Chapter 34 Shadows On The Board
Qingxue's expression remained impassive as she met Li Shen's gaze, her silver-blue eyes unreadable.
It had been years since she had last seen him. Yet, in this moment, it felt as if nothing had changed.
His touch was as gentle as ever, his presence steady, unwavering.
"Li Shen," she finally spoke, her voice calm, distant.
Something flickered in his golden eyes at the way she said his name—formal, polite, lacking the intimacy of their childhood. He studied her, searching for something, but Qingxue did not offer any answers.
Behind them, Qiuhan's gaze sharpened slightly. His arms remained crossed, his posture relaxed, but there was a subtle edge in his eyes as he regarded Li Shen.
"You've grown quiet," Li Shen murmured, letting his hand fall back to his side.
Qingxue gave a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "And you've grown taller."
A ghost of amusement passed through Li Shen's expression before fading just as quickly as it appeared.
Their reunion was brief, but the tension it carried did not go unnoticed.
Students around them whispered, their curiosity intensifying. Who was this boy who dared to touch Leng Qingxue so intimately? And why did she allow it?
Ruolan, still watching from the balcony, bit the inside of her cheek so hard that the metallic taste of blood filled her mouth.
Li Shen had always been a mystery—cold, distant, completely uninterested in the shallow affections of others. Many had tried to capture his attention, and all had failed.
Yet here he was, standing before Qingxue like a constant, unshakable presence.
It was infuriating.
But Ruolan was not foolish enough to act on emotion alone. No, she would play this carefully.
Her return to this academy was not just about Qingxue. It was about reclaiming everything she had lost—and taking everything Qingxue held dear.
If Li Shen was a piece on the board, then she would find a way to make him hers. Or destroy him in the process.
The first week at the academy passed in a blur.
As expected, Qingxue and Qiuhan quickly reclaimed their place at the top, their presence alone enough to silence any doubts. Their academic records, their skills, their reputation—none of it had been exaggerated.
No one could challenge them.
No one dared.
But Ruolan was patient.
She knew better than to strike immediately.
Instead, she moved subtly, weaving herself back into the social elite, gathering allies, securing leverage. If she wanted to dismantle Qingxue's control, she needed to strike where it hurt the most.
Her opportunity came sooner than expected.
A prestigious event was being held at the academy—a high-society gathering where only the most influential families were invited.
It was the perfect setting for a spectacle.
And Ruolan had just the plan.
She watched from the sidelines, her eyes drifting toward Li Shen, who stood alone, sipping his drink with the same distant coldness he always carried.
A slow, knowing smile curved her lips.
If she couldn't break Qingxue directly—then she would simply unravel the things that bound her together.
Piece by piece.
One by one.