Location: The Li Family Estate, Guest Wing
A Rolls-Royce Phantom glided into the estate's courtyard under the morning sun. Stepping out in red-bottom heels was Zhao Yue, the perfect portrait of aristocratic grace. Sharp eyes, sharper ambitions. Her crimson dress fluttered behind her like a battle flag — the kind you'd wave before a storm, not after.
The guards bowed. The servants stood straighter.
After all, she was Zhao Yue of the Zhao Conglomerate — Jin's childhood betrothed and the jewel everyone expected to bring two empires together.
She walked in with elegance.
And a loaded purpose.
---
Inside the Living Room
Jin was still holding his go-bag, ready to leave. His calm expression contrasted the whirlwind surrounding him.
Zhao Yue entered like the second act of a play.
"Jin," she said smoothly, eyes narrowing like she was measuring him. "Leaving already? Without seeing your fiancée?"
He blinked.
"...We haven't spoken in five years."
She smiled politely. "And yet fate ties us together."
[Fate? More like chains.]
[You're just another chess piece. Probably sent by Ichiro to 'correct' my behavior.]
[Too clean. Too rehearsed. Who wrote your lines for you?]
Zhao Yue's smile stiffened for a microsecond.
He didn't say any of that out loud.
But she heard it all.
[That's right. Smile for the camera. Smile for the deal.]
---
Flashback – Group Chat Notification
Unknown System Message:
Zhao Yue has joined the Observer Thread: [Young Master Jin's Actual Brain™]
Lianhua: She doesn't know it yet. Poor girl.
Grandma Li: She will soon.
---
Back to Present
Zhao Yue placed a gloved hand on Jin's arm with casual intimacy. "The elders hoped you'd walk me through the estate again. For old times' sake."
[And then what? Gaslight me into staying? Offer some grand redemption plot I never signed up for?]
He looked her straight in the eyes.
"You're being used. Probably promised a favor or a seat on the board if you 'handle' me."
Zhao Yue's expression cracked. A flicker of unease.
[Bingo.]
He gently pulled away.
"I'm not interested in weddings or inheritance games."
"And if I am?" she said, voice lower. There was steel under her silk. "What if I'm not here for anyone else's scheme?"
[Then you're still a fool walking into the fire thinking it's a spotlight.]
---
Later – Balcony
Zhao Yue stood alone, overlooking the courtyard. Her perfectly curated mask faltered.
Zhao Yue: "He's not like I remembered..."
Group Chat – Observer Thread
Father Li: She's still in the dark.
Qiaoqiao: Let her be. The truth'll catch up soon enough.
Ergouzi: Dang, another one walks into the melon field without an umbrella.
---
Final Thought – Jin's Room
[Jin]: [She's not the enemy.]
[But she'll be used like one.]
[And I'm tired of playing defense.]
---
Next Chapter Teaser – Chapter 24: "The Trap Behind the Smile"
As Ichiro makes his next subtle move through Zhao Yue's arrival, another sister finally begins to crack.