Chapter 48 Face (in the sense of reputation or dignity)

Bai Qingqing returned to Yanlai Tower once more. Unlike the curiosity of her first visit, this time she carried herself with much more composure. Yet she had only just announced her name at the entrance when someone respectfully led her upstairs. Bai Qingqing couldn’t help but be taken aback—could it be that Ning Yan, embarrassed by being stopped outside last time, was trying to save face now? “Please wait here for a moment, miss.” The server bowed and quietly closed the door behind him. Zidai wandered around the room in awe, her eyes sparkling. “Miss, this room is so much bigger and prettier than the one we had last time!” Bai Qingqing silently agreed. This private room’s elegance and refinement far exceeded her expectations. Many of the items within weren’t even easily seen in their own household, the Duke’s residence. Ning Yan really had gone all out just for the sake of face! Bai Qingqing was stunned. Just how much silver did it take to reserve a place like this? She hadn’t expected someone who seemed so easygoing and indifferent to actually care so much about appearances. Before long, a knock came at the door, and soon the table was completely covered—each dish one of Yanlai Tower’s most sought-after pastries. Even the Green Cloud Crisp that Yaoyao had longed for was lost among the lavish spread. “These...” The server respectfully replied, “Please enjoy at your leisure, miss. I won’t disturb you further.” If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it. Bai Qingqing stared, momentarily dazed by the table full of desserts. Compared to other places, Yanlai Tower’s pastries were exquisite to the extreme. They even surpassed the royal confections her father had once brought back from the palace. This entire table... must have cost a fortune. “Zidai, how much silver did we bring?” Zidai gave her a number. Bai Qingqing frowned—it might not be enough. Ning Yan probably didn’t come to places like this often and didn’t know how steep the prices could be. If they couldn’t pay in the end... the embarrassment would be overwhelming! “Go back to the residence and bring more silver.” “How could I do that? I can’t leave you here alone. What if something happens...” “Not having enough silver is something happening. I can’t afford that kind of shame. Don’t worry, I’ll manage until you return. You saw earlier—there are plenty of guards downstairs. No ordinary person’s getting in. I’ll be fine.” Seeing her insistence, Zidai hurried off to carry out the task. Only then did Bai Qingqing breathe a sigh of relief. It wasn’t really for Ning Yan’s sake—it was that incense business that made her feel vaguely uneasy. She might as well foot the bill herself. Having made up her mind, Bai Qingqing began sampling the pastries. The Green Cloud Crisp didn’t disappoint—it melted like cloud on the tongue, soft and delicate, with a faint tea fragrance, mellow and smooth, yet not at all sweet. Her eyes lit up as she ate. She tried another, and another. There was no denying it—Yanlai Tower’s reputation was well earned. These pastries were better than any she’d ever had. When Ning Yan arrived, the first thing he saw was Bai Qingqing mid-bite, eyes curved with delight, cheeks puffed with food, face glowing with happiness. Bai Qingqing: “...” A miscalculation. She quickly swallowed, took a sip of tea to cleanse her palate, and dabbed her mouth clean with her handkerchief before awkwardly greeting, “Lord Ning.” “Do the pastries suit your taste?” She almost said, You say that like you baked them yourself, but held her tongue and simply nodded with grace. “Yanlai Tower’s pastries are indeed excellent.” Then she shifted her tone. “I imagine they don’t come cheap.” Ning Yan didn’t catch the hint at all. “As long as you like them. Eat as much as you want. If it’s not enough, just order more.” Bai Qingqing: “...”