mall buzzed with soft jazz and the clink of high heels. Feng Xiao Xiao walked with effortless grace beside her younger brother, Feng Yichen, his tiny hand wrapped in hers. The boy was all smiles, his eyes lighting up at the rows of designer sneakers and sleek watches.
"Choose whatever you like," Xiao Xiao said warmly. "You deserve to be treated like a prince."
He beamed at her, oblivious to the eyes that followed them.
From the second floor balcony, Feng Qian narrowed her eyes.
"Look at her, pretending to be some elite socialite now," she scoffed.
Beside her, Feng Ju chuckled, his hand tucked into his pockets. "Let's go say hello. It's been a while."
They descended the marble stairs like serpents wearing silk.
"Xiao Xiao!" Feng Qian chirped, voice as sugary as ever. "What a coincidence!"
Xiao Xiao turned slowly, her smile faint but cutting. "Feng Qian. What a… miracle."
Feng Ju stepped forward, a fake smile plastered on his face. "You look good. I guess living off your grandfather's money suits you."
Feng Qian giggled. "And taking your poor little brother to luxury stores? That's cute. Hope you're not maxing out credit cards you can't pay for."
Xiao Xiao didn't flinch. "You should know better than anyone—I don't spend what I can't own."
Her voice was calm, but cold as ice.
Feng Yichen frowned, sensing the tension.
"Why are they talking like that, Jiejie?"
Xiao Xiao patted his head gently, eyes still locked on the two clowns before her. "They're just bored, Yichen. Some people only feel important when they're insulting others."
Feng Ju's expression darkened. "Still with that tongue, huh? You really haven't changed."
"Oh, I've changed," she replied, stepping forward. "I just don't bark for dogs anymore."
Before Feng Qian could spit back, a sudden shift fell over the space.
Footsteps.
Calm. Measured. Powerful.
All three turned.
Li Yan.
Black suit. Gold cufflinks. A sharp watch ticking on his wrist. And his gaze—piercing straight through Feng Ju like glass.
He stopped beside Xiao Xiao, not sparing the others a glance.
"Is this the entertainment you mentioned?" he asked her casually, voice smooth.
Xiao Xiao blinked, caught off guard for a moment—but then smiled faintly.
"Uninvited entertainment."
Li Yan turned his eyes on Feng Ju and Feng Qian—cold, unforgiving.
"I suggest you leave," he said simply. "Before I let the mall security escort you for harassment."
Feng Ju's jaw clenched. Feng Qian's face paled.
"But… who are you to—"
He pulled out his black business card.
The Li Consortium crest gleamed at the top.
Both of them froze.
Feng Qian stammered, "Mr. Li… w-we didn't mean any harm…"
"Then you won't mind leaving."
With one last withering look from Xiao Xiao, the two slithered away.
Li Yan looked down at Yichen, his voice softening slightly.
"You like shopping?"
The boy nodded.
Li Yan nodded back, cool as ever. "Good. You should buy whatever your sister lets you."
Then he looked at Xiao Xiao, his eyes unreadable.
"You handled yourself well."
She tilted her head, voice low. "You were watching?"
He didn't answer. Just gave her a small, dangerous smile.
"Let's say I'm... paying attention."