Chapter 54: A Game of Shadows
The store was silent, the air thick with tension.
Gu Zeyan held Qingxue's gaze, his golden eyes calm yet deep, as if concealing something beneath their surface. He was a man of few words, but every action carried weight.
One minute.
That was all she had given him.
"Step outside with me," he said, his tone steady, unreadable.
Leng Haoyu scoffed. "What makes you think she would?"
Qingxue, however, remained indifferent. She glanced at her mother, who merely smiled, an amused glint in her eyes, as if finding entertainment in the situation.
"As long as you're not wasting my time," Qingxue finally said, her voice as cold as ever.
Without another word, she stepped past her brothers and exited the store, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor. Gu Zeyan followed, his posture relaxed yet imposing.
Leng Yichen moved to follow, but Jiang Yuixen lightly touched his arm.
"Let her go," she said. "I'm curious about what he'll say."
Leng Yichen frowned but obeyed, though his gaze remained locked on Gu Zeyan's retreating figure.
Outside, the night air was crisp, the soft glow of streetlights casting a golden hue over the city. The shopping district was still lively, but in their immediate space, there was only silence.
Qingxue turned to face him. "Your minute starts now."
Gu Zeyan studied her, his gaze unwavering. "You don't trust people easily."
She raised a brow slightly. "And?"
"That's why I'll be direct," he continued. "Stay away from Li Shen."
There was no change in her expression. "And why should I?"
His eyes darkened. "Because he's not as harmless as he pretends to be."
Qingxue tilted her head slightly, her silver-blue eyes shining under the city lights. "That's not a reason. That's an opinion."
Gu Zeyan took a step closer. "He's playing a game. One you don't need to be a part of."
For a moment, she said nothing, merely watching him. Then, she spoke, her voice cool and unbothered.
"If he's playing a game, then let him." She turned slightly. "It doesn't concern me."
Gu Zeyan exhaled lightly, his jaw tightening. "You don't understand—"
"I understand perfectly," Qingxue interrupted, her gaze sharp. "You want me to stay away from him, but you're not giving me a reason that matters to me."
Gu Zeyan stared at her for a long moment. Then, his voice dropped, quieter, heavier.
"Because if you don't, I will become your enemy."
Silence.
The words settled between them, a quiet challenge.
But instead of reacting, Qingxue only gave a soft hum, as if contemplating something. Then, she turned away.
"Your minute is up," she said.
Without another glance, she walked back into the store, leaving Gu Zeyan standing in the cold night air.
A step behind her, hidden in the shadows, Li Shen smirked, watching everything unfold.
"Interesting," he murmured.