Back at the Feng residence, Feng Xiao Xiao sat quietly at her vanity table, brushing her hair slowly. The girl in the mirror looked innocent—fresh-faced, soft-eyed—but her thoughts were sharp and calculated.
Feng Qian… Feng Ju… You're already plotting behind my back again? Good. Plot all you want. This time, I'll let you dig your own graves.
She now remembered everything: the poisoned tea her brother drank "by accident," the staged photos that destroyed her reputation, the documents she blindly signed under Feng Ju's guidance.
In her past life, she trusted too easily. In this one, trust would be earned—never given.
There was a knock on her door.
"Xiao Xiao?" a soft, syrupy voice called. "It's Qian Qian. Can I come in?"
So soon?
Xiao Xiao smiled to herself. Let the show begin.
"Come in," she said sweetly.
The door opened, and Feng Qian stepped in with her usual perfect smile, wearing a delicate pastel dress and carrying a tray of fresh fruit. She looked like the perfect sister—beautiful, kind, and caring.
"I brought you something. You've been so quiet lately, I was worried."
Xiao Xiao rose, walking over with a graceful air. "That's so thoughtful of you, Sister."
Feng Qian blinked, surprised by the gentle tone. "You… don't look angry?"
"Why would I be angry? You've always been good to me," Xiao Xiao said, her tone smooth, even affectionate.
Feng Qian studied her, her expression tightening just a bit. "Are you feeling alright?"
"Better than ever," Xiao Xiao replied with a smile so bright it could blind.
She took a piece of fruit, ate it slowly, then tilted her head.
"By the way, I'll be seeing Li Yan again soon."
The tray in Feng Qian's hands shook slightly. "Already? That's fast."
Xiao Xiao stepped closer, her voice lower now. "I've realized something, Qian Qian… Sometimes, the people we think are cold might be the only ones who truly protect us."
There was a flicker of panic in Feng Qian's eyes—but it was gone in an instant.
"You're so funny, Xiao Xiao," she said with a laugh. "I hope he doesn't scare you again."
He never did, Xiao Xiao thought. You all did.
"Thanks for the fruit," she said instead. "Let's have tea tomorrow."
"Of course."
As Feng Qian left the room, Xiao Xiao turned back to the mirror. She picked up her brush again and resumed combing her hair.
She was no longer the silly girl who believed in pretty masks.
Now she was the one wearing one.
And behind her smile… was war.