Reborn and Pampered

Chapter 242: This Is Different

Bai Qingqing did as he said, surprised, and only then noticed her name written on the letter.

Ning Yan’s expression didn’t shift. “This man is quite intriguing. He really seems to want to help you. I thought even if he knew the truth about his birth, he’d still cling to the wealth and privilege of the prince’s manor and pretend ignorance. I didn’t expect him to act so decisively.”

Bai Qingqing recalled the look on Fu Yi’s face when he learned the truth and sighed. “That’s just the kind of person he is—clear on right and wrong, unwavering in principle. It’s a shame his background is so full of hardship. I imagine life at Prince Ping’s manor now must feel like sitting on pins and needles.”

“You seem rather worried about him. But if he’s able to know Prince Ping’s movements, that means the prince trusts him. No matter how you look at it, his situation is better than yours.”

Bai Qingqing blinked. “But I don’t feel like my situation is difficult. If I were traveling alone to the southwest, I’d barely have the energy to worry about anyone else. But I’m not alone—I have you. That’s why everything’s been smooth.”

Ning Yan’s dangling foot began to swing slightly again. “Saying this sort of thing once or twice is enough. Keep praising me like that and it loses its charm.”

“I’m just speaking the truth.”

Well then. Ning Yan looked noticeably more at ease. “Even though Fu Yi sent this message, we still can’t place too much trust in it until everything’s settled. After all, Prince Ping raised him all these years. If the prince truly is involved in this case, things could get messy. Fu Yi may not be able to bear seeing the prince convicted. So, take the letter with a grain of salt.”

He casually set Fu Yi’s letter aside and stuffed the notebook back into Bai Qingqing’s hands. “Read this when you have time. I’ve got more where that came from. Think of it as a way to pass the time.”

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Bai Qingqing had no objections. Besides, Ning Yan’s handwritten miscellany had its own charm—he’d even left notes in the margins, vivid remarks that laid bare his unruly nature. It was all quite amusing.

With that book at her side, Bai Qingqing passed several days without boredom, as if time itself had grown shorter.

Ning Yan’s arm had finally healed, but he still lingered in the carriage all day, unlike before when he would step out from time to time. Now, unless absolutely necessary, he wouldn’t even leave the carriage at all.

Bai Qingqing assumed they hadn’t run into any new trouble, but a faint worry lingered in her heart. Ning Yan had returned Prince Ping’s secret letter untouched to avoid raising suspicion. What consequences that might bring—she didn’t dare imagine.

“There’s no need to worry. If things really come to the worst, I’ve already made arrangements. Mu Shu will take you and leave first. Don’t be fooled by his wooden expression—he’s more capable than he looks.”

Ning Yan had seen the concern in her eyes and tried to reassure her, but Bai Qingqing immediately rejected the idea. “No! Since Mu Shu is so capable, then he should stay to help you. I know I’m not much help, but I don’t want to be a burden either. I’ll do everything I can to stay out of the way. And if it truly comes to the end of the road…”

Her eyes turned serious. “If something happens to you, I won’t go on alone. If not for you, I wouldn’t have made it this far.”

The faint smile on Ning Yan’s face slowly faded, as though struck by her words. “Do you… know what you’re saying? That’s not what you said to that maid before. Back then, you wanted to cling to even the smallest chance to survive, didn’t you?”

“I know. But this is different.”

Bai Qingqing was afraid of death, cherished life—but she would never choose to flee alone just because she feared dying.