Rourou's hands tightened around her wine glass. "Cousin… why are you wearing that dress?" she asked sweetly, though her eyes were sharp with venom.
Yuexin tilted her head, her red lips curving into a smile that was both innocent and mocking. "Oh? Did I overshadow you, dear cousin? Forgive me… I didn't realize I would outshine the birthday girl without even trying."
Gasps rippled through the guests.
Faces shifted. Whispers rose like wildfire. And for the first time, Zhao Rourou's perfect smile cracked.
Zhao Yuexin savored the moment.
This was only the beginning.
Zhao Rourou finally moved, gliding forward with a smile so sweet it could rot teeth. "Cousin, you look… different tonight." Her voice carried just enough to draw nearby guests' attention.
Everyone turned their ears, eager for a confrontation.
Yuexin tilted her head, her crimson lips curving. "Different? I only wore what I liked. Why, do I not look appropriate?"
Rourou's smile stiffened, but she quickly regained her composure. "Of course not. I only thought… perhaps it's too bold for a birthday banquet. Red is rather… overwhelming."
Her words were a dagger wrapped in silk, suggesting Yuexin was trying to steal the spotlight.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
But Yuexin only laughed softly, her voice light as falling petals. "Overwhelming? Perhaps. But I can't help it, Rourou. Some people are born to stand out, no matter what they wear. You understand, don't you?"
Her tone was innocent, but her words landed like a slap.
The crowd's eyes darted between the two cousins one glowing like fire, the other paling in comparison.
Rourou's nails dug into her palm beneath her sleeves. "Of course, cousin. I wouldn't expect less from you."
But inside, she was seething. This was supposed to be her night, yet Yuexin had stolen the stage with a single entrance.
TO BE CONTINUED