Chapter 68: A Stage Set for Rivalry
The luxury shopping district was alive with murmurs even before the Leng family's arrival. Everyone had heard the rumors of the previous night—how Leng Ruolan had failed spectacularly, how the Leng twins had effortlessly outshined her, and how the balance of power among the younger generation was shifting.
Now, anticipation filled the air.
The crowd parted as several luxury cars pulled up in front of the most prestigious boutique in the district. The doors opened, and out stepped the Leng family, their presence commanding immediate attention.
Jiang Yuixen led the way, radiating elegance and confidence. Beside her, Qingxue walked with effortless grace, her silver-blue eyes as cold and indifferent as ever. Qiuhan followed at her side, his expression unreadable, his very presence exuding an icy arrogance.
Their older brothers flanked them, each outstanding in their own right—calm and composed Yuxian, aloof yet intimidating Zhaoyan, sharp-eyed Haoyu, effortlessly charming Yichen, and unpredictable Jiuhan. Together, they formed an unshakable wall of dominance, making it clear to everyone watching that they were untouchable.
The boutique's manager practically tripped over himself in his haste to welcome them. "Master Leng, Madam Leng, Young Masters, Young Miss… It is an honor to have you here."
Jiang Yuixen gave a small nod, while Qingxue and Qiuhan didn't even acknowledge him. They stepped inside, their presence alone enough to make the other shoppers retreat.
But some people didn't know their place.
"Well, what a surprise."
A sickly sweet voice rang out, laced with thinly veiled hostility.
Qingxue didn't even have to look to know who it was.
Ruolan.
She stood near the display of high-end dresses, dressed to perfection, her makeup flawlessly applied to hide any trace of the humiliation she had suffered the night before. But Qingxue could see it—the slight stiffness in her shoulders, the way her hands clenched behind her back.
Ruolan wasn't here to shop.
She was here to reclaim the reputation she had lost.
Jiang Yuixen smiled, but there was no warmth in it. "Ruolan. I see you've been keeping yourself busy."
Ruolan tilted her chin up, forcing a smile. "I didn't expect to see you all here. What a coincidence."
Jiuhan snorted. "A coincidence? How pathetic. You were obviously waiting for us."
Ruolan's eye twitched, but she quickly masked her irritation. Instead, she turned to Qingxue.
"You were quite impressive last night," she said, her tone carefully measured. "But we all have our off days, don't we?"
Qingxue sipped her tea, utterly indifferent. "Is that what you're calling it? An off day?"
Ruolan's smile stiffened.
Before she could respond, another voice joined the conversation—smooth, playful, yet carrying an unmistakable weight.
"Well, well. If it isn't the lovely Young Miss Leng."
Li Shen.
He strode into the boutique with the confidence of someone who owned the entire city. Dressed in tailored designer wear, his golden eyes gleamed with amusement as he looked between Ruolan and Qingxue.
"Quite the gathering, isn't it?" he mused, his gaze lingering on Qingxue. "And yet, somehow, I feel like I arrived at just the right moment."
Gu Zeyan entered a moment later, his expression unreadable. Unlike Li Shen, he didn't bother with casual pleasantries. His sharp gaze landed directly on Qingxue, unreadable yet filled with an unspoken intensity.
The tension in the room shifted.
Ruolan, standing between them, clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms.
This wasn't how it was supposed to go.
She was supposed to regain her standing today.
She was supposed to be the center of attention.
Instead, Qingxue had once again become the focal point, without even trying.
And this time, Ruolan swore—she would not let it continue.
Not without a fight.