Bai Qingqing sighed with emotion as well. “I didn’t expect it either. When Brother Pei mentioned it, I was completely shocked. But we didn’t actually spend many days together back then, and then you all suddenly disappeared. I was sad for quite a while.”
Without the fierce little boy to keep order, the other kids had gone back to their mischief, tugging on her braids when no one was looking—she’d hated it.
Ning Yan smiled with pursed lips. “So you liked following me around that much? Even back then?”
Bai Qingqing nodded earnestly. She really had.
“All right, all right, just eat your nuts.”
Ning Yan turned his head slightly, covering the corner of his mouth with a hand. She was so direct. But then, so what? She could be honest with him—he wouldn’t tell a soul.
“I came here today for three reasons. The first, I’ve already told your father. Qiyue told me you were going to the southwest. Coincidentally, His Majesty assigned me a mission there as well. I’ll come pick you up the day after tomorrow—we’ll travel together.”
Bai Qingqing’s mouth formed a perfect “O,” her reaction almost identical to Bai Jinghuai’s. Like father, like daughter.
Ning Yan popped a honeyed fruit into her mouth. “No need to look so shocked. Traveling with me won’t allow for much rest—it’ll likely be harder than if you went alone.”
“I’m not afraid! I can do it!”
Realizing what he meant, Bai Qingqing quickly chewed the honey fruit, smacking her lips as if afraid he’d take it back. “Really? I swear I’ll do exactly as you say. I won’t cause trouble. I can endure hardship, truly!”
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Perhaps it was because she had died once already—Bai Qingqing now cherished her life dearly. She knew that if anything happened to her, her parents would be devastated.
As long as she stayed by Ning Yan’s side, she figured her little life was at least halfway guaranteed.
Ning Yan watched her excited expression, and his smile turned subtle. “Really? Traveling’s exhausting, you know. Poor food, little sleep, eating in the wind and sleeping under the stars—even most men can’t handle it. And you, with that delicate skin and soft hands…”
“I—I really can! I’ll stick with it!”
Bai Qingqing was desperate to prove herself, but for a moment couldn’t find the right way to do it. “If I can’t manage, you can leave me halfway. I promise I won’t slow you down.”
Seeing her eyes begin to redden in panic, Ning Yan suddenly felt a twinge of regret. “I get it. I never said I wouldn’t bring you.”
But Bai Qingqing was still frightened and kept trying to reassure him. “I’ll be good, I won’t complain, I—”
Ning Yan raised a hand and gently covered her mouth, his large palm shielding most of her face, leaving only her wide, flustered almond eyes visible.
“I was teasing. I said I’d take you, and I don’t go back on my word. I won’t abandon you on the road. You can complain if you’re tired—if you're tired, we’ll slow down.”
For a moment, Bai Qingqing’s heart skipped a beat. Why did Ning Yan’s serious expression make it so hard to breathe? Especially those sly phoenix eyes, now so focused and steady, reflecting her image in their depths. Bai Qingqing thought she saw a trace of tenderness there.
Ahhh, why was she being so ridiculously sentimental?
Beneath his palm, he could feel her soft, warm breaths. She didn’t struggle at all, just gazed up at him with eyes so clear and unguarded, listening intently. That look of quiet obedience tugged at something deep in his chest. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩⁂𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾⁂𝔫𝔢𝔱
He slowly withdrew his hand. “When the time comes, just wait at home. There’s nothing you need to prepare. Take a few walks over the next couple of days if you’d like.”
Bai Qingqing nodded quietly, nibbling on a nut kernel with both hands, pretending not to notice how her ears were burning.