"Please, Princess, have a seat," Gu Beiliang invited.
Shen Qi smiled gently and sat down, her manner slightly shy. "Beiliang, there's no need to be so formal. Just call me Qiqi."
"But, Princess, your status is noble, and I am just a humble ward. How could I possibly—"
"Beiliang, you are the Royal Heir of Yun Nation. Your status is quite distinguished. Besides, if it weren't for your rescue, I might have already lost my life. It's just a name. You can certainly call me Qiqi."
"If the Princess insists, then I must comply," Gu Beiliang's lips curved into a warm smile, as comforting as a spring day in late April.
Standing nearby, Decheng felt uneasy. Despite the smiles and gentle conversation between the two, he sensed an ominous chill in the air.
"Qiqi, what brings you here today?" Gu Beiliang asked softly.