Wen Jiang was thoroughly confused. Wait—weren’t they talking about romance? Since when did this become about “a favor”?

After carefully, painstakingly teasing out the full backstory behind the jade token, Wen Jiang deeply regretted his impulsive decision to play matchmaker today.

He knew it! With Ning Yan’s prickly, volatile temper, what kind of sane woman would go out of her way to admire him?

But staring at Ning Yan’s firm, unwavering expression, Wen Jiang felt all the life drain out of him. “So… Sir, do you like this young lady?”

Ning Yan’s face went taut. He shot Wen Jiang a sidelong glance. “Impossible. I just think she’s too delicate. If she found out I didn’t like her, she might cry. I hate seeing people cry.”

…He hated it? Then why had he made so many people cry?

Wen Jiang chose softer words. “In that case, Sir, you mustn’t get angry with her. From the sound of it, this young lady is gentle and kind—a warm soul. Gentle women should be treated gently. Even if you disagree with her, you mustn’t lose your temper.”

Ning Yan’s gaze stiffened for a brief moment. Wen Jiang sighed. Looked like he’d already done just that.

“Sir! Do you take her for one of your subordinates? You’re upset, so you just say whatever you please? That’ll only make her afraid of you! Have you forgotten how many women in the past you scared off with that same attitude—how many ran away crying and never came near again? Do you want this girl to end up like that too?”

Ning Yan suddenly pictured Bai Qingqing, eyes red with anger, biting her lip and refusing to back down. His lips parted. “I didn’t… mean to. But she shouldn’t have…”

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“A girl can do whatever she pleases! Even if she’s fond of you, does that mean she can’t speak to anyone else? That she can’t have her own thoughts? And if one day she happens to like someone else, then maybe that person moved her heart more than you ever did.”

That cold, cutting look returned to Ning Yan’s face, but Wen Jiang held his ground. If Ning Yan didn’t get a reality check now, there might never be another chance.

“Think about it. Between someone who’s always making her upset and someone who constantly considers her feelings—who do you think she’d choose? Who in their right mind would pick pain over peace?”

“Is this man you saw her with hideously ugly? Dirt poor? A complete scoundrel?”

Ning Yan ground his teeth. He couldn’t refute a single word. That made him even angrier.

“Exactly. Sulking on your own doesn’t solve anything. You’re upset—but did you try explaining why? Or did you just blow up at her without warning? That only makes people more afraid of you. Come on, think about it—am I wrong?”

Wen Jiang was having the time of his life today. Who would’ve thought he’d get to play teacher to Ning Yan of all people?

Still, he genuinely hoped that blockhead would take the lesson to heart. That fairy of a girl needed to put a leash on him soon.

…

The red mark on Bai Qingqing’s chin had lingered for days. She had to cover it with powder, lest anyone notice.

That day, Ning Yan had been truly terrifying. The fury he unleashed out of nowhere still haunted her. For several days, she had no energy to do anything—not even the thought of visiting Qingxin Pavilion appealed to her.

When Bai Yaoyao came to invite her on a trip to Pei Lingshu’s estate east of the city, Bai Qingqing turned her down flat.

“You all go ahead. I’m too tired to move.”

Bai Yaoyao gently placed a hand on her forehead. “Sister, are you feeling unwell?”

Bai Qingqing shook her head. Bai Yaoyao tilted her own. “Then… could it be you had a falling-out with Lord Ning?”

Bai Qingqing froze for a split second, then quickly covered it with a smile. “No, what makes you think that? What kind of argument could I possibly have with Lord Ning? Don’t go guessing things. You all have fun.”

Bai Yaoyao: …Mm-hmm. So that is what happened.