The grand ballroom shimmered under soft chandeliers, casting a golden hue over the sea of guests dressed in finery. Every corner echoed with laughter, clinking glasses, and the gentle hum of conversation. At the center of it all stood Li Xinyue, dressed in a striking red gown that hugged her silhouette like it was made only for her. The off-shoulder design exposed her elegant collarbone, and the intricate embroidery of phoenixes and peonies glittered with every subtle movement she made. The color of celebration and power—red—was the perfect choice for the eldest daughter of the Li family.
Her long, ink-black hair was pulled into a graceful bun, adorned with ruby pins that shimmered like stars. Her makeup was flawless, a soft balance of grace and strength. But despite the perfection, her expression was calm, distant, as if watching the party from far away.
This was her engagement party, after all.
The guests congratulated her with practiced smiles, and some with genuine admiration. She answered them with polite nods, her glass of champagne barely touched.
"Jie."
The voice was soft, almost innocent. But Li Xinyue's fingers tightened just slightly around her glass before she turned.
Li Rourou, her younger sister, was dressed in a pale lavender dress, delicate like a spring flower. Her curls bounced as she walked, and her smile was so sweet, so angelic—it was almost nauseating.
"You look beautiful tonight," Rourou said, her eyes scanning Xinyue from head to toe. "Everyone's talking about how red suits you best."
"Thank you." Xinyue's tone was even.
Rourou stepped closer, lowering her voice. "I wanted to talk to you—alone, just for a second."
Xinyue's brows lifted faintly. "At my engagement party?"
"It's important." Rourou pouted slightly. "Please?"
Xinyue gave her a long look, then nodded. "Let's talk on the balcony."
The soft night air kissed their skin as the doors shut behind them. The city lights twinkled below, but Rourou's expression was brighter still—too bright.
"I have a game," she said, voice light, girlish. "Let's test something tonight, shall we?"
Xinyue crossed her arms. "What kind of game?"
Rourou giggled. "Let's see who Shen Yichen would choose... if given the chance."
Xinyue's eyes narrowed. "This isn't a joke."
"Oh, but it is," Rourou said sweetly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Just a harmless little game between sisters."
Xinyue stared at her. The red silk of her gown fluttered slightly in the breeze.
"You're serious."
Rourou's smile deepened, but her eyes gleamed. "Dead serious."
There was a pause. Long. Sharp.
"And if he chooses you?" Xinyue asked quietly.
"Then... he was never yours to begin with."
Another pause.
Xinyue looked away, then back again, her voice calm. "You're playing with fire."
"I like the heat," Rourou whispered, then turned on her heels and walked back into the ballroom.