The Villainess Reborn With A 999x Cheat System

📖 CHAPTER 18: THE DANCE OF DECEPTION

The lanterns flickered as Gu Qingyan entered the banquet hall, her gaze sweeping across the sea of noble guests. Tonight was a carefully orchestrated battlefield, and every smile hid a dagger.

Dressed in a flowing crimson robe embroidered with golden phoenixes, she was a vision of elegance. But beneath the silken fabric, she was a blade—sharpened and waiting.

At the head of the hall, Old Madam Gu sat with a composed expression, her sharp eyes observing everything. Beside her, the Gu elders whispered among themselves, undoubtedly discussing Gu Ruoyun's recent disgrace.

And then, there was Feng Liyan.

Seated at the honored guest's table, his golden eyes found hers immediately. He was dressed in deep black, his presence commanding yet unreadable. A lazy smirk tugged at his lips—as if he was already enjoying the game.

She did not look away.

If he wanted to play, then so be it.

She gracefully made her way to her seat, aware of the whispers that followed her.

"Who would have thought? Gu Qingyan actually dares to show her face after everything."

"I heard she humiliated Gu Ruoyun so thoroughly that the girl refuses to leave her courtyard."

"That's not all. Even the Old Madam is paying close attention to her now. Is she planning something?"

Gu Qingyan ignored the gossip. She had expected it.

This banquet was not just for show. Someone was about to make a move.

And she was ready.

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📍 The Banquet – A Hidden Plot

As the evening continued, performers danced, music filled the air, and wine flowed freely. Laughter echoed across the grand hall, but Gu Qingyan felt it—the subtle shift in the atmosphere.

Someone was waiting for the right moment.

She picked up her wine cup, letting the liquid swirl, her mind already three steps ahead.

Then—

A sudden exclamation.

"Gu Qingyan!"

She looked up calmly as a young noblewoman staggered forward, her face pale and distressed.

"Lady Gu," the girl trembled, "why… why would you do this to me?"

Gasps rippled through the hall.

Gu Qingyan's brow arched. "Do what?"

Tears welled in the girl's eyes. "You sent me that letter… You threatened me!"

Whispers erupted like wildfire.

"Threatened? What is she talking about?"

"Gu Qingyan wouldn't be so foolish, would she?"

"I don't know… but that girl looks terrified."

Gu Qingyan remained seated, her expression unreadable. A trap.

Someone had forged a letter in her name.

She tapped her fingers lightly against the table. "And what did this supposed letter say?"

The girl hesitated. "It said… it said that if I didn't stay away from Lord Feng, something terrible would happen to me!"

More gasps.

Feng Liyan?

All eyes immediately turned toward him.

The man in question simply leaned back, watching the spectacle unfold with amusement.

Gu Qingyan sighed inwardly. So this was the play?

A desperate attempt to make her look jealous and reckless?

How boring.

She placed her cup down and slowly rose to her feet. "And where is this letter?"

The girl shakily held out a silk scroll.

Gu Qingyan accepted it, her gaze skimming over the ink.

The handwriting was elegant. Almost identical to hers.

Almost.

She chuckled. "Such effort… yet such a simple mistake."

The girl flinched. "What do you mean?"

Gu Qingyan lifted the scroll for all to see. "This letter is an excellent imitation, but there is one problem—I never sign my name in this way."

The crowd stirred.

The girl paled. "I—"

Gu Qingyan's eyes glinted. "Would you like to tell us who gave you this letter?"

The girl's lips trembled.

Then—

"Enough."

A cold voice rang out.

Gu Ruoyun stepped forward, her expression composed but her eyes burning with frustration.

Gu Qingyan smiled inwardly.

Ah. There you are.

Gu Ruoyun clasped her hands behind her back. "Qingyan, must you always cause such scenes? This is a banquet, not your personal stage."

Gu Qingyan tilted her head. "Then tell me, dear sister, who arranged for this accusation?"

Gu Ruoyun's fingers twitched. "Isn't it obvious? This girl came forward herself."

Gu Qingyan let out a soft laugh. "And yet, you defend her so quickly?"

Gu Ruoyun's expression stiffened.

Feng Liyan's quiet chuckle cut through the tension. "This is quite amusing."

Everyone turned to him.

He smirked lazily. "A woman supposedly threatens another over me, yet I was never informed?" He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "How disappointing. I would have enjoyed such drama."

Laughter rippled through the hall, but it was filled with unease.

Gu Ruoyun's jaw clenched.

Gu Qingyan smiled.

Checkmate.

She turned to the girl. "You may leave."

The girl hesitated, then hurried away, her head lowered in shame.

Gu Qingyan gracefully returned to her seat, sipping her wine as if nothing had happened.

Gu Ruoyun remained standing for a moment longer, her fists clenched at her sides.

She had lost this round.

The game continued.

And Gu Qingyan?

She was just getting started.