Chapter Fifteen: Warnings in Turn

Bai Qirui was displeased by the elder’s attitude toward Xie Yingying, but mindful of the elder’s status, he dared not say much. He could only offer a gentle defense, “Elder, please be careful with your words. After all, Miss Xie is the one Shengyun has chosen. Let’s not become the subject of ridicule.”

Even if Xie Yingying’s background was less than ideal, she was, after all, the one Bai Shengyun had set his heart on. The elder could not overstep.

The elder’s expression softened somewhat, but his gaze toward Xie Yingying remained unfriendly. “In a few days, the family will discuss the marriage. There will be much to do—you would do well to restrain yourself and not make a spectacle of things.”

With that, the elder composed himself a little and followed in Bai Shengyun’s footsteps.

The wedding arrangements were only half discussed when Xie Yingying disappeared. Even the smallest details had yet to be settled—there remained a mountain of tasks to complete.

Only when Bai Shengyun was finally gone did the pain tormenting Xie Yingying gradually fade, allowing her to slowly stand upright.

Seeing this, Bai Qirui hurried to help her to a nearby stone seat. “Miss Xie, are you feeling any better?”

“Thank you for your concern. I’m much improved,” Xie Yingying exhaled deeply. Only after Bai Shengyun left did the unbearable agony finally cease.

His temper was so strange; she had no idea what she’d done to offend him. The lingering ache still haunted her, making her uneasy.

Noticing the pallor of her face, Bai Qirui’s concern was uncharacteristically apparent. “Miss Xie, do you often suffer such torment?”

Xie Yingying shook her head, forcing a bitter smile. “It’s not an illness, so you needn’t worry. It’s a curse left by a fated entanglement—one that cannot be broken.”

Bai Qirui hesitated, sensing she wished not to say more, and so refrained from further questioning.

After all, he and Xie Yingying were little more than casual acquaintances with a pleasant rapport—nothing more.

Moreover, given her close connection to Bai Shengyun, and with their wedding soon approaching, it was all the more necessary to maintain a respectful distance and avoid awkwardness.

Xie Yingying shook her head again to clear it. By the time she stood, the pain had vanished, though her limbs were weak and heavy, as if she’d been thoroughly beaten.

She managed a wan smile. “Thank you for speaking on my behalf. But I’ve been out long enough—I ought to return. Take care, and until we meet again.”

“Take care yourself. Go back and rest. There’s no need to rush until you’ve regained your strength,” Bai Qirui advised, with no intention of detaining her further.

After the ordeal with Bai Shengyun and the elder, it was only proper for him not to linger in conversation with Xie Yingying—one must always be mindful of propriety.

Bidding Bai Qirui farewell, Xie Yingying dragged her weakened body back, her resolve to leave only growing stronger.

When Bai Shengyun truly lost his temper, he showed no mercy. She had just endured excruciating pain, and he hadn’t even spared her a glance. Why remain bound to such a man? Unless she was courting death, she would not continue to suffer at his side.

Yet leaving was easier said than done. This was, after all, Bai Shengyun’s domain, and he had her fate in his grasp. Escape would not be so simple.

But Xie Yingying was not easily defeated. If she wished to leave, she would find a way. Once she was gone, far and wide, Bai Shengyun could hardly remain so obsessed as to drag her back.

She cared nothing for the status he offered. A man so indiscriminately affectionate could only appeal to those with poor judgment.

Her thoughts churned as she walked, inwardly cursing Bai Shengyun in every way imaginable.

Physical weakness did nothing to blunt her forceful nature. Even now, with pain still prickling in her bones, her anger surged all the higher, blazing fiercely.

Arriving at her door, she found Ning Qingqing waiting, though she didn’t know for how long.

Xie Yingying had no intention of acknowledging her, but Ning Qingqing deliberately blocked the door, making her purpose clear.

Lazily, she lifted her gaze and spoke coldly, “Would you mind moving aside? You’re blocking my door.”

But Ning Qingqing remained unmoved, and instead replied with arrogance, “It seems you can’t go a single day without seeing a man—you’re positively restless without them!”

At this, Xie Yingying let out a cold laugh and retorted without mercy, “At least I have what it takes to make a man utterly devoted to me. What do you have that can compare?”

Though she was still unwell, Ning Qingqing insisted on causing trouble, forcing her to steel herself for the confrontation.

Being blocked at her door only stoked her irritation, and her anger flared, almost unbidden.

Ning Qingqing was momentarily speechless, her face alternately flushing and paling with rage. After a long pause, she snapped, “You’re shameless and indecent! You disgrace the reputation of all women!”

“Life is meant to be enjoyed. If you can’t, don’t hinder others. Who are you trying to impress with that lofty attitude?” Xie Yingying shot back, now thoroughly exasperated as her discomfort worsened.

Seeing Ning Qingqing’s stubborn refusal to leave, her patience finally snapped. “Fairy Ning, what exactly do you want, blocking my door like this?”

She was tempted to simply shove Ning Qingqing aside and slam the door, leaving her to make as much noise as she pleased outside.

But after the ordeal at Bai Shengyun’s hands, she truly lacked the strength.

Ning Qingqing glared at Xie Yingying with hatred and issued a cold warning, “Xie Yingying, just because you’re by the Immortal Lord’s side doesn’t mean you can do as you please. You’re not worthy of someone as pure and noble as him!”

There was resentment in her tone, and envy too. How had Xie Yingying been so lucky as to forcibly claim Bai Shengyun, leading him to decide to grant her a title?

“It’s your greatest fortune that the Immortal Lord deigns to notice you. But don’t think that means he’s truly yours. He’s far beyond your reach!”

Listening to Ning Qingqing’s endless admonitions, Xie Yingying felt as if her ears would soon grow calluses.

She glanced at Ning Qingqing, her tone languid, “Are you finished?”

Ning Qingqing was so furious she nearly lost control, snapping, “I’m warning you, don’t dream of reaching for the Immortal Lord—you’re not worthy!”

Her eyes, once as clear as mountain springs, now overflowed with jealousy and deep-seated loathing, as if Xie Yingying were something utterly repugnant.

“Are you done?” Xie Yingying replied carelessly, her tone full of disdain. “If you value the Immortal Lord so highly, that’s your affair. Were it not for my own constraints, perhaps the position would have been yours.”

Had she kept silent, it might have been better; but her offhand remarks only drove Ning Qingqing to the brink, her blood boiling.

Yet all Ning Qingqing dared do was offer these warnings—she did not have the courage for anything more.