Han Feng 48    

 

The timing was perfect. With the lively music and laughter filling the air, no one noticed as Rui Hua discreetly led Xue Li deeper into the garden.

 

The flickering lanterns cast shifting shadows, hiding her true intentions. She was certain her plan would succeed.

But Rui Hua had gravely underestimated the soul inside Xue Li.

 

Xue Li might have seemed naïve—gentle, even fragile—but the soul within her was neither blind nor weak. She had sensed something was amiss the moment Rui Hua approached her with that too-sweet smile. And so, without a hint of suspicion in her gaze, she had already given a quiet order to her servant.

 

Han Feng was on his way.

 

As they walked along the dimly lit garden paths, Rui Hua led Xue Li toward the treacherous bridge. With carefully chosen words, she guided their conversation toward Han Feng, subtly prodding at Xue Li's insecurities, hoping to distract her.