Bai Qingqing sat in the carriage, her heart still pounding uncontrolbly.

  Ning Yan’s low, husky voice had been so close to her ear that she could clearly feel the warmth of his breath and the subtle vibrations of his words.

  She suddenly raised her hand and rubbed her ears vigorously. Her fair and delicate ears turned red from the friction, making her look like a little rabbit.

  She regretted it!

  Bai Qingqing had originally thought everything through very clearly—if she could help the Bai family, she was willing to use her marriage as a bargaining chip. But now, after meeting Ning Yan for the first time, she actually wanted to back out.

  That man was not someone she could afford to provoke. Perhaps… she should consider other options?

  Adjusting her mindset, Bai Qingqing returned home and tucked away the box of unsent spices at the bottom of her chest.

  Today, Bai Jinghuai and Bai Yan had returned home earlier than usual, so the family could finally enjoy a reunion meal. Madam Qiao had already instructed the servants to prepare a full table of dishes that everyone in the family loved.

  "Qingqing, why are you still standing there? Come sit down. Your father said he has good news for you today."

  Curious, Bai Qingqing looked over, only to see Bai Jinghuai grinning happily. "There’s been a trend of flower appreciation banquets in Xuancheng tely. Everywhere you go, people are hosting gatherings. Our estate has some flowers, but not enough to make a grand dispy. Since the young dies from other families have them, ours should too. So, I specifically sought out and purchased some rare flowers that can’t be found elsewhere in Xuancheng. They should arrive in a few days, and then you can host a banquet and invite your friends over."

  Bai Yaoyao jumped up in delight. "Really? Father, what kinds of flowers did you buy?"

  "Haha, you’ll find out when they arrive. I made sure to consult the best sources to guarantee they are one of a kind in Xuancheng. My daughters must have the best."

  Bai Yaoyao was thrilled, but Bai Qingqing didn’t recall anything like this happening in her previous life.

  Madam Qiao gently took her hand and said softly, "Your father noticed that you haven’t been going out to social gatherings tely and wanted to cheer you up. If we have beautiful flowers and trees in our estate, you can enjoy the scenery even without leaving home."

  Bai Qingqing’s eyes widened in surprise. She hadn’t expected this. Since being reborn, she had indeed stopped socializing as much as before. She simply found it uninteresting, but she hadn’t realized it would make her parents worry.

  She noticed her father’s subtle gnces in her direction. Seeing her smile, he finally rexed.

  A surge of emotion filled Bai Qingqing’s heart.

  She was blessed with such a loving family. In her previous life, she had been blind and foolish, distancing herself from those who loved her for the sake of her own selfish desires. This time, she would not make the same mistake. She would do everything in her power to protect the people she loved.

  As for that Lord Ning… he was just a little intimidating and difficult to deal with. But could he really be so terrifying?

  Bai Qingqing regained her confidence.

  She would make a new fragrance for Ning Yan—one that truly suited him.

  Bai Qingqing didn’t like being disturbed while making fragrances. It was her only true passion, and when she worked on it, she became so focused that she could even forget to eat.

  But this time, no matter how many attempts she made, she wasn’t satisfied. She always felt that none of them suited Ning Yan. That man was dangerous, sharp, troublesome, and utterly unrestrained. What kind of scent would truly match him?

  After days of seclusion, Bai Qingqing finally emerged from her room, much to the relief of Zidai. If her dy had continued like this, she would have had to report it to the master and madam.

  "Miss, you haven’t been taking care of yourself at all! You’ve lost weight, and your complexion looks terrible."

  "Really?"

  Bai Qingqing touched her face and immediately grabbed a mirror to check. No, this wouldn’t do. Before meeting Ning Yan, she had to regain her glow. She had a personal goal to accomplish, after all.

  Once she felt she had fully recovered, Bai Qingqing took the newly crafted fragrance and made her way to the gates of the Jin Yiwei headquarters once again.

  This time, now knowing Ning Yan’s name, she forced herself to remain composed and stepped forward to request an audience.

  "I would like to see Lord Ning Yan."