June 4, 2023, Sunday, Partly Cloudy to Sunny, 18~31℃.
Hongfu Breakfast Shop.
“Slurp, slurp—” Zhao Yaqian sipped her millet porridge, her eyes curving into crescents as she gazed at Tang Song across the table, a wide smile playing on her lips.
“Why are you staring at like that?” Tang Song asked curiously while munching on a at bun.
Zhao Yaqian licked her lips. “Brother Song, I’ve almost finished organizing the house you gave . I bought a ton of beautiful furniture, decorations, and wall hangings. I’ve also been buying lots of pretty clothes lately. But the wardrobe in the walk-in closet still looks a bit empty.”
She glanced around, lowered her head slightly, and whispered excitedly, “Oh, and I bought so fun little outfits online. They’ll arrive in a couple of days. Once I’ve finished organizing the house, why don’t you co over and stay for a few days? I can show you each one, one by one.”
Tang Song’s eyes lit up as he imagined his costologist friend’s curvaceous figure in alluring lingerie. A surge of warmth rose within him.
“Qianqian, you can always buy duplicates of the sa style. Don’t worry about wasting money,” he suggested. After all, such items were mostly disposable.
“Okay.” Zhao Yaqian’s face turned slightly red. Under the table, her long, shapely legs shifted forward, gently rubbing against Tang Song’s.
It was a steamy breakfast.
After finishing their al, the two strolled along the pedestrian street for a while before Zhao Yaqian returned to Yanjing Huating, took a shower, styled her hair, and started picking out clothes.
She had recently enrolled in driving school through Slover Trust, a VIP-customized program with a senior female instructor, pick-up and drop-off service, and certification in just over 20 days. Owning her car was one of her moderate dreams.
Now that money wasn’t an issue, she planned to buy a car as soon as she got her license and received this month’s “salary.” Xiaoxue had already recomnded several gorgeous models to her.
She stepped into the luxurious walk-in closet of the master bedroom.
Under the soft lighting, the creamy white decor with light wood accents created a warm yet elegant atmosphere.
The main feature of the closet was a large, multifunctional wardrobe with sleek, transparent glass doors. Inside, sections were clearly defined.
On one side was a hanging area filled with various garnts—from graceful dresses to smart blazers and comfortable sportswear. The other side featured folded items, storage compartnts, neatly stacked underwear, socks, and so exquisite handbags and hats.
A refined shoe rack displayed an array of footwear in different styles and colors.
There was a spacious, full-length mirror, a leather-wrapped shoe bench, and a plush carpet.
Zhao Yaqian’s sensual figure trembled slightly as excitent flushed her cheeks.
Every girl dreams of being a princess, and this was her castle.
She could decorate and transform this house however she liked, making it her perfect haven. She could invite friends over, cook delicious als in the dual kitchens, and share joyful monts.
This was her house—complete with a deed and contract—bringing her an unmatched sense of security and stability.
The more she thought about it, the more she felt her programr boyfriend’s affection. Every detail showed how much he cared for her, making her feel truly cherished.
The 19-year-old costologist slipped off her clothes and spun in the center of the closet, her fingers brushing over the luxurious outfits she had once only dread of owning.
“Tang Song, no matter what, I’ll never leave you,” she murmured, her eyes misting slightly.
…
She donned a trendy casual outfit, stepped out of the closet, and began packing items into her beloved Carryall bag.
“Ring, ring—” Her phone suddenly rang.
She pulled it out and glanced at the screen. It was Li Yuru from the Beneficiary Rights Protection Departnt at Slover Trust, one of the staff mbers dedicated to her services.
Zhao Yaqian quickly answered with a sweet voice, “Hello?”
Soon, a soft female voice ca through the receiver. “Good morning, Ms. Zhao. Is this a good ti to talk?”
“Yes, please go ahead,” Zhao Yaqian replied, instantly perking up. It was the first ti they’d proactively contacted her.
“It’s like this. Previously, you ntioned wanting to participate in social activities. We’ve arranged for you to attend the Hermès Exhibition and the Shanghai International Film Festival. I’ll send the details to your WeChat shortly. Please check them.”
“Oh, okay. I’ll take a look.”
“If you’re interested, let know promptly, and I’ll assist with the arrangents. By the way, Ms. Su Yu will also attend this film festival. The invitation we secured for you includes premium seats, so you’ll be able to see many celebrities.”
Zhao Yaqian’s heart leaped, and she imdiately replied, “Got it, thank you. I’ll let you know soon.”
After hanging up, excitent washed over her face.
Brother Song’s trust company was truly amazing!
Before long, a WeChat ssage arrived with the event details and schedule.
Zhao Yaqian bit her lip and forwarded the information to Lin Muxue, adding, “Xiaoxue, rember what you ntioned earlier? The trust company responded—what do you think of these two events?”
