The coffee table was casually adorned with several invitations, marking the celebration banquet hosted by the Ning family for securing the project. This time, Ning An wasn't attending as Miss Ning but as a candidate for inheriting the Ning family's legacy. Ning An looked at the invitations with a heavy gaze.
After freshening up, she stood on the balcony, her gaze fixed on the villa's entrance, with a subtle anticipation in her eyes, unnoticed even by herself. Ning Xuan had been absent for several days now... The person who always followed her around, causing her annoyance and distraction, had suddenly disappeared from her side. She felt an eerie unease, quickly shaking her head, wondering if she was turning into a masochist.
At night, the early summer breeze carried a hint of grass and the heavy heat, lifting the white curtains on the balcony. The curtains floated gently, landing on the slender ankles of the girl illuminated by the moonlight. Her round toes trembled slightly, and she turned uncomfortably, revealing her graceful figure without any cover.
A dark figure appeared silently amidst the rise and fall of the curtains. He watched the girl sleeping peacefully, her defenses down. Softness and affection shimmered in his slightly narrowed eyes as he chuckled softly, crouching down to gaze at her serene sleeping face.
"You forgot to close the windows again..." His low, husky voice sounded alluring in the darkness.
He smoothed the girl's slightly furrowed brows, murmuring, "Have you missed me these days, sister..."
He suddenly thought of something, shaking his head with bitterness, "You probably haven't missed me. In these days I've been away, I've been having nightmares every day. Dreaming of you bleeding profusely in my arms... and I'm powerless to help. If I could really be reborn, would the outcome change?"
The room fell into silence, except for the lingering breath of the evening breeze, with no one to answer him.
Lost in his own world, he didn't notice the slight movement in the girl's brows and eyes as she slept...
Ning An sat somewhat bored on the sofa, watching the shop attendant bustling back and forth. She held the latest seasonal gown in her hand, surrounded by a girl, namely Nangong Yaya.
"An An, how does it look?" Nangong Yaya twirled on the platform, and Ning An raised her eyelids, a hint of amazement flashing in her eyes.
It seemed her taste was indeed not bad. The pink strapless princess gown suited her well. The dress itself wasn't overly decorated, with the only highlight being the crystal ribbon around the waist, accentuating her slim figure and showcasing her playful yet elegant charm.
"Not bad," Ning An complimented.
Nangong Yaya, feeling proud, stepped down from the platform, changing back into her own clothes and sitting beside Ning An.
"I'll go with this one then. After all, it's for your family's banquet. I can't be too ostentatious." The girl's lively voice sounded like a cheerful bird. "Miss Ning, there are a few more of the latest designs in the showcase. Would you like to have a look?"
The store manager, seeing the opportunity, couldn't contain her excitement. Two young ladies visiting together was a rare chance; if they could make a purchase, it would boost their sales for the month!
Ning An didn't agree nor disagree, but she had noticed the dresses in the showcase, none of which caught her eye.
The attendant, sensing Ning An's lack of interest, hesitated but didn't give up. With a determined expression, she said, "Miss Ning, there's also a dress designed by the famous Italian designer Clarence. Would you like to see it?"
Nangong Yaya, upon hearing the name, got excited and grabbed Ning An's hand, "Wow, An An! Clarence! His designs are priceless; you can't even buy them with money!"
Without her saying, Ning An was familiar with the name... one of the most renowned designers in Britain. It was said he was intelligent and talented, a perfectionist who designed mostly limited edition pieces.
Many young ladies from prestigious families vied for his designs, but he was selective. Rumor had it he was a member of the British royal family, so he didn't pay much attention to socialites' requests.
The store manager saw a chance and personally led someone to fetch a mannequin from a storage room, covered in a dust bag.
As the dust bag fell away, Ning An's eyes widened in amazement... A striking red gown caught her gaze.
The long train cascaded on the floor, its smooth lines and natural flow making it appear vibrant yet sophisticated. Delicate crystals adorned the edges of the neckline, connecting to two slender shoulder straps that crossed at the back. The whole dress shimmered like silk, attracting everyone's attention with its simplicity yet elegance.
Nangong Yaya felt that the dress she had chosen suddenly seemed too ordinary. "An An, this is on a completely different level! It's Clarence after all."
Indeed, it was impressive. "This dress suits my taste," Ning An admitted.
The store manager saw her chance and couldn't help but eagerly interject, "Miss Ning, would you like to..."
"This dress, I'll take it." Her words were interrupted by a haughty and assertive voice.
Ning An raised her eyebrows, looking at Ouyang Manni, who stood at the door, feeling instantly annoyed. "Hey! Ouyang Manni, don't you understand the principle of first come, first served? We saw it first."
Before she could speak, Nangong Yaya, unable to contain her frustration, loudly questioned, while Ouyang Manni casually flicked the tag of the dress.
"So what? What I want belongs to me. First come, first served? In my dictionary, it's all about getting what I want." Ouyang Manni said arrogantly.
Ning An held back Nangong Yaya, signaling her not to get involved.
Then she looked at the arrogant woman with a stern gaze, her eyes turning sharp. She took a step forward, confronting Ouyang Manni.
Ouyang Manni was taken aback by this gaze, feeling her own aura being suppressed. She was surprised by Ning An's sudden imposing presence and couldn't figure out when this girl had developed such an intimidating demeanor.
She remembered her as a gentle and fragile girl, like a delicate flower sheltered in a greenhouse, protected and cherished by Nangong He and Ning Xuan. But she didn't possess any aggressiveness herself.
The beautiful face drew closer to her, and she could clearly observe the girl's fair but slightly unhealthy complexion. Although her appearance hadn't changed, her inner temperament seemed to have undergone a significant transformation...
Doubt flashed in Ouyang Manni's mind, before she could react.
Ning An stood before her, her expression mocking. "Getting what you want? You're quite confident, huh? I remember your Ouyang family didn't manage to secure the land at Joyful International, did you? Yet here you are, invited to the Ning family's banquet. How does that feel?"
Ouyang Manni's proud expression faltered, and there was a hint of coldness in her gaze as she looked at Ning An.
But Ning An didn't care, a slight smile playing
on her lips.
"Since you like it so much, I'll give this dress to you, Ouyang Manni. Just remember, it's the dress that I, Ning An, didn't want." With that, she disregarded Ouyang Manni's darkening expression and tapped Nangong Yaya's slightly stunned head, "Let's go."
Nangong Yaya followed as if she had just realized what happened, looking at Ning An with admiration. "An An, you're so cool! I've never seen Ouyang Manni so furious she couldn't even speak. It's so satisfying! She's usually so arrogant, I don't even know what she's proud of, compared to you in appearance and achievement..."
She felt a bit sorry, though. "But it's a shame to let her have that dress for free."