Chapter 143: Chapter 143: Danger Averted
"Over my dead body," Yue Ning whispered.
The waiter left the catering room with the tray balanced carefully in his hands. She waited for a few seconds before slipping out from behind the shelf, her heels making no sound against the floor.
The system’s voice sounded low in her mind and filled with warning, ’He’s heading toward the banquet hall.’
"I can see that," she muttered, her body blending with the shadows as the corridor opened into the dazzling glow of the reception.
Applause erupted. The newlyweds had just entered, hand in hand. Cameras flashed, violins sounded through the air, and waiters moved elegantly among the crowd. The atmosphere shimmered with celebration and wealth.
The waiter she followed moved straight toward the long table reserved for the couple and their family. Her pulse jumped instantly.
"That’s the one carrying the spiked glass." She murmured under her breath.
"Estimated thirty seconds before it reaches the targets," the system said.
"Then we’ll have to improvise." She commented, her eyes flashing with coldness.
She straightened her expression into a delicate smile and stepped into the light as if she were meant to be there.
Her gown glittered under the chandeliers, and her posture was perfect. She stopped beside the waiter and said softly, "Excuse me, the arrangement on that tray looks quite uneven. Here, let me help you fix it before you serve the newly-weds."
The man blinked, startled, but nodded gratefully. "Ah—thank you, miss."
Yue Ning’s eyes flicked over the glasses. Under the light, the faintest shimmer of powder glowed on one surface.
With a calm smile which didn’t reach her eyes, she tilted the tray slightly, pretending to adjust one glass, and in that same motion switched its position with another.
Her fingers moved stealthily with quick precision, and when she stepped back, the laced glass was no longer where it had been.
"Perfect," she said with a faint smile.
The waiter thanked her and continued toward the couple’s table unaware of what had taken place under his watch.
Yue Ning released a quiet breath she didn’t know she was holding, her heart thudding fast asleep her eyes darted around.
"Switch confirmed," the system said. Yue Ning let out a sigh of relief.
Music filled the room again as the emcee raised his microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen, may we raise our glasses to celebrate this union—to love and to forever!"
Laughter rippled through the crowd. Waiters began distributing champagne, the golden bubbles rising beautifully under the crystal lights. Yue Ning stood among the guests, her posture relaxed, but her gaze never left the head table.
The tray reached its destination. The waiter bowed and offered the glasses. Madam He sat near the front, composed and flawless, her elegant fan resting in her palm. Yue Ning’s pulse beat faster.
Madam He rose gracefully, commanding the attention of the entire hall. "If I may," she said, her voice was smooth, totally different from the venom-laced one Yue Ning heard minutes ago. "A toast—from a mother’s heart."
All eyes turned to her. Camera lights flashed. Her hand lifted one of the glasses, her movements elegant, confident, unaware that fate had just turned in another’s favor.
"To the happiness of my son and his bride," Madam He said, her smile glimmering. "May their love endure beyond fortune and time."
Applause broke out, laughter following. Glasses clinked together like scattered bells. Yue Ning watched as Madam He brought the champagne flute to her lips and drank.
The moment passed in elegance. Music rose again, the crowd began to chatter, and servers moved gracefully between tables. Yue Ning allowed herself a small, quiet breath. Perhaps.
The faint sound of glass tapping against porcelain snapped her out of her thoughts.
Madam He’s fan slipped from her fingers. Her face, once bright with a smile suddenly turned pale. Her hand trembled slightly as she reached for the table to steady herself.
A few guests noticed first. "Madam He, are you okay?" someone asked, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.
He Yuchen turned quickly, concern flooding his expression. "Mother?"
Madam He tried to smile, but her lips barely moved. Her knees gave way, and she stumbled forward, the glass tumbling from her grasp. It rolled across the polished floor, spun once, and shattered into glittering fragments.
The music stopped. Then—
A wave of alarm spread through the hall.
Yue Ning stood still amid the chaos, her fingers tightening around her gown.
Then came the familiar, mechanical chime in her mind.
[Mission Complete!]
[Objective: Find out what Madam He is up to– Success].
[Reward: +1,200 points | Skill Upgrade Unlocked – Business and Surrounding Perception skills II]
[Bonus: System Trust +5%]
Her vision brightened for a brief second as energy pulsed through her veins. The faint hum of power resonated beneath her skin, sharpening the edges of the world around her — the flicker of movement, the faintest heartbeat, the rush of air against her ears. She could feel everything.
She exhaled softly, her lips curving into a smile. "Figures."
"Congratulations," the system said, its tone neutral but lighter than usual. "However, you may want to act shocked. Humans tend to notice those who look too calm."
She blinked once and instantly schooled her expression, widening her eyes in a feigned alarm. "Madam He!" she gasped, stepping forward as others did, her movements blending into the panic around her.
The hall erupted into confusion. Guests rushed forward, servants called for doctors, and He Yuchen shouted for someone to bring help. Yue Ning’s heartbeat remained steady, her upgraded senses picking out every sound, every breath.
Somewhere amid the commotion, she thought she saw Yun Li’s tearful gaze searching for her. Yue Ning met her gaze briefly, then gave a faint, reassuring nod — just enough to calm her friend before lowering her eyes again.
"Mission complete," she whispered under her breath, hidden behind the noise.
As the scene spiraled into panic, Yue Ning’s lips curved faintly just for a second. Karma had an exquisite sense of timing. The poison Madam He prepared for another had found its way back to her, swift and silent, as though fate itself had intervened.
’Poetic justice,’ the system commented dryly.
Yue Ning’s gaze lingered on the fallen woman before she turned away, masking the glint in her eyes. "Indeed," she whispered, adjusting her dress as the doctors hurried in.
Amid the chaos, only Yue Ning knew the truth—Madam He had simply tasted the bitterness she’d brewed for someone else.