqing's tone became unkind, and Fu Yi hurriedly apologized, "It was my thoughtlessness that offended you, Miss. Please don't be angry. It's my fault."
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, Young Master Fu. There are many people in the residence, and I have other matters to attend to. I'll take my leave first."
How could Fu Yi let her leave so easily? He had finally managed to meet her alone, so he instinctively blocked her path. His eyes drooped slightly, and his expression was gentle, tinged with a trace of indulgence.
In their past life, Bai Qingqing loved this expression of his the most. On the rare occasions when she was truly upset and threw a tantrum, as long as he showed this look, her grievances would slowly dissipate, and she would let things go.
"Bai..."
"What do you want to do?"
Fu Yi was stunned, only to see Bai Qingqing's once-gentle expression turn sharp in an instant. She even took several steps back as if he had turned into a terrifying beast. Why?
Her voice carried a hint of sharpness as she clenched her fists, trembling slightly—not out of fear, but anger at herself!
Seeing Fu Yi's expression reminded her of her past foolishness. Afraid of making things difficult for him, she had swallowed every hardship alone, never letting him struggle. Even when the Bai family inquired, she had always reported good news instead of bad. She had been a fool!
Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.
And now, the very expression that had once moved her and captured her heart was displayed so casually—what did all her past endurance amount to?
Bai Qingqing abandoned propriety and turned to run. She couldn't stand to see Fu Yi for another second!
But behind her, Fu Yi's hurried footsteps followed. Panic surged in Bai Qingqing’s heart. Her hairpins jingled, and her elaborate skirt became a burden. The footsteps grew closer when suddenly, she spotted a familiar figure ahead...
"Ning Daren."
Without hesitation, Bai Qingqing hid behind him. In that absurd moment, she felt a strange sense of security.
Ning Yan stood tall, his broad shoulders and narrow waist shielding her completely. That was good.
Fu Yi stopped just in time, though he himself didn't quite understand why he had chased after her. He had only wanted to explain.
"Miss Bai, I believe there has been a misunderstanding. I did not intend to frighten you—I only wished to explain..."
"Broad daylight, a dignified prince’s son relentlessly pursuing a young lady—what is there to explain?"
Ning Yan's lazy tone was infuriating. He remained motionless, blocking Fu Yi's gaze from reaching Bai Qingqing.
Only now did Fu Yi properly look at Ning Yan. Dressed in regular attire, with an unfamiliar face, he couldn’t immediately identify the man’s status. "Sir, you are mistaken. I did not—"
"I saw it with my own eyes. What misunderstanding could there be? Or are you suggesting that the people of the Prince of Ping’s household may act so arrogantly in Xuan City?"
Fu Yi clenched his jaw. He couldn't afford to accept such an accusation. This man clearly recognized him yet treated him with such disdain—he couldn't take any chances.
"Indeed, I was at fault today. Another day, I will personally visit to offer my apologies."
Fu Yi cast a deep glance toward Ning Yan's back, where a small section of Bai Qingqing's skirt was visible. But soon, even that disappeared as she was pulled further behind him, vanishing entirely from sight.
Once Fu Yi left, Ning Yan deliberately waited a moment before lazily remarking, "How long do you plan on hiding behind me?"
As soon as he spoke, a small head peeked out cautiously from beside him, scanning the surroundings to ensure no one else was there. Only then did Bai Qingqing exhale in relief, her delicate cheeks puffing slightly like freshly steamed buns.
Slowly, she stepped out from behind him. After a moment's thought, she curtsied, "Many thanks, my lord. Please take care."
With that, she turned to slip away, only to hear Ning Yan’s voice from behind her—
"Stop. Is this how you treat your benefactor?"
