Chapter Thirteen: A Delightful Negotiation

With a flash of white light, the fox lying on the rock transformed into human form. Before her stood a man dressed in white, his features elegant and refined, with eyes like blooming peach blossoms, radiant and bright. His lips were perfectly shaped, neither too thin nor too full, his entire demeanor gentle as warm jade.

In both appearance and manner, Bai Qirui was the very opposite of Bai Shengyun—they were like heaven and earth. Xie Yingying instantly felt a fondness for someone so gentle and amiable, and her temper softened considerably.

“Miss, did you perhaps mistake me for someone else just now?” Bai Qirui spoke, his gentle voice inviting one to sink into it.

Xie Yingying snapped back to herself and forced a laugh. “Not at all, I just wandered in by accident. I didn’t wish to disturb you.”

They exchanged names once more, making their acquaintance official. Xie Yingying’s goodwill toward Bai Qirui grew, only for her mind to drift to Bai Shengyun’s image—she couldn’t help but feel speechless. Though they shared the same lineage, the difference between them was stark; aside from a faint resemblance in appearance, their tempers and characters were worlds apart.

Bai Qirui’s eyes sparkled with amusement as he spoke unhurriedly, “Miss Xie, if you don’t mind, why not share a cup of tea with me before you leave?”

“Then I’ll impose on you,” Xie Yingying replied, unreserved. She knew she couldn’t escape for the moment, and it was rare to find someone with such good temper—it wouldn’t hurt to glean some information.

They chatted freely about all manner of things, enjoying each other’s company. Having endured so much at Bai Shengyun’s side, with no one to speak with properly, Xie Yingying now found herself opening up to Bai Qirui.

During their conversation, Bai Qirui realized Xie Yingying had a broad perspective and unique insights; she could embellish a single subject with endless wit, offering new understandings with each turn.

By the end of their talk, Xie Yingying’s mouth was dry, and she drank her tea in great gulps. When she noticed Bai Qirui was still watching her, she slowed her movements awkwardly, feeling rather self-conscious. If she weren’t so concerned about maintaining her image before outsiders, she would have let her true nature show by now.

Seeing her discomfort, Bai Qirui smiled slightly and said, “I’ve always been a bit unrestrained; Miss Xie, there’s no need to feel constrained.”

Xie Yingying returned a smile, though her poise was less rigid than before. She loosened her shoulders and let out a long breath. “It’s rare to meet someone willing to listen to my ramblings by chance, Brother Bai.”

As their conversation drifted, Bai Qirui inquired about her plans. “May I ask if you are here to participate in the Great Fox Duel?”

Lately, the contest on Gu Feng Mountain had been in full swing, drawing many who wished for a share of the spoils. Delegates from countless sects had arrived, most to witness the spectacle, while few dared to actually compete. Xie Yingying, with her special status, was not alone in her presence. Yet, everyone remained cordial, awaiting the start of the contest, when true tests of wit and strength would begin.

However, Xie Yingying was anything but willing, her face clouded with worry as she sighed, “No, I’m not here for that competition.”

“Oh? So may I ask what brings you here?” Bai Qirui was intrigued and eyed her with curiosity. Most who came had their sights set on the contest, and she hardly seemed the type to just spectate.

As expected, Xie Yingying sighed deeply, sorrow in her expression. “I’m not ashamed to admit it. I accidentally offended Bai Shengyun and was forcibly brought here by him.”

With the wide world before her, she’d have preferred to find a quiet place to stay, rather than linger under Bai Shengyun’s gaze. But one misstep led to another, and Bai Shengyun’s thoughts were impossible to fathom—she was constantly on edge, unable to rest. She had been compelled all the way here, and now he was likely discussing marriage, which only made her headache worse.

Noticing her obvious dissatisfaction, Bai Qirui kindly tried to console her. “Perhaps there’s been some misunderstanding between you and my brother. He’s simply not sociable, not someone who would bully others or force his will upon them.”

“I never said he was a villain,” Xie Yingying retorted, her tone cooling at the mention of Bai Shengyun. “It’s just that we’re incompatible—a forced union brings no sweetness.”

She remembered with painful clarity exactly what kind of person he was; when he was ruthless, he spared no one.

“I don’t expect him to take responsibility for me. It was nothing but a passing encounter—if it’s over, then it’s over.”

Some things, once happened, were best left in the past. Xie Yingying never asked for much, nor did she crave the status Bai Shengyun might offer.

Bai Qirui was taken aback, coughed lightly, and reined in his smile. “A woman’s reputation is not to be sullied, Miss Xie—you shouldn’t speak so.”

“What’s wrong with saying it? It was mutual, nothing more than a fleeting meeting.” Xie Yingying rolled her eyes. She was not wanton by nature, but if survival was at stake, she did not mind giving up such things.

Bai Qirui’s smile nearly faltered, and he could only change the subject. “Miss Xie, you are truly forthright. I admire you greatly. Please, try some more of my tea—see if it suits your taste?”

Knowing when to stop, he did not press further about Bai Shengyun to avoid causing Xie Yingying’s displeasure.

They continued their wide-ranging conversation over fragrant tea, the scene warm and harmonious.

Meanwhile, Bai Shengyun was leading an elder to Xie Yingying’s room. After knocking and receiving no answer, he pushed the door open to find it empty. The elder’s face darkened. “We were careless. Miss Xie would grow restless staying in the room—we should search outside.”

Bai Shengyun said nothing, turning on his heel and heading for the courtyard.

“Shall I send disciples to look for her?” the elder suggested. Searching aimlessly could take forever. The courtyard wasn’t large, but if Xie Yingying had left, it would be near impossible to find her among the masses.

Bai Shengyun closed his eyes and replied coldly, “No need. She can’t leave this courtyard.”

Still, it was rather disobedient of Xie Yingying to slip out without a word.

He proceeded onward until, at last, he saw the two conversing happily in the pavilion. From within came Xie Yingying’s bell-like laughter.

From afar, Bai Shengyun caught sight of the smile on her face, and his entire demeanor shifted. Even the elder beside him couldn’t suppress a shiver.

Unaware, Bai Shengyun fixed his gaze tightly on Xie Yingying in the pavilion, finding her smile there particularly glaring.