Chapter 4:Bai Ran and Bai An

She and the boy stepped out of the tea house.

As soon as they were outside, she shed her pitiful expression and sank into deep thought.

The boy walked slightly ahead of her, careful with his steps. He never lifted his head, nor did he dare look at her face.

In a humble voice, he said, "Miss… the inn is this way."

He pointed to the right, down the narrow street beside the tea house.

She looked at him and asked casually, "Okay, thank you… By the way, how old are you?"

Hearing her soft voice made him blush. His fingers tangled together nervously.

"This humble one, Miss? I think… I'm twelve," he answered quietly.

Xin Yi lifted her gaze from his trembling fingers and smiled gently.

"Twelve, hmm… You're already a young man."

The boy's cheeks turned redder, and he said nothing.

She laughed at his shy behaviour it was too cute to ignore.

Smiling, she said, "Don't call me 'Miss'... I'm not a miss. Just call me…"

She stopped suddenly.

Her smile faded.

She didn't remember her own name nor did what name belonged to this body. A bitter smile appeared on her lips. How pitiful, she thought, shaking her head at herself.

Trying to brush aside her thoughts, she looked back at the boy.

He was waiting for her to finish her sentence.

When she didn't, he hesitated, then raised his head slightly just enough to catch a glimpse of her bright eyes.

The moment their eyes met, he quickly looked away again.

She felt the urge to laugh and did so joyfully.

"What's your name?" she asked.

The boy was surprised.

"M-me? Miss… I don't have a name."

She said jokingly, "How could that be…?"

Then she paused. Could it be… he lost his memory, too?

The boy murmured, "My master always calls me 'foolish boy' or just 'hey, boy'. I don't have any relatives, so… no one ever gave me a name."

Hearing this, her eyes dimmed. She spoke in gentle tone full of warmness.

"How can you be foolish? Aren't you the one leading me to the inn so easily? If I were alone, I'd probably wander around for a while. I bet you already know so many things at your young age. If the people around you weren't smart enough to give you a name… then so be it. You can give yourself a good one."

The boy hesitated, then said, "But I don't know any characters… I only know 'bái' (白)."

Her eyes lit up.

"That's perfectly fine. Let's just use 'Bai'... and create two beautiful names."

The boy blinked, confused.

"Two?"

She smiled brightly.

"Yes ..one for you and one for me. I don't have a name either. Let's think…"

She looked up as if inspiration had touched her.

"Aha! Your name will be Bai An (白安) — it means calm and peaceful."

She paused, then added with a gentle smile,

"And I'll be Bai Ran (白然) — like blank paper. A fresh start."

The boy repeated the name under his breath, his thin voice trembling with uncontrollable joy:

"Bai An… Bai An…"

In his happiness, he forgot to wonder why she didn't have a name too.

She looked at his small, happy face so thin, yet glowing with delight. Her gaze softened, and her voice grew warmer.

"Yes… Bai An. That's your name. Do you like it?

If not, I can think of other names too."

But Bai An quickly shook his head, as if afraid someone might take the name away from him.

"No! Miss—I mean, I like it. I like it very much!"

Bai Ran laughed, full of warmth.

"Okay, I'm glad you do. But what did I tell you?

Don't call me 'Miss.' Just call me Bai Ran."

"Yes, Ms. Bai Ran," Bai An replied.

Bai Ran shook her head at him. Maybe this boy still hadn't learned how to be casual.

Jokingly, she said, "Didn't I tell you not to call me 'Miss'?"

Then, with a smile, she added, "You know what you can call me—jie jie. I'm older than you, so it's only right for you to call me that. Of course, only if you want to..."

Bai An looked hesitant. "Is that really okay?" he asked cautiously.

"Of course it's okay!" Bai Ran replied cheerfully. "I'm telling you—call me jie jie! Got it?"

As they talked, they arrived at the inn.

Bai An said shyly, "Bai Ran jie... this is our town inn."

Bai Ran smiled and nodded, and they went in.

It was lunchtime, and the place was crowded with people. The clatter of bowls and the murmur of voices filled the space. Among the customers, Bai Ran noticed a few men carrying swords casually on their backs—martial artists resting or passing through.

A young innkeeper spotted them. With a smirk tugging at his lips, the moment his eyes landed on Bai Ran, his gaze lingered. He stepped forward. He had noticed that Bai Ran seemed to be travelling alone, and he recognised the boy who worked at Uncle Mu's teahouse.

He asked with a gleeful glint in his eyes, "Young miss, how can I help you?"

Bai Ran gave him a sweet, arrogant smile, playing the role of a pampered young beauty "Oh, I want a room."

"Just for yourself?" the man asked.

"Yes," she replied.

Then, as if speaking to herself, she muttered in annoyance, "Tch... he said the most beautiful girl would be here... but I haven't seen a single special woman. The town isn't even that nice."

The man thought, maybe she pampered young lady who got herself in trouble out of jealousy.

Then chuckled, "Oh miss, may I ask why you didn't like our town? Are you saying our town isn't beautiful enough?"

Bai Ran waved her hand lazily. "Your town isn't that bad... But I don't know… Someone told me this place is full of stunning beauties. Yet I haven't seen anyone who could even compare to me."

The innkeeper laughed. "Of course, young miss, you're indeed very beautiful. But... our town does have some well-known beauties."

Bai Ran widened her eyes in disbelief. "As beautiful as me? No way. I don't believe it!" She pouted, clearly offended.

The man laughed cheerfully and raised both hands. "Don't take it as offensive, miss. People say that, not me. They say there are a few women in town known for their looks. But I haven't seen them with my own eyes, so I can't say if they're as beautiful as you..."

Bai Ran asked as she eagerly wanted to know her reveal name "Tell me their names quickly!"

"Actually, there are two daughters of the Lin family. The older one is Lin Ruo Lan she's said to be a top beauty, gentle and elegant like an orchid. I once saw her from afar, but unfortunately, she was wearing a veil."

He sighed with clear regret. "What a shame. That glimpse only made me more curious. And her younger sister, Lin Ruo Mei, is ranked second; they say she's clever and elegant."

Bai An looked at them in silence, but his expression was confused. The conversation just now... and the way Bai Ran suddenly changed her tone when they walked in... he didn't understand.