"We’re being watched." Jiang Nanfei placed her index finger against her lips to signal Gongxi Yunqi to stay quiet, then whispered softly, "Stay here and keep guard. I’ll go out and take a look." She had no idea how long they’d been under surveillance. She regretted not being more vigilant earlier, instead choosing to block out the noise by wearing earplugs.
Gongxi Yunqi grabbed her wrist abruptly, his handso face steady and resolute. "You stay. I’ll go."
Jiang Nanfei gave him a aningful look, then swiftly brushed off his grasp. Propping herself up against the windowsill with one hand, her movents were agile and precise as she leapt out. Within monts, she had disappeared, her speed leaving Gongxi Yunqi completely stunned. Amid the shock, what lingered more was a bitter taste of defeat.
It turned out that while he was constantly striving, Jiang Nanfei was advancing at an astonishing pace as well.
He had prepared so much, hoping to appear before her at his absolute best—strong, capable, and able to offer her the utmost sense of security. Yet, once again, he had failed. This defeat dragged Gongxi Yunqi back to the mories of the days at Qi Li Middle School.
Born into a wealthy family, heir to the richest dynasty, he had always lived a privileged life, getting everything he wanted with ease. Despite his status, he had none of the typical vices of a spoiled rich kid. He was regarded by everyone as the perfect successor, and the object of secret admiration for countless girls at school. Yet, all these strengths were worthless whenever it ca to Jiang Nanfei.
He could not even compare to Qiao Jingxuan—that despicable bastard. At least Jiang Nanfei had once harbored a crush on Qiao Jingxuan.
Yes, Gongxi Yunqi was incredibly jealous of Qiao Jingxuan—unable to hide his envy. The thought that the woman he adored had once secretly loved another man was a bitter pill to swallow. The fact that Qiao Jingxuan had since been reduced to irrelevance? Gongxi Yunqi had a hand in that.
And, of course, he wasn’t the only one; Huo Beijiang’s interference had played a considerable role, too.
Gongxi Yunqi’s dark, jade-like eyes suddenly dulled in intensity. He pressed his lips together, suppressing the bitterness and unease rising in his heart.
*****
Jiang Nanfei moved swiftly and lightly, slipping around the courtyard wall and zeroing in on the hidden figures. By the ti she caught sight of them, it was too late. She thrust a foot forward, aiming to incapacitate the opponent swiftly. However, the person’s reflexes matched hers—they countered deftly, their arms braced with power as their fists clenched to block her surprise strike. A sudden force sent her flying backward.
Her body, light as it was, tumbled mid-air, but with agile precision, she shifted her posture to prevent injury before landing steadily on the ground—knees bent, one hand pressing against the dirt for support. At the sa ti, the bracelet on her left wrist flicked outward, and her right hand pulled, releasing a sharp blade sheared with a chilling glint.
Jiang Nanfei was fully prepared to fight now. Instinct warned her that her opponent was imnsely strong—and dangerously so. She needed to give it her all. It was the first ti she had tested the combat capabilities of the bracelet she’d received as a gift from Bei Jiang.
Xing Yu knew sothing was amiss the mont he sent the figure flying backward. First, the weight felt drastically off; none of the volunteers he’d been tracking in the group matched these characteristics—except Jiang Nanfei. The realization hit him suddenly, and it brought an unshakable wave of dread.
"Jiang Nanfei?" Though the evening sky was dimming, Xing Yu’s sharp vision quickly recognized Jiang Nanfei at a short distance, her entire body taut with vigilance. A shiver of fear ran down his spine—not for anything but the dread that he might have hurt her with his actions.
Such a delicate, frail woman, her health poor, and her eyes...
Xing Yu’s body tightened in an instant. He strode forward rapidly, gripping Jiang Nanfei by the shoulders as he asked anxiously, "What happened to your eyes?" He couldn’t comprehend why she, hidden in the shadows, hadn’t recognized him first and attacked outright—this shouldn’t have been possible.
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