Chapter 5 – A Dangerous Invitation
The morning light spilled across the Xue family's estate, casting soft golden beams over the tranquil garden. But inside Meilin's heart, there was no peace. She stood by the large window of her bedroom, her gaze lost in the distance where the city of Huajin began to stir. Even now, days after her return to the past, the memories of her betrayal clung to her like shadows.
She gripped the edge of the windowsill. "I can't let the same future happen again."
The Celestial Marriage System's glowing interface shimmered faintly in her mind, quiet but ever-present. Though it had remained mostly dormant since her rebirth, it had granted her knowledge—subtle instinctual nudges, enhanced awareness of emotions, and one undeniable truth: love is power.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Young Miss," Auntie Qiu's voice rang softly, "Your father has requested your presence in the study."
Meilin smoothed the silk of her pale blue blouse and stepped out without hesitation. She knew what this was about.
✧
In the Xue patriarch's study, Xue Wenhai sat behind a carved mahogany desk, stern and commanding in his tailored suit. The moment Meilin entered, he looked up from the document in his hand and raised a brow.
"You've recovered quickly," he noted.
"Yes, Father," Meilin replied calmly.
"Good," he said, folding his hands. "Then you're well enough to attend the gala tonight at the Shangri-La Hotel. The Li family will be there. You remember Old Master Li, don't you?"
Meilin's breath hitched for a brief second.
Li Yanzhou.
She had heard his name again and again over the years. In her previous life, their paths rarely crossed. He was known as the Phantom CEO—cold, unapproachable, and ruthlessly effective in business. His public appearances were rare, his reputation terrifying. And yet, he was the one man her husband, Lin Haoran, had never dared to provoke.
She forced a smile. "Of course I remember, Father."
Xue Wenhai's expression softened slightly. "This gala is more than just socializing. The Li Corporation is launching a confidential tech division, and they're looking for local partners. This is our chance to position ourselves favorably."
Meilin tilted her head. "Do you plan to offer a partnership?"
"Not yet. But we should be on their radar."
She understood. These elite circles never negotiated with words alone—they observed, tested, and maneuvered until one side gained the upper hand. Her father wanted her to be the Xue family's charm. And in her last life, she had been just that—naive, loyal, and easily manipulated.
But this time, she had her own game to play.
"I'll attend," she said smoothly, "And I'll make sure we leave an impression."
✧
By evening, Meilin was transformed. Her long hair had been swept into an elegant twist, adorned with pearl pins that shimmered like stars. Her dress—a deep crimson off-shoulder gown—hugged her curves like a second skin, bold but tasteful. Every step she took exuded confidence.
She looked at herself in the mirror and whispered, "I'm not the girl you once destroyed."
As she stepped into the limousine, the Celestial Marriage System chimed quietly in her mind:
[New Mission Unlocked: "A Glance Across Fates"]
Objective: Interact with a Key Fate – Li Yanzhou
Reward: +100 Celestial Energy, Enhanced Perception (Temporary)
Her pulse quickened.
So the System recognized him too.
✧
The Shangri-La Hotel's grand ballroom glowed under cascading chandeliers. The elite of Huajin moved like silk waves—politicians, business tycoons, celebrities—all gathered in glimmering elegance.
Meilin walked in beside her father, poised and unreadable.
Whispers followed her.
"That's Xue Meilin? She's even more stunning in person..."
"She's been low-profile for months. Didn't she collapse recently?"
"I heard the Lin family tried to arrange something with her again."
She let them talk.
Her eyes scanned the room—until she saw him.
Li Yanzhou stood at the far end, flanked by two silent assistants. Dressed in a midnight-black suit, he was strikingly tall, with sculpted features and an icy aura that seemed to command space around him. His obsidian eyes observed everything yet revealed nothing.
Even from across the hall, she felt it.
Power. Precision. A chilling stillness.
As if he were a blade hidden beneath velvet.
He turned slightly—and their eyes met.
Meilin's breath caught in her throat. The Celestial Marriage System pulsed.
[Connection Detected – Potential Match: 87% Compatibility]
87%?
She hadn't seen anything over 40% since her rebirth. But she didn't flinch or look away. Instead, she gave the faintest nod, acknowledging him—not as prey, but as an equal.
