Chapter 67: The Weight of Expectations
The morning sun cast a golden glow over the Leng estate, but inside, the air was crisp with an unspoken tension.
In the grand dining hall, Qingxue sat at the table, elegantly stirring her tea. Across from her, her brothers exuded their usual composed auras, their casual conversation a stark contrast to the storm brewing in the outside world.
Leng Yichen smirked, leaning back in his chair. "It seems the rumors are spreading. Everyone's talking about how Ruolan humiliated herself last night."
Jiuhan chuckled. "Serves her right. I doubt she'll recover from this so easily."
Leng Haoyu, ever the rational one, simply took a sip of his coffee. "Leng Zhiyuan isn't someone who tolerates failure. If Ruolan doesn't prove herself useful soon, he'll discard her without a second thought."
Qingxue remained silent, her fingers lightly tapping against her teacup. She had expected Ruolan's downfall to begin, but she also knew that desperation could turn a person into something dangerous.
Qiuhan's cold voice broke through her thoughts. "You should be careful, Qingxue. A cornered animal is unpredictable."
Her silver-blue eyes met his, and a faint smile touched her lips. "I never underestimate my enemies."
The room fell into a brief silence before Jiang Yuixen entered, her elegant presence commanding attention.
"Enough about Ruolan," their mother said smoothly, taking a seat beside Qingxue. "We have more important things to discuss."
She glanced at her husband, who had remained quiet throughout breakfast. Leng Zhen, the pillar of the Leng family, finally set down his newspaper and looked at his children.
"It's time for Qingxue and Qiuhan to make a public appearance outside of family gatherings," he announced. "Your presence in high society is inevitable. You should start getting accustomed to it."
Yuxian nodded in agreement. "It's best to control the narrative before others do it for you."
Jiang Yuixen smiled, her gaze landing on her daughter. "That's why I've arranged something special."
Qingxue raised an eyebrow, waiting for her mother to continue.
"A shopping trip."
The brothers collectively paused, exchanging wary glances. Jiuhan groaned. "Again?"
Jiang Yuixen ignored his complaint. "It's not just about shopping," she explained. "It's about presence. People need to see Qingxue and Qiuhan in a different light. So we'll be making an appearance in the most exclusive district. And, of course…" She glanced at Leng Zhen. "Some people need to be reminded where they stand."
Qingxue understood immediately. This wasn't just a casual outing. It was a statement.
A reminder to everyone watching.
She set down her cup, her voice light yet firm. "Very well. Let's give them something to talk about."
—
Meanwhile, in the Leng family's secondary estate, Ruolan sat in front of her mirror, staring at her reflection.
Her eyes were puffy from a sleepless night, and her hands trembled slightly as she clenched them into fists.
Her father's words still rang in her ears.
"If you fail me again, you will no longer be of any use to me."
She refused to accept defeat.
If Qingxue thought she had won, she was sorely mistaken.
Ruolan inhaled deeply, her lips curving into a determined smile.
This was far from over.