The Villainess Reborn With A 999x Cheat System

📖 CHAPTER 22: THE FIRST MOVE

Gu Qingyan remained seated long after Xu Jin had left, her thoughts tangled in a web of possibilities.

His warning had been clear.

Stay away from Feng Liyan.

Yet, the Crown Prince himself had not denied that he was just as dangerous.

A soft chuckle escaped her lips. How amusing.

In her past life, she had been too blind to see the game of power at play. But now? She was in the center of it, and she had no intention of being a mere pawn.

A faint breeze drifted through the courtyard, rustling the lanterns.

Xiaomei hesitated before speaking. "Miss… will you listen to the Crown Prince's warning?"

Gu Qingyan glanced at her with a small, enigmatic smile. "Why should I?"

Xiaomei's eyes widened slightly. "But His Highness—"

"The Crown Prince does not dictate my choices," Gu Qingyan said lightly. "And if he's worried about Feng Liyan, that only makes me more curious about him."

Xiaomei bit her lip but didn't argue.

A new piece had entered the board. It was time to see what move Feng Liyan would make next.

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📍 Feng Liyan's Private Residence

The moon cast silver light over the rooftop where a lone figure stood, his white robes fluttering in the night breeze.

Feng Liyan's gaze was distant as he swirled a cup of wine in his hand, watching the stars above.

A shadow moved behind him.

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince visited Lady Gu tonight."

Feng Liyan smirked slightly, taking a slow sip of his wine. "How predictable."

The shadow hesitated. "She did not agree to his warning."

His smirk deepened. "Good."

His fingers tapped lightly against the jade cup, his golden eyes gleaming with amusement.

"She is different from before," he mused. "Stronger. Sharper. Bolder."

A pause.

"Interesting."

His attendant remained silent, awaiting orders.

Feng Liyan finally set his wine cup down. "Let's test her resolve, then."

A slow, dangerous smile curled his lips.

"Prepare the invitation."

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📍 Gu Manor – The Next Morning

Gu Qingyan was sipping tea when a servant rushed in, bowing low.

"Miss, a letter has arrived for you."

She accepted the folded parchment, her eyes scanning the delicate calligraphy.

An invitation.

From Prince Feng Liyan.

A faint smile played on her lips.

So, he had made his move.

The real game was about to begin.

And she was more than ready.