Bai Qingqing was preoccupied with her thoughts, walking forward with her head down, trying hard to sort through the things in her mind.

  In her past life, she had fallen in love with Fu Yi at first sight and insisted on marrying him. The Fu family’s attitude had been lukewarm, even showing reluctance. They had evaded the matter several times and only agreed in the end out of respect for her father.

  At the time, she had been deeply infatuated, unable to see anything but Fu Yi, believing their union was fated by the heavens. But… was that really the case?

  Bai Qingqing suddenly stopped walking. The plum garden where she had fallen for Fu Yi at first sight wasn’t even the one in Prince Ping’s estate!

  —

  “All the flowers blooming in the estate are here. They are carefully tended to by the gardeners on a daily basis, though I’m afraid they may still pale in comparison to those in the prince’s manor. Fu Gongzi, you’ll have to make do with these.”

  Fu Yi’s attention wasn’t on the flowers at all. He was finally able to spend time with Bai Qingqing openly, yet he feared that his behavior might be too forward and scare her away like before. After some hesitation, he spoke warmly, “I have offended you before. I hope you can… forgive me, Bai Guniang.”

  Bai Qingqing turned around. “I didn’t take it to heart.”

  “Bai Guniang has an admirable temperament. I respect that.”

  Fu Yi smiled faintly. “I’ve never been good at interacting with people. Often, what’s in my heart doesn’t come across properly, which leads to misunderstandings. I’m fortunate that Bai Guniang doesn’t mind.”

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  “Oh? What kind of misunderstandings?”

  Fu Yi was taken aback. Bai Qingqing’s gaze remained on the flowers in front of her, her question sounding casual. When he didn’t respond, she finally looked up and flashed a bright smile. “I was just asking in passing. If Fu Gongzi doesn’t wish to say, it’s fine. I only found it curious—since the princess treats you like a treasure, I wouldn’t have thought you to be reckless in your conduct.”

  “I…”

  Fu Yi wasn’t unwilling to answer, but the only thing that came to his mind was his guilt toward her from the past life—something he could not put into words.

  Bai Qingqing openly curled her lips in disdain. Liar. He was still trying to fool her like before.

  Seeing her expression, Fu Yi grew anxious. “I am not trying to brush you off. I simply… don’t know how to interact with women…”

  “I think Fu Gongzi gets along quite well with the young lady of the household.”

  Bai Qingqing continued admiring the flowers. Flowers were far more pleasing to look at than Fu Yi. “True sincerity is the key to relationships. If you were truly sincere, you wouldn’t fail to notice.”

  “Bai Guniang…”

  Bai Qingqing raised a finger to her lips. “Shh. Just enjoy the flowers. Don’t you find them beautiful? They are in full bloom, at their most splendid—such beauty should not be wasted.”

  Fu Yi had no choice but to fall silent. He felt that the Bai Qingqing before him was different from the one in his memories. But perhaps… this was who she truly was all along.

  After quietly admiring the flowers for a while, Bai Qingqing suddenly spoke. “At the last flower banquet, Lu Guniang wasn’t upset, was she? Why isn’t she here today? I had wanted to apologize to her in person.”

  “Qingyun… had some matters to attend to and couldn’t go out.”

  “That’s a shame. Lu Guniang is such a lively young lady. If she could be seen walking side by side with Fu Gongzi, I’m sure many would be envious.”

  Fu Yi’s expression stiffened. “My cousin and I are not what you think.”

  Bai Qingqing waved dismissively, looking as if she understood perfectly. “Alright, alright, I get it. I didn’t mean to tarnish your cousin’s reputation—I was simply offering my heartfelt congratulations. If you don’t appreciate it, then so be it.”

  She stepped toward a tree nearby, but Fu Yi swiftly moved to block her path, his expression serious. “I must clarify this with you. My cousin and I are merely distant relatives. There is nothing more between us.”