The luxury shopping district was alive with murmurs. The Leng family's presence alone was enough to attract attention, but it was the unshakable elegance of their demeanor that made them untouchable.
Qingxue walked with effortless grace beside her mother, her silver-blue eyes indifferent to the envious and admiring glances thrown her way. Qiuhan was the same, his cold, unreadable expression making him unapproachable. Their older brothers, each outstanding in their own right, only added to the aura of dominance surrounding them.
As they moved from one high-end store to another, Jiang Yuixen took a particular joy in choosing outfits for her daughter, commenting softly on which styles would suit her best. Leng Jiuhan, much to his dismay, was dragged into modeling suits by their mother, much to the amusement of their brothers.
Meanwhile, Ruolan seethed from the shadows.
The sight of Qingxue so effortlessly commanding the admiration of those around her was infuriating enough. But it was Gu Zeyan's presence that pushed her over the edge.
He had made no move to approach yet, but his eyes never left Qingxue. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but Ruolan recognized the way he watched her cousin—like she was something he had already claimed.
She clenched her fists.
That should have been hers.
The realization hit her like a slap. She had spent years trying to get close to Gu Zeyan, years carefully building up an image of herself as someone he should notice. But no matter what she did, his gaze never turned toward her.
And now, without even trying, Qingxue had captured his attention.
No.
She refused to accept this.
If Gu Zeyan wanted Qingxue, then Ruolan would make sure Qingxue became someone he could never have.
Just as her thoughts spiraled, another presence entered the scene.
"Ah, what a coincidence."
A smooth, amused voice cut through the air.
The crowd parted slightly, revealing a striking young man dressed in tailored designer wear. His sharp golden eyes carried a playful glint, but beneath that, there was an unmistakable sense of danger.
Li Shen.
Another heir to an empire. Another name that carried weight.
And another problem for Ruolan.
Qingxue barely lifted her gaze as Li Shen approached, but she did acknowledge him with the faintest nod.
"Li Shen," Leng Yichen greeted, crossing his arms.
Li Shen's smirk deepened. "I just happened to be in the area, and what do I find? The mighty Leng family out on a casual shopping trip. It's rare to see all of you together like this."
Leng Haoyu raised an eyebrow. "And yet, here you are, as if you planned it."
Li Shen chuckled. "What can I say? Fate works in amusing ways."
Gu Zeyan, who had remained in the background, finally stepped forward.
"I wasn't aware we were making this a gathering." His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it.
Li Shen turned to him, his amusement deepening. "Well, well. Even Young Master Gu is here. I should have known."
The air between them shifted.
On the surface, their exchange seemed polite, but underneath, there was an unmistakable tension.
Two dominant forces, both watching the same girl.
Qingxue remained indifferent to it all, but Jiang Yuixen caught the silent battle of wills. Her lips curved into a small, knowing smile.
Interesting.
The wolves were starting to gather.
And her daughter, as always, remained untouchable.