At the door, the people who heard the name reacted as if they had heard a ghost. Their faces changed in unison. After confirming with her several times, they went inside to report, full of disbelief.
Bai Qingqing tightened the handkerchief in her hand. Was this Lord Ning so unpopular? That wasn’t entirely incomprehensible, but it did make her reconsider. If his character was truly questionable, even if he became an in-law of the Bai family, would he remain indifferent when the time came?
She admitted she hadn’t thought this through carefully enough and found herself lost in thought.
When Ning Yan learned that a pretty young lady was looking for him outside, the first person he thought of was Bai Qingqing. Other than her, he couldn’t think of anyone else.
But why would she dare to come again?
Ning Yan chuckled softly, put down his crossed leg, and walked out. The last time he saw her, her delicate face was deathly pale—he had thought he had scared her off. Yet, this young lady was braver than he had assumed.
At the entrance, he saw Bai Qingqing staring at the ground in a daze. The weather was warming up, and today, she wasn’t wearing a cloak. Instead, she had on a fitted, narrow-sleeved robe with fluffy trims at the collar and cuffs, paired with a gold-woven long skirt, making her look especially sweet and charming.
The others at the entrance had tactfully stepped aside. Bai Qingqing tensed up when she noticed Ning Yan but forced herself to remain calm and even mustered a timid smile. “Lord Ning.”
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Ning Yan noticed that Bai Qingqing’s eyes were always bright and clear, carrying a watery luster that could lift a person’s mood. “What? Here to bring me more incense?”
He paused, the corner of his lips curling into a smile with an ambiguous meaning, his voice lowering slightly. “There aren’t many scents that I like.”
Bai Qingqing’s body stiffened slightly, as if she could still hear his husky voice in her ears. She secretly encouraged herself and pretended not to hear his words, taking out a new incense box.
“This is something I made again. I wonder if my lord will like it.”
Ning Yan found amusement in her forced composure. He took the box slowly and opened it casually.
A calm and refreshing fragrance drifted out, instantly invigorating the senses and clearing the mind.
Ning Yan had never been fond of such things, finding them cloying and overly perfumed. Those around him knew his preferences, so scented products were rarely used. But today, Bai Qingqing’s gift changed his opinion. This scent alone was enough to refresh the mind, and sometimes, that was truly needed.
Bai Qingqing couldn’t gauge Ning Yan’s reaction, but she mustered her courage and explained, “It contains agarwood, asarum, borneol, and other ingredients, all of which help calm the mind. My lord is constantly busy and works tirelessly, which can inevitably lead to irritability. If this incense can bring even a moment of peace, then it is worthwhile.”
She had spent several days carefully crafting this blend, convinced that Ning Yan wouldn’t like heavily perfumed fragrances. So instead, she focused on its functionality. However, she wasn’t sure if he would accept it.
Ning Yan closed the incense box and looked at her. “Does this incense have a name?”
Bai Qingqing’s gaze flickered, shifting slightly to the side. In a small voice, she said, “Calm down.”
“Hmm?”
She took a deep breath. “The name of this incense is ‘Calm Down.’”
Ning Yan: “...”
A chuckle escaped him, sending a shiver through Bai Qingqing’s heart. But she felt that her naming was quite appropriate! This man was temperamental, keeping people on edge all the time. Wasn’t it necessary for him to calm down?
After his laughter subsided, Ning Yan glanced at Bai Qingqing’s slightly puffed cheeks. His tongue brushed against his teeth as he remarked, “The name is quite unique. Is there anyone else who has this incense? I don’t like using the same things as others.”
