Chapter 53: The Crimson Thread Tightens
Evening settled over the city, painting the skyline in strokes of deep vermillion and cobalt. Lin Feng stood at the edge of a high-rise terrace, the breeze tousling his hair as neon lights blinked lazily below.
Behind him, the soft click of heels broke the silence.
"You really don’t like crowds, do you?" came Xu Shanyue’s voice, cool and composed as ever.
He turned slightly. "They’re noisy. Too many layers."
She stepped beside him, her silhouette sharp against the city lights. "Layers are what keep people from bleeding out."
"Or keep them from healing," he replied without looking at her.
There was a moment of quiet between them. Not awkward—just charged. Controlled tension, like two swords still sheathed but ready.
"You caused quite a stir in the Chamber," she said finally. "Your little counterstroke during the investment pitch? Bold."
"Calculated," he corrected.