My Sweet Little Flower Turned Out to Be a Sinister Ghost - Chapter 48

Bai Qingyu didn’t speak immediately, instead quietly watching Song Yuehua for two seconds before slowly nodding.

She leaned forward slightly, her tone more serious than before. “You are you. I want to be friends with you not because of the name ‘Song Yuehua.’ Even if you weren’t the current Song Yuehua, even if it were someone else, as long as they did the same things you do, I would still treat them the same way I treat you now.”

As she spoke, her dark eyes gently locked onto Song Yuehua. Those eyes were like a deep, bottomless pool, stripped of their usual warmth and replaced with a quiet sharpness.

Others might feel inexplicably tense under such a gaze, but Song Yuehua only found it strikingly bright, so much so that she could clearly see her own reflection in the pupils. She couldn’t help but curve her lips into a smile. “Qingqing, your eyes are really beautiful when you’re serious.”

Bai Qingyu rested her fingertips lightly on her knees, crossing one leg casually over the other. Her tone sounded casual, but her gaze never left Song Yuehua’s face. “What about you? If I turned out to be different from what you imagined, would you still want to stay close to me?”

“Me too!” Song Yuehua replied without hesitation, sitting up straighter, her tone both firm and sincere. “My feelings toward you have never changed because of anything else.”

Bai Qingyu pressed her fingertips to the corner of her lips, revealing a faint smile. “What if I’m not as good as you think? For example, what if I do things that upset you?”

Song Yuehua blinked, not rushing to refute her. Instead, she thought carefully before speaking softly. “I’ve heard a saying: ‘A gentleman judges by actions, not by intentions.’ Whether you treat me well or not, I can feel it. If one day I truly feel that you no longer want to be good to me, then I can slowly distance myself. But I don’t think that day will ever come.”

“Oh?” Bai Qingyu raised an eyebrow, her expression not clearly showing happiness or displeasure.

Song Yuehua noticed the faint dark circles under her eyes and couldn’t hide the concern in her voice. “Don’t overthink it. Go to sleep soon. Tomorrow is Monday, and you still have work. Staying up late isn’t good for your health.”

Bai Qingyu let out a soft “Mm,” standing up and casually ruffling Song Yuehua’s hair as she always did. “You should sleep early too.”

…

The evening glow streamed through the floor-to-ceiling window, dyeing the living room in a warm, rosy-orange hue.

Song Yuehua clutched the skirt of her light beige gown, walking slowly out of the bedroom. The sensation of the tulle brushing against her ankles still felt a little unfamiliar. She made her way to the full-length mirror in the living room and turned in a circle.

The pearls at the collar shimmered faintly in the warm light, and the layered skirt fell just below her knees, fitting her better than when she had tried it on last time.

“Why isn’t Qingqing ready yet?” She took a couple of steps toward the bedroom.

At home, she was used to seeing Bai Qingyu in loungewear or simple, casual outfits, gentle or sharp, depending on the day. But what would she look like in a gown?

Song Yuehua regretted not choosing to take a look at the gown earlier. She couldn’t even begin to imagine it, only feeling her heartbeat quicken slightly.

Song Xiaomi suddenly darted out from somewhere, rubbing against her skirt as if curious about the “different clothes” she was wearing.

Song Yuehua bent down to pick up the cat, about to murmur a few words to it, when she heard the sound of the bedroom door opening.

She looked up abruptly, nearly causing Song Xiaomi to leap out of her arms.

Bai Qingyu stood at the doorway, her figure wrapped in a deep wine-red velvet gown. The shoulder line was tailored sharply and elegantly, with three small pearl buttons adorning the collar, resting just above her collarbone, making her skin appear even fairer than usual.

A slender belt of the same color cinched her waist perfectly, while the skirt fell gracefully to her ankles, the velvet shimmering softly with every movement. She wore no extravagant jewelry, merely tucking the stray hairs behind her ears to reveal a clean jawline.

In Song Yuehua’s arms, Song Xiaomi let out a soft “meow,” struggling to jump down before rubbing against the hem of Bai Qingyu’s gown.

Only then did Song Yuehua snap out of her daze, realizing she was still holding the cat, her fingers frozen mid-air. She hadn’t even noticed the hair tie she’d been holding slip onto the carpet.

So, this was how Bai Qingyu looked in a gown.

This wine-red dress was a departure from Bai Qingyu’s usual style. Song Yuehua had always thought of her as gentle and serene, an impression reinforced by her preference for white or light-colored clothing. But the moment Bai Qingyu opened the door, the vibrant wine-red gown caught Song Yuehua’s eye, leaving her breathless.

It turned out that such a striking color suited Bai Qingyu just as perfectly.

“Staring?” Bai Qingyu walked toward her with light, unhurried steps. Noticing Song Yuehua’s wide eyes and the faint blush creeping up her ears, she couldn’t help but smile, bending down to pick up the fallen hair tie. “Your hair tie dropped. Would you like me to help you tie your hair back?”

Flustered, Song Yuehua nodded, her voice softer than usual. “Y-You look absolutely stunning in this.” Before she could finish, she stole another glance, noticing how the deep wine-red gloves accentuated Bai Qingyu’s slender hands.

Bai Qingyu chuckled as she stepped closer, gathering Song Yuehua’s loose strands and securing them behind her ear with the hair tie. “You’re even more beautiful.” She glanced down at the mirror, where the two of them stood side by side, a picture of harmony.

