Chapter 20 – Shadows Move
In a smoky private lounge, far from the laughter in Han Zixuan's mansion, two people sat across from each other.
Xuan Lanyue swirled her wine glass, lips curved into a cold smile.
"That fool girl is clinging to Zixuan more and more. If this continues, she'll completely win his favor."
Across from her, Jin Wurou leaned lazily against the sofa, tapping his fingers against the armrest. His smile was sharp, his eyes colder.
"Don't worry. A fox in sheep's clothing won't last long. She thinks acting like an idiot will protect her, but sooner or later… she'll slip."
Lanyue's eyes darkened, jealousy burning like poison.
"She's already slipped. I heard she even spent the night in his room. Hugging him. Hugging! Do you know how many years I've—"
Wurou cut her off with a sneer.
"Control your temper, sister. Your desperation is obvious."
She slammed her glass down, glaring at him.
"And you? Why are you helping me? Don't think I don't know you're interested in her too."
Wurou chuckled lowly, his tone mocking.
"Interested? No. Amused? Yes. That girl thinks she's playing everyone — but she doesn't know the rules of this game. She's a child holding a knife, and one day, she'll stab herself."
He leaned closer, his voice dropping.
"Our goal is the same: tear her away from Han Zixuan. Once she's isolated, we'll deal with her however we please."
Lanyue's lips curled cruelly.
"I'll make her beg. Make her crawl. And in the end, I'll have Zixuan look at her with disgust."
Wurou clinked his glass against hers.
"Then it's settled. Tomorrow night, at the banquet. The perfect trap."
The two of them laughed — low, twisted, filled with venom.
Outside, lightning split the night sky, illuminating the darkness that had begun to close in around Qiao Xueran.