Night.

Since Bai Lung was told to rest at Yang family residence, he accepted.

The night air was crisp and cool, carrying the scent of blooming jasmine as Lady Yang made her way through the ornate halls of the family estate.

Her footsteps were measured, betraying none of the trepidation that roiled within her.

As she neared the guest quarters where the young master rested, she paused, taking a deep breath to center herself.

This was no time for weakness or indecision. She had come too far to turn back now.

She had hoped to grow closer to her husband but the fact that this young master comes from Bai Family only makes her blood boil.

She wants revenge against that family anyhow and this was the time.

'I am sorry husband, but you can find someone else... I have a certain purpose that I need to fulfill as the last remaining descendent of my family,' she clenched her fist.

Straightening her shoulders, Lady Yang entered the dimly lit room without even knocking or signaling, her eyes immediately finding Bai Lung's imposing figure.

"Young master," she greeted, her voice measured and controlled.

"You had summoned me,"

-

Bai Lung inclined his head, a faint smile playing on his lips, that could barely be seen.

"Lady Yang! I'm glad you decided to join me," He gestured to the low table, where a pot of fragrant tea waited.

"Please, have a seat. I believe we have much to discuss," he added.

It felt like a buffalo ready to enter the slaughterhouse.

"But I must know - what is the true nature of this 'game' you play? What are the stakes, and how do I stand to benefit?"

Every word coming out of her mouth was natural with no hint of anything else.

Bai Lung leaned back, his gaze appraising. "The stakes are nothing short of power and influence - the very foundations upon which our world is built. As for the nature of the game..." He paused, a sinister gleam in his eye.

"It is a game of strategy, of alliances and betrayals, where the strongest and most cunning emerge victorious. And I believe you, with your keen intellect and unwavering determination, have the potential to be a most formidable player,"

Someone once said; Life is a race, be racist.

Yang Su felt a thrill of anticipation despite her better judgment, her hands shook slightly which was noticed by Bai Lung.

There was too much in her consciousness at the moment.

"You speak in riddles, young master. If I am to consider your offer, I must have more than mere promises of power and influence." Her gaze sharpened.

"What, exactly, are you proposing?"

Bai Lung smiled inwardly, his face still cold, a predatory gleam in his eyes.

"I propose an alliance, Lady Yang - one where our interests are aligned, and our strengths complement each other. Together, we can reshape the very fabric of East Mountains,"

He leaned forward, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper.

"But this is no simple matter of politics or diplomacy. We will be walking a razor's edge, courting danger at every turn. Are you ready for that?"

Her eyes narrowed as she considered Bai Lung's words, the weight of his proposition heavy in the air between them.

"An alliance? Young Master truly flatters me," She placed her teacup down with a delicate clink, her fingers lightly drumming against the ornate table.

"And what, pray tell, would my role entail in this grand scheme of yours?" Her gaze was piercing, seeking to uncover any hidden motives or deception.

"from the look of it, the young master plans to throw me once your 'base' is set... I have to remind you, I am no mere pawn to be sacrificed on your chessboard, Young Master... If you have a better option please mention it, or else, I am not someone who wastes time,"

"Let me remind you, Young Master, it's pretty easy to blunder when you are new to chess... Pretty easy to lose valuable pieces,"