Chapter 7

📖 CHAPTER 7: THE MASKED THREAT

The night was heavy with silence, the moon casting eerie silver streaks across the Gu Manor.

Gu Qingyan stood by her window, her arms crossed as she gazed at the dark sky.

The system's voice suddenly rang in her mind.

[Ding! New Mission Triggered.]

[Mission: Uncover the identity of the one tailing you.]

[Reward: +500 Strategy Points, Unlock Special Skill: Shadow Veil.]

Gu Qingyan's eyes narrowed.

Someone was watching her?

She turned her gaze toward the garden below.

A faint flicker of movement.

She smiled coldly.

They were underestimating her.

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📍 Dark Alley – Imperial City

A figure in black robes moved swiftly through the shadows, their face concealed by a porcelain mask.

The masked individual stopped in a secluded alley, their breath steady despite the tense atmosphere.

Another figure approached, dressed in similar dark robes but without a mask. This person knelt before the masked one.

"My Lord," the kneeling figure spoke in a hushed tone, "Gu Qingyan has changed. She no longer behaves as expected."

The masked figure remained silent.

The kneeling man hesitated before adding, "The Crown Prince has begun investigating her."

At this, the masked figure finally spoke, their voice smooth and composed.

"Xu Minghao is a fool."

The kneeling man did not respond.

A breeze rustled through the alley.

The masked figure slowly tilted their head. "And yet… Gu Qingyan's transformation is intriguing."

A sharp glint flickered behind the porcelain mask.

"She is no longer the helpless pawn they thought she was."

The kneeling man bowed lower. "Do you wish for us to act?"

Silence stretched before the masked figure chuckled softly.

"No. Not yet."

The words were almost amused.

"Let us see how far she can go on her own."

The kneeling man clenched his fist. "Understood."

As the figure retreated into the shadows, the masked individual remained still, gazing toward the Gu Manor with an unreadable expression.

Gu Qingyan…

Will you survive the storm that is coming?

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📍 Gu Manor – Midnight

Gu Qingyan sat at her desk, her mind racing.

The system had warned her—someone was watching.

She wasn't foolish enough to believe that the Crown Prince alone was behind it.

No. There was someone else.

Someone far more dangerous.

She exhaled, tapping her fingers against the wooden table.

She needed to move carefully.

The game had only just begun, and she refused to be caught unaware.

With a slow, calculating smile, Gu Qingyan whispered to herself.

"If they want to play… I'll show them how the game is truly played."

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