Ning Yan chuckled lightly. "The Jinyiwei rarely make mistakes. People always have their weaknesses. That person simply knew you wouldn't harm those he cares about. He always has his wife, children, and parents. If you just grab one of them and bring them before him, would he still dare to commit suicide?"

Ning Yan spoke casually, but Bai Yan felt a tightening in his chest. What he said was true, but... they couldn't do that.

Sure enough, this person was just as rumored. Even though he appeared harmless now, there was an underlying, faintly bloody aura around him. Fortunately, Qingqing would no longer have any contact with him; otherwise, it would be too terrifying.

Ning Yan casually asked a few questions about the matter, then seemingly unintentionally said, "Last time, I unintentionally frightened Bai Qingqing. I heard the Jinyiwei have caused her quite a bit of trouble recently, so I wanted to personally apologize to her. Is she at the residence?"

When Ning Yan directly referred to Qingqing by name, Bai Yan's brow furrowed imperceptibly, though his tone remained unchanged. "Sir is too polite. My younger sister is not such a timid person, so there's no need for an apology. It was just that my younger sister was ill and my mother had to take care of her, so she managed things for a while. It definitely can't be called causing trouble. Please don't take it to heart, Sir."

"She's not at the residence?"

Bai Yan hesitated for a moment. "Qingqing... she probably can't get away right now."

Ning Yan silently gazed at him. For a moment, Bai Yan felt a chill, as if some fierce beast had locked onto him, but he stubbornly held his ground, unwilling to let Qingqing get involved with such a dangerous person.

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"Since that's the case, I won't disturb you further."

After a moment, Ning Yan stood up. The pressure he exerted caused Bai Yan to sway slightly as he also rose. Gritting his teeth, he escorted Ning Yan out. When Bai Yan returned to the room and sat down, he realized his legs were slightly weak.

This influential figure in Xuancheng, who everyone eagerly sought after, probably had a bad impression of their Bai family now. But, he couldn't think about that. His sister's safety was the most important thing. Moreover, Qingqing's gentle and kind nature made her no match for such a person.

Ning Yan was displeased. It would be best if they never saw each other again.

...

It had been a long time since he had experienced the taste of being disobeyed. After leaving the Duke's residence, Ning Yan turned on his heel and headed for Yanlai Building.

He asked around and learned that Bai Qingqing hadn’t been there for a while.

Qi Yue bowed slightly and handed him a plaque. "Qingqing asked me to pass this on. She says there's no need to reserve a private room for her anymore. She feels unworthy of such special treatment."

The plaque felt cool to the touch, its silver sheen faintly shimmering. Ning Yan gently ran his thumb over the hollowed-out swallow design, his gaze sharp. The plaque cracked down the middle with a soft snap.

Qi Yue lowered her head in silence. A momentary flash of fear crossed her beautiful face. She had seen Ning Yan angry before. His phoenix eyes seemed to have no human emotion, like a bloodthirsty blade turned into a living creature.

However, Ning Yan merely crushed the plaque, letting the shards fall to the ground. He leisurely took out a handkerchief and wiped his fingers clean.

The pale moon-colored handkerchief was devoid of any pattern, so plain it was almost startling. Ning Yan only reluctantly carried it with him, fearing that next time he saw a certain watery-eyed person crying, he would have nothing to wipe her tears.

So this is how it is—avoiding him completely?

Ning Yan's expression remained unchanged as he waved for Qi Yue to leave.

Qi Yue, feeling relieved, couldn’t help but add, "Qingqing probably hasn't come recently because she's busy. The Summer Solstice Festival is approaching."

Ning Yan’s cold gaze swept over her, and Qi Yue hurriedly retreated, closing the door gently behind her. Only then did she allow herself a quiet sigh of relief.