The table was laden with a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner. Each exquisite dish was like a work of art, exuding an enticing aroma, as if telling the story of the warmth of home and the joy of reunion.

The brightly colored braised pork melts in your mouth, rich yet not greasy; the tender and juicy steamed fish symbolizes abundance year after year.

There are also dumplings, which symbolize reunion, each one filled with the heartfelt wishes of family members.

As everyone enjoyed the delicious food, they shared stories from the past year, their laughter echoing throughout the room like melodious notes, playing a tune of reunion.

In this warm atmosphere, time quietly passed, and the midnight bell finally rang. The melodious sound of the bell was like a messenger traveling through time and space, announcing the official arrival of the new year.

Even after the New Year's Eve vigil ended, everyone was still immersed in the joy of the festival.

The joyful atmosphere was like a warm blanket, enveloping everyone, but the weariness of staying up all night also gradually crept in like a tide.

So, carrying with them wonderful hopes for the new year, as if they were carrying seeds of hope, everyone went back to their rooms to rest.

Prepare to embark on a hopeful and wonderful life in this brand new year, like a new sprout breaking through the soil.

At this moment, Qin Qianluo and Su Jinyun held hands, like two birds nestled together, and strolled back to their cozy room.

Inside the room, the candlelight flickered, the dancing flames emitting a soft and warm glow.

The room was bathed in a romantic light, as if creating a dream world just for the two of them.

The two sat side by side, their eyes filled with deep affection, like the deep waters of a lake reflecting each other's figures.

They whispered to each other, sharing their love and hopes for the future, immersed in their deep affection, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility and sweetness.

It was as if the whole world had shrunk to just the two of them, and time itself seemed to stand still for them at that moment.

However, inside the Linglong Pavilion in the capital, the atmosphere was unusually oppressive and eerie.

The interior was lavishly decorated yet exuded a sinister atmosphere; the candlelight on the walls flickered precariously, as if it might go out at any moment.

The shadows cast danced on the wall, like menacing demons.

Qi Meng, who should have been in Jinxiu County, now stood quietly by the window of her room, like a sculpture.

Suddenly, a strange light flashed in her eyes, like a mysterious shooting star streaking across the night sky.

The light carried a sinister and chilling quality, as if it came from an endless abyss of darkness.

She slowly raised her head, her gaze sharp and unwavering, fixed on the direction of the Duke's mansion.

Those eyes seemed to possess a magical power that could pierce through the heavy night and the vast distance, clearly discerning every move within the Duke's mansion.

Then, a cruel smile slowly crept onto her lips, a smile as cold as frost raging in the dead of winter.

It seemed as if a terrible storm was brewing, about to sweep in with overwhelming force, shattering the peace and tranquility of the Duke's mansion.

That smile seemed like a messenger of darkness, preparing to bring fear and disaster to this joyful place, sending chills down one's spine.

Just as Qi Meng's lips curled into a cruel smile, and the chill in her eyes spread like a surging undercurrent, the room was almost oppressively silent.

The tightly closed door creaked open, emitting a faint but jarring sound, as if breaking the frozen atmosphere.

Shadow One, like a ghost blending into the darkness, silently slipped into the room.

He was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, which resembled a deep shadow after nightfall.

The fine fabric gleamed with a dark and mysterious luster in the flickering candlelight.

It seemed to possess a strange magic, quietly devouring all the already limited light around it.

His every movement was light and agile; with each step, he moved like a feather falling, without making a sound.

It is also like a black panther hidden in the dark night, each step is extremely steady and precise, showing an ultimate elegance and agility that has been rigorously trained.

Upon entering the house, his knees seemed to be drawn by an invisible force, slowly bending and kneeling.

His posture was as straight as a pine tree standing proudly on the edge of a cliff in a raging storm, yet remaining steadfast and unmoved, demonstrating unwavering loyalty.

He simply lowered his head slightly, hiding the beads of sweat on his forehead in the shadows, perfectly demonstrating his respect and humility towards Qimeng.

Then, he slightly parted his lips and spoke softly, his voice like a gentle breeze that quietly swept across the calm lake.

Though the sound was soft, it was as clear as a silk thread: "Master, news has just come from over there."

They said that the research you assigned was fraught with difficulties and would take some time to complete.

They were deeply apprehensive and ashamed about the delay, and repeatedly urged their subordinates to plead with their master to be magnanimous and forgiving of their lapse.

The moment Yingyi stepped into the room, Qimeng's sharp and intimidating gaze, like that of a hawk, was abruptly withdrawn from the direction of the Duke's mansion.

Her body, which had been slightly turned to the side, slowly turned around, her movements elegant and slow, yet exuding an indescribable air of majesty and coldness.

It was as if every inch of his movements was radiating an invisible sense of oppression to the surroundings.

At this moment, her gaze was like a cold, piercing blade, shooting straight at Yingyi without reservation.

It was as if they wanted to see through his eyes and dissect every single thought in his heart.

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