Reborn and Pampered

Chapter 257 Poor Eyesight

Bai Qingqing poked her head back into the room for another look. The furnishings… how to put it? Too stark, too austere—definitely not arranged with her in mind.

Still clinging to a sliver of hope, she headed to the room on the right. But as soon as she pushed open the door, her heart sank. This was the same room she had bathed in yesterday.

She tried the room to the right of that. The door stood open. Peeking in, she saw a warm, beautifully decorated space—soft gauzy curtains in delicate pinks, everything lovely and inviting.

She stepped inside instinctively, her eyes lighting up as she took it all in. The taste of whoever had arranged this place was impeccable—no girl in the world could resist a room like this.

But then she saw Ning Yan sitting stiffly on a rose-colored cushion, dressed in black and wearing a face like a thundercloud. Her heart skipped a beat. The scene before her couldn’t have been more out of place.

She hurried over obediently. “I went into the wrong room. I’m sorry.”

Her apology was sincere, yet somehow, Bai Qingqing couldn’t stop imagining Ning Yan living in this pink wonderland. The more she tried not to think about it, the funnier it became. Her head dropped lower and lower as she tried to hide the smile twitching at the corners of her lips.

“Is it that amusing?”

“Pfft—”

She collapsed onto the table, her shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter. It took a long moment before she could lift her head again, eyes glistening with tears of mirth. “Actually,” she said, eyes curved in delight, “this room suits you surprisingly well. Truly.”

Ning Yan shot her a glare. “If you hadn’t fallen asleep the moment you stepped in, ignoring everything I said, I wouldn’t have had to switch rooms with you.”

“I—I must not have heard. Next time, just call a bit louder—I’ll wake up.”

His brows arched. “Next time? So you plan to keep stealing my room?”

“No, no, that’s not what I meant, I just…”

Bai Qingqing grew flustered, unable to explain herself clearly to Ning Yan, her cheeks puffing up in frustration.

If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

“You don’t have to explain,” he said calmly. “I understand. You’ve slept for so long, you must be hungry. Let’s eat first. If you truly like my room, you can have it.”

“I don’t like it!” she snapped, storming off in a huff. Ning Yan followed, amusement tugging at the corners of his lips. Wen Jiang always said he enjoyed teasing her too much—but how could he not? It was endlessly entertaining.

…

It was a rare chance to sit down and enjoy a proper meal, and every dish was exquisitely crafted. Bai Qingqing couldn’t resist and ended up overeating. Seeing her stuffed, Ning Yan suggested a walk to help digest.

Yuancheng had a charm all its own. As they strolled through the bustling streets, people in a wide array of clothing passed by. The locals were used to such diversity—no one found it strange.

The shops offered all manner of goods, many of which Bai Qingqing had never seen before. Curiosity sparked in her eyes as she tried to examine everything along the way.

Ning Yan stayed at her side, patiently explaining the unfamiliar items and sharing anecdotes about the customs and landscapes of other regions. Bai Qingqing listened with rapt attention.

“Little sister, would you like a hairpin? You’re so lovely—you’d look stunning in one,” a vendor called out to her.

Bai Qingqing stepped closer. The hairpins on display were like nothing she’d seen before—bold in color, striking in design, with unfamiliar gemstones embedded in them.

“These are all handmade by this old man, one of a kind. Look at this snow plum blossom pin—it suits you perfectly. Have your sweetheart buy it for you.”

Bai Qingqing was just holding that exact pin. At the vendor’s words, her face flushed scarlet. She waved her hands quickly. “No, no, he’s my older brother.”

The old man laughed and quickly corrected himself. “Ah, these old eyes must be failing me. It’s just—when I saw the two of you standing there, so handsome and beautiful together, I assumed you were a couple. Please, forgive an old man’s mistake.”

Bai Qingqing had just opened her mouth to say it was all right when Ning Yan’s hand reached past her from behind.

“I’ll take this one,” he said.