As Fung raced through the streets of this alien city, the powerful engine purring like a predator and made Alice feel small inside this beast of a car. Skyscrapers and buildings loomed like sentinels; their lights animated reflections on the sleek black hood of the vehicle. In less than half an hour, they arrived at a massive thirty-story modern palace at hillside, its facade adorned with shimmering glass and gleaming steel. Lined with marble lion statues and a classic Italian fountain at the center of entrance carpool, water cascading luringly over the intricate stonework.
At least fifty guards patrolled the premises, their footsteps echoing ominously on the marble floors, making sure nothing—not even a fly—could trespass without supervision. Alice had never seen such an imposing display of security.
"You live here alone?" Alice whispered in astonishment to Fung. Despite their similar age, it seemed inconceivable that a young person could inhabit this vast dwelling.
"Just me and the maid. Here we are—we're home. Let's get you pampered for our night out," Fung replied, a playful grin tugging at the corner of her mouth, as the elevator doors opened onto her opulent fifteenth floor abode.
Alice gaped, her eyes widening in awe. Hand-carved wooden trim adorned every door, gold-plated antique couches and gleaming marble tiles covered every surface. Lavish tapestries and paintings exhibited the walls, each one seemingly more exquisite than the other. Growing up in luxury herself, Alice had never seen anything like it; Fung exuded wealth was on a level beyond Alice's comprehension.
While Alice was dazzled by the flashy interior of Fung's home, Fung offered to call the masseuse. Her voice lilting like a songbird, but Alice refused shyly, unused to such extravagance. Undeterred, Fung insisted, her eyes suggested a meticulous pampering Alice should not miss. After Alice finally relented, Fung right away picked up her cell phone a called for a private service. As two young beautiful Japanese girls in twenties dressed in white and purple Japanese traditional kimonos arrived at their door just within 15 minutes, Alice couldn't be more curious. While Shiatsu masseuse moved their trained hands delicately on her body, Fung began to explain to her the different aspects of this ancient aroma technique. She also told Alice that Shiatsu therapy was such specialized stress treatment, the therapists were required to be certified after at least 2 years of training. On top of it, it was not easy to be selected by such prestige institute, where they only allowed 15% of applicators to enter, few were qualified. If any error occurred during sessions, it would cause discomfort or injuries to their valuable clients. In worst case scenario, if any mistakes, it would put their respected reputation of almost 100 years in shame. Fung did not tell Alice the cost of such royal like treatment, but Alice had a rough estimation.
Just then, something on Fung's back caught Alice's eye: a unique tattoo of an exotic creature, its sinuous form curling around her shoulder blade. The taunting inkwork seemed to come to life under the dim lighting, its vivid colors capturing Alice's imagination. It was unlike anything she had ever seen before, a visual testament to the enigmatic girl who had brought her here.
☆☆☆
After the royal like service, Alice knew the reason behind Fung's skin shone like pearl even in dark. Alice felt just the same after the therapy session.
The two girls entered the expansive walk-in dressing room hand in hand, and Alice gasped in awe. The space was a luxurious haven of fashion, bathed in the soft glow of crystal chandeliers. Hundreds of designer dresses and jewelry lay scattered amongst the chaos, creating a dazzling rainbow of colors and textures. She was astonished at the opulence. How could a girl so young own such extravagant garments?
Floor-to-ceiling shelves held a dizzying array of shoes, while drawers overflowed with scarves, gloves, and other accessories. Every inch of the room was a presentation of Fung's impeccable taste and undeniable wealth.
Alice glanced sidelong at her own reflection in the wall-sized mirror and felt out of place. In her plain t-shirt and jeans, she looked like a country bumpkin compared to Fung's poise and glamor. Fung, clad in a slinky red dress that hugged her curves, appeared every inch the sophisticated socialite.
"You look beautiful! Must be an up-and-coming model?" Alice asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
Fung smiled softly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yes, I do some modeling on the side." Her gaze traveled across Alice's frame, assessing what clothing would fit her best.
"How come you live by yourself? Where is your family?" Alice couldn't help to ask.
A flush of sadness crossed Fung's face, her classic features momentarily clouded with pain, before she replied, "My parents separated when I was young. My mother raised me by herself - she taught me all about sorcery from our underworld tribe. Since childhood, I had been ill often, so we'd visit temples for blessings from benevolent gods. It was there my mother told me of monks who could commune with deities and bring fortune."
Fung opened a tiny silk pouch, its vibrant colors shimmering in the dim light, and removed a fragrant sachet with a Chinese character Mei stitched upon it. "This word Mei is Japanese for someone's spirit, both divine and infernal."
Alice watched in wonder as Fung passed her a slim cut ebony dress, the fabric whispering against her skin like a lover's caress. The dress was a work of art, its glaring lacework and exquisite beading speaking of the hours of craftsmanship that had gone into its creation.
"I can't wear this! This is too much." Alice knew she would feel more at ease if she was wearing her own cloths.
"Just take it, or I won't wear it again anyway." Fung continued digging in her layers of drawers filled with accessories.
As the girls changed, they chatted animatedly about their lives, finding common ground despite their vastly different backgrounds. Alice couldn't help but marvel at the sisterly bond that seemed to be forming between them.
"We're ready for tonight - let's go!" Fung exclaimed; her eyes sparked with excitement.
Arm in arm, the two girls strode towards the elevator, their laughter echoing through the halls. They looked every bit the glamorous duo, their gowns shimmering with each step, as they prepared to take the city by storm. Little did they know that the night ahead would hold more surprises and revelations than they could have ever imagined.