Ever since Bai Qingqing decided to head to the southwest, her mind hadn’t stopped whirring. Thoughts sprouted like bamboo shoots after the rain.

She was determined to go, that much was certain—but she also valued her life. “I know a bit about dressing as a man. If I change into men’s clothes and make a few adjustments, it still looks a bit strange, but I’ve tried it before—if someone insists I’m a man, it’s not entirely unbelievable.”

Especially since Yaoyao had given her seal of approval, Bai Qingqing felt it might just work.

But what she cared about most was Ning Yan’s opinion. She blinked her round eyes, full of expectation, and looked at him.

Ning Yan considered for a moment, and unexpectedly, an image surfaced in his mind—Bai Qingqing dressed in men’s clothes. Somehow… it seemed rather amusing?

“That’s not entirely out of the question.”

“Really?”

Joy lit up Bai Qingqing’s face. To have her idea affirmed by Ning Yan made her happiness overflow.

“I already have some men’s garments tailored to my size at home. I won’t bring anything unnecessary.”

She was afraid of burdening him. Though she’d never traveled far, she had been to the outskirts of the city a few times, and every time she took along at least a carriage or two of supplies—everything from food to clothing to daily needs, all meticulously prepared.

But this time was different. Bai Qingqing had mentally prepared herself for hardship. No matter how bitter or exhausting the journey became, she wouldn’t utter a single complaint. Just being able to travel with Ning Yan was already an immense stroke of fortune—she wouldn’t give him a single reason to be annoyed.

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Ning Yan said nothing more upon hearing this, only telling her to go see Qiyue at Yanlai Pavilion without delay. The three of them then left together.

When they arrived, Bai Qingqing skipped off to find Qiyue, light on her feet. Pei Lingshu pulled Ning Yan into a quiet room. “About the Bai family—I think you’d best be upfront with Qingqing sooner rather than later. Otherwise, it’ll fester in her heart as a knot that never unravels.”

Ning Yan was thoroughly baffled. “What business about the Bai family?”

“You knew someone was targeting the Bai family and did nothing, letting them become bait. Admittedly, I don’t think you were wrong to do so. But given your feelings for Bai Qingqing, that makes it a different matter. You know how much she values her family.”

“What feelings do I have for her?”

Ning Yan shot back, perfectly composed. “You just said I wasn’t wrong—so what’s there to explain to her?”

Pei Lingshu’s brows furrowed. “Don’t you like her?”

Ning Yan laughed, his face relaxed, his usual carefree disdain surfacing. “What are you even talking about?”

Pei Lingshu: “…”

He had an urge to curse, uncharacteristically so. He’d thought Ning Yan was just a little slow to catch on in this area—at least he’d finally started to show some signs. But now it was clear: the guy genuinely didn’t think he had any special feelings for Bai Qingqing. Utterly unbothered!

Pei Lingshu took a deep breath—several, in fact—drawing on every shred of patience he had. “You clearly treat Bai Qingqing differently than everyone else. You haven’t noticed?”

“So what? People are different, aren’t they? She’s more interesting and clever than the others. Isn’t it normal for me to treat her differently?”

“But you’ve never treated any other woman differently.”

“That’s just because none of them were interesting. Bai Qingqing is. And besides, we’ve known each other since we were kids—how could it be the same?”

Ning Yan’s reasoning was crystal clear. “But how could I possibly like her? I’ve said before—I won’t fall for anyone. You’re overthinking it.”

Pei Lingshu shut his mouth. Looking at Ning Yan’s righteous, unwavering face, he suddenly found himself really looking forward to the day this idiot tripped over his own feet. It would be glorious.