The Villainess Reborn With A 999x Cheat System

📖 CHAPTER 6: A DANCE OF DECEPTION

The halls of the Gu Manor were silent, yet Gu Qingyan could feel the whispers moving like invisible threads through the estate. News of her rejection of the Crown Prince's gift and her cold dismissal of him had spread like wildfire.

She wasn't surprised. This was only the beginning.

As she walked through the corridors, a familiar voice called out behind her.

"Sister."

Gu Qingyan turned, her expression calm but guarded.

Gu Ruoyun stood before her, dressed in a soft pink robe, exuding the image of a delicate and gentle younger sister. But Gu Qingyan knew better.

Ruoyun had always been clever, manipulative, and hungry for power.

"You've been avoiding me," Gu Ruoyun pouted, stepping closer. "Have I done something to upset you?"

Gu Qingyan chuckled softly. "Upset me? Why would you think that?"

Gu Ruoyun's eyes flickered. "Well… I heard about your conversation with His Highness today."

"Oh?" Gu Qingyan arched a delicate brow. "Did the news reach you so quickly?"

Ruoyun flinched inwardly but kept her smile. "Sister, I only wish to help you."

Gu Qingyan tilted her head. "Help me?"

Ruoyun bit her lip. "You've always loved His Highness, haven't you? If you push him away, he may never return."

Gu Qingyan smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.

"Is that so?" she mused.

Ruoyun sighed, stepping even closer. "Sister… you've always been the Crown Prince's fiancée. If you lose that position, do you know what will happen?"

Gu Qingyan's gaze sharpened.

Of course, she knew.

If she truly lost her engagement to the Crown Prince, Gu Ruoyun would replace her in an instant.

The perfect, obedient substitute.

Gu Qingyan smiled faintly. "You're right, Ruoyun."

Ruoyun's eyes brightened with fake concern. "Then—"

"But…" Gu Qingyan continued, her voice dropping into a slow, deliberate tone, "who said I care about that position anymore?"

Ruoyun's smile froze.

Gu Qingyan leaned in slightly, her silver-blue eyes gleaming.

"I wonder, dear sister," she murmured, "why are you so concerned about me losing my engagement?"

Ruoyun's heart skipped a beat.

"I—I just…"

Gu Qingyan chuckled. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you were worried about something."

Ruoyun's nails dug into her sleeves.

Gu Qingyan knew.

Somehow, she knew.

Ruoyun forced a laugh. "Sister, you're overthinking. I only want the best for you."

Gu Qingyan gave her a long, unreadable look before turning away.

"Of course," she said smoothly. "How thoughtful of you."

Ruoyun stood frozen, watching her older sister walk away with the confidence of a queen.

For the first time, she felt a sliver of fear.

This was not the same Gu Qingyan she had once controlled.

And that terrified her.

---

📍 Imperial Palace – Crown Prince's Chambers

Xu Minghao sat alone in his study, his expression stormy.

Gu Qingyan's dismissive attitude kept replaying in his mind.

How dare she?

She had always adored him, always chased after him—so why did it feel like she had slipped through his fingers?

A soft knock interrupted his thoughts.

"Enter."

The doors creaked open, revealing a man in dark robes. His face was half-hidden by a veil, but his piercing gaze showed intelligence.

"Your Highness," the man greeted.

Xu Minghao's fingers tapped against his desk. "What have you found?"

The man bowed slightly. "Gu Qingyan has changed significantly. She no longer behaves as she once did. However…"

Xu Minghao's gaze sharpened. "However?"

The man hesitated before lowering his voice.

"There are whispers that someone is guiding her."

Xu Minghao's jaw tightened. "Who?"

The man hesitated. "That… we do not yet know."

Xu Minghao clenched his fists.

Someone was behind this.

And he would find out who.

Because there was no way he would let Gu Qingyan slip away from him.

No matter what it took.