Not being very knowledgeable about such matters, she relied on Lin Muxue, whose social dia often featured similar high-class events.
When there was no reply after a few minutes, Zhao Yaqian was about to call her when—
“Ding-dong, ding-dong—”
The doorbell rang.
Peering through the screen, Zhao Yaqian quickly opened the door with a surprised look. “Xiaoxue, you’re here!”
Lin Muxue, dressed in workout clothes and glistening with sweat, panted slightly as she said, “Are you sure you can attend these events? Were you really invited by the trust company?”
“Yes, they made the arrangents and said they’d plan the itinerary once I confird.”
“You absolutely must go!” Lin Muxue gripped Zhao Yaqian’s hand tightly. “Qianqian, you’re my best friend and sister. This is your first ti attending such high-class events—you might get flustered. I want to go with you. Besides, I still have unused vacation days.”
“Okay, wait a mont. I’ll ask if I can bring soone along.” Zhao Yaqian quickly dialed the phone again.
The call was answered promptly.
“Hello, Ms. Zhao. How may I assist you?”
Looking at Lin Muxue, Zhao Yaqian asked directly, “If I attend, can I bring soone with ?”
After a brief pause, Li Yuru replied warmly, “Of course. However, we’ll need to review their information, as stipulated in your trust agreent. Please send their details to my WeChat, and I’ll get back to you promptly.”
“Alright, thank you.”
Hanging up, Lin Muxue eagerly took Zhao Yaqian’s phone, nervously entered her na and ID number, and sent them over.
These two events were among the hottest topics in Shanghai at the mont.
In her socialite group chat, Lin Muxue had seen endless discussions about them.
For the Hermès Exhibition, attendees needed to be VIC mbers of Hermès—a status requiring annual spending of over 10 million yuan. Only the truly wealthy and influential could attend.
Not to ntion the Shanghai International Film Festival, where one could et celebrities up close. Just a few photos with stars would set her social dia ablaze.
She could already imagine how spectacular her posts on WeChat Monts, Douyin, and her socialite group chat would be.
“Ding-dong—”
A WeChat ssage arrived.
[Beneficiary Rights Protection Dept. - Li Yuru]: “Ms. Lin’s information has been approved. She can accompany you. We’ll arrange round-trip flights, accommodations, and a car for both of you.”
“Aah!” Lin Muxue couldn’t help but squeal, throwing her arms around Zhao Yaqian and planting a kiss on her cheek. “Qianqian, once the itinerary is set, let know right away. We’ll have the best ti in Shanghai! I know that city inside out. I promise to make sure you enjoy yourself to the fullest!”
“Okay, thank you, Xiaoxue. I’d honestly be a little scared to go alone.”
Lin Muxue clenched her fists, staring at Zhao Yaqian. The more she looked, the more adorable, beautiful, and kind her friend seed.
In her heart, she silently vowed, Qianqian, I’ll do my best to be a true sister to you. When the ti cos, let’s all hang out with Tang Song. I’ll even carry the team for you in gas!
…
Jinxiu New City Apartnts.
“Ring, ring—”
The phone buzzed.
Wen Ruan, who was watching a variety show with Zhang Ziqi, picked it up, glanced at the caller ID, and stood up. “Hello, Qinqin? You’re here already?”
“Okay, I’ll co down to et you.”
She hung up, waved to her friend, and said, “Let’s go downstairs to pick up the stuff.”
Zhang Ziqi quickly paused the show, tied her hair into a ponytail, and started putting on her shoes.
Downstairs, they found a shady spot to stand while chatting about the items they needed to purchase.
That morning, Wen Ruan had called her parents again. From her mother’s tone, it was clear that things wouldn’t settle for at least a month. This ant she’d have to stay away from ho for an extended period.
To avoid further conflict, she had asked her younger cousin, Wen Qinqin, to bring her so daily essentials and clothes from her house in Green Oasis Garden.
Confronting her furious mother was sothing Wen Ruan didn’t have the courage to do, especially after her recent behavior, which had caused a massive fallout, embarrassing her parents, relatives, and even the prospective match her family had arranged.
But that was precisely her intention.
Her reputation in the matchmaking circles had been utterly ruined, ensuring she wouldn’t have to deal with arranged dates anyti soon.
Currently, the thought of eting other n or even engaging in casual conversations made her uncomfortable. For so reason, it felt like betraying Tang Song, leaving her with a deep sense of guilt.
“Vroom, vroom.”
The sound of tires on asphalt grew louder.
A pink Lynk & Co 06 slowly pulled up and parked by the entrance.
Wearing a mint-green dress, Wen Qinqin stepped out of the car and handed over the keys. “Sis, you still look stunning—even from afar. And of course, Sister Ziqi is gorgeous too.”
Wen Ruan had left her car keys at ho when she was kicked out after drinking a bit too much the day before.
Taking the keys, Wen Ruan affectionately patted her cousin on the head. “You’re such a sweet talker.”