Yanzhou's gaze lingered for a second more before he returned to his conversation.
But the spark had ignited.
✧
Later, while navigating the crowd with a glass of champagne, Meilin heard a familiar voice—one that made her spine stiffen.
"Meilin?"
She turned, her expression composed. "Lin Haoran."
Her ex-husband—still youthful, charming, and entirely unaware of the monstrous future he once crafted. Dressed in a classic gray tuxedo, he smiled with practiced warmth.
"You look... incredible tonight," he said, his eyes lingering far too long.
Meilin gave a polite smile. "Thank you."
"I wanted to speak with you. Ever since the... misunderstanding last year, I've been wanting to clear the air."
Misunderstanding? You shattered my world and used my soul to open a forbidden gate.
She kept her tone calm. "There's nothing to clear, Mr. Lin."
Haoran's smile faltered. "Still cold, I see. That's what I liked about you, Meilin. Always so sharp."
From the corner of her eye, she sensed a sudden shift in the air. A quiet intensity. And then—
"You seem uncomfortable, Miss Xue. Should I escort you elsewhere?"
The voice was deep, steady, and smooth—like iron wrapped in silk.
She turned.
Li Yanzhou stood beside her.
His expression was unreadable, but his presence was commanding. Even Lin Haoran paled slightly.
Meilin met Yanzhou's gaze, her lips curling. "Actually, yes. Thank you, Mr. Li."
Haoran scowled. "So the rumors were true. The Xue family really is trying to throw themselves at the Li Corporation."
Yanzhou tilted his head, expression cool. "If they are, I'm sure they could do far better than sending a petulant heir with no self-control."
Meilin's heart fluttered. Not just at the words—but at how effortlessly he dismantled Haoran with a single sentence.
Haoran muttered something under his breath and disappeared into the crowd.
Li Yanzhou extended his arm. "Shall we?"
She took it.
As they walked side by side, Meilin felt the Celestial Marriage System react.
[Progress: +15 Celestial Energy]
[Temporary Enhancement Activated – Emotional Resonance Perception: 30 Minutes]
A soft wave washed over her senses, and suddenly, she could feel faint echoes of the emotions around her. Jealousy from the women watching. Envy from rival businessmen. Curiosity from onlookers.
And from Yanzhou?
An impenetrable calm... and a flicker of genuine interest.
✧
They stepped out onto the balcony, away from the noise.
The city of Huajin glittered below them.
"You handled Lin Haoran well," Yanzhou said quietly, resting a hand on the railing.
Meilin studied him. "Do you make it a habit of rescuing women from uncomfortable conversations?"
His lip twitched—a nearly invisible smile. "Only when the conversation annoys me."
She laughed softly. "Then thank you."
A pause.
"You've changed," he said.
Meilin's brows rose. "We've never met before."
"Not directly," he replied. "But I remember faces. The old you wouldn't have walked away from a man like Lin Haoran. Tonight, you didn't just walk—you made a statement."
She tilted her head. "And what statement did I make, Mr. Li?"
"That you're not here to play games anymore."
The truth in his words hit her harder than expected.
She turned away to hide the vulnerability in her eyes. "Some games aren't worth playing a second time."
Yanzhou's gaze didn't waver. "I agree."
A wind stirred her dress and brought a faint silence between them. Yet in that stillness, something invisible shifted.
Meilin whispered, "What are you looking for, Mr. Li?"
He didn't hesitate. "Truth. Loyalty. Power without masks. And perhaps, someone who doesn't fear shadows."
She stared at him, heart pounding.
"I might surprise you," she said.
He met her gaze. "I hope you do."
✧
As Meilin returned to her car later that evening, the Celestial Marriage System chimed again:
[Mission Completed: "A Glance Across Fates"]
+100 Celestial Energy Acquired
[System Upgrade Unlocked: "Bond Tracking – Tier 1"]
You can now view subtle shifts in emotional connections with key figures.
A smile touched her lips.
Li Yanzhou was no longer just a name in her past. He was a storm waiting to unfold—and this time, she would not stand in its path as a victim.
She would stand as a force of her own