The Villainess Reborn With A 999x Cheat System

📖 CHAPTER 15: A DANGEROUS BARGAIN

The Gu Manor was still, the silence heavy with unspoken tensions. But Gu Qingyan knew better—beneath the calm surface, a storm was brewing.

She stood by her window, gazing out at the moonlit courtyard. The night air was cool, carrying the faint scent of blooming jasmine. Yet her mind was elsewhere.

The attempt on her life had been sloppy. Predictable.

It wasn't just a matter of eliminating her—they wanted to make it look like an unfortunate illness, a natural decline.

And that meant only one thing.

Her enemies were running out of options.

A soft knock at the door.

"Come in."

Zhao Yue entered, her face composed but her eyes sharp. "Miss, the third concubine is in a panic. She visited Gu Ruoyun's chambers twice tonight."

Gu Qingyan's lips curled. "Good. That means they're desperate."

Zhao Yue hesitated. "But there's something else."

Gu Qingyan turned, her expression unreadable.

"A letter arrived," Zhao Yue continued. "No name. No seal."

Gu Qingyan reached for it, unfolding the delicate paper.

Her eyes swept over the message.

Meet me at the abandoned shrine. Midnight. Come alone.

She let out a quiet laugh. "How bold."

Zhao Yue frowned. "It's obviously a trap."

"Of course," Gu Qingyan agreed, folding the letter neatly. "But traps can be useful."

Zhao Yue's expression tightened. "Are you really going?"

Gu Qingyan met her gaze. "Why not?"

She stepped forward, slipping the letter into her sleeve.

"If my enemies are preparing a game…" Her smile was cold. "I should at least thank them for the entertainment."

---

📍 Midnight – The Abandoned Shrine

The old shrine stood on the outskirts of the Gu estate, forgotten and weathered by time. Its walls were cracked, its wooden beams creaking under the weight of neglect.

Gu Qingyan stepped into the dimly lit space, her steps soundless against the wooden floor.

A flickering lantern cast long shadows.

And then—

A figure emerged from the darkness.

The man in black.

The same one who had whispered in Gu Ruoyun's ear.

Golden eyes glinted beneath his hood, filled with something dangerous.

"You came," he mused. "How fearless."

Gu Qingyan smiled faintly. "I was curious."

The man chuckled. "And? Do you like what you see?"

Gu Qingyan's gaze was calm, unshaken. "I see a man who enjoys playing with fire."

His smirk deepened. "Then tell me, Lady Gu—do you wish to be burned?"

She tilted her head slightly. "That depends. What exactly do you want?"

The man took a slow step forward.

"I want to make a deal."

Gu Qingyan raised a brow. "A deal?"

"Gu Ruoyun is impatient," he said smoothly. "She wants to destroy you, but she lacks vision. She doesn't see the full game board."

He gestured slightly. "But you do."

Gu Qingyan said nothing, waiting.

The man's voice lowered. "I can give you information. Power. The kind your enemies fear."

Gu Qingyan smiled. "And in return?"

His gaze darkened. "Your cooperation."

Silence stretched between them.

Then—Gu Qingyan let out a soft laugh.

"A tempting offer," she murmured. "But I don't trust men who hide in the shadows."

The man's eyes gleamed. "That is wise."

Gu Qingyan took a step closer. "Tell me, shadow-walker, what is your name?"

A pause. Then—

"Feng Liyan."

The name carried weight. A noble surname, but one that had long disappeared from court records.

Gu Qingyan's fingers tapped lightly against her sleeve.

Interesting.

"Very well, Feng Liyan," she said smoothly. "If you truly wish for my cooperation, prove your worth."

Feng Liyan chuckled. "And how should I do that?"

Gu Qingyan's smile was cold. "Bring me the truth."

His expression shifted. "About what?"

Gu Qingyan met his gaze evenly.

"About why my mother died."

For the first time, Feng Liyan's amusement faded.

A beat of silence.

Then, he smirked. "You are much more dangerous than I thought."

Gu Qingyan's voice was soft, yet razor-sharp.

"Then you should tread carefully."

---

📍 Back at the Gu Manor – Gu Ruoyun's Chambers

Gu Ruoyun sat by her dressing table, fingers trembling slightly as she stared at her own reflection.

The failed poisoning had humiliated her. She had been outmaneuvered—again.

Her door creaked open.

"Mother?" she called hesitantly.

No response.

Instead, a figure in black stepped inside.

Ruoyun's breath caught. "You—"

The man smirked. "Your sister is not the only one I plan to assist."

Ruoyun's pulse pounded. "What do you mean?"

Feng Liyan's voice was soft, almost mocking.

"I mean, Lady Gu, that I am willing to help you win."

A pause.

"But only if you're willing to lose something in return."

Ruoyun's fingers tightened around her sleeve.

"…What do you want?"

Feng Liyan's smile deepened.

"Everything."