Leng Yiran.
A name that had nearly faded into irrelevance. A branch descendant of the Leng family, once positioned as a potential heir before his father's downfall stripped them of their influence. He had been raised in privilege, taught to believe he was untouchable—until reality crushed those illusions.
When his father, Leng Weisheng, attempted to challenge Leng Zhen's authority, the consequences had been swift and merciless. The Leng main family had not hesitated to sever ties, cutting off all support and effectively banishing them from high society. Once a proud heir, Leng Yiran had watched his world crumble around him.
And then, he disappeared.
No one knew where he went. No one cared.
But now, six years later, he had returned.
And he wanted his place back.
Qingxue sat in the private lounge of the Leng estate, her fingers lightly tapping the porcelain teacup before her. She had said little about her meeting with Leng Yiran, but Qiuhan already knew something had shifted.
"He's testing the waters," she finally murmured. "Trying to gauge our reaction."
Qiuhan leaned back against the velvet-lined chair, his silver-blue eyes cold. "He has nothing to bargain with."
"Maybe not yet," Qingxue said, lifting her gaze to meet his. "But he wouldn't have returned empty-handed."
That was what concerned her.
Leng Yiran was not someone to move without a reason. He had grown up in the same world they had—where every step was a calculation, every alliance a transaction. If he had come back now, after all these years, it meant someone had given him a reason to.
"Do you think Ruolan brought him back?" Qiuhan asked.
Qingxue considered it for a moment. "Possible, but unlikely."
Ruolan was manipulative, but she was also territorial. She thrived on being the sole mastermind, controlling people like pieces on a chessboard. For her to willingly bring in another Leng family member—one who could potentially overshadow her—was not in her nature.
Which meant someone else was behind this.
A third player in the game.
Qiuhan exhaled, his gaze darkening. "Then we'll find out who."
Qingxue gave a faint smile, her eyes gleaming with quiet amusement. "Of course."
Leng Yiran wanted to play?
Then let the game begin.