The academy's air was crisp the next morning, tinged with the scent of autumn leaves. Students moved about, their conversations a low hum of excitement, speculation, and the lingering whispers from the previous night's banquet.
Qingxue walked through the halls with an unshakable grace, her silver-blue eyes cold and distant. Qiuhan strode beside her, his expression unreadable, exuding an effortless dominance that made the crowd unconsciously part for them.
But beneath the surface, things had already begun shifting.
Ruolan had made her move.
And now, it was only a matter of time before her unseen ally did the same.
As they stepped into their classroom, a familiar voice broke through the low murmurs.
"Leng Qingxue."
The tone was playful, yet laced with something sharper.
Qingxue turned slightly, her gaze falling on Zhao Lihua. The girl stood with her usual boldness, amber eyes flashing with mischief. "I heard some interesting things last night," she continued, arms crossed as she tilted her head. "Something about Ruolan making a scene?"
Qiuhan barely spared her a glance as he took his seat. "You should focus on your studies instead of gossip."
Lihua scoffed. "Gossip? Please. Everyone knows there's more to it." She leaned closer to Qingxue, lowering her voice. "She's not going to stop, you know."
"I know."
Lihua blinked, slightly taken aback by Qingxue's calm acknowledgment. "Then what are you going to do about it?"
Qingxue's lips barely moved as she replied, "Let her believe she still has a chance."
Lihua shivered slightly, realizing yet again that the silver-haired girl in front of her wasn't someone to be underestimated.
But even Qingxue knew that Ruolan wasn't acting alone anymore.
There was another force in play—one that was much more dangerous.
As the day continued, the atmosphere around the academy seemed heavier, as though an unseen storm was brewing. Conversations hushed when Qingxue or Qiuhan walked past. Looks lingered longer than usual.
By the time the final class ended, an air of anticipation had settled over the school.
And then—
A single message arrived on Qingxue's phone.
A name she hadn't expected.
An invitation she couldn't ignore.
A meeting that would change everything.