"You've become quite the headline," a deep voice said from behind her.
Bai Zhi didn't turn. "I assume this is where you insert a dramatic compliment, Li Jiannan?"
He came into view, a half-smile on his face. Today he wore a dark grey tunic that somehow made his cold aura even more pronounced. "I could. Or I could just say you sang like the world owed you a stage."
She raised a brow. "Do you think it doesn't?"
He chuckled. "You really have changed, Bai Zhi."
He sounded like he knew her when he just read and heard about her. But maybe, they are all the same.
"I just woke up."
His gaze lingered on her longer than she liked, as though trying to see beneath her skin.
"You're planning something big."
"I'm simply making up for lost time."
"Good," he said. "Make sure you win."
And just like that, he walked off.
Bai Zhi watched his retreating figure thoughtfully. Li Jiannan wasn't one to involve himself in other people's games. If he was watching her, it meant she was worth noticing and that meant others would be noticing too.
Good.
At home, the Bai family living room was unusually quiet as Bai Zhi returned from school. She was about to head upstairs when her father's voice called out.
"Zhi'er, come here for a moment."
She stepped into the room to find the whole family gathered, her father, mother, and Bai Meilin, who sat on the arm of the sofa with a worried expression.
"We've received an invitation from the Ling family," Madam Bai said, eyes narrowing. "It's a private gathering. Very exclusive."
Bai Zhi's mind ticked instantly. The Ling family, business royalty. One of the five most powerful clans in the country. The same clan the Chen family was desperately trying to get closer to. And the same family whose heir Ling Yuchen was known for avoiding public events altogether.
"And they invited… all of us?" she asked.
Father Bai nodded. "They specifically named both daughters."
That was rare. Invitations like this were never extended to the whole family unless there was a clear reason or a hidden one.
Madam Bai smiled warmly. "It's a good opportunity for both of you to mingle with society's finest. Meilin, make sure you stay close to Zhi-jie and ask her if you're uncertain. She's used to these events."
Meilin gave a soft, humble nod. "Yes, Mama. I'll do my best."
Bai Zhi turned to leave, uninterested in family bonding.
"Oh, and Zhi'er," her father added. "Chen Yuxuan will also be attending. Behave appropriately."
So that's what this was about.
They still held hope for that broken engagement.
Three days later, the Ling family event was held at a grand estate outside the city, a place that shimmered with old money and restrained power. The air itself smelled like ancient incense and carefully brewed secrets.
Bai Zhi arrived in a silver-blue qipao embroidered with cranes, her hair pinned with a jade hairpin shaped like a crescent moon. She was elegance and poise, every step calculated to silence the whispers before they began.
Bai Meilin wore soft pink chiffon and pearls, delicate and doll-like, walking half a step behind Bai Zhi to maintain the illusion of sisterhood.
They were escorted into the ballroom, where crystal chandeliers sparkled above and the city's elite clinked glasses of aged wine.
Bai Zhi scanned the room quickly and spotted Chen Yuxuan in a navy suit, already speaking with the young heir of the He family. She didn't spare him more than a glance.
Bai Meilin, however, excused herself and floated toward him like a moth to flame.
"Yuxuan," she called sweetly. "You came too?"
He turned, mildly surprised. "Of course. These are important connections."
She smiled, eyes soft. "It's my first time attending something like this. I hope I don't embarrass myself."
He relaxed slightly. "You'll be fine."
From across the room, Bai Zhi watched them with faint amusement. Meilin was laying the groundwork, carefully, gently. Playing the long game.
Good. It meant she hadn't realized her game had already begun to lose.
Suddenly, a voice spoke behind her.
"I didn't expect you to wear silver-blue."
She turned. "Li Jiannan."
He was in a black suit with a blood-red pocket square. Subtle. Dangerous.
"You noticed my dress color?" she teased.
"It makes you stand out," he replied smoothly.
"Then I chose right."
He looked toward Meilin and Chen Yuxuan. "Your ex-fiancé and your fake sister seem cozy."
"They can have each other."
"You're not the least bit bothered?"
"I'm not the Bai Zhi they used to know."
Li Jiannan tilted his head. "No. You're far more interesting now."
She liked that word. Interesting.
Later that night, as the event progressed, a representative of the Ling family stood and requested a brief performance from the invited guests.
A small stage had been set up, and anyone could come forward to offer a song, poem, or piece of talent.
Bai Meilin clutched her dress. "I don't know if I should…"
"You should try," Chen Yuxuan encouraged.
Meilin turned with shy delight and stepped toward the stage.
She sang a soft ballad, delicate and flowery. The crowd applauded politely, impressed by her sweet tone but hardly stunned.
Then, a few minutes later, another name was called. Unexpectedly.
"Bai Zhi, daughter of the Bai family. Would you care to share something?"
All eyes turned.
She stood calmly and walked up to the stage.
Without introduction, without excuse, she simply opened her mouth, and sang.
It was a classical Chinese aria, haunting and cold, the kind of song that left silence in its wake.
The last note rang out like an arrow through moonlight.
And for several seconds, no one clapped. Because they were stunned.
Then the room erupted.
People turned to one another whispering:
"That's the Bai family's adopted daughter?"
"She's incredible."
"She sounds like she was born on stage!"
Meilin stood frozen in place.
Chen Yuxuan's gaze followed Bai Zhi with a complexity he couldn't hide.
And Li Jiannan, standing in the shadows, smirked.
The Phoenix was rising.