Bai Qingqing had something on her mind as she walked ahead, her head down, trying to sort through her thoughts.
In her previous life, she had fallen for Fu Yi at first sight, determined that she would marry no one but him. The Fu family had been indifferent, even unwilling at times, repeatedly making excuses, and only in the end did they reluctantly agree due to her father’s relationship with them.
At that time, she had been deeply entangled in love, unable to see anything beyond Fu Yi, feeling as if their relationship was fated by heaven. But was it really?
Bai Qingqing stopped in her tracks. The plum garden where she had fallen for Fu Yi in her past life was not even the garden where Princess Ping had hosted the banquet!
“All the flowers in the estate are still in bloom here. The gardeners take great care of them, though compared to the royal garden, they might still fall short. Master Fu, please pardon their modesty.”
Fu Yi's attention was not on the flowers. Now that he could finally interact with Bai Qingqing openly, he was afraid of behaving too abruptly and frightening her like before. After a moment of careful thought, he spoke gently, “I must apologize for my past behavior. I hope Miss Bai can forgive me.”
Bai Qingqing turned around. “I don’t mind.”
“Miss Bai, your grace is unmatched. I admire you greatly.”
Fu Yi smiled lightly. “I’ve never been good with words. My thoughts are often trapped in my clumsy mouth, which leads to misunderstandings. I’m grateful that Miss Bai doesn’t take offense.”
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“Oh? What kind of misunderstandings, if I may ask?”
Fu Yi was stunned. Bai Qingqing’s eyes rested on the flowers in front of her as she asked casually. When she didn’t get an answer, she lifted her head and smiled brightly. “I was just asking. If you don’t want to answer, that’s fine. I was just curious, seeing as Princess Ping cherishes you so much. I doubt you’d act recklessly.”
Fu Yi didn’t avoid her question, but all he could think of were his regrets from the past life, which he couldn’t bring himself to say.
Bai Qingqing didn’t hide her disdain, rolling her eyes. “Liar, still trying to deceive me.”
Fu Yi saw her expression and felt a sense of urgency. “I’m not trying to brush you off. It’s just... I don’t know how to interact with women…”
“I see you get along just fine with the young ladies in your house.”
Bai Qingqing continued admiring the flowers, which were far more beautiful than Fu Yi. “The key to good relationships is sincerity. If you’re truly sincere, it’s impossible to miss.”
Bai Qingqing put a finger to her lips. “Shh, let’s enjoy the flowers. Don’t you think they’re beautiful? They’re in full bloom now, the most beautiful time, we shouldn’t let it go to waste.”
Fu Yi fell silent. He felt that the Bai Qingqing before him was different from the one in his memories, but perhaps, this was the real her.
After admiring the flowers in silence for a while, Bai Qingqing suddenly spoke. “Didn’t Miss Lu get upset during the last flower viewing? Why didn’t she come today? I was hoping to apologize to her in person.”
“Qingyun... she... has some matters that prevent her from going out.”
“That’s too bad. Miss Lu is such a charming girl. If she were to pair up with Master Fu, I’m sure she’d make many people envious.”
Fu Yi froze. “My relationship with my cousin is not as you think.”
Bai Qingqing waved her hand with a knowing smile. “Alright, alright, I understand. I didn’t mean to tarnish your cousin’s reputation, I was just sincerely congratulating you. If you don’t appreciate it, that’s fine.”
She walked toward a tree nearby, but Fu Yi quickly stepped in front of her, his expression serious. “This matter needs to be explained. My relationship with my cousin is purely that of distant relatives, nothing more…”