Under Bai Qingqing’s meticulous care, Ning Yan’s wounds healed swiftly. Wen Jiang, watching this unfold, was filled with emotion and seized the chance to vent to Bai Qingqing about how difficult things had been for him in the past.

“That guy’s never been afraid of dying. It’s practically routine for him to be covered in cuts and bruises. And the worst part? He never listens to anyone. Always does things his own way. No matter how many times I warn him, it goes in one ear and out the other. He never bothers to rest properly. But now that you’re here keeping an eye on him, he’s finally settled down.”

Bai Qingqing felt compelled to speak up in Ning Yan’s defense. “I don’t think he does it on purpose. He holds an important post—there are too many duties pressing on him. It’s not that he refuses to rest, but that he simply doesn’t have the time. He’s actually very reasonable.”

“Hah, that’s because he listens to you. Try swapping yourself out and see what happens. He’s been cooped up in that carriage for days—if it weren’t for your presence, he would’ve lost it and started raising hell already.”

“I doubt it,” Bai Qingqing said. “Ning Yan isn’t the kind of person who gets bored that easily. Brother Wen, you’re too biased against him.”

Wen Jiang’s eyes narrowed, full of mock grievance. “See? Look at you—every word is in his defense. You’re completely taking his side.”

“I’m not,” Bai Qingqing said, flustered. “I just think Ning Yan isn’t as reckless as you make him out to be. I’m not taking sides…”

“But I say you are.” Wen Jiang leaned closer, his voice tinged with curiosity and mischief. “Be honest—have you fallen for him too?”

Bai Qingqing: “!!”

Her stunned expression made Wen Jiang sigh. “It was just a question—no need to panic. I was just wondering, seeing how protective you are of him…”

“Brother Wen, please, don’t say things like that,” she pleaded quickly.

Bai Qingqing puffed up her cheeks as she caught her breath. “And stop saying Ning Yan likes me. If someone hears that, it’ll cause a misunderstanding. He holds a high position, every move he makes is scrutinized—I don’t want to bring him trouble. Besides… it’s not like I don’t know what it feels like to like someone. Ning Yan doesn’t feel that way about me.”

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In her past life, she had fallen for Fu Yi like a woman possessed. He had filled her thoughts and her heart; just a glimpse of him would send her emotions into chaos. She’d done everything she could to make him notice her, to make him like her—she would have given him the world if he’d asked.

Though now, looking back, she could only feel stunned by her own foolishness, she still remembered that feeling clearly. Ning Yan, towards her… Bai Qingqing didn’t mean to be rude, but it felt more like he was teasing a cat or a dog.

Call it affection if you must—but it was the kind that found her amusing. He’d play tricks just to rile her up, wouldn’t stop until she was flustered. How could that be the kind of love Wen Jiang was talking about?

Wen Jiang frowned, clearly feeling she’d misunderstood. “Ning Yan’s not like most people—naturally, the way he shows affection isn’t like most either. Let me explain…”

He didn’t get the chance. Mu Shu suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

“Qingqing! There you are—great! I tried giving the Lord his medicine, but he refuses to drink it. You need to go talk him into it. If he waits any longer, it’ll go cold.”

Bai Qingqing jumped to her feet. “I’ll go check on him right away. He has to take his medicine…”

Mu Shu flopped down beside Wen Jiang. “The Lord’s being strange. He used to take his medicine like it was water—never blinked an eye. Why won’t he drink it now?”

“You wouldn’t understand,” Wen Jiang said, his gaze distant and philosophical.

“He refuses to drink it now… because someone will worry. Because someone will coax him into it. How could that possibly compare to the past?”