Ning Yan was certain he hadn’t even used any real strength—how could he dare, with Bai Qingqing’s skin that turned red at the slightest touch? She was delicate, far too precious. He wouldn’t risk it.

“Alright, stop glaring. If I don’t massage it, the pain will last even longer. Better a sharp pain than a lingering one.”

Bai Qingqing knew he was right, but she still pouted, cheeks puffed out in soft, rounded defiance. The sight made Ning Yan’s fingers itch—he couldn’t resist giving her cheek a poke. Soft as he remembered.

Bai Qingqing was dumbfounded by his childish act and dodged with a hand over her face. “Can you try acting your age?”

“Me? Not serious?” Ning Yan drawled lazily, his voice carrying just enough mischief to make her freeze. “We’re alone in a place like this, a man and a woman—aren’t you worried I might try something… less proper?”

She blinked. Her mind went blank for a moment. She hadn’t thought of that.

Right!

How had she dared to meet Ning Yan alone in a place like this? In her father and eldest brother’s words, Ning Yan was dangerous—capable of anything, a wild and reckless man who followed no rules.

She had once nearly lost her reputation thanks to the Princess Consort of Ping. So why had she come here without the slightest guard?

Because, somehow, she’d never considered it. As if, deep down, she was certain Ning Yan would never hurt her.

Bai Qingqing stared at him in a daze, her eyes shining with something she couldn’t quite name. “I just feel like you wouldn’t. You may act improper, but you’re actually a good person.”

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Ning Yan: “…”

He curved his lips into a slow smile, leaning in just slightly, voice dropping to a murmur. “You think I’m a good person?”

Bai Qingqing nodded seriously, her expression earnest, the trust in her eyes so pure it made Ning Yan want to laugh and sigh all at once. So… he was a good person now?

“Well, sometimes you’re not so good. You’re mean. And unreasonable.”

Bai Qingqing added softly, her gaze flitting away, “And your mouth is mean.”

Ning Yan raised an eyebrow. “Anything else?”

She shot him a quick glance. “You’re like a fox.”

Ning Yan: “…”

“But… you’re a good person. I know that.”

He had helped her more than once—each time, Bai Qingqing remembered. She lifted her head, her delicate face solemn with sincerity. “I’m really grateful. I feel lucky to know you.”

She meant it from the bottom of her heart. Given this second chance at life, Bai Qingqing was determined to change the regrets of her past, no matter how difficult it was. Ning Yan’s presence had made those difficulties easier to bear.

Her clear, unguarded gaze fell into Ning Yan’s eyes, and the smile on his lips deepened. Something in his chest loosened, relaxed. Compared to Ning Zhao, maybe he was the more useful one after all.

Bai Qingqing didn’t know why, but the Ning Yan before her now felt like a big cat, soothed and content, all his usual sharpness mellowed into something soft and harmless.

“Oh right, I actually came today to give you this.”

She held out a ribbon sash she’d made herself, but Ning Yan didn’t take it. Instead, he stood still and lifted both hands, palms up. “I tore it trying to save your dress. You should tie it on for me.”

Fair enough.

Bai Qingqing agreed—it made sense. She stepped forward and carefully tied the sash around his waist.

A faint, cool scent drifted from Ning Yan—it was the fragrance she’d given him, the one she’d mixed herself. It seemed he liked it, since he still wore it.

Knowing something she made was appreciated by someone brought a quiet joy to her heart. Offhandedly, she asked, “Do you still have any left? I can make more if you’ve run out.”

Ning Yan lowered his eyes. Bai Qingqing stood very close as she fastened the sash, so close that with just one small movement, he could pull her into his arms.