"Do you know how to ride?" He Zeqing inquired, steering the conversation away from Qi Jianyi's recent avoidance of going home.
"A little," Qi Jianyi replied, feigning nonchalance. "I'm waiting for a coach to brush up on my skills."
It was a lie. Although she barely knew how to ride, the original Qi Jianyi had some experience, though not much.
"And your horse?"
"I just bought one," she answered, keeping her tone light.
He Zeqing furrowed his brow. "Why buy a new one? Don't you already have one at home?" His father, Qi Jianyi's uncle, had once gifted her a white horse for her birthday.
But instead of using that horse, Qi Jianyi had purchased another. She paused, then quickly offered a sheepish smile.
"Well, you know that horse is at home. I'm too lazy to go back." The truth was, Qi Jianyi had forgotten she already owned a horse.
"Too lazy or too stubborn to return?" He Zeqing's eyes narrowed, probing deeper.