Song Yuehua stared at their reflection before reaching out to adjust Bai Qingyu’s slightly crooked pearl button.

“Thank you,” Bai Qingyu said, lowering her gaze with a smile dancing in her eyes.

Song Yuehua’s ears flushed red as she averted her eyes.

As they reached the doorway, Bai Qingyu gently smoothed the wind-tousled strands of Song Yuehua’s hair. “Don’t be nervous. Just stay close to me when we get there. I’ll help you get anything you’d like to eat.”

“Okay.”

When the car pulled up slowly at the entrance of the banquet hall, Song Yuehua peered out through the window.

A European-style building stood against the night sky, its cream-colored columns entwined with warm yellow string lights. Broad white marble steps led upward, flanked by attendants on either side. As the car came to a stop, one of them stepped forward and quietly opened the rear door.

Bai Qingyu stepped out first, then turned and offered her hand to Song Yuehua. “Take it slow, the steps are a bit high.”

Song Yuehua took her hand and descended.

They ascended the steps together, the warm glow from the wall lamps casting their elongated shadows on either side.

At the entrance, a large arrangement of white phalaenopsis orchids stood in a celadon vase, unadorned yet exuding an understated elegance.

The attendant at the door checked their invitation before handing it back with both hands, his fingertips carefully avoiding the edges of the paper, a gesture of impeccable courtesy.

As the door swung open, Song Yuehua held her breath.

The hall was more spacious than she had imagined, with a towering dome from which a massive crystal chandelier hung. Its light cascaded down, scattering delicate reflections across the dark marble floor.

The room was sparsely populated, with small clusters of people standing near the floor-to-ceiling windows or around the champagne tables. There was no clamor, only the occasional soft laughter and the gentle clinking of champagne glasses.

Song Yuehua instinctively moved closer to Bai Qingyu, her fingers lightly clutching the edge of Bai Qingyu’s sleeve. Sensing her nervousness, Bai Qingyu turned her head and whispered, “Would you like to get something to drink first? There’s non-alcoholic champagne over there.” With that, she took Song Yuehua’s hand and led her toward the champagne table.

The champagne table was made of transparent glass, lined with rows of tall-stemmed glasses filled with a pale golden liquid. Beside them were delicate petits fours, each shaped like flower petals and arranged like a work of art.

A waiter noticed their approach and immediately picked up a clean glass, pouring a cup of non-alcoholic champagne for Song Yuehua and a glass of red wine for Bai Qingyu.

“Don’t be afraid,” Bai Qingyu said as she took the wine glass, her fingertips lightly brushing the back of Song Yuehua’s hand. “If someone greets you later, there’s no need to be nervous. I’m here.” Just as she spoke, a gentle voice came from nearby: “Qingyu, long time no see.”

Song Yuehua looked up and saw a woman in a black off-the-shoulder dress approaching, holding a glass of whiskey.

Bai Qingyu smiled and nodded, naturally drawing Song Yuehua closer. “Director Li, this is Song Yuehua. Yuehua, this is Director Li, a partner I’ve worked with before.”

“Hello, Miss Song,” Director Li said with a smile, her gaze briefly resting on Song Yuehua’s gown without lingering too long. “You have excellent taste, this light beige suits you perfectly.”

Song Yuehua quickly nodded in response, her grip on the champagne glass relaxing slightly.

She glanced at Bai Qingyu, who stood confidently in her elegant gown, holding her wine glass and chatting effortlessly with Director Li.

It was a world apart from the ending in the book.

A sense of pride slowly welled up in Song Yuehua’s heart.

She had played a part in bringing about this change.

As Bai Qingyu continued discussing business with Director Li, Song Yuehua found herself unable to join the conversation, so her attention drifted to the dessert table nearby.

Creamy pastries dotted with crushed berries were arranged on a gold-rimmed white porcelain plate, looking like miniature works of art. She quietly walked over, picked up a silver fork, and gently took a bite.

Flaky crumbs scattered into her palm, and the sweet-and-sour berry filling perfectly balanced the richness of the cream. Just as she was savoring the treat, Bai Qingyu’s voice sounded beside her.

“Which one tastes the best?” Bai Qingyu had finished her conversation with Director Li and handed her a napkin.

Song Yuehua quickly wiped her mouth with a handkerchief, covering her still-chewing mouth as she pointed to the prettiest pastry and said, “This one.”

Bai Qingyu’s gaze lingered on the pastry for a moment, carefully memorizing its appearance so she could make it for Song Yuehua at home.

Suddenly, a flirtatious voice drifted over from afar: “Bai~ Qingyu~”

Both Bai Qingyu and Song Yuehua turned to look.

A woman in a champagne-colored strapless gown was walking toward them, her wavy hair loosely tied back and pearl earrings adorning her ears.

A roguish smile played on her lips as she casually picked up a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, her demeanor relaxed and intimate.

“Long time no see, Qingyu.” The woman approached Bai Qingyu, her gaze subtly drifting past Song Yuehua.

“Long time no see, President Yang.” Bai Qingyu responded with a polite smile, maintaining perfect decorum.

“And who might this be? I’ve never seen you bring a friend to such occasions before.” Yang Xue’s smile remained unwavering, unaffected by Bai Qingyu’s distant demeanor.

Bai Qingyu turned to introduce Yang Xue to Song Yuehua, only to find Song Yuehua frozen in place.