Bai Qingqing sat in the carriage, her heart still pounding uncontrollably.

Ning Yan's deep voice was so close to her ear, close enough to feel the warmth and gentle vibration.

She suddenly raised her hand and rubbed her ear hard. Her delicate, fair ear turned red from the rubbing, like a little rabbit.

She regretted it!

Bai Qingqing had initially thought things through carefully. She was willing to use her marriage as leverage if it could help the Bai family. But now, after meeting Ning Yan for the first time, she had developed second thoughts.

That man wasn’t someone she could provoke. Maybe... she should think of other ways?

Bai Qingqing adjusted her mindset and returned home, hiding the batch of incense she had failed to deliver at the bottom of her chest.

Today, Bai Jinghuai and Bai Yan returned unusually early. The whole family could have a reunion dinner, and Qiao had already had a feast prepared, with all of their favorite dishes.

“Qingqing, why are you still standing there? Sit down quickly. Your father has something good to tell you.”

Bai Qingqing looked over curiously. Bai Jinghuai smiled happily, “It’s about the flower appreciation banquet that’s been all the rage in Xuancheng lately. I see banquets everywhere, and although our house has some flowers, they’re not many and not that pretty. Other families’ daughters have them, so we should too. I’ve asked someone to buy some rare flowers that can’t be found anywhere else. They’ll arrive in a couple of days. We can host a banquet and invite friends over then.”

Bai Yaoyao jumped up in delight, “Really? What beautiful flowers did you buy, father?”

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

“Hahaha, wait until they arrive, you’ll see. I specially asked around, and I’m sure they’re one of a kind in Xuancheng. I want my daughter to have a good reputation.”

Bai Yaoyao was especially happy, but Bai Qingqing didn’t remember this from her past life. Qiao held her hand and said softly, “Your father noticed you haven’t been going out to attend banquets lately, so he’s thinking of ways to cheer you up. With beautiful flowers and trees in the house, you can enjoy the scenery without leaving.”

Bai Qingqing stared in surprise, not expecting it to be for this reason. After her rebirth, she hadn’t been as fond of visiting others as she was in her past life. It just seemed boring, but she didn’t want to make her parents worry.

She caught her father’s gaze, which was subtly watching her, and when she smiled, his face relaxed. Bai Qingqing’s heart stirred.

She was so fortunate to have such a good family. In her past life, she had been blind and heartless, distancing herself from the people who loved her for her own selfish reasons. But this life would be different. She would do everything in her power to protect those she loved.

As for Lord Ning... he was just a little frightening, a little hard to get along with. Could he really devour her?

Bai Qingqing regained her confidence.

She would create a new incense for Ning Yan, one that suited him.

Bai Qingqing didn’t like being disturbed while making incense. This was her only hobby, and when she worked, she was completely absorbed, even neglecting meals.

But this time, after several attempts, she wasn’t satisfied. She always felt it didn’t match Ning Yan. He was dangerous, sharp, difficult, and unscrupulous. What kind of scent would satisfy him?

After secluding herself for several days, Bai Qingqing finally emerged from her room. Zidai let out a relieved sigh. If the young lady had continued like this, she would have had to report it to the master and madam.

“Miss, you really don’t take care of yourself. After a few days, it looks like you’ve lost weight, and your complexion has become so much worse.”

“Really?”

Bai Qingqing touched her face and immediately looked for a mirror. This wouldn’t do. She had to look her best before meeting Ning Yan. After all, she had her own selfish motives.

Once she felt she had recovered, Bai Qingqing took the new incense she had made and went once again to the Jinyiwei headquarters.

This time, she knew Ning Yan’s name. She forced herself to stay calm and approached to ask someone to announce her, “I would like to meet Lord Ning Yan.”