NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 9: Chapter 8
📖 CHAPTER 8: WHISPERS IN THE DARK
The lanterns flickered in the Gu Manor, casting shifting shadows against the walls. Midnight had settled, but Gu Qingyan sat awake, her mind sharp and alert.
The system's mission still lingered in her thoughts.
Someone was watching her.
She had spent her first life blind to the dangers around her. That would not happen again.
Her fingers tapped the table rhythmically. She had to draw them out.
A soft knock at her door.
Gu Qingyan's gaze sharpened.
"Come in."
A maid entered, her head lowered respectfully. "Miss, the Old Madam wishes to see you."
Gu Qingyan's lips curled slightly. So soon?
Her grandmother had always been a neutral figure in the household. But now, she was calling for her in the middle of the night?
Something was shifting.
She stood, her expression composed. "Lead the way."
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📍 Old Madam Gu's Courtyard
The air was thick with the scent of aged wood and incense. The Old Madam sat at the center of the room, her wise eyes studying Gu Qingyan as she approached.
"Yan'er," the elderly woman spoke slowly, "I hear you've caused quite a stir."
Gu Qingyan smiled slightly. "Grandmother, I did not know declining an undesired gift was a crime."
The Old Madam chuckled. "Sharp as ever."
Her fingers traced the rim of her tea cup. "Tell me, child… why the sudden change?"
Gu Qingyan met her gaze evenly.
"In the past, I was foolish. I no longer wish to be."
The Old Madam remained silent for a long moment.
Then, she sighed. "Good."
Gu Qingyan's eyes flickered.
The Old Madam sipped her tea before speaking again. "You've gained an enemy, Yan'er. Do you know who?"
Gu Qingyan's lips curved slightly. "Many, I assume."
The Old Madam chuckled. "Indeed. But tonight, one in particular worries me."
She leaned forward. "Gu Ruoyun."
Gu Qingyan remained unbothered. "She has always been a threat."
"Yes," the Old Madam agreed, "but now she is desperate."
Gu Qingyan's fingers tightened around her sleeve.
Desperation led people to make reckless mistakes.
Old Madam Gu's eyes gleamed. "Be careful, child. The storm is coming."
Gu Qingyan smiled. "Let it come."
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📍 Secret Meeting – Gu Ruoyun's Side
Gu Ruoyun paced in her chambers, her fists clenched.
Gu Qingyan was supposed to be broken, weak, easy to manipulate.
And yet, she was winning.
A voice spoke from the shadows.
"You seem troubled, my lady."
Gu Ruoyun spun around, her heart skipping a beat.
A man in black robes leaned against the wall, his face obscured by the dim candlelight.
"Who are you?" she demanded.
The man chuckled. "A friend."
Ruoyun's eyes narrowed. "I don't need friends."
"Ah," the man mused, "but you need power, don't you?"
Ruoyun's breath caught.
The man took a slow step forward. "I can help you get what you want. But in return… you must listen."
Ruoyun hesitated.
The man leaned in slightly. "Gu Qingyan is not as she was. If you wish to defeat her, you must change your approach."
Ruoyun's nails dug into her palm.
She would not lose.
Slowly, she exhaled and spoke.
"I'm listening"