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 inside of the Feng estate. She knew she wasn't needed there, and 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, Feng Suyin heard a rustling in the shadows. She tensed, her heart quickening as she strained to see through the darkness.
"Who's there?" she called out.
Feng Suyin wasn't afraid because she knew no one would dare lay a hand on her in the Feng family estate. If a person still dared to attack her, she knew how to defend herself. She might look small and dainty, but she was 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 was already twenty years old, but 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 don't rat me out?" he said, looking around as if he expected someone to jump out at any moment.
Feng Suyin raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Lan Ruoxing's 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 about him 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 someone would dare come here while I'm around," she replied.
From where they were standing, only Feng Suyin could be seen by the other guests from the balcony. Lan Ruoxing's presence was hidden by the heavy drapes that framed the open doors. He kept himself hidden in the shadows, his eyes fixed on Feng Suyin. There was a moment of silence between them, the sound of the party inside fading into the background.
"I appreciate your help," Lan Ruoxing said, stepping closer to her. "You're not like the others here. I can sense it, Miss Feng."
"You know me?" She arched a brow on him.
"Hn?" Lan Ruoxing met her gaze and blinked. "But aren't you the adopted daughter of the Feng family, right? I've seen you in the news before, and 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?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, making sure that others wouldn't suspect she was talking to someone.
Lan Ruoxing hesitated momentarily, debating whether he should tell her.
"I came here with my cousins without my parents' knowing. I'm just curious what your family is up to?" He confessed.
"Oh?" Feng Suyin crossed her arms and felt the slight breeze brush against her skin. She watched Lan Ruoxing closely, a flicker of amusement in her eyes.
"You mean to say you sneaked into the Feng estate just out of curiosity?" she said, a small smile playing 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."
Lan Ruoxing's 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 it myself."
Feng Suyin chuckled softly.
"Curiosity killed the cat, they say."
"Ah, but satisfaction brought it back," Lan Ruoxing countered with a grin.
"But what is it to you? Did our Feng family offend you in any way?"
Feng Suyin 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," he began. "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 that resonated with her desire to break free from the expectations placed upon her.
"Well, now that you've satisfied your curiosity, what do you plan to do?" she asked.
Lan Ruoxing's 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 do not mind me asking, why is there a feud between our families?"
Feng Suyin didn't want to take advantage of Lan Ruoxing's 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 he was surprised to hear her asking such a question.
Feng Suyin felt guilty, but since she already asked the question, 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 do not 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, but because of your adoptive mother, my elder sister died after childbirth."