It didn't take long for Qiyue to arrive at the elegant private room. This time, without Ning Yan around to get in the way, Bai Qingqing could focus entirely on admiring the beauty before her.

  After greeting Bai Qingqing, Qiyue removed the veil from her face, revealing an absolutely stunning countenance that left Bai Qingqing staring, completely mesmerized.

  "You’re so beautiful!"

  She blurted out the words instinctively. Realizing she had spoken aloud, she blushed slightly in embarrassment but quickly regained her composure, convinced that she had said nothing wrong.

  Qiyue chuckled softly. "Miss Qingqing is the true beauty of unmatched grace. To receive your praise is an honor."

  Ah… even her voice is so lovely! Bai Qingqing suddenly understood why men would spend fortunes just to see a beauty smile—she would do the same!

  The refined and elegant room had no incense burning, only the fresh and sweet scent of fruit from the platter on the table. Qiyue sat down gracefully across from Bai Qingqing and spoke gently, "I took the liberty of inviting you here today to discuss something with you."

  Bai Qingqing was puzzled but listened as Qiyue asked, "Have you heard of the Suiyun Pavilion?"

  "I have."

  Even a sheltered young lady like Bai Qingqing had heard of the Suiyun Pavilion, not to mention that Yao Yao constantly talked about how mysterious and powerful it was.

  The Suiyun Pavilion was a unique presence in the martial world. No one knew who founded it, yet it seemed to be everywhere. As long as you had the means, you could obtain anything you desired through the Suiyun Pavilion.

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  "Why does Miss Qiyue mention the Suiyun Pavilion?"

  Qiyue tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and said calmly, "Because I am a member of the Suiyun Pavilion, and I wish to discuss a business deal with you."

  "…"

  Bai Qingqing had tried to guess why Qiyue wanted to see her, and she thought she had imagined all sorts of wild possibilities. But even so, reality turned out to be even more unbelievable than she had expected!

  "Miss Qiyue, are you joking with me?"

  "A certain incense with intoxicating properties has been quietly spreading in Xuancheng. The Suiyun Pavilion has learned that you can create a formula to counteract it, and we would like to purchase it from you. Per our usual practice, you would receive a share of the profits."

  Bai Qingqing was stunned—Suiyun Pavilion? Wanted to do business with her?

  "I don’t understand…" she murmured. "If my incense can help, I wouldn’t refuse, but…"

  Qiyue smiled gently. "You have a kind heart, and I admire that. However, possessing a rare talent can make you a target. If the wrong people learn about your skills in making incense, they may come after you. In that case, your family could also be in danger—something I’m sure you wouldn’t want to see happen.

  "The Suiyun Pavilion, on the other hand, is different."

  "The Pavilion has no interest in exploiting your talent. We can introduce your incense to the world, ensuring you won’t be taken advantage of, while also keeping your identity hidden. Isn’t that a win-win situation?"

  Her words hit Bai Qingqing’s concerns right on the mark. She would never want to bring harm to her family.

  Still, she wasn’t naive. "But what’s in it for the Suiyun Pavilion?"

  Qiyue covered her lips with her sleeve and chuckled. "Gaining your goodwill is already a great benefit. The Suiyun Pavilion would rather secure a partnership with you before someone else does."

  Bai Qingqing was momentarily dazed. After being so cautious for so long, she found it almost surreal to hear someone say that others would compete for her talents.

  "You need not worry too much," Qiyue reassured her. "The Suiyun Pavilion is a business, and we have strict rules. Whether you accept or not, we will never reveal your identity."

  Qiyue had intended to give Bai Qingqing some time to consider her offer—after all, it was only natural for a noble lady to have concerns. However, to her surprise, Bai Qingqing took only the time of a single cup of tea to give her answer.

  "I agree."