The next day began quietly, but Qingxue could sense the storm brewing beneath the Xu household's polished surface. Her resolve from the night before still burned strong, but she knew she couldn't face the challenges ahead blindly. Yanran had spent years cultivating her image as the perfect daughter. If Qingxue wanted to hold her own, she would need more than just determination—she would need knowledge and allies.
After breakfast, she decided to explore the estate more thoroughly. It wasn't just an act of curiosity; it was a strategic decision. She needed to familiarize herself with her new home and understand the people who worked here.
While walking through the garden, she noticed a young man crouched near the hedges, trimming the plants with precise movements. He wore simple clothes, his sleeves rolled up to reveal toned arms, and his face was partially hidden by the brim of a cap.
"Good morning," Qingxue said, stopping a few steps away.
The man glanced up, his sharp features catching her off guard. His eyes were a piercing shade of gray, unusual and striking. He stood up, brushing dirt off his hands.
"Miss Xu," he said, his tone polite but distant. "What brings you here?"
"You know who I am?" Qingxue asked, surprised.
He smirked faintly. "Everyone in the estate knows who you are."
She tilted her head, intrigued. "And who are you?"
"Zhao Wenyan," he said simply. "I work as a gardener here."
His casual tone made it clear he didn't see her as someone worth impressing, and Qingxue found it oddly refreshing.
"You seem different from the others," she said, her voice thoughtful.
He raised an eyebrow. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"
"It's an observation," Qingxue replied. "You're not falling over yourself to be polite or overly formal, like most people here."
Wenyan chuckled softly, his expression softening. "I don't see the point in pretending. People like me don't have much to gain from impressing people like you."
Qingxue crossed her arms, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Maybe that's why I find talking to you refreshing."
Wenyan's gaze lingered on her for a moment, as though he were assessing her sincerity. Finally, he nodded. "If you're looking for someone to tell you the truth, I might be able to help. But don't expect it to be pretty."
"Truth is exactly what I'm looking for," Qingxue said firmly.
Over the next few days, Qingxue began to seek out Wenyan whenever she had the chance. He was reserved and occasionally blunt, but he didn't sugarcoat things or speak in riddles like many of the people she encountered.
During one of their conversations, she learned that Wenyan had been working for the Xu family for several years and had a keen understanding of the dynamics within the household.
"Yanran," Wenyan said one afternoon as they sat on a stone bench in the garden, "isn't someone you can trust. She's mastered the art of looking kind while being ruthless behind the scenes."
"I already figured that out," Qingxue replied, her tone dry.
"Then you should know she won't stop at small jabs or subtle insults," Wenyan warned. "If you threaten her position, she'll escalate."
Qingxue frowned. "Do you think she's capable of… something serious?"
Wenyan's expression darkened slightly. "I've seen what people are capable of when they feel cornered. Be careful, Qingxue. Yanran's smile hides sharp teeth."
His warning only strengthened her resolve. She knew she needed to be strategic, to prepare for whatever Yanran might throw her way.
"Thank you, Wenyan," Qingxue said sincerely. "I appreciate your honesty."
Wenyan gave her a rare smile, his usual guarded demeanor softening for a moment. "Don't thank me yet. Just promise you'll be careful."
That evening, Qingxue sat at her desk, her jade pendant resting in her hand as she thought about everything Wenyan had told her. Her life had changed so drastically in such a short time, and she was still finding her footing. But one thing was clear: she couldn't afford to be passive.
If Yanran wanted a battle, Qingxue would be ready.