The air shifted.
Xiao Lin felt it first—an eerie stillness that settled over the usually tranquil path leading to the Jade Pavilion. A low hum of murmurs rippled from the crowd as they moved forward, and Bai Zhiqi, whose steps were always composed and graceful, slowed to a halt.
Then she saw them.
At her usual spot—the very stage she had graced with song and silence—sat Bai Lanyue, dressed immaculately in white, like a grieving dove. Her expression was unreadable, but the tight grip on her clutch and the glint of steel in her gaze spoke louder than words.
Beside her stood Shen Yichen, the man who once promised Bai Zhiqi forever. Now, he stood with his arm casually resting on the shoulder of Wen Qing, Zhiqi's former best friend. The same friend who had cried at her engagement. The same one who had comforted her through heartbreak.
Xiao Lin's jaw tightened. "They brought an entourage."
Behind the trio were at least four tall men in black suits—clearly bodyguards, clearly here for more than just protection.
"This was planned," Xiao Lin murmured. "They've been waiting."
Bai Zhiqi didn't speak. She didn't flinch. Her veil fluttered in the breeze, the only sign of movement from her still form.
The crowd sensed the tension. Phones were raised. Cameras clicked. The confrontation was already going viral.
Wen Qing was the first to move, stepping forward with a saccharine smile.
"Well, if it isn't the veiled musician," she said, voice loud and sweet enough to carry to the front rows. "We were wondering when you'd show your face."
"Or not show it," Bai Lanyue added coldly, standing now, her posture perfect. "Isn't it tiring to always play hide-and-seek, elder sister?"
Xiao Lin stepped in front of Zhiqi instantly, protective as ever. "Step back."
"Oh? And who are you?" Shen Yichen asked with a dry chuckle, "The bodyguard?"
"I'm the wall between her and your audacity," Xiao Lin snapped. "Now move aside. This isn't your stage."
"Funny," Bai Lanyue said, eyes narrowing. "Last I checked, this pavilion belonged to the Bai family. And that makes it mine."
Bai Zhiqi's eyes didn't waver. She didn't speak. Instead, her gaze swept over Shen Yichen, who had the decency to look away for a moment. Then to Wen Qing, whose smug grin faltered just slightly under the weight of the silence.
"Don't think you can hide behind a veil forever," Bai Lanyue continued, stepping closer. "You can fool the netizens. But you can't fool us."
The bodyguards moved subtly, creating a loose semicircle around the pavilion's center. Clearly, they weren't just here for display.
Wen Qing folded her arms. "Why don't you remove the mask, Zhiqi? Show them the face behind the deception. Or are you afraid they'll remember the scandal you left behind?"
"Scandal?" Xiao Lin laughed sharply. "You mean when your fiancé betrayed her, and your best friend helped him cheat? That scandal?"
Shen Yichen frowned. "That's not what happened—"
"Oh, do shut up," Xiao Lin cut in. "Everyone with a brain and internet knows what happened."
Bai Lanyue ignored her. "You have two choices," she said, looking at Bai Zhiqi directly now. "Leave this place and disappear for good, or face what's coming."
Finally, Bai Zhiqi moved.
She stepped forward, just slightly, and the wind caught her veil again. The movement was slow, deliberate—like a wave crashing silently.
But she didn't speak.
She didn't need to.
Xiao Lin turned to her, voice softer now. "We don't owe them a word."
Then to the others, she said, "Step aside."
Wen Qing took a step forward. "Or what?"
Xiao Lin smiled, sweet and dangerous. "Or you'll find out why I was trained in three different martial arts."
Before the tension could snap, another presence entered the space—a familiar black car pulled up along the curb, and out stepped Han Su, followed by a tall figure in dark tailored suit.
*Ji Yanluo.*
The crowd gasped.
Wen Qing blanched.
Bai Lanyue's expression twisted, but it was too late. The cameras had already caught the scene.
Xiao Lin smirked and leaned close to Bai Zhiqi.
"Looks like the cavalry's here."