In the blink of an eye, it was the day of Qiao Shi’s birthday.
The Bai family didn’t invite many guests, keeping things simple—a true family gathering.
However, Bai Qingqing and Bai Yaoyao made sure the family banquet was both warm and grand. Every detail, from the satin to the flowers, was carefully selected by them.
Qiao Shi wore a new outfit made by her two daughters, both thoughtful and elegant. Her smile couldn’t be contained, making the ladies she was friendly with envious. “Look at your two daughters, both beautiful and capable. Everyone in Xuan City praises them. You truly have good fortune.”
Bai Qingqing and Bai Yaoyao, dressed in new clothes, welcomed the guests to the house.
“Yaoyao, if more guests arrive, you take care of them first. I’ll go change in the back.”
“Don’t worry, Sister, I’m here.”
Bai Qingqing then lifted her skirt and made her way to the back yard. Bai Yaoyao held her fan in front of her forehead, and soon she heard someone at the door announcing more guests. When she went to check, her eyes brightened—it was Ning Zhao.
Just as Ning Zhao handed over the gift list, Bai Yaoyao, all smiles, approached him. “Lord Ning has arrived? What a coincidence! My sister is tied up with something, but please, come in.”
Ning Zhao, not quite understanding, followed her inside. After a while, Bai Yan arrived. “Lord Ning, let me entertain you. It’s quite sunny today. Yaoyao, go take a rest.”
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“Ah, but Sister hasn’t come yet…”
“What happened to Qingqing?”
Bai Yaoyao closed her mouth and shook her head, afraid her older brother would notice something. She watched regretfully as Ning Zhao followed Bai Yan out.
What a pity—Sister never had the chance to speak with Lord Ning.
When Bai Yan learned that Ning Zhao had arrived, he was quite surprised. Although the Bai family was somewhat close to Ning Zhao in the Jinyiwei, it wasn’t to the point of inviting him to a family banquet. He was unsure of what his two younger sisters were thinking.
However, since Ning Zhao had already arrived, Bai Yan naturally wanted to entertain him well. Not wanting to make him feel uncomfortable, he didn’t mention his official status and simply introduced him to others as a friend. The relaxed atmosphere allowed Ning Zhao to quickly adapt, feeling pleased. His uncle had been right in sending him.
When Bai Qingqing returned after changing clothes, Bai Yaoyao mysteriously leaned close to her ear. “Sister, Lord Ning came just now and was called away by Brother.”
Bai Qingqing took the guest list from a servant, reading it while giving orders for the tea to be changed for a particular lady.
Seeing her unconcerned demeanor, Bai Yaoyao puffed out her cheeks. When Bai Qingqing noticed, her sister looked just like a puffed-up pufferfish, and Bai Qingqing couldn’t help but poke her cheek with a finger—it was soft.
“Who made our Yaoyao upset? Is it too hot for you? Go back to your room, there’s ice there.”
Bai Yaoyao pouted. “Sister, don’t you want to greet Lord Ning?”
“With Brother taking care of things, it’s certainly more appropriate. I’m too busy today, where would I find the time?”
She was just a little disappointed that she couldn’t let Sister see the person she liked. If only she could be more capable, she could help Sister relax more.
Bai Yaoyao suddenly felt full of enthusiasm and eagerly took over the next tasks. Bai Qingqing followed her lead, feeling a quiet sense of admiration—her sister had grown up.
The family banquet was a joyful occasion, with everyone in high spirits. Bai Jinghuai, in particular, reunited with several old friends he hadn’t seen in a long time, and they chatted happily, losing track of time.
“Come, come, come! Today is my wife’s birthday, and my daughter personally prepared the banquet. Let’s have a good drink, all of us.”