Chapter 53: Unshakable
The tension in the air gradually dispersed, but the silent battle had already been set in motion.
As the Leng family continued their shopping, Qingxue remained unfazed, her icy demeanor unshaken despite the undercurrents swirling around her. Jiang Yuixen led her daughter into another high-end boutique, where a selection of custom-made dresses awaited.
"Xue'er, try this one," Jiang Yuixen said gently, holding up an elegant white dress embroidered with delicate silver threads.
Qingxue glanced at it briefly before nodding, allowing the store assistant to lead her into the fitting room.
Meanwhile, outside, her brothers remained on high alert. Leng Yuxian, ever composed, casually leaned against a glass counter, his sharp gaze occasionally flickering toward Gu Zeyan and Li Shen, who had yet to leave.
Leng Zhaoyan, his hands in his pockets, spoke first. "Still here?"
Li Shen smirked. "What can I say? The atmosphere here is quite... fascinating."
Gu Zeyan remained silent, his golden eyes unreadable as he continued to watch the entrance of the fitting rooms.
Leng Haoyu scoffed. "Fascinating? More like an unnecessary disturbance."
Leng Jiuhan, ever the troublemaker, chuckled. "If you're looking for entertainment, why don't you go find someone else to bother? Our sister doesn't have time for pointless games."
Li Shen raised a brow, his golden eyes flashing with interest. "Who said it was pointless?"
Before another word could be exchanged, the fitting room curtain was drawn open, and silence fell over the store.
Qingxue stepped out.
Dressed in the white gown, she looked ethereal—her silver-blue eyes colder than moonlight, her presence untouchable.
For a brief moment, even Li Shen and Gu Zeyan were caught off guard.
Jiang Yuixen smiled in satisfaction. "Perfect."
The store assistants couldn't help but admire her, whispering praises among themselves. Even some passersby outside stopped to take a second glance.
Qingxue, however, remained indifferent, as if completely unaware of the effect she had on those around her.
Ruolan, standing in the corner, clenched her fists so tightly her nails bit into her palms.
Why?
Why did Qingxue always have to outshine her?
Even without trying, she commanded attention. Even without speaking, people were drawn to her.
She had to do something.
Something to bring Qingxue down from that pedestal.
Because as long as she was in the way, Ruolan would never be the one standing in the light.
Jiang Yuixen turned to the store assistant. "We'll take this one."
Qingxue, uninterested in the process, turned back toward the fitting room, but before she could take a step, a deep voice stopped her.
"Leng Qingxue."
She paused.
Gu Zeyan had finally spoken.
The store fell silent once again, the weight of his voice commanding attention.
Qingxue turned to him, her expression unreadable. "What?"
Gu Zeyan met her gaze, his golden eyes dark and unwavering. "I have something to discuss with you."
Li Shen, standing off to the side, raised an eyebrow in amusement.
Leng Yichen clicked his tongue. "If it's not urgent, she's busy."
But Gu Zeyan didn't look away from Qingxue.
And for the first time, she studied him for a moment longer than necessary.
Then, after a beat of silence, she spoke.
"You have one minute."