The envelope arrived wrapped in gold thread, sealed with the Jiang family crest.
Even before she opened it, Xiao Xiao felt the shift in air. She recognized the trap—velvet on the outside, steel inside.
Inside, a cream-colored card shimmered with elegance.
The Jiang Family Cordially Invites Miss Feng Xiao Xiao to the Annual Autumn Charity Gala, Hosted by Madam Jiang Meiling.
A note written by hand followed:
"We admired your brilliance at the Feng banquet. Come show the world it wasn't just a lucky night. — M."
Xiao Xiao's fingers tightened on the card. So, the serpent had shown her tongue.
She handed it to her grandfather during their tea session under the plum tree.
His old eyes narrowed. "The Jiangs don't 'invite'. They test. Be careful, Xiao'er. That woman… she eats young women like you for breakfast."
Xiao Xiao smiled calmly. "Then it's time I sharpened my knife."
—
Across the city, Jiang Meiling was already preparing.
"She'll come," she said simply, lounging on a silk chaise. "If she refuses, she'll look weak. If she accepts, we see what she's truly made of."
Her aide leaned forward. "And if she impresses again?"
Meiling smirked. "Then I'll see if she bleeds."
—
Meanwhile, Li Yan's office was unusually quiet.
His subordinate had just delivered the news of the Jiang invitation.
"She's walking into a power struggle," the man warned. "They might not attack her directly, but they'll set her up for public humiliation."
Li Yan stood at the window, staring at the skyline.
"Then let's give her an armor no one can see through," he said.
The man blinked. "What do you mean?"
"I'll be her date."
—
Back at the Feng estate, Xiao Xiao stood before her closet, preparing.
She wasn't afraid.
Not of the Jiang family. Not of society. Not anymore.
But just as she picked a shimmering white gown, a memory flashed—one she hadn't thought of in years.
Feng Qian whispering to Madam Lin at a past gala,
"Xiao Xiao won't survive tonight. Let's see her trip over that custom hemline…"
And that night, she did. In front of everyone.
Her hands stilled on the fabric.
Then she smiled — but it was cold.
"Not this time."