The sight of Liang Wan not only stirred up memories of the past for Hina Sakura, but her words, "Sakura, you look so beautiful like this," also trapped Hina Sakura in deep nostalgia, unable to extricate herself. Hina Sakura looked up at the vivid presence of Liang Wan before her, Liang Wan with her arched brows and charmingly shy smile, radiating beauty. In this moment, it was as if Hina Sakura was no longer the responsible figure at the Shanghai Naval Department in Japan. She was simply a teenage girl who had finally encountered the person she had long admired, experiencing the blossoming of her feelings. The overwhelming joy of the moment caused her to forget everything else, including Du Chongshan standing beside her. Bowing her head, she carefully and tenderly took Liang Wan's hand, and said in a soft voice, "Liang Wan, you said the same thing when we first met. Do you remember?"

Those who become infatuated first are destined to sink into the dust.

The opponent is Liang Wan, Hinata Sakura is destined to lose.

Liang Wan lowered her head and looked at the hand that was held, then glanced at Hinata Sakura's emotionally stirred face. She didn't say anything. Does she remember? Of course not. But Hinata Sakura remembers.

The Hyuuga family, where Hyuuga Sakura belongs, is a samurai family that has served the Emperor for generations. Since her grandfather's time, an unwritten rule has been established within this ancient family, which is that the future head of the family must study at the University of Tokyo in Japan. As Hyuuga Sakura is the only heir in the main branch of the family, she had to abide by this rule and went to the University of Tokyo where she studied in the literature department. She met Liang Wan during the opening ceremony of their second year in school.

In fact, even Riyu Hina Sakura herself felt somewhat surprised. There were so many people present at that time, all dressed in similar clothes, so why did she happen to be the one that caught her eye?

Later, she found the answer, because she was Liang Wan, elevated and unparalleled, Liang Wan.

At that time, Liang Wan stood at the back of the crowd, dressed in a suit, her hair not tied up, simply letting it fall loosely.

She seemed to be half-dreaming and half-awake, with no expression on her beautiful face.

In the depths of their eyes, there was also a complete sense of alienation and indifference.

She seemed like a bystander watching a play, as if in her eyes, everyone here was a clown.

Out of place.

In that instant, the only sensation of Hina Sakura.

The lengthy speech finally came to an end, and the opening ceremony concluded. Everyone dispersed in different directions.

Riyuki Sakura saw clearly that as soon as it ended, several people immediately gathered around that person.

They chatted with her for a while, and then their faces turned red with embarrassment before quickly leaving.

Female classmate: "Sakura, what are you looking at?"

As she was engrossed in her gaze, a female classmate deliberately called out to her.

Female classmate: "Ah, you're looking at Liang Wan!"

Unlike her, the female classmate seems to know this person.

Hinata Sakura: "Do you know her?"

The female classmate nodded.

Female classmate: "You're probably the only one in our school who doesn't know her. Her name is Liang Wan, she's from China and she studies law. Because of her appearance, she caused quite a sensation on her first day here."

As she spoke, a hint of envy emerged in the eyes of her female classmate. "If only I had half of her excellence. Huh? How did she come over here?"

And just at that moment, Liang Wan walked over to them.

Liang Wan: "Hello, everyone."

When Liang Wan approached, Riyu Sakura realized that this person looked even more beautiful up close, almost like a fairy.

Liang Wan: "Can you tell me your name?"

As she spoke, Liang Wan extended her hand.

I thought that her face, which used to be as cold as frost, unexpectedly had a faint smile.

Upon seeing Hinata Sakura, she froze in place. Her female classmate next to her nudged her impatiently, urging her to react. Only then did she come to her senses and reach out to hold Liang Wan, saying, "Hinata, Hinata Sakura."

Liang Wan: "Hehe."

Her words brought about a light laughter from Liang Wan.

Liang Wan: "Sakura? It's a very beautiful name."

Hinata Sakura thought to herself, "This person is truly captivating, I have never seen anyone like him before."

Just a few words turned her heart racing and her mouth dry.

The elegant etiquette that was diligently learned was completely forgotten in an instant.

Releasing her grip, Liang Wan carefully examined her from head to toe and continued, "I've been searching for a good kimono shop. Sakura, you look absolutely stunning. Could you please tell me who made this for you?"

Hinata Sakura: "...Alright."

This was it, her first conversation with Liang Wan. It wasn't a romantic or complicated encounter, but rather because the kimono she was wearing happened to align with Liang Wan's aesthetic preference. It was not because of her, but because of the kimono set...

Du Zhongshan calmly observed this scene without showing any emotions.

