Bai Qingqing couldn’t help but laugh and cry at once. “Why would I want your life?”

But Chang’an was serious. He stubbornly insisted on learning Bai Qingqing’s full name before he was willing to leave with Changlan. His small, retreating figure had the quiet resilience of a bamboo shoot braving the wind.

The next day, Ning Yan’s armored guard set out again. Bai Qingqing was still the same Bai Qingqing—yet somehow, she seemed subtly changed.

Her condition had eased, and thanks to her own strong will, she no longer had trouble sleeping at night. Still, Ning Yan would occasionally tease her: “If you ever find yourself tossing and turning again, feel free to tell me. I’m quite the helpful sort.”

Bai Qingqing suspected he was mocking her. Chatting idly with Wen Jiang one day, she sighed in exasperation, “Lord Ning is great in every way, except for that awful habit of making fun of people. If only he’d keep his mouth shut, there’d be ten times as many girls in Xuancheng falling for him!”

Wen Jiang smiled, but inside, something gave a faint jolt. The way Bai Qingqing said it—did it sound like she actually wanted more girls to like Ning Yan?

He gave a dry laugh. “You’re absolutely right. That mouth of his is infuriating! But… I don’t think he’s mocking you. Maybe he’s just trying to show he cares.”

Bai Qingqing shook her head firmly. “Impossible. Who shows concern like that? Brother Wen, no need to comfort me. I can handle it.”

Wen Jiang grew anxious. “I’m telling the truth! Haven’t you noticed? Ning Yan treats you differently than everyone else.”

Bai Qingqing paused, thinking for a moment, then said hesitantly, “But I haven’t known Lord Ning for very long. Maybe that’s why I haven’t noticed?”

Isn’t he the same with everyone? Doesn’t feel any different.

“Of course it’s different!”

Wen Jiang finally realized where the problem lay. He’d known Ning Yan for years—knew the man’s character inside and out—so it was obvious to him that Ning Yan treated Bai Qingqing differently. The trouble was, Bai Qingqing had no idea.

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So how was she ever going to realize Ning Yan’s feelings?

Determined to help, Wen Jiang began explaining in painstaking detail how Ning Yan treated other people. But the more he spoke, the more confused Bai Qingqing looked. Finally, she blinked at him, puzzled. “Brother Wen, why are you telling me all these awful things about Lord Ning?”

Wen Jiang: “…”

He instinctively wanted to refute her, but after thinking it over—wasn’t that exactly what he’d been doing?

“But that’s just how Ning Yan is,” he said, trying again. “Which is why it’s so obvious he treats you differently. Don’t you feel it?”

Bai Qingqing fluttered her lashes, clearly still bewildered but not wanting to disappoint him. She nodded vaguely. “I get it…”

“No, you don’t.”

Wen Jiang pinched the bridge of his nose, leaned toward the doorway to make sure Ning Yan wouldn’t be back right away, then sat up straight. “What I mean is simple: I think Ning Yan likes you.”

Bai Qingqing was mid-nod when her neck froze and her expression turned incredulous. “Brother Wen, are you joking with me?”

“No, I’m dead serious.”

Wen Jiang’s tone was utterly sincere. “Trust me—I know Ning Yan well. I’m sure of it. He likes you.”

Bai Qingqing: “...!”

Seeing her face twist into a look of pure alarm, Wen Jiang softened his tone, coaxing her gently, “But don’t be afraid. Ning Yan isn’t some monster. Sure, he’s a bit weird and kind of a pain, but he’d never force anyone…”

“It’s not that—I’m not doubting Lord Ning,” Bai Qingqing said hastily. “It’s just… how is that even possible?”

It was simply beyond her comprehension. Ning Yan—the Ning Yan, commander of the Embroidered Guard, a man who could walk sideways through Xuancheng—liked her?