The man chuckled softly. "No worries, Miss, your ideas are unique, free-spirited, and admirable. May I have the honor of inviting you for a cup of tea?"
Bai Qingqing felt that he was being too polite, but the place was indeed peaceful and quiet, with beautiful surroundings. After walking for a while, she was tired, and since there were servants attending to everything, she decided to sit down and rest for a bit.
To her surprise, his conversation and manners were very pleasant, especially his vast knowledge. The things he spoke about were fascinating, and his tone was humble, making everything he said captivating to listen to.
These were things Bai Qingqing had never encountered in either of her two lifetimes. She had long forgotten that she only planned to sit for a moment. Her eyes were wide open, intently listening and enjoying every word, occasionally asking questions.
The man answered her patiently, never once showing any hint of impatience, even when her questions seemed a little naive. Bai Qingqing’s fondness for him grew quickly; he was a gentleman worth getting to know.
"Young Master, you truly are well-versed!"
Bai Qingqing was astonished. "I’m so glad I came to this poetry gathering. My sister told me that many talented young masters would be here, but I didn’t expect it to be true. From what I’ve seen, your knowledge is no less impressive than those young masters’."
Pei Lingshu smiled gently. "Which young masters are you referring to? It seems there are many here at this poetry gathering."
"I can’t quite remember their names. They’re all so grandiose, with titles like jade, gold, birds, and beasts—very difficult to pronounce. But that’s not important. I just think that Young Master Pei is no less impressive than they are."
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Bai Qingqing had always been straightforward. If she liked someone, she showed it. If it weren’t for her previous life, she wouldn’t have been so eager to marry Fu Yi. The Bai family’s children were always like that.
Pei Lingshu smiled gently. "Miss Bai is too kind. You are innocent and carefree, a rare quality. I too thought this poetry gathering would be boring, but now I no longer think so."
Just then, a servant came over and whispered something to Pei Lingshu. He stood up gracefully and bowed. "I have some matters to attend to and must leave first."
"It's fine, don't let me delay your business."
Bai Qingqing felt that this place was quite nice. After the person left, she thought she might stay a little longer. From this corner, she could faintly see the crowd behind the trees. Watching their lively gathering while leisurely sipping tea was a kind of pleasure in itself.
But just as she was enjoying the solitude, her peace was interrupted by someone arriving.
The obvious surprise in Bai Qingqing’s tone made Ning Yan's brows relax slightly. He sat down beside her with ease, turned over a clean teacup, and began pouring tea for himself with practiced skill.
Bai Qingqing was truly surprised. "How did you end up here? Are you also here for the poetry gathering? I didn’t expect Lord Ning to be so refined."
After finishing his tea, Ning Yan glanced at her. "Just passing by."
... What could he possibly be doing that happened to lead him here?
Bai Qingqing wisely chose not to press the question and instead heard Ning Yan continue, "I happened to overhear your conversation about the customs of Ruidu, and it was full of mistakes."
"Lord Ning, you were eavesdropping on us?"
"Eavesdropping? I don't need to eavesdrop. I just happened to hear."
Ning Yan frowned. "Would you like to hear the correct version?"
Bai Qingqing’s eyes immediately lit up, and she leaned a little closer to him. "Yes!"
Ning Yan’s version was indeed different from Pei Lingshu’s. However, as Pei Lingshu had mentioned earlier, he had never been to Ruidu himself, and everything he knew came from books or what others had told him. Ning Yan, on the other hand, spoke as if he had experienced it firsthand. The sense of immersion was much stronger, as though one were actually there.