Du Zhongshan can be considered an honest and straightforward scholar, so even though his life is full of frustrations, he has never done anything out of line in private. However, this does not mean that he has never encountered such things. Shanghai, a city immersed in the poisonous allure of wealth and fame, is like a large dyeing vat. If pure-hearted individuals soak in it for a long time, they will inevitably be tainted. Fame, fortune, power, status... anything can completely transform a person. In the end, it is only dominance that captures the interest of the strong.

Supreme dominion.

He had heard before that one of his subordinates, who was also a high-ranking official, kept five or six male servants in his own home. These people did not do any miscellaneous work; their sole task was to be used by their master as an outlet for his desires, allowing him to experience the supreme pleasure of dominance.

Du Zhongshan knew that in Shanghai, there were plenty of behind-the-scenes affairs like this that couldn't be brought out into the open.

He was just a little surprised that Hinata Sakura, a woman with such a dominant appearance, was not exempt.

Moreover, the person she admires unexpectedly turned out to be Liang Wan.

However, upon reflection, Du Zhongshan could also understand.

It is precisely because it is Liang Wan that she is able to completely conquer Hinata Sakura.

Allowing Rihime Sakura to hold her hand for a while, Liang Wan was a person who knew how to balance her boundaries. She was well aware that she didn't like Rihime Sakura, but Rihime Sakura liked her a lot. However, Rihime Sakura's current identity made it difficult for Liang Wan to show her disgust too blatantly. So Liang Wan had been enduring it and giving Rihime Sakura a little tenderness, allowing her to continue indulging in her fantasies. But now, Rihime Sakura was holding on for too long. A trace of displeasure flashed quickly in Liang Wan's eyes, but she didn't let anyone catch it. She gently patted Rihime Sakura's shoulder and said softly, "If you keep sticking to me like this, Minister Du will find it amusing." Indeed, Liang Wan's words had an effect. Rihime Sakura stiffened for a moment, then reluctantly let go of Liang Wan's hand. This statement hit two birds with one stone, also serving as a warning to Minister Du Zhongshan. He understood the implied meaning behind Liang Wan's words – tonight's gathering was private, and everything he saw was not to be spoken of. The consequences would be his responsibility.

Du Zhongshan: "Hehe, no, no."

Du Zhongshan wiped the cold sweat off his forehead with a handkerchief, while forcing a smile. He couldn't help but sigh in his heart: Liang Wan, this little girl is truly not to be underestimated. Although she is still young, the maturity and ruthlessness evident in her every word and action are enough to make his heart race in fear. Given more time to experience and grow, Liang Wan is bound to become even more terrifying than she is now.

Liang Wan: "Come, let us start the feast."

Liang Wan walked up to the main seat and smiled as she raised her cup.

Zou Ling: "Hey, are you asleep?"

Since Qin Xuan was sent back from Liang Mansion early in the morning, she had locked herself in her room, even ignoring Lao Zuo's calls for her to come out and eat. She didn't even react when Cao Hai, a messenger from the Night Tower, sent a gift during lunchtime. After this peculiar day passed, evening arrived, and Zou Ling walked into Qin Xuan's room, carrying a bowl of freshly made noodles prepared by Lao Zuo. He placed the bowl on the table and said to Qin Xuan, who was lying inside, facing the wall.

Qin Xuan remained silent.

Zou Ling: "Hey, what happened to you? How did Liang Wan bully you?"

Seeing her being so odd, Zou Ling furrowed his brows in confusion.

Upon hearing Liang Wan's name, Qin Xuan's body stiffened, and then Zhou Ling heard Qin Xuan let out a heavy sigh. After exhaling, Qin Xuan finally sat up. She first glanced at the noodles Zhou Ling had brought over and pouted her lips weakly, saying with a lack of energy, "Thank you, Ling'er. I didn't expect you to actually have a slight sense of decency." As soon as she opened her mouth, Zhou Ling became incredibly furious. He glared at Qin Xuan with his eyes and coldly corrected her, "Don't call me Ling'er, it disgusts me."

Qin Xuan: "...Oh, alright, Ling'er."

Seeing her deliberately asking for a beating, Zou Ling was about to lose his temper when he heard Qin Xuan continue, "Do you know? I feel like I'm in a dream right now, the most beautiful dream of my life. That Liang Wan... Ah! I forgot to bring my pipa back!"

After the banquet, Liang Wan stood at the door of the room where Qin Xuan had stayed last night. She looked at the pipa that Qin Xuan hadn't taken away and remained silent for a long time.

Does she not like it?