Ning Yan sat down across from her. As he passed, Bai Qingqing’s nose twitched slightly, and her gaze dropped to his waist.

That was the sachet she’d made—she couldn’t have mistaken the scent. She hadn’t thought he would actually use it.

Ning Yan dropped into the chair with his usual unceremonious ease. He didn’t bring up the sachet, and whether he did or didn’t, it wouldn’t have made much difference. He leaned back lazily, watching Bai Qingqing sit stiffly in place. “Eat. Don’t be shy.”

“I…”

“I know,” he cut her off, clapping his hands. Someone immediately pushed open the door. Ning Yan gave a casual wave, and the person retreated wordlessly, as if already knowing what to do. Bai Qingqing blinked in confusion.

With a touch of mock grievance, Ning Yan said, “I know how you people are—so many rules, always chasing after elegance. Just this once.”

Bai Qingqing furrowed her brow. “I don’t quite understand what Lord Ning means by that.”

She didn’t have to wait long to find out. Several women entered the room, each carrying an instrument, dressed in flowing silks, graceful and poised.

After they took their seats, another figure stepped in. Bai Qingqing looked up—and stared. Her eyes followed closely. Wasn’t that… wasn’t that Lady Qiyue?

Qiyue’s face was veiled. She gave a slight, elegant bow and stepped to the center of the room.

Bai Qingqing was stunned. She rushed to Ning Yan’s side and whispered, “How did you manage to invite Lady Qiyue? That’s outrageously extravagant!”

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Ning Yan gave her a sidelong glance. “Don’t want to watch?”

Without hesitation, Bai Qingqing nodded. “Of course I do!”

The music began, and Qiyue danced.

Bai Qingqing had only caught a fleeting glimpse of her last time, yet it had left a vivid impression. Now, up close, she could fully appreciate the way Qiyue moved—like a dragon in flight, her grace captivating, her every gesture poetry in motion.

So beautiful.

Bai Qingqing surrendered to the performance completely, her heart swaying with Qiyue’s movements. She didn’t notice Ning Yan beside her, whose brow was gradually knitting together.

What’s with this woman? Her eyes looked like they were about to bore holes through Qiyue. He’d seen women admire dances before, but never with this level of rapture. Was it really that

good?

As the performance ended, Bai Qingqing’s eyes shimmered with joy. She clapped without reservation, then quickly shifted to the side, offering up a wide space beside her. “Would Lady Qiyue like to sit here?”

Ning Yan: “…”

A faint smile curved beneath Qiyue’s veil. It was rare to see such unfiltered affection—rarer still when it came from another woman.

But she glanced at Ning Yan, then politely signaled for the other musicians to rise. They prepared to leave.

Bai Qingqing was visibly disappointed. As Qiyue reached the doorway, she spun around in her chair to sneak one last look, eyes full of longing, until the door finally shut.

Ning Yan tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Is she really that beautiful?”

“Of course she is! Seeing her up close, Lady Qiyue is the very embodiment of grace and beauty—she could ruin kingdoms and sink fish and geese with that face.”

Bai Qingqing’s expression was dreamy, her radiant face glowing with satisfaction. Ning Yan barely resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “I thought women would turn their noses up at someone of Qiyue’s background. Didn’t expect you to be the exception.”

“Everyone appreciates beauty. And no one has the right to judge another’s path.”

Ning Yan’s gaze deepened. Just as she seemed ready to drift off into Qiyue-daydreams again, he tapped his fingers against the table. “Did you forget why we’re here today?”

Bai Qingqing snapped back to herself. Her expression sobered instantly, and she returned to her seat, suddenly looking unsure, her eyes avoiding his.

“You said you discovered something about the incense. Let’s hear it.”