[Upscale Tea House, Hidden Private Room – Evening]
At the table
– , ever refined, like a perfectly rehearsed mask.
– , dressed in subtle white, expression gentle… too gentle.
Hann Jianxun
(Warm smile)
“Ye Hann. You’ve been busy lately.”
Ye Hann
(Sits, unfazed)
“You could’ve just called if you wanted to catch up.”
Hann Jianxun
“Actually… it was Yue who wanted to see you.”
Xian Yue
(Soft voice)
“You’ve changed. There’s strength in your eyes now. I always knew it was in you.”
Ye Hann
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(Casually)
“Did you?”
Xian Yue
(Sincerely, almost wistful)
“I wanted to talk. No politics. Just… us.”
Ye Hann
(Smiling faintly)
“Of course.”
Ye Hann (narrating, inner monologue)
“She’s still trying to read me. Just like before.
Back then, I believed that smile.
Back then, I died for it.”
Hann Jianxun
(Lightly)
“Our family’s been watching you, you know. Your rise… it’s not gone unnoticed.”
Ye Hann
“I figured.”
Hann Jianxun
“You should come home more often. The family could use someone like you.”
Ye Hann
(With a grin)
“So you can assign me ‘duties’ again? I’ll pass.”
[Rooftop, Later That Night]
Ye Hann (narrating)
“They’re playing the same script.
Jianxun using Yue as bait. Yue pretending to be soft and innocent.
And me? I’m supposed to fall again.”
“But I remember. I remember everything.”
[Flashback – Past Life, Late Night]
Ruoqi
“You trust her too easily. That smile is sharpened glass.”
Ye Hann (then)
“She’s different.”
[Back to Present]
Ye Hann (softly, almost to himself)
“You were right, Ruoqi. I was the fool.”
Ye Hann (narrating)
“Let them think I’m blind again.
This time, I want them to believe it—right until the blade turns.”