The two cousins were close in age, making their relationship warm and playful.
Wen Qinqin, at 25, could barely be considered a small beauty. But next to Wen Ruan, she looked quite ordinary.
It took over half an hour for the three of them to get everything sorted.
Looking at how crowded the one-bedroom apartnt had beco, Zhang Ziqi was tempted to say, "Zhuangzhuang, why don’t you just move into President Tang’s spacious flat? And take with you!"
Wen Qinqin glanced at her phone and smiled. “By the way, did Cousin Lina call you this morning?”
“Yes, she did. She wants us to co over for lunch,” Wen Ruan replied, handing her a bottle of water. “It’s probably just to show off her new house.”
Their family had long moved out of the villages around Yan City due to redevelopnt. Each household had received compensation in the form of apartnts.
However, the developers had gone bankrupt, leaving their promised hos as re empty pits. With real estate prices falling, the land had been left idle. Most of them now lived in rented apartnts.
This was a sore point for the entire family, and whenever they got together, they would vent their frustration before sighing heavily. As a result, they placed extra importance on owning property.
After earning so money, Wen Ruan had pooled funds with her parents to buy a two-bedroom unit in Green Oasis Garden, finally giving her family so stability. However, she now faced a monthly mortgage paynt of 3,300 yuan.
Qiao Lina, their older cousin from their aunt’s side, was about the sa age as Wen Ruan but had been married for two years. Recently, her husband’s business had taken off, and they’d moved into a spacious three-bedroom apartnt in the city center.
Although it was a secondhand ho, its excellent renovation and upscale atmosphere were more than enough to show off. Her social dia constantly featured updates about her life—her husband, her house, and her daily routines.
This constant comparison was one reason Wen Ruan’s parents were so eager to set her up with soone.
“Ding!”
A WeChat notification interrupted her thoughts.
Wen Qinqin checked her phone and said, “My boyfriend’s on his way to pick up. Why don’t we ride with him to lunch?”
“Sure. I haven’t t your new boyfriend yet, so I’ll need to evaluate him properly,” Wen Ruan teased with a grin.
Wen Qinqin smiled sheepishly, her tone proud. “He’s a total hottie. I chased him purely for his looks.”
Wen Ruan laughed and said, “Ziqi, you should join us. After lunch, we can visit Xingyue City to watch a movie and go shopping.”
Because she lived nearby, Zhang Ziqi often visited Wen Ruan’s place and was familiar with her family mbers. Feeling guilty, Zhang Ziqi looked at her phone and said, “You two go ahead. I’ll catch up after…um, a quick bathroom break.”
“Alright.” Wen Ruan grabbed her bag and headed downstairs with her cousin.
Near noon, the sun was blazing.
After only a few minutes of waiting in the shade, a white BMW 3 Series pulled up.
“Chen Hao!” Wen Qinqin called, waving excitedly.
The car stopped beside them, and the window rolled down, revealing vibrant music playing inside.
A young man, around 170 cm tall, stepped out. Slim but not skinny, with a clean-cut, handso face, he dressed in a simple yet stylish outfit.
He was indeed a good-looking guy.
Wen Qinqin grabbed his arm and introduced him cheerfully. “Chen Hao, this is my cousin Wen Ruan. I told you about her before. Isn’t she beautiful?”
Chen Hao’s eyes lit up with awe as he saw Wen Ruan.
She stood at a height matching his own, her mature and enchanting features complented by a striking figure and long legs.
Though she wore a plain T-shirt and jeans, her charm was irresistible.
Chen Hao straightened his posture instinctively, wanting to present his best self.
With a bright smile, he greeted, “Hello, Sister Wen Ruan. I’m Chen Hao.” ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟
Wen Ruan frowned slightly but returned the greeting politely.
While they waited for Zhang Ziqi, Wen Qinqin suddenly asked, “Sis, I heard from Auntie that you said you had a boyfriend and even planned to bring him ho. What happened with that?”
Wen Ruan’s face twitched. Her mother really needed to keep her mouth shut.
“It’s nothing. We just didn’t feel compatible.”
“What kind of person was he? Must’ve been super handso and charming, right?” Wen Qinqin pressed, curiosity evident.
Chen Hao perked up, keen to know what this stunning woman looked for in a partner.
Wen Ruan’s lips tightened as mories of Tang Song flashed in her mind—his every movent and expression.
Taking a deep breath, she found herself unable to describe him.
The roar of an engine suddenly drew their attention.
A sleek black BMW 330 slowly approached.
Wen Ruan raised an eyebrow in recognition before her eyes widened in surprise.
The door opened, and Tang Song stepped out in a white short-sleeved shirt, jeans, and white sneakers.
The breeze tousled his hair as a faint smile graced his clean-cut face. His clear eyes locked onto hers.
Wen Ruan’s heart skipped a beat, her legs almost giving out beneath her.
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