The Qin estate glittered with chandeliers and gilded walls, every surface polished to perfection. Servants in crisp uniforms bowed as guests swept past in gowns and tuxedos, their laughter sweet yet hollow.
Ji Yunxi arrived in a sleek midnight-blue dress, her hair pinned with understated elegance. She walked in with measured steps, each one deliberate. Though her outward appearance was calm, her eyes were sharp, reading every detail of the scene before her.
The System's voice hummed quietly:
"Reminder: Survival in this environment requires caution. Task objective remains incomplete. Host is advised to remain vigilant."
Her lips curved faintly. "No need to remind me."
From the top of the stairs, Qin Yuxi descended in a crimson gown that clung to her figure, drawing admiring gasps from the crowd. But her eyes, hidden behind feigned warmth, locked onto Ji Yunxi with venom.
"Yunxi," she greeted, voice syrupy-sweet, "how brave of you to come. I was worried you'd be too… timid."
Ji Yunxi's smile was polite, almost mocking. "Why wouldn't I come? After all, this is family."
The subtle jab drew muffled laughter from some corners of the hall. Qin Yuxi's grip on her jeweled clutch tightened.
Then came the moment that froze the hall—Mo Liancheng entered.
In a tailored black suit, he seemed sculpted from shadow and moonlight, every step drawing gazes that trailed after him like moths to flame. His eyes scanned the hall once, dismissive of everyone—until they landed on Ji Yunxi.
The coldness melted, replaced with something dangerous, consuming. He moved toward her without hesitation, ignoring the whispers that erupted around them.
Gasps filled the hall.
"Isn't that the Mo heir? Why is he—""He's going straight to her…!""No, it can't be…"
Mo Liancheng stopped at Ji Yunxi's side, offering his arm with a quiet authority that left no room for refusal.
"You're late," he said softly, his eyes only on her.
Ji Yunxi blinked, momentarily thrown off balance by his intensity. "I wasn't aware I owed you my schedule."
But she still slipped her hand into his arm.
The hall buzzed louder, envy and disbelief rippling like waves. Qin Yuxi's painted smile cracked for just an instant before she smoothed it over.
She raised her glass high, voice bright and clear:
"Tonight is a night of celebration. Let us drink to family, to prosperity… and to unmasking falsehoods."
The words cut sharper than the finest blade.
Ji Yunxi's gaze flickered. She knew—this was only the beginning.