Elder brother mentioned that Lord Ning had come to the mansion for inquiries a few days ago, so Bai Qingqing decided to use this as a pretext.

  She carefully crafted a new type of incense, packed it in an exquisite box, and dressed herself meticulously. With a hint of nervousness, she took Zidai along and headed to the Imperial City Gate, stopping outside the Jinyiwei office on the west side of the Thousand Steps Corridor.

  She had never been here before and had yet to figure out how to proceed. Standing outside, Bai Qingqing hesitated, unaware that she had already become a striking sight in the eyes of passersby.

  "Sir, news has just arrived from Ruidu. The people you ordered to monitor have started making moves..."

  Ning Yan suddenly raised his hand, and the person beside him immediately stopped speaking. His gaze shifted to the young woman standing under a tree across from the Jinyiwei office. It seemed as if all the brilliance of the street had gathered upon her. Dressed in a smoky-blue cloak trimmed with fluffy white fur, she looked even more delicate and noble, as if she might break with the slightest touch.

  Ning Yan turned on his heel, walking over with curiosity to see what business this dainty Bai family lady had at such a place.

  Before Ning Yan even approached, Bai Qingqing sensed his presence. The first thing she noticed was his Jinyiwei uniform, and as he drew closer, she realized he seemed rather difficult to get along with.

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  She instinctively took a small step back, only for Ning Yan to step forward again, startling her into a flustered expression.

  "Do you know where you are?"

  At this close distance, Ning Yan lowered his head and examined Bai Qingqing’s face. The rumors seemed to be true—she was indeed stunningly beautiful. Her small face was so tender it looked as if one could squeeze water from it. Her eyes were particularly captivating—almond-shaped, with strikingly clear black-and-white pupils. Her soft pink lips were alluring, especially now as she hesitated to speak, gently biting her lip, making them look even rosier.

  "I... I do."

  "If you know, then why are you lingering here? Could it be that you have some ulterior motive?"

  Bai Qingqing nervously lifted her gaze, her eyes flickering with unease. "I don’t! I... I came to find someone, but I don’t know who to ask..."

  She stiffened slightly—when had this man bent down? And why was he so close?

  Bai Qingqing’s heart thumped with fear. Indeed, not all Jinyiwei were decent men. This one in particular made her uneasy. His fox-like face was so cunning she dared not look at him too much.

  "Looking for someone? Who?"

  Bai Qingqing didn’t really want to talk to him. Her instincts warned her of danger. But she had been waiting here for a while and had only seen him wearing the Jinyiwei uniform. Summoning her courage, she lifted her head. "I am looking for Lord Ning. Do you know him?"

  Ning Yan’s brow lifted almost imperceptibly as his gaze flickered over her face. Casually, he asked, "You're looking for me? For what reason?"

  Bai Qingqing: "..."

  Her mind went blank for a brief moment, as if struck by lightning.

  She had no idea how amusing her shock appeared to Ning Yan, especially with her slightly parted lips, revealing a faint glimpse of her soft pink tongue.

  "So surprised? Am I not what you imagined Lord Ning to be?"

  Bai Qingqing snapped back to reality, though she still struggled to accept the truth. Yet, seeing how the people behind Ning Yan showed no doubt, it was clear—he really was Lord Ning.

  "I just... didn’t expect such a coincidence..."

  She hesitated again before adding, "I had heard that Lord Ning visited the Bai family before, so I wanted to thank you for your efforts. I prepared a bit of incense I made myself as a token of gratitude. But now, it seems rather inappropriate."