A thick silence settled over the courtyard, the tension stretching so tight it was nearly suffocating.
Hua Jing turned slowly, her gaze locking onto Chen Li.
Chen Li stiffened.
Her breath hitched as an inexplicable chill crawled up her spine.
There was something in Hua Jing's eyes—something sharp, something knowing.
A flicker of panic flashed in Chen Li's gaze.
What does she know?
Her thoughts raced, jumping from one possibility to another.
Then, suddenly—
A single realization struck her like lightning.
Her eyes widened.
Hua Jing smiled.
Eureka.
She already knew what had just crossed Chen Li's mind.
And that was all the confirmation Hua Jing needed.
Zhao Yan loosened his hold as Hua Jing gently pulled away.
Step by step, she walked forward, slow and deliberate, her gaze never once wavering from Chen Li.
To everyone else, her movements were smooth and unhurried.
But to Chen Li, every step felt heavier than the last.
