The ballroom of the Feng Family Foundation Banquet sparkled with light—crystal chandeliers casting golden halos across marble floors, the scent of orchids and wealth heavy in the air. Every guest wore diamonds. Every smile masked ambition.
But when Feng Xiao Xiao entered, time slowed.
She descended the grand staircase like a scene from a dream.
Clad in a form-fitting obsidian gown, embroidered with silver phoenix wings across her back, she didn't just walk—she commanded. Her hair was swept into an elegant knot, neck bare except for a single jade pendant once worn by her mother.
The crowd turned.
Whispers followed her like shadows.
"Is that the illegitimate one?"
"No—she's the real daughter."
"She's… beautiful."
"Didn't she use to be a fool?"
Her father, standing beside Madam Lin and Feng Qian, frowned deeply. "Why is she wearing the Feng ancestral pendant?" he hissed.
Old Master Feng, seated at the head table, simply lifted his teacup with a knowing smile. "Because she deserves to."
Feng Qian clenched her fists. "She thinks she's won. Let her shine tonight. Tomorrow, her world will burn."
Madam Lin patted her hand. "Everything is in place."
Meanwhile, Li Yan stood silently at the far end of the hall, clad in black, gaze fixed entirely on her.
She hadn't noticed him yet. Or maybe she had—and simply didn't care.
"She's changed again," he murmured to Zhou. "Stronger. Sharper."
Zhou nodded. "Like a blade being tempered."
Just then, Xiao Xiao paused briefly at the center of the ballroom. She turned, eyes scanning the room with calculated grace.
She saw Li Yan.
Their eyes met.
Her lips curved—barely—but it was there.
Not fear. Not shock. Not even interest.
A challenge.
Li Yan's eyes narrowed.
So the phoenix remembers the dragon, after all.
A waiter passed by, and a tray of champagne trembled ever so slightly.
Something had shifted.
The game was beginning.