Bai Qingqing impatiently interrupted him, “Young Master Fu, do you think I rarely go out, so I’m easier to deceive? I’m not stupid. You’re at the age of marriage, personally picking out jewelry for an eligible young dy. Go and ask around—do any other distant retives do such things? What’s so hard to admit? You’re so eager to deny it—aren’t you afraid of hurting your cousin’s feelings?”

  She rolled her eyes subtly and went to sit under the shade of a tree. Fu Yi stood there, as if something had suddenly dawned on him.

  He… had never thought about it before!

  His mother asked him to buy things, so he did. In his past life, he had bought many things for Lu Qingyun at his mother’s request. Fearing she wouldn’t be satisfied, he always chose carefully. To him, it was just a task—but to others, it must have seemed like something else entirely.

  Behind him, Bai Qingqing was still muttering indignantly, “What’s so difficult about admitting that you like someone? It’s not something shameful. And from the looks of it, Her Highness also approves of that young dy, so wouldn’t it be a joyous occasion for everyone…?”

  “I do not like her.”

  Bai Qingqing looked up, her eyes filled with disbelief. Who was he trying to fool?

  In their past life, Fu Yi had visited Lu Qingyun every month, sometimes even asking Bai Qingqing to help pick out gifts for her. At first, Bai Qingqing thought they were for herself, only to realize ter that they were all meant for Lu Qingyun.

  He had never concealed his affection for Lu Qingyun. Even the princess consort had often sighed regretfully, making Bai Qingqing feel like an unwelcome presence in the Fu family. If she had never existed, Fu Yi could have married the one he loved and lived happily ever after.

  In this life, Bai Qingqing had no intention of interfering with them. Her resentment toward Fu Yi had faded—after all, it had been her fault for keeping him from his beloved. If he hated her and had abandoned the Bai family in their time of need, it was understandable.

  Fu Yi resented her for misunderstanding him, but no matter how he tried to expin, Bai Qingqing never believed him. If she got annoyed, she would even mock him for not owning up to his actions. But what exactly had he done?

  “Are you still looking? If not, let’s go back. We’ve been out long enough.”

  Bai Qingqing stood up and took a few steps forward before stopping. Tilting her head slightly, she looked at him. “This may sound a bit abrupt, but I sincerely hope you can marry the one you love and leave no regrets.”

  And please, don’t drag others down with you.

  …

  The two of them returned to the flower hall one after the other. Bai Qingqing composedly walked to Qiao Shi’s side, showing not the slightest trace of embarrassment—let alone any hint of shyness.

  The princess consort was not pleased. Before leaving, she gave Qiao Shi a meaningful look and patted her hand in a familiar manner. “Think about what I said. Don’t let fate slip away.”

  Qiao Shi hid her discomfort well, personally escorting the guests out. As soon as they left, the polite smile on her face vanished. She even rubbed her face. “Smiling like that was exhausting.”

  Bai Qingqing, ever considerate, stepped behind her and massaged her shoulders. “Mother, you’ve worked hard.”

  “Indeed. And I was right—once you two left, the princess consort sent Yao Yao away and subtly brought up your marriage. Just as I suspected.”

  Bai Qingqing’s hands paused slightly, but she kept her expression neutral so that Qiao Shi wouldn’t notice her furrowed brows. “And how did Mother respond?”

  “I told her you were still young, a bit spoiled, and that we weren’t in a rush to find a match. Hah! She went on and on about how her son is unparalleled, making it seem like we should be grateful for his interest in you. My daughter is not inferior to anyone! I kept things polite, but she wouldn’t stop. She even had the audacity to say that your spoiled nature was no problem—once you married into their family, she would ‘help discipline’ you.”

  That had truly infuriated Qiao Shi. Bai Qingqing was already thoughtful and considerate—who needed disciplining?