Xiao Rongyan's gaze at Bai Qingyan this time was different from last time in Wanping. It was filled with probing and uncertainty.
His overly intense gaze seemed to indicate that he was determined to have Bai Qingyan, regardless of whether she favored him or not.
Since the paper window had already been pierced, Bai Qingyan took the opportunity to speak openly.
"Mr. Xiao, I understood what you said on the boat last time." She placed Xiao Rongyan's jade cicada on the stone table and said calmly, "But neither of us is suited for romance."
"I have my mother, aunts, and sisters to protect behind me. You have the Yan Kingdom, which needs to be rebuilt. I need to protect the honor of the Bai family. You need to restore the glory of the Yan Kingdom as it was during Empress Ji's time, and even aim to rule the world."
The smile in Xiao Rongyan's eyes gradually faded as he deeply gazed at the woman whose delicate features were cold and indifferent under the bright moonlight.