Chapter 19

📖 CHAPTER 19: A DANGEROUS ALLIANCE

The banquet continued, but the undercurrents of tension remained. Gu Qingyan could feel the weight of the stares—some curious, some wary, and a few downright hostile. She had won this round, but the game was far from over.

Her gaze flickered toward the honored guests' table, where Crown Prince Xu Jin sat in silent observation.

Unlike Feng Liyan's lazy amusement, Xu Jin was composed, his dark eyes unreadable. He had not intervened during the earlier spectacle, but that did not mean he was indifferent.

No—he was studying her.

It had always been like this between them.

In her past life, she had loved him with blind devotion. A foolish girl who thought she could change the heart of a man who never truly saw her.

And yet, even now, she could not understand what he was thinking.

Did he suspect something? Or was he merely waiting for her next move?

She turned away first. She would not waste another second on him.

Instead, her attention shifted to Feng Liyan.

The man had not stopped watching her, his golden eyes gleaming with a knowing glint. He lifted his wine cup in a silent toast, a smirk playing at his lips.

Gu Qingyan's fingers tightened slightly around her sleeve.

She did not know what game he was playing, but she would not fall into anyone's trap again.

Not his.

Not the Crown Prince's.

Not anyone's.

The banquet was merely the beginning.

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📍 Royal Palace – The Crown Prince's Chambers

Xu Jin stood by the open window, the cool night air brushing against his skin. His mind replayed the events of the banquet, his thoughts lingering on Gu Qingyan.

Something about her had changed.

She was no longer the meek, love-struck girl who once followed him with unwavering devotion. She had become unreadable.

And that was dangerous.

A voice broke the silence. "Your Highness, should we investigate her further?"

Xu Jin's gaze did not waver. "No."

His subordinate hesitated. "But—"

"Gu Qingyan has never been a threat before." Xu Jin turned, his expression calm yet distant. "If she has changed, then we will simply have to observe… and wait."

The man hesitated. "And if she truly becomes a problem?"

Xu Jin exhaled softly.

Then we remove her.

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📍 A Hidden Encounter – Feng Liyan's Intentions

At the same time, another meeting was taking place.

In a quiet pavilion far from the banquet, Feng Liyan sat alone, a wine flask in his hand. His golden eyes gleamed in the dim lantern light.

A shadow flickered beside him.

"Master, she has grown cautious," the figure murmured.

Feng Liyan let out a soft chuckle. "As expected."

The shadow hesitated. "Is she still worth your attention?"

Feng Liyan swirled the wine in his cup.

"More than ever."

A smile curved his lips.

"Gu Qingyan has finally become interesting."