Bai Qingqing's tone became impolite, and Fu Yi quickly apologized, "It was my thoughtlessness, Miss Bai. Please do not be angry, it’s my fault."

"I am sorry to disappoint you, Master Fu, but there are many people in the residence, and I have other matters to attend to. I must take my leave."

Fu Yi could not let her leave so easily. Having finally gotten a moment alone with her, he instinctively blocked her path, his gaze dropping slightly, his expression gentle with a hint of indulgence.

In her past life, Bai Qingqing had adored this very look of his. On the rare occasions when she felt deeply wronged and angry, as long as he showed her this expression, her resentment would gradually dissipate, and she would calm down.

"White..."

"What do you want to do?"

Fu Yi was taken aback, but saw Bai Qingqing’s once-submissive expression turn sharp, even stepping back several paces, as if she had transformed into a fierce beast. What was happening?

Bai Qingqing’s voice held a subtle sharpness, her fists clenched tightly, trembling slightly, filled with anger—not at him, but at herself!

Seeing Fu Yi in this state, she was reminded of her past foolishness. She had been afraid of making him uncomfortable and had swallowed her own pain, not wanting to make things hard for him. She never spoke of her troubles to the Bai family, always reporting only good news—she had been a fool!

The laughable part was that Fu Yi’s tender expression, which had once moved her and made her cherish him so dearly, was now casually displayed. What did her past forbearance amount to?

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Without caring for decorum, Bai Qingqing turned and ran, not wanting to see Fu Yi for even a moment longer.

However, she heard Fu Yi’s footsteps chasing after her. Panicking, Bai Qingqing's hairpins clinked, and her heavy skirts became a burden. The footsteps grew louder, and suddenly she saw a familiar figure ahead of her.

"Master Ning."

Bai Qingqing hurriedly hid behind him, feeling an absurd sense of safety in that moment. Ning Yan was tall and broad-shouldered, his figure completely shielding hers. It felt perfect.

Fu Yi stopped in his tracks, but honestly, he didn’t understand why he had acted this way. He had only wanted to explain himself to Bai Qingqing, and out of instinct, he had followed her.

"Miss Bai, I think there’s been some misunderstanding. I didn’t mean to scare you. I just wanted to explain..."

"Under the bright sun, in broad daylight, the son of Prince Ping’s residence is relentlessly pursuing a young lady. What is there to explain?"

Ning Yan’s lazy tone was infuriating, as he stood there unmoving, blocking Fu Yi’s view of Bai Qingqing.

Fu Yi finally looked at Ning Yan properly, noticing his plain clothes and unfamiliar face. For a moment, he couldn’t tell who he was. "This young master has misunderstood. I did not..."

"I saw it with my own eyes. What misunderstanding is there? Or are people from Prince Ping’s residence allowed to behave so arrogantly and disrespectfully in Xuan City?"

Fu Yi clenched his jaw, unwilling to accept such an accusation. The man in front of him clearly recognized him and showed such disdain. He couldn’t afford to take that risk.

"Today’s matter is indeed my fault. I will come to apologize another day."

Fu Yi took one last look at the corner of Bai Qingqing’s skirt visible behind Ning Yan, but it quickly disappeared, and nothing more could be seen.

Fu Yi left, and Ning Yan deliberately waited a moment before leisurely saying, "How long do you plan to stay hidden behind me?"

As soon as he spoke, a small head peeked out from behind him, cautiously looking around. After confirming there was no one else, Bai Qingqing sighed in relief, her face puffing up like a steamed bun.

Bai Qingqing slowly stepped out from behind him, thought for a moment, then curtsied. "Thank you, Master. Please take care."

She intended to slip away, but Ning Yan’s voice came from behind her, "Stop, is this how you treat someone who helped you?"