Lin stood by patiently as Yunying adjusted every last detail of her new car.
From the the seat leather, to the ammbient lighting and the interface language which was in english, of course. Even the ringtone of the built-in call system was customized before she was satisfied.
"Miss Xu, your preferences are all set. The system will remember your profile whenever you enter."
"Thank you.." Yunying replied lazily, stretching against the driver's seat like it was her throne.
Lin handed her a slim black folder. "This contains the registration, insurance, and maintenance schedule. One more thing, your license."
Yunying flipped it open. The photo was a little faded, the edges slightly curled. The previous Xu Yunying clearly hadn't used it much.
"It'll do for now.." she said lightly, snapping it shut. "I'll renew it once I get the chance."
As Lin closed the door for her, she tilted her head. "Need a lift?"
He quickly shook his head, bowing slightly. "Thank you, Miss Xu, but a car is already waiting for me."
"Suit yourself." Her lips curved into her signature small smile.
She tapped the ignition. The engine roared to life, smooth and powerful, sending a shiver of satisfaction down her spine. With one hand on the wheel, she drove out of Golden's private parking lot like she owned the entire place.
She hit play on QQ Music, and the sultry rhythm of Harleys in Hawaii filled the cabin.
Her lips curved into a wicked grin as she sang along, letting the words spill over naturally.
The wind in her hair, the song on full volume, wardrobe change and a new car. She was living the life.
Yunying received a message from Louli as she turned into a bend.
Louli: Hey Yunyun, Melon and I have arrived. Be sure to get here early and don't give me that crap about cooking.
-_-
Cooking was an excuse, the previous Yunying used to get out of gatherings.
But she had a feeling Madam Wang or Xiao Lian wouldn't call her to cook any time soon.
The car seemed to roar with her, the engine growling in sync with the beat. She glanced through the windshield, Lucky Bean Café coming into view, and her smile deepened.
The world had just witnessed the birth of someone unstoppable.
Yunying parked the Trofeo at the side, stepping out with a casual grace, slowly removing her sunglasses. Sunlight glinted off her hair, and the red of her car caught a few heads.
She was two minutes late, Louli and Suihe had already claimed a table, chatting quietly, unaware that the world was about to tilt.
The instant she stepped into the café, the chatter dissolved. Conversations paused mid-sentence. Eyes dartimg toward the entrance, some curious, some envious, all were captivated.
Yunying's lips curved into the tiniest of smiles, a hint of self-consciousness flickering for only a moment as she bowed slightly, scanning the café for her friends.
At the far end, she spotted Louli and Suihe and perched on Louli's lap was a little girl, about four years old.
"So this is Melon.." Yunying murmured, kneeling slightly to meet the child's height. Her fingers reached out, lightly booping the girl's nose. "Melon, you've gotten taller! What is your mama feeding you?"
The child giggled, hugging her closer, while Louli and Suihe froze, their mouths hanging.
Their eyes traveled up and down Yunying's frame, drinking in her transformation. The navy-blue waves of her hair, the effortlessly chic outfit, the confidence radiating from every step…
Louli finally stammered, "Y-Yunying… is that… really you?"
Suihe could only nod, wide-eyed, as if the café itself had just been graced by a goddess walking among mere mortals.
Yunying's smile widened, a playful glint appearing in her eyes. "Yes, it's me. And yes… I'm fabulous."
The little girl, Melon, laughed again, tugging Yunying's hand.
Yunying finally slid into the booth with Louli and Suihe, Melon wiggling happily beside her. The two friends exchanged glances, wide-eyed, then leaned in.
"So… what sparked this transformation?" Louli asked, voice low and curious.
Yunying's lips curled into that mischievous smile. "I plan on getting married to Qian Jinxing."
--_--
--_--
Louli hissed under her breath, her eyebrows knitting. "He's so rude though! He's buddies with my husband, and that's why he's nice to me. You do not want to get on his bad side."
Yunying didn't flinch. She raised a hand, signaling the waiter to bring her a drink, reclining against the seat with that casual, untouchable air.
"I just felt like it.." she said lightly, tilting her head. "I just want my life back now… and not gonna let that bi—" she paused, glancing at Melon, her lips twitching as she swallowed the word "bitch" just in time "…Xiao Lian overshadow me."
Louli and Suihe immediately erupted in quiet cheers, keeping their voices playful for Melon's sake.
"Finally! Someone putting that little tyrant in her place!" Suihe whispered, shaking her head.
Louli added "About time she learned someone could actually challenge her without fear."
Melon clapped her tiny hands, laughing, oblivious to the adult drama but somehow sensing the victorious energy around her.
Yunying leaned back, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "Exactly. It's about time the eldest Miss Xu had her life back… and make everyone else regret ever looking down on her."
Suihe leaned back in her chair, tattoos tracing patterns along her arms, exuding an effortless confidence. Her smirk was enough to tell everyone she ran her own rules, and tonight, she had plans for fun.
"Okay, hear me out.." she said, voice dripping with mischief. "We need to celebrate the new Yunying. Clubbing. Tonight. No excuses."
Louli groaned, running a hand through her hair. "Ugh… I can't. Got photoshoot's tomorrow, and I've gotta watch Melon, my husband's on a business trip. I'm stuck."
Suihe's grin widened, a teasing glint in her eyes. "See? This is exactly why you weren't included. You're busy being married.."
--_--
Yunying threw her head back and laughed, the sound melodic and dangerous in its own way. "Girl, that's so mean. Louli can't come cause she's busy. Right?"
Louli glared, half amused, half exasperated. "Exactly! I can't help it!"