"I would like to introduce my daughter."
The spotlight pooled around me like moonlight caught in crystal. I stood between my mother and grandmother, both radiating the quiet elegance of women who had survived storms and still chose silk over steel. The silence in the hall was deafening.
"Li Wei La."
Gasps fluttered through the air like butterflies trapped in glass. My gown, white silk threaded with delicate gold embroidery, shimmered like woven starlight. Every step I took down that crimson carpeted staircase was laced with poise carved from years of training, discipline, and innate nobility. I knew they were watching — the elites, the powerbrokers, the snakes in diamonds and wolves in tuxedos.
Their gazes traced every motion, whispering behind half-filled champagne flutes.
"She's regal..."
"Look at that presence..."
"Li Kong Tu's daughter is indeed a phoenix among hens."
Hand in hand with my mother and grandmother, I ascended the final steps toward the grand walkway. The air itself felt heavy, as though history was holding its breath. I stalked the length of the platform as if I owned it — because, in truth, I did. This was my day, my world. As I passed, it felt as though letters of gold were being etched into the air, spelling out a legacy they had no choice but to witness.
When I reached the podium, I turned slowly. The hall stilled. Some guests looked at me as though entranced — not merely by beauty, but by presence, by the subtle but overwhelming sense that they were beholding something... inevitable.
Father handed me the microphone after giving his speech. I took it gently, locking eyes with the crowd — calm, unreadable, and razor-sharp beneath the veil of civility.
With that, the banquet truly began. My father returned to his seat among the distinguished guests, the titans of the business world, those who moved empires with signatures. The air shifted with polite laughter, the clink of glasses, and business talk, but I felt as though I were still floating above it all — lying on clouds woven with secrets and thorns.
Then... a gaze. Intense. Glittering. I turned.
Chen Fenxie.
She stood in the distance with that knowing smirk. I smiled softly, warmly, and turned back to Mr. Ling who was still trying to pull me into another endless conversation.
"Girls," he finally said, chuckling, "seems like I've held you for long. Go along, go along. I'll speak with your father."
I excused myself gracefully, opening my purse to glance at the time. My pulse quickened. It's almost time for the Fengs to arrive.
My stomach twisted. And then... will Fan Jian come too? Tutu... where are they? My blood is itching just to hear their name slip from someone's lips.
I moved through the crowd toward Fenxie.
"Fenxie! Li Wei La!" she squealed, pulling me into a tight hug. Warmth. Real warmth. Tang Anran and Guo Ran stood beside her, all smiles.
"Anran, Ran'er." I hugged them too, the warmth lingering.
"You two... I really feel you're trustworthy. Your families, too — you're all part of the circle, but different. Real. Thank you for coming."
"Really, there's no need to thank us," Anran said quickly.
"Among friends, thanks are unnecessary," Ran'er added. "This is what friendship is."
"Wait," Anran said, pulling something from her clutch. "We got you a gift..."
She handed me a neatly wrapped box, red ribbon tied into a perfect bow. I opened it slowly, aware of their eager eyes.
Inside lay a king jade–shaped Buddha, its luminous green surface catching the light like a divine relic. I gasped softly. The jade... it was the highest grade.
"Guys..." I looked up, touched. "Thank you. This... I really like it."
We talked for a while longer, laughing, sharing old memories and half-spoken dreams. Then Mom appeared.
"Come. Your dad and grandparents want to introduce you to some people."
Tutu... it's time.
"Guys, I'll be back soon!" I flashed a smile before slipping away, each step forward feeling like it echoed against fate itself.
When we arrived at the private reception area, my father beamed.
"Mr. and Mrs. Feng, this is my precious gem, Li Wei La."
Feng Luhe. Zhang Juli. Feng Rushi.
And the old man... no, he was no more. Died of a heart attack — poetic justice when the enemies from my past circled around.
I inhaled sharply, rage flickering like a match in my chest. But I smiled — a practiced, gentle curve of the lips — and kept my fists from clenching.
"Truly a gem," Zhang Juli remarked, scanning me like an auctioneer evaluating a crown jewel.
"They'll make a perfect couple."
I blinked slowly and turned to Dad.
"What do you think of Feng Rushi?" he asked.
My breath caught.
What do I think? That he's a snake in velvet. That he's the reason my family burned in another life. That he should win an Oscar for pretending to be a saint.
But I lowered my eyes demurely, masking the storm.
"Then it's settled," Feng Luhe declared.
I pulled gently at Dad's sleeve.
"What is it, Wei La?"
"Dad," I said sweetly, "why don't Brother Rushi and I spend some time together first? Just to see if we're compatible..."
He paused. Then nodded. "If that's what you want, then so be it."
Zhang Juli's gaze sliced through me like daggers dipped in poison. I met her eyes head-on. I would not be caged by their politics.
Suddenly, a voice cut through the hall. Loud. Unwelcome.
"Who's causing that ruckus?"
Mom and Dad turned. Grandma and Grandpa had left, exhausted by the social charade. But I knew who had come. I felt it in my bones.
Li Sou Lu.
Tutu... her wings are silver now. Before they turn platinum, I must clip them.
We walked briskly to the source of the commotion.
"What is going on?" I asked. My voice cut like ice — calm, commanding. The room froze.
"Who are you?" Sou Lu stammered.
"Li Sou Lu," I repeated coldly, shooting her a fleeting glance.
This version of her is still young. Not the cunning, calculating witch from before. Still innocent enough to falter. But I will not be fooled.
"Mistress' daughter, are you?" I sneered softly. Mom staggered; Dad caught her.
"Dad never cheated. He was drugged — by her mother, my aunt. Nothing happened."
Feng Rushi stepped in. "Li Wei La, you can't just say—"
"Young Master Feng," I cut him off with a glare sharp enough to draw blood, "stay out of my family's business unless your surname is Li. Otherwise, roll out."
I turned back to Sou Lu.
"Are you mute or just dense? Say your reason for ruining my birthday banquet or I'll call the police."
She shouted suddenly — a wild, shrill note. "Noooo!"
Gasps. Eyes. Silence.
The first time she came in my past life, she used me. Climbed on my name. Took everything.
Not this time.
"I came to claim my identity," she said, trembling.
"As what?"
"As the daughter of Li Hong Fu."
Laughter erupted. Mine. Cruel. Crystal-clear.
"Are you saying my father... is yours?"
She nodded.
"Liar."
Tears gathered in her eyes. "Why is she made of water?" I thought bitterly.
"Miss Sou Lu, I never insulted you. Why cry? Nobody's dead... yet."
The crowd looked at her with disgust. Upper society can smell blood — and shame.
"You want the name?" I asked.
She looked startled. I didn't give her a chance to answer.
"Today is my birthday. You ruined it, but I'm not cruel. If you're the mistress' daughter and want the name, I won't stop you. I'll even welcome you."
Gasps. They thought I was kind. But every word was a dagger wrapped in roses. I destroyed her ladder, smiled as I did it, and watched her fall with grace.
Mom smiled nervously. "Sorry for the scene."
The guests waved it off, charmed.
I shot Sou Lu a look. Her eyes widened, confused by the kind smile I gave — the same one a wolf gives before it bites.
---
To be continued...