Ji Lanxue stood in the dimly lit hallway, her heart heavy as she looked at Bai Zhiqi's pale face. She had shared in the plan for revenge, driven by compassion for her sister's plight, but now, seeing the shadows of pain etched on Zhiqi's features, she understood the depth of suffering she had been hiding.
The woman who had lived with them for months had never smiled out of genuine happiness; it was a façade crafted to avoid being a burden. Ji Lanxue's heart ached at the realization.
"We should let her rest," Xiao Lin suggested softly, concern evident in her voice.
"I know," Ji Lanxue replied, biting her lip. "But there has to be something we can do to help."
"Something like what?" Xiao Lin asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Something like… burn down the event center and pretend we cared, giving them a place where we have control over? And then sabotage her plan?" Xiao Lin mused, half-joking, but Ji Lanxue's eyes widened at the suggestion.
"Xiao Lin. How can you be so smart?" Ji Lanxue asked, excitement bubbling within her.
"What do you mean?" Xiao Lin replied, confusion mingling with curiosity.
"You just gave me the perfect idea!" Ji Lanxue exclaimed, rushing out of Bai Zhiqi's room, her determination igniting her every step.
---
In his study, Ji Yanluo stood by the window, lost in thought, the city skyline sprawling beneath him. The door creaked open, and he turned to see Ji Lanxue enter, her expression fierce and resolute.
"Bro, I need your help," she said, urgency lacing her tone.
"On what?" he asked, his attention still on the view outside.
"I need your help to take down the hall," she declared boldly.
"What hall?" he asked, finally turning to face her.
"The hall Bai Lanyue wants to use for the banquet. I'll take that place down and offer the Ji family hall instead," Ji Lanxue said, her eyes sparkling with defiance.
In that moment, something clicked in Ji Yanluo's mind. He had been pondering how to sabotage the entire plan, and here was his sister, presenting the perfect solution.
"How did you think of this?" he asked, genuinely impressed.
"Xiao Lin was just complaining, and the idea formed in my head," she admitted, staring deeply into her brother's eyes. "What is it, bro? Are you also thinking of it?"
"Don't worry. I will carry out your plan for you," Ji Yanluo said, a determined glint in his eyes as Ji Lanxue left the study, the energy of her resolve propelling her forward.
---
"Han Su!" Ji Yanluo called, and his loyal assistant stepped in, ready for orders.
"Yes, President Ji?" Han Su replied, attentive as always.
"I want you to find out what banquet hall Bai Lanyue plans to use and ruin it. Not only that, but plant some of our men among the staff she's hired. I want this done before the end of the day," Ji Yanluo commanded, his voice steady and filled with purpose.
"Understood," Han Su replied, nodding. He quickly exited to execute the plan.
Once alone, Ji Yanluo picked up his phone, his mind racing with the possibilities that lay ahead. He typed a single sentence to a contact he had kept in the shadows, a hint of a smile creeping onto his lips as he hit send.
"Prepare her for Sunday."
As he stared at the billboard showcasing Bai Lanyue, a playful smirk formed on his face, one that hinted at the storm brewing beneath the surface. The time for games was over; the tables were turning, and he was ready to reshape the narrative.
This was no longer just about revenge; it was about justice for Bai Zhiqi and reclaiming the power that had been unjustly taken from her. With each passing moment, his resolve intensified. The upcoming banquet would be the turning point, and he would ensure that Bai Zhiqi would finally take center stage—not as a victim, but as the artist she was destined to be.
In that moment, Ji Yanluo felt invigorated, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The game was afoot, and he was determined to win.