Chapter 23

📖 CHAPTER 23: THE PRINCE'S INVITATION

The golden seal of Prince Feng Liyan glistened under the morning light as Gu Qingyan traced her fingers over the edges of the letter.

An invitation from a prince—one she had never interacted with in her past life.

Her lips curled. Interesting.

Xiaomei peered over her shoulder, barely concealing her curiosity. "Miss… are you going to accept it?"

Gu Qingyan chuckled softly, setting the letter aside. "Why not?"

"But he's dangerous!" Xiaomei whispered urgently. "The rumors say—"

"That he's ruthless? That he's unpredictable?" Gu Qingyan interjected smoothly.

Xiaomei bit her lip.

Gu Qingyan picked up her teacup and took a slow sip, her silver eyes gleaming. "Tell me, Xiaomei, do you think a caged bird can survive in a world full of hawks?"

Xiaomei hesitated, then lowered her gaze. "…No."

Gu Qingyan smirked. "Then why should I remain in a cage?"

Before, she had been naive—content to play the role of a perfect lady, blind to the dangers around her.

Never again.

She picked up the invitation and rose gracefully.

"Prepare my attire. If the Prince wants a meeting, let's give him one to remember."

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📍 Feng Liyan's Private Estate

A large courtyard, surrounded by tall, imposing walls. The air was thick with the scent of incense and rare herbs.

Gu Qingyan stepped out of her carriage, her figure draped in an elegant lavender robe, embroidered with silver lotuses. Her presence alone commanded attention.

A guard led her inside, through winding corridors until they reached a private pavilion.

There, seated casually on a cushioned chair, was Prince Feng Liyan.

He looked exactly as the rumors described—an ethereal beauty cloaked in an air of mystery. Long silver-white hair cascaded over his shoulders, his golden eyes watching her with unreadable amusement.

A predator observing his prey.

Gu Qingyan didn't falter. She met his gaze with calm indifference and gracefully sat across from him.

Silence stretched between them before Feng Liyan finally chuckled.

"I expected many things, Lady Gu," he murmured, "but not this level of boldness."

Gu Qingyan merely smiled. "Is boldness such a crime, Your Highness?"

Feng Liyan leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on his hand. "Not a crime. But it is… rare."

His gaze flickered with something unreadable before he elegantly poured a cup of tea and pushed it toward her.

"A lady who does not fear a prince. How refreshing."

Gu Qingyan lifted the teacup but didn't drink. Instead, she traced the rim with her fingers.

"You invited me, Your Highness. What is it that you seek?"

Feng Liyan smirked, his golden eyes gleaming.

"Entertainment, perhaps."

Gu Qingyan chuckled softly. "I see. And do I amuse you?"

Feng Liyan tilted his head slightly. "More than you know."

The game had begun.

And neither of them planned to lose.