Chapter 5 The First Signs Of A Genius

The Leng estate remained lively after Gu Zeyan's visit. The incident had left an impression on everyone, especially the servants, who whispered about how the ice-cold young master of the Gu family had shown such rare fondness for the Leng family's newly born princess.

However, within the family itself, another issue had become a quiet, unspoken competition—who would be the first to hear Qingxue speak?

Her five older brothers were all determined to be the first to witness her first word. Even Qiuhan, who was normally quiet, stayed close to her, as if waiting for that moment.

Leng Qingxue, of course, was fully aware of what was happening.

It had been six months since her rebirth, and she had spent most of that time observing. Her brothers—each powerful in their own right—were terrifyingly attached to her. Even her twin, who rarely spoke, watched over her like a silent shadow.

And Gu Zeyan… that boy.

Since the day he first saw her, he had come to the Leng estate multiple times, always sitting quietly near her crib. He never spoke much, but his presence was unwavering.

She had been claimed without her consent.

It was almost laughable.

But none of this mattered right now.

Because today was the day she would begin her first step toward shocking the world.

She had held back long enough.

Now, it was time to show a glimpse of her true self.

The entire Leng family had gathered in the private garden, a beautiful courtyard with ancient trees and a koi pond reflecting the soft glow of lanterns. It was a warm evening, and their mother, Jiang Yuexin, held Qingxue in her arms, gently rocking her while the brothers and their father sat nearby.

Leng Jiuhan sat the closest, his small hand wrapped around Qingxue's tiny fingers, while Qiuhan stood behind them, his cold gaze ever watchful.

"This little one is already six months old," Jiang Yuexin said with a smile, brushing Qingxue's soft hair. "I wonder… will she say her first word soon?"

Immediately, her five sons stiffened.

Their father, Leng Zhen, chuckled. "I'm sure she will."

"She's going to say 'Big Brother' first," Leng Yuxian said confidently, his calm voice making it sound like a fact.

"No," Zhaoyan cut in, his sharp eyes narrowing. "She'll say 'Second Brother.'"

Haoyu scoffed. "Keep dreaming. It'll be 'Third Brother.'"

"I think she'll say 'Mommy' first." Their mother chuckled.

"No," Jiuhan spoke softly, his silver-blue eyes locked onto Qingxue's tiny face. "She'll say my name first."

A heavy silence followed.

All five brothers stared at each other.

This… was war.

Qingxue, of course, had been expecting this ridiculous competition.

But she wasn't interested in giving them what they wanted.

Instead—

She slowly lifted her hand and pointed toward the koi pond.

"Lantern," she said.

Dead silence.

The entire Leng family froze.

Even the servants standing nearby felt their minds blank.

Jiang Yuexin stared down at her daughter in shock. "X-Xue'er… what did you say?"

Qingxue blinked her silver-blue eyes, feigning innocence.

"Lantern," she repeated, her soft voice clear.

The atmosphere became suffocating.

Her five brothers looked like they had just suffered the greatest betrayal of their lives.

"Lantern?" Haoyu whispered, horrified. "Her first word… was 'lantern'?"

Leng Jiuhan's small hands trembled slightly as he stared at her. "…Not my name?"

Even Leng Zhen, their powerful father, was speechless.

This was a disaster.

Their princess… had chosen an object over them.

Meanwhile, Gu Zeyan, who had been sitting quietly nearby, suddenly let out a small, barely noticeable smirk.

Qingxue didn't miss it.

He found this amusing.

She ignored him.

Her goal was simple—she wanted to keep them guessing.

This was just the beginning.

She would control what they saw, step by step.

She was not going to let them realize the depth of her intelligence too soon.

Let them think she was just an ordinary baby for now.

It would only make her eventual reveal more shocking.

And so, she innocently reached out her small hands toward her mother, pretending to be tired, and let out a tiny yawn.

"I think she's sleepy," Jiang Yuexin said, breaking the silence. "Let's take her inside."

The brothers could only watch as their little sister was carried away, still in disbelief.

"Lantern…" Zhaoyan murmured again, as if the word physically hurt him.

Jiuhan clenched his tiny fists.

She would say his name first.

She had to.

He would make sure of it.

And thus, a new obsession was born.

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