The rooftop café was bathed in soft amber lights, the city sprawling beneath them like a sea of stars. It was quieter here—untouched by the fake smiles and cheap tricks downstairs.
Li Yan sat across from Xiao Xiao, two cups of steaming coffee between them.
She stirred her cup absentmindedly, her other hand shielding Feng Yichen as he napped peacefully in the corner booth, a cozy blanket wrapped around him.
For a while, they didn't speak.
Li Yan simply watched her—the curve of her lashes, the set of her jaw, the strength barely contained beneath her delicate face.
"You've changed," he said finally, voice low.
Xiao Xiao met his gaze, unflinching. "You sound disappointed."
A rare thing—a faint smile tugged at his lips. "Not at all."
The breeze lifted strands of her hair, and for a moment, her mask slipped. Tiredness. Loneliness. But then it was gone—replaced by polished steel.
"Why help me?" she asked bluntly. "I know you don't do anything for free."
Li Yan leaned forward, elbows resting lightly on the table.
"Because," he murmured, "you interest me."
She froze.
He added, voice casual but sharp, "And because I don't like seeing small-minded people think they've won."
She snorted lightly, taking a sip of her coffee to hide her smirk. "You might regret it. My enemies don't give up easily."
"Neither do I," he said simply.
Silence stretched between them, heavy but not uncomfortable.
Xiao Xiao tapped her nails against her cup, a slow rhythm. Something was stirring inside her—a thread pulling her closer to a future she hadn't planned for.
She didn't trust easily.
Not anymore.
But sitting across from him now, she realized…
Maybe she didn't have to fight alone.
Before she could speak, her phone buzzed violently on the table.
Unknown number.
One message.
Her fingers tightened around the glass.
She opened it.
— Little princess, enjoy your peace while you can. The next banquet will be your funeral. —
Her blood ran cold.
Li Yan's gaze sharpened immediately. "What's wrong?"
She lifted her head slowly, a chilling smile curving her lips.
"Looks like the real game is about to begin."
(Next: Who sent the threat? And what awaits her at the upcoming banquet?)