Ning Yan scanned the memorial with a swift glance, then placed it respectfully back on the table. “The Bai family thanked me. I only went for a couple cups of tea. I did them a favor—surely it’s not too much to ask for a little gratitude.”
“Impressive,” the Emperor snorted. “Got yourself neck-deep in this mess over a cup of tea. You must be out of your mind. But since things have already come to this, I’ll leave it all to you. Just know—you’ll be everyone’s target now. No matter how capable you are, danger’s bound to come knocking. Is it really worth it?”
The corners of Ning Yan’s striking phoenix eyes lifted ever so slightly. “Has Your Majesty forgotten? Of all things, danger is what I fear the least.”
“…Enough. Stop showing off in front of me. Get out.”
After Ning Yan left, the Emperor closed his eyes and frowned, rubbing lightly at his temple. He’d never intended to drag Ning Yan into this. This matter wasn’t like others—it was too perilous. One wrong move, and it could cost a life.
“So eager to protect her? What is she, a goddess descended from the heavens?”
After leaving the palace, Ning Yan had originally planned to return to the office, but halfway there his feet turned of their own accord toward Yanlai Pavilion.
Ge Shao had mentioned that Bai Qingqing had been dropping by frequently. She claimed she was only there to chat with Qiyue, but would occasionally ask about him—feigning casual interest.
Was she finally thinking of changing how she addressed him? To his surprise, Ning Yan found himself a little hopeful.
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Sure enough, when he arrived at Yanlai Pavilion, Bai Qingqing was there. Even from outside the room, he could hear her laughing and chatting with Qiyue. Her voice was soft, sweet, and lilting—every word laced with playful charm, like she was constantly teasing.
Whatever they were talking about must have been amusing, because Bai Qingqing suddenly burst into a peal of laughter. Ning Yan knocked twice before pushing the door open. The laughter cut off at once. A flicker of fluster flashed across her face.
Out of the corner of his eye, Ning Yan noticed her small hand quietly tugging at Qiyue’s sleeve. His eyes narrowed slightly. “What’s so funny? I could hear the laughter from outside. Care to share the joy?”
As soon as he spoke, Bai Qingqing’s expression grew even more unnatural. She was sneaking glances at Qiyue, exchanging furtive looks as if he couldn’t see.
“Don’t tell me… you were talking behind my back?”
Ning Yan let out a low chuckle. “Ever heard the phrase ‘the more you try to cover it up, the more obvious it becomes’? It’s written all over your face.”
In a comically guilty gesture, Bai Qingqing reached up to touch her face, then slowly let her hand fall, still shaking her head. “We weren’t saying anything bad about you. Really.”
“Oh? Then what were you talking about? What’s so secret I’m not allowed to hear?”
Bai Qingqing stammered for a moment, her face flushing red as she cast a helpless glance at Qiyue. Qiyue smiled and rose gracefully. “Qingqing was just telling me some amusing stories from her childhood. They were… quite entertaining. I should go practice my dance now. My lord, would you keep Qingqing company for me?”
Reluctantly, Bai Qingqing let go of her sleeve. “Sister Qiyue…” The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the novel※fire.net
Qiyue winked at her and lowered her voice. “You’re always asking when the lord will come—now that he’s here, just say what you want to say. He won’t bite.”
As Qiyue left, Bai Qingqing found herself alone with Ning Yan again, which always made her feel a bit awkward.
“She’s gone. Still staring?”
Only then did Bai Qingqing look away, stealing a quick glance at Ning Yan before lowering her gaze again, her thoughts whirling. Was he really the same Yan-yan gege from her childhood?
“What childhood story was so funny, hmm? Tell me—I’d like a laugh too.”
“Oh, it’s nothing much… just… I happened to run into an old playmate from when I was little…”
As she spoke, she looked up at him. “Does Lord Ning remember anything from his childhood? Anyone in particular you still remember?”