Chapter 16 The White Lotus Witls

Chen Meiyu's fingers tightened around the teacup as she listened to her daughter's complaints. Her gentle features remained composed, but a flicker of displeasure passed through her eyes.

"Mother," Ruolan pouted, leaning against her, "how could they humiliate me like this? I've always been the best. Everyone adores me, but today… they looked at those two instead."

Chen Meiyu placed her cup down with a soft clink. "Ruolan, my dear, do not let this shake you." Her voice was warm yet firm. "You are still the most dazzling child in this family." She stroked Ruolan's soft hair with delicate fingers. "But… I did warn you not to underestimate them, didn't I?"

Ruolan's lips pressed into a thin line. Her mother had indeed cautioned her about the twins, but she never thought they would be this much of a threat.

Chen Meiyu sighed and pulled her daughter into her embrace. "Listen to me, Ruolan. A single test means nothing in the grand scheme of things. You still have your charm, your connections, and your standing in the family. Play to your strengths, and do not let them overshadow you."

Ruolan nodded slowly, her fingers curling into her mother's sleeve. She wouldn't accept being second. Not now. Not ever.

---

Meanwhile, at the Leng estate, the news of Qingxue and Qiuhan's flawless test results had already reached the ears of their older brothers.

Leng Yuxian, the eldest at nineteen, leaned back in his seat, his sharp gaze resting on the twins. "Perfect scores on the first day. You two aren't planning to keep a low profile, are you?"

Qiuhan, who had been quietly sipping his tea, didn't even glance up. "It wasn't intentional."

Leng Zhaoyan, sixteen, smirked. "Still, that white lotus cousin of ours must be fuming."

Leng Haoyu, thirteen, adjusted his wristwatch with an amused expression. "She's spent years being the 'brilliant young miss' of the family. It was bound to sting."

Leng Yichen, ten, stretched lazily. "I almost wish I'd gone to school with you two today. Watching her fake a smile must have been entertaining."

Leng Jiuhan, seven, grinned mischievously. "Hah, she deserved it. Xue'er and Qiuhan did great."

Their father, Leng Zhen, chuckled as he listened. "I assume there weren't any major issues?" He directed his gaze toward Qingxue.

She shook her head calmly. "No, Father. It was… amusing."

Jiang Yuixen, their mother, smiled warmly. "You did well. But remember, attracting too much attention too quickly may not always be in your favor."

Qingxue's silver-blue eyes flickered. She understood her mother's words. Standing out too soon meant drawing unnecessary eyes—and not just from their envious cousin.

"We'll be more careful," she replied softly.

Qiuhan, still leaning against his chair, spoke lazily, "No need. If anyone causes trouble, I'll handle it."

The brothers chuckled, while their parents exchanged knowing glances. They had no doubt that their twins would continue to surprise everyone.

And this was only the beginning.