Ji Yanluo's arrival at the Jade Pavilion was like a sudden drop of ice in a glass of warm tea—unexpected, sharp, and immediately commanding attention. The sun cast a gentle glow over the pavilion's delicate wooden carvings and flowing silk curtains, but no beauty here could soften the tension tightening the air.
He paused at the entrance, his gaze sweeping across the scene with calm precision. The veiled musician sat poised at the pavilion's corner, fingers lightly brushing the strings of her guqin, shrouded in mystery as always. Nearby, Bai Lanyue was perched on a bench, her expression one of thinly veiled irritation, flanked by her imposing entourage—four burly bodyguards standing alert like statues. Among them were Shen Yichen, her ex-fiance, and Wen Qing, her closest confidant. The subtle glances they exchanged spoke volumes—this meeting was a calculated move, a power play masked in civility.
Ji Yanluo's eyes narrowed slightly as he took a step forward, his voice cutting through the murmurs that had begun to stir. "This pavilion belongs to me now."
Bai Lanyue's lips parted in surprise, her eyes flickering with disbelief before narrowing into a hard glare. "What are you saying? This place has been under my family's name for years."
He offered no immediate reply, simply stepping further inside, his confidence unshaken. "I acquired it just last week. Legal and final."
Her entourage stiffened, but Ji Yanluo's presence was an invisible wall none dared challenge openly. His calm yet resolute demeanor commanded respect, and the undercurrent of power was unmistakable.
Bai Lanyue's eyes darted to the veiled musician, then back to Ji Yanluo, realization dawning with a flash of unease. "So this… changes everything."
Ji Yanluo inclined his head ever so slightly, his lips curving into a small, knowing smile. "Exactly."
The four bodyguards shifted their weight, the atmosphere thickening with unspoken threats. Shen Yichen's gaze sharpened, his jaw tightening as he studied Ji Yanluo with a flicker of hostility. Wen Qing's expression was cold but measured, calculating the new dynamic with practiced ease.
The veiled musician remained silent, her fingers ceasing their soft caress of the strings. Her veil obscured her expression, but the subtle tension in her posture betrayed her alertness.
Ji Yanluo's voice softened, almost conversational as he addressed the group. "Let's keep this civilized. No need for unnecessary conflicts."
Bai Lanyue's voice was low but edged with challenge. "You think ownership alone will stop what's coming? The day is far from over."
Ji Yanluo met her gaze steadily. "Perhaps. But it's the beginning of a new game. And I intend to play it well."
As he spoke, the tension shifted subtly—no longer just a standoff but a prelude to something far more intricate. Allies and adversaries, masks and veils, each playing their part beneath the delicate beauty of the Jade Pavilion.
Ji Yanluo's calm, measured entrance had disrupted the balance, a quiet declaration that the tides were turning—and only time would reveal how the story would unfold from here.
Bai Lanyue faced the veiled musician and Xiao Lin placed herself well between the both of them
"Hide well. The game of hide and seek is my favorite game" she said and leave with her entourage