How could she call him that now, the same way she did as a child? Back then, she didn’t know any better—she’d call anyone older than her “big brother.” But now, to call Ning Yan “Yanyan-gege” again… Bai Qingqing felt a fine sheen of sweat forming on her forehead. She shook her head instinctively. “I can’t. Lord Ning is such a formidable person—how could I possibly call him that?” Pei Lingshu laid out his reasoning patiently. “Is your relationship some ordinary acquaintance? That’s a bond forged in childhood. He helped you because he cares for you—there’s nothing improper in calling him ‘big brother.’ Don’t you also call me Brother Pei?” He paused, then appealed to her heart. “And Ning Yan… he’s never had a younger sister. You were the only one who called him that when you were little. Isn’t that, in a way, destiny?” Bai Qingqing was thoroughly bewildered by his words, her brows drawn together in confusion. “Is… that so?” “Trust me, you won’t go wrong. If he’s still not satisfied after that, I’ll scold him myself.” Pei Lingshu made the decision for her with crisp finality. “Calling someone ‘brother’ or ‘sister’—isn’t that the easiest way to close the distance between you? Ning Yan has endured too much in life. If it’s possible… I’d like him to experience something different from now on. You, Bai Qingqing, are that touch of sweetness.” Bai Qingqing had picked out several fragrances for Pei Lingshu. Just as he was about to take his leave, someone charged into the shop in a whirlwind of motion and made straight for Bai Qingqing. “What’s going on with you? I sent you an invitation and you didn’t reply at all!” Find this and other great novels on the author's preferred platform. Support original creators! Bai Qingqing looked closely and saw that it was Mo Kexin. A sigh escaped her lips. “I did reply.” “Then why haven’t you come to see me?” “My dear Miss Mo, surely you know the Bai family’s current situation? Everyone else is doing their best to steer clear of me, and yet you’re still sending me invitations one after another. Aren’t you the least bit worried?” Mo Kexin lifted her chin. “What’s there for me to worry about? Besides, nothing’s been settled yet—why should I avoid you? Unless… you don’t see me as a real friend?” Though Bai Qingqing looked helpless on the surface, her heart was quietly moved. Her friendship with Mo Kexin had bloomed under odd circumstances, yet it turned out to be far more effortless and comfortable than she’d ever expected. Mo Kexin was one of the rare few who still sought her out even after the Bai family’s fall from grace—that alone was enough to make Bai Qingqing feel deeply grateful. Updates are released by novel·fire.net She sidled up and linked arms with Mo Kexin. “How could I not? I just didn’t want to drag you into trouble. I’m truly happy you still want to come see me.” Only then did Mo Kexin break into a smile. For all her bluntness, she was remarkably easy to please. “Huh? And who’s this?” It was only now that she noticed Pei Lingshu, whom she’d accidentally shoved to the side. Her eyes lit up—what a handsome man! Bai Qingqing gave a brief introduction, and Pei Lingshu took his leave soon after. Mo Kexin’s gaze followed him all the way to the door before turning back to ask, “Do you like him?” Bai Qingqing jumped at the question. “What nonsense are you spouting? He’s just someone I used to know—like an older brother.” “Oh, that’s great. So… does that mean I’m allowed to like him?” That was just how Mo Kexin was—if she liked someone, she said so; if she didn’t, she wouldn’t pretend. Even so, Bai Qingqing found the shift a bit abrupt. “Brother Pei isn’t like most people. He’s got no shortage of admirers.” “That’s fine. The more admirers he has, the more outstanding he must be. That just proves I’ve got good taste.” Bai Qingqing: “…” Fair enough. Mo Kexin didn’t press the matter. Today, she’d come with gossip from Xuancheng to share with Bai Qingqing. “I wasn’t trying to dig up anything about the Fu family, I swear. But people just won’t stop talking about it around me—you might as well hear it for fun.”