The carriage was so quiet that only the sounds of hooves and turning wheels could be heard from outside. Bai Qingqing glanced at Ning Yan’s composed profile and didn’t try to pull away. Mostly because, well—he wasn’t holding her tightly. His large hand simply circled her wrist. She knew he’d never hurt her, so she didn’t feel anxious. Instead, taking advantage of his closed eyes, she studied him with quiet curiosity.

She’d never had the chance to observe Ning Yan this closely before.

Who would dare? With that sharp tongue of his, just a few extra glances might earn her some stinging comment.

But now, emboldened by his closed eyes, Bai Qingqing looked to her heart’s content—and found herself stunned. She’d always thought he smiled like a fox with ill intent, but now she realized how strikingly handsome he truly was.

His closed eyes traced a graceful arc, the outer corners tilting upward—when open, they formed a pair of alluring phoenix eyes. His brow was smooth and his features cleanly cut, the bridge of his nose high and straight, leading down to lips that were pale in color and thin in shape.

Yao Yao had once told her that men with thin lips tended to be heartless, and that she should steer clear of them if she ever came across one.

But Bai Qingqing thought Ning Yan’s lips suited him perfectly. With a face like this, if only he weren’t so distant, how could any of those well-born sons in Xuancheng possibly compete?

After a while, she finally looked down, her gaze falling on where his hand still circled her wrist. His hand was truly large. Compared to it, hers was like a fledgling chick’s—he could probably snap it in half with the slightest force.

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Their skin tones were markedly different too. Ning Yan’s hand was much darker than hers, the back of it lined with prominent veins that stood out in clear, sculpted relief.

Curious, Bai Qingqing ran her fingers over the back of her own hand—smooth and soft, nothing like his. She sneaked a glance at Ning Yan. Still had his eyes closed. Had he fallen asleep?

Temptation got the better of her. She reached out and lightly touched the back of his hand, just a quick tap before she jerked back, guilty eyes darting around the carriage.

The difference really was stark... Was this what a martial artist’s hand felt like?

Her gaze drifted until it suddenly collided with Ning Yan’s. Her whole body stiffened. “I was just curious…”

The words tumbled out before she could stop them, and she instantly regretted it. He hadn’t even said anything yet!

Maybe it was her imagination, but his voice seemed lower, deeper than before. “Curious about what?”

“Nothing, it’s nothing… Why are you still holding my hand anyway?”

She twisted her wrist, trying to change the subject.

Ning Yan lifted her hand and gave her a look of exaggerated helplessness. “What choice did I have? Even with me holding on, you still dared to sneak a touch. If I let go, wouldn’t you just take full advantage of me?”

“What nonsense are you spouting!”

Her face turned scarlet, and she stumbled over her words in panic. “Don’t talk nonsense! I was just… just curious, I didn’t mean to… It’s your fault for grabbing me first, I couldn’t get free and had nothing to do, so I just…”

It was all unraveling. Her cheeks burned; she no longer knew what she was saying.

Ning Yan laughed, amused by her flustered mess, but worried she might blow up. Even rabbits will bite when cornered. “Alright, alright. I’m not one to hold grudges. I’m very generous—touch me all you like. Wherever you want.”

“Aaah! I wasn’t trying to touch you—!”

Her voice froze in her throat the moment Wen Jiang poked his head into the carriage. In that instant, all Bai Qingqing could think was: why isn’t there a crack in this carriage floor to crawl into?