Evening settled over the city, painting the skyline in strokes of deep vermillion and cobalt. Lin Feng stood at the edge of a high-rise terrace, the breeze tousling his hair as neon lights blinked lazily below.
Behind him, the soft click of heels broke the silence.
"You really don't like crowds, do you?" came Xu Shanyue's voice, cool and composed as ever.
He turned slightly. "They're noisy. Too many layers."
She stepped beside him, her silhouette sharp against the city lights. "Layers are what keep people from bleeding out."
"Or keep them from healing," he replied without looking at her.
There was a moment of quiet between them. Not awkward—just charged. Controlled tension, like two swords still sheathed but ready.
"You caused quite a stir in the Chamber," she said finally. "Your little counterstroke during the investment pitch? Bold."
"Calculated," he corrected.
Xu Shanyue's lips curved faintly. "I can't decide if you're dangerous or just frustrating."
"That's because I'm not playing by your family's script."
She turned fully to face him now. "You think I care about their script?"
"I think you've memorized every line of it," Lin Feng said, his voice softer, but edged. "But you still haven't decided if you want to tear it up."
Her gaze flickered, just briefly, and for a heartbeat, Lin Feng saw something unguarded behind her composure. Weariness? Regret?
Then it was gone.
"I heard Luo Zixuan is looking to rally votes against you," she said.
"Let him," Lin Feng replied. "I don't need a seat at their table. I'll build my own."
She studied him a long while. "You might find that harder than you think."
"Maybe." He turned back toward the city. "But I won't be alone."
Xu Shanyue was quiet, then she murmured, "You're not like the others. That's why they'll come for you harder."
He looked at her again. "Will you?"
Her expression didn't change—but she didn't answer.
Instead, she stepped back, her heels clicking once more. "Dinner. Tomorrow. There's someone you should meet."
"A test?"
"A thread," she said, her violet eyes glinting. "Follow it, and maybe it'll lead you somewhere worth going."
Then she was gone, her silhouette swallowed by the corridor's golden light.
The system chimed in lazily:
[System: Host, was that flirting? Because I swear she almost smiled. Progress: 12%. Continue mysterious banter for maximum affection gain.]
Lin Feng exhaled, a rare, amused smirk tugging at his lips.
"Crimson Circle, huh? Let's see how deep the red runs."