The Gu mansion's halls felt colder that morning.
Whispers followed Chen Yuxi wherever she went.
Her system buzzed faintly.
"High probability: Xinyan plotting immediate retaliation."
She smirked.
Let's see what you've got.
At the office, Xinyan made her move.
Documents "accidentally" shifted on Yuxi's desk.
Emails redirected.
Small, precise sabotage designed to make her look incompetent.
Yuxi noticed instantly.
System, trace origin.
"All leads point to Xinyan. Probability of success: minimal."
She leaned back, fingers tapping lightly.
Game on.
Lin Guo entered the office quietly, observing her.
His gaze dark, unreadable.
"You've noticed," he said softly.
"Yes," Yuxi replied, voice calm.
"And I already have a plan."
He smirked faintly.
She's learning fast.
The moment Xinyan approached to confront her, Yuxi held up a hand.
"You're predictable," she said lightly.
"Try harder next time."
Xinyan's smirk faltered.
This girl… she's dangerous.
Lin Guo stepped forward, close behind Yuxi.
"I warned her," he said quietly, voice low,
"Anyone who touches her… will regret it."
Xinyan froze, eyes narrowing.
Yuxi tilted her head slightly, calm, unshaken.
He protects me, yes… but he also challenges me. Perfect.
Later that evening, in the Gu mansion, Lin Guo cornered Yuxi in the study again.
"Your system is… impressive," he said softly.
"But dangerous if used recklessly."
Her pulse quickened.
"Not reckless," she replied.
"Strategic."
He stepped closer, gaze darkening.
"Strategic," he echoed,
"Just like me."
Their eyes locked, tension crackling.
Suddenly, a knock at the door—soft, deliberate.
Yue Xinyan's voice floated through:
"Lin Guo… I think we need to talk."
Lin Guo's lips curved faintly.
"Not tonight," he said calmly.
Yuxi felt the heat of him behind her, protective, possessive, commanding.
This is… dangerous.
Exciting.
Addictive.
The game had escalated.
And both of them knew.