The cool night air was a welcome relief after the stifling atmosphere inside. Feng Suyin tuned out the sound of music and laughter from the Feng estate. She knew she wasn't needed there. Surely, her family wouldn't notice her absence.
She laughed at herself for being foolish. How many years had she wasted trying to gain her adoptive parents' approval, only to be cast aside once she fulfilled her role?
Just as she thought she was alone on the balcony, she heard a rustling in the shadows. She tensed, her heart quickening as she strained to see through the darkness.
"Who's there?"
She wasn't afraid. No one would dare lay a hand on her at the Feng family estate. And if someone still dared to attack her, she knew how to defend herself. She might look small and dainty, but she had been trained in the art of self-defense by the best instructors money could buy.
A figure stepped out from the shadows, silhouetted by the moonlight. Feng Suyin recognized him as Lan Ruoxing, the young master of the Lan family in Longyu City. He appeared young and gentle, with a charming smile on his face.
"Ah! Sorry for disturbing you, Miss Feng. I'm actually hiding from someone. Would you please not rat me out?" He looked around as if he expected someone to jump out at any moment.
Feng Suyin raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his presence on her family's balcony while a banquet was being held inside. She had heard of him before—the rumors painted him as a rebellious son, constantly at odds with his family. She wondered how much of the rumors were true. He didn't look like a troublesome person. Lan Ruoxing had a certain vulnerability in his eyes. Something she could relate to all too well.
"Don't worry. I don't think anyone would dare come here while I'm around."
From where they stood, only Feng Suyin could be seen by the other guests on the balcony. Lan Ruoxing's presence was hidden by the heavy drapes that framed the open doors. He kept himself in the shadows, his eyes fixed on her.
A moment of silence passed between them. The sound of the party inside faded into the background.
"I appreciate your help." Lan Ruoxing stepped closer to her. "You're not like the others here. I can sense it, Miss Feng."
"You know me?"
"Hn?" He met her gaze and blinked. "Aren't you the adopted daughter of the Feng family? I've seen you in the news before. You were younger back then."
"I see..."
Feng Suyin studied him, noticing the sincerity in his gaze. Despite his reputation, there was a softness about him that intrigued her. She had grown tired of the superficial conversations and fake smiles that filled the halls of the Feng estate.
"Why are you here?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, making sure others wouldn't suspect she was talking to someone.
Lan Ruoxing hesitated, debating whether to tell her.
"I came here with my cousins without my parents knowing. I'm just curious what your family is up to."
"Oh?" Feng Suyin crossed her arms and felt the slight breeze brush against her skin. She watched him closely, a flicker of amusement in her eyes. "You mean to say you sneaked into the Feng estate just out of curiosity?" A small smile played on her lips.
Lan Ruoxing nodded, a sheepish grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"Well, I can't blame you for being curious," Feng Suyin replied thoughtfully. "But I must warn you, the Feng family is not one to be underestimated."
His expression turned serious as he met her gaze.
"I've heard the rumors about your family," he admitted. "But I couldn't resist the urge to see for myself."
Feng Suyin chuckled softly.
"Curiosity killed the cat, they say."
"Ah, but satisfaction brought it back," he countered with a grin.
"But what is it to you? Did our family offend you in any way?"
She couldn't help but ask. She knew there was some tension between the Feng and Lan families, but she had no idea what caused it.
Lan Ruoxing's smile disappeared, replaced by a steely gaze. He hesitated before speaking, choosing his words carefully.
"Your family and mine have a complicated history. There have been grievances in the past. But I'm not here to continue that feud. I wanted to see the Feng estate for myself. To understand the world you come from."
Feng Suyin studied him intently, searching his eyes for any sign of deception. She saw a flicker of sincerity—one that resonated with her own desire to break free from the expectations placed upon her.
"Well, now that you've satisfied your curiosity, what do you plan to do?"
His gaze softened as he looked at her.
"I must return before I'm missed," he said. "But I hope we can meet again. Under different circumstances."
"Say, if you don't mind me asking, why is there a feud between our families?"
She didn't want to take advantage of his situation. But she didn't think she would have another chance to understand the reason for their families' rift.
"You really don't know?" Lan Ruoxing asked incredulously, as if surprised to hear her ask such a question.
Feng Suyin felt guilty. But since she had already asked, there was no turning back.
"I wouldn't ask you such a question if I knew." She replied. "Just as you said, I'm an adopted daughter. I don't know the history between our families."
Lan Ruoxing nodded slowly, contemplating how much to reveal. He took a deep breath before speaking, his voice low and measured.
"My mother, Shen Qinglan, and your mother, Li Xinlian, used to be best friends. My mother trusted Li Xinlian a lot." He paused. "But because of your adoptive mother, my elder sister died after childbirth."
Feng Suyin's blood ran cold.
This was bigger than she had ever imagined.