By evening, the city glittered under a wash of golden light. Expensive cars lined the entrance of the Grand Horizon Hotel, each one carrying young elites in tailored suits and dazzling gowns.
Ji Yunxi stepped out of a sleek car Mo Liancheng had sent for her. She wore a simple yet elegant black dress the system had provided—bought with 50 points. It hugged her figure gracefully, understated yet impossible to ignore.
[System Reminder: Your appearance tonight has boosted favorability and intimidation by +15%. Good investment.]
Her heels clicked against the marble floor as she entered the grand hall, chandeliers blazing overhead. Conversations halted. Dozens of eyes turned toward her.
"Who is she?""Never seen her before… but she came with Mo Liancheng.""Doesn't that mean…"
Mo Liancheng appeared beside her, his hand casually resting at the small of her back. The gesture was intimate, protective, and unmistakable.
Ji Yunxi shot him a look. "I didn't agree to you touching me."
His lips curved lazily. "And yet you're not pushing me away."
Before she could reply, a shrill voice cut through the murmur of admiration.
"Ji Yunxi?"
Lin Xi stood at the foot of the staircase, dressed in a pale blue gown shimmering like ice. But her expression was anything but graceful—anger, disbelief, and a tinge of fear flickered across her face.
"You—how dare you come here? This banquet is for the city's elite, not… not…" Her voice faltered as Mo Liancheng's cold gaze slid toward her.
He spoke, voice low but carrying. "Watch your words."
The crowd went silent. Lin Xi bit her lip, her face pale.
But she wasn't finished. She forced a smile and raised her glass. "Since you're here, Yunxi, why don't you join us upstairs? There's a… game."
Ji Yunxi's eyes narrowed.
[System Alert: Mini Task – Expose Lin Xi's scheme at the banquet. Reward: 300 points. Risk: humiliation attempt.]
Mo Liancheng leaned close, his tone possessive. "You don't need to entertain her. Stay by me."
But Ji Yunxi's lips curved, sharp as a blade. "If I avoid her now, she'll think she's won. Let's play."
She lifted her gown slightly and walked toward Lin Xi, every step exuding quiet dominance.
Lin Xi's smile wavered. For some reason, standing in front of Ji Yunxi made her feel small—like prey before a hunter.
"Fine," Lin Xi said, her voice louder than necessary. "Let's see if you can handle what's coming."
Ji Yunxi's eyes glittered with amusement. Little heiress, you're digging your own grave.
Behind her, Mo Liancheng's gaze darkened. He let her go—for now—but the cold glint in his eyes promised that anyone who dared harm her would pay a steep price.
The banquet was just beginning, but the night promised a storm