Bai Qingqing remembered her brother mentioning that Lord Ning had come to the mansion a few days ago to inquire, so she decided to use that as an excuse.

  She spent considerable effort making a new batch of incense, placing it in a precious incense box, and dressing herself carefully. With a nervous heart, she brought the incense to the gate of the Jinyiwei headquarters, located on the west side of the Qiantian Gate corridor.

  She had never been here before, nor had she fully decided on her approach. Standing outside, Bai Qingqing hesitated, unaware that she had already become an eye-catching sight to others.

  “My lord, news just arrived from Ruidu. The people you asked to monitor have made a move…”

  Lord Ning suddenly raised his hand, and the person beside him immediately stopped speaking. He turned his gaze toward the woman standing under the tree opposite the Jinyiwei headquarters. The entire street seemed to focus its brilliance on her—her smoky blue cloak and the soft white fur at its edges made her appear even more delicate and precious, as if she might break at the slightest touch.

  Ning Yan turned on his heel and walked over with interest, eager to see why this fragile Bai family young lady had come here.

  Bai Qingqing noticed him before he got too close, first seeing his Jinyiwei attire, and when he reached her, she realized that he seemed rather unapproachable.

  She subtly took half a step back, but unexpectedly, Ning Yan moved forward a step, startling her so much that her eyes flickered with panic.

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  “Do you know where this place is?”

  Ning Yan lowered his head, looking at Bai Qingqing’s face from a close distance. He thought the rumors were accurate—she was indeed stunningly beautiful. Her small face was so delicate that it looked as if it could be pinched into water. Her eyes, almond-shaped with clear black-and-white contrast, were especially captivating. Her soft pink lips were equally attractive, particularly at this moment, as she seemed to hesitate, her teeth lightly nibbling on her lip, making it appear even more tender.

  “I... I know.”

  “Since you know, why are you lingering here? Do you have some ulterior motive?”

  Bai Qingqing hurriedly looked up, her eyes flashing with nervousness. “I... I’m not. I just... I came to look for someone but didn’t know who to ask…”

  Her body tensed. When had he bent down so close to her?

  Bai Qingqing felt a little scared. Indeed, not all Jinyiwei were good-natured, and this one, standing before her, made her heart race. His face was fox-like, and it made her reluctant to look at him for too long.

  “Looking for someone? Who?”

  Bai Qingqing didn’t want to talk much more to him, instinctively sensing the threat. But she had been standing here for a while, and he was the only one in Jinyiwei uniform she had encountered. Gathering her courage, she looked up at him. “I’m looking for Lord Ning. Do you know him?”

  Ning Yan raised his eyebrow imperceptibly, his eyes scanning her face as he asked casually, “You’re looking for me? For what?”

  Bai Qingqing was speechless.

  Her mind went blank for a moment, almost as if struck by lightning.

  She didn’t realize how amusing her shocked expression must have appeared to Ning Yan, especially with her mouth slightly open, revealing a hint of her soft pink tongue.

  “Surprised? Not what you imagined Lord Ning to be like?”

  Bai Qingqing snapped out of her daze. Emotionally, she still couldn’t accept the reality, but the people behind Ning Yan didn’t seem to have any doubts, clearly indicating that he really was Lord Ning.

  “I just... didn’t expect it to be such a coincidence…”

  Bai Qingqing hesitated again. “I had heard that Lord Ning had visited the Bai family before, so I thought to show my appreciation by preparing some incense I made myself. But now, it seems a bit inappropriate.”