The morning sun bathed the Li estate in a golden glow. Servants bustled about, preparing for the afternoon tea gathering- a social event that Li Na remembered all too well.
It was at this very gathering, in her first life, that Zhao Mei had cemented her place as Li Na's ''closest friend.'' A smiling snake in silk, who would later sink her fangs deep into her back.
Li Na's lips curled into a cold smile. Not this time.
The clinking of delicate heels echoed through the hall before a familiar voice rang out, sweet as honey but laced with poison.
''Na'er! you're awake? I came as soon as I heard you were unwell.''
Li Na turned, her gaze landing on Zhao Mei. She was draped in pastel silk, her face glowing with feigned concern. To outsiders, she looked every bit the caring friend.
In the past life, Li Na had been touched to tears at this scene. Today, her heart was steel.
''Mei.'' Her tone was soft, even warm, but her eyes gleamed with hidden frost.
Zhao Mei rushed forward, clutching Li Na's hands. ''I was so worried. You mustn't push yourself too hard. If you fall ill, I'll be heartbroken.''
Li Na allowed the touch but fought the urge to recoil. Heartbroken? You laughed at my corpse.
''Thank you,'' she said sweetly, tilting her head with a smile. ''It warms me to know you care so deeply.''
Zhao Mei blinked, momentarily thrown off by the calm sharpness in Li Na's gaze. But she quickly recovered, squeezing her hand tighter.
''As your best friend, I'll always protect you.''
Li Na nearly laughed aloud. Instead, she gently pulled her hand back and replied, voice dripping with honey:
''Of course, Mei. Best friends should always stay... close.''
Her eyes narrowed, though her lips never lost their smile. So close, in fact, that it will be easier for me to watch you fall.
Zhao Mei prattled on, unaware of the storm brewing behind Li Na's calm expression, Li Na's mind worked quickly.
This was her chance to set the stage. In her first life, she had given her trust freely. In this life, she would play the fool- until the perfect moment to strike.
The snake had come to her door.
This time, Li Na would be the one to decide when its fangs were broken.