Allie planned to go shopping for roller skates today, to see what kind she could afford with her limited savings. She slept in since she didn't have to get up early.
Hearing the sound of the front door, she assumed Fiona had returned from training.
"What's this? Allie, are you up?" Fiona's exclamation came through.
Allie got up and walked out of her room. "What's going on?"
"Allie, look! There's a gift for you outside. I brought it in. Quick, open it and see what it is!"
"A gift?" A delicate box sat quietly on the table. Allie carefully picked up the box and gently opened it. Inside lay a pair of brand new roller skates, gleaming with a metallic sheen and looking highly technological.
"This is..." Allie murmured, "Fiona, you've helped me too much. I can't accept this. I can buy my own."
"Allie, this isn't from me. Look carefully, is there a name on it?"
"You didn't buy it? Fiona, don't lie to me." She really couldn't keep relying on Fiona.
She examined the shoes and box carefully again, but there was no name. The shoes had no model number, appearing to be a custom product.
"Hehe, I know who it's from," Fiona winked at Allie. "Who else knows your skates were ruined besides you, me, and the culprit?"
"You mean Ryan?"
"Who else could it be?"
Just as she finished speaking, Allie's terminal rang. It was a message from Ryan.
Ryan: Did you receive the roller skates?
Allie: Yes, I did. Thank you, Ryan.
Ryan: Have you tried them on? Go for a test skate when you have time. If they don't fit, we can adjust them.
Allie: Okay, got it. I'll go test them right away. Thank you.
Ryan: Mm.
Allie: Um... can I ask about the price?
Ryan: What, are you planning to sell these too?
Allie: Σ( ° △ °|||)︴Σ( ° △ °|||)︴
Allie: I'm going to test them out. Bye~
Allie put down the terminal, her face red.
This was bad. Her bad reputation couldn't be washed away now.
"Wow, Allie, look at the campus notice! What is this man trying to do?" Fiona screamed.
"What campus notice?"
"Here, look at mine." Fiona turned her terminal screen to Allie:
Today's Campus Column
To all faculty and students of Mars Speed Academy:
By decision of the Board of Directors, our school officially welcomes Mr. Ryan Waters as a new member of the Board. Mr. Waters has acquired a portion of the academy's shares in his personal capacity, demonstrating his confidence and support for our school's development.
The introduction of this strategic investor will inject new vitality into the academy, helping to improve teaching quality and expand students' development opportunities. The academy will work closely with Mr. Waters to jointly promote our school's continued development in the field of speed sports.
This is hereby announced.
Board of Directors, Mars Speed Academy
Binary Star Calendar Year 4592, Month 16, Day 3
Allie and Fiona looked at each other, puzzled.
"Looks like you've got a powerful backer at school now!" Fiona patted Allie's shoulder.
Allie looked down at the roller skates in her hands, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside her. Ryan's special attention made her feel both touched and a bit at a loss. She carefully examined the skates, every detail revealing exquisite craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. Allie couldn't help but imagine how Ryan had chosen these skates for her.
"Allie, what are you daydreaming about?" Fiona's voice brought Allie back to reality.
Allie looked up at Fiona, a shy smile appearing on her face, "Nothing, I just want to try these skates right away."
Fiona blinked, "You want to try the skates? Just that? Someone bought the school for you, and you're only concerned about the skates?"
Allie's face instantly turned red, "Don't talk nonsense, Fiona. Ryan just thinks I have potential and can be cultivated. It's just an investment."
Fiona shrugged, "Well, that explanation does fit his style, but I think if it was just an investment, he wouldn't need to do this. There must be other reasons."
She paused, then suddenly remembered something and clapped her hands, "Oh right, it's the weekend, and my family's party is starting tonight!"
Allie then remembered that Fiona was going to introduce her to new friends today. She nodded, "I remember, but..."
"But what?" Fiona raised an eyebrow at Allie.
"I... I'm not very good at dressing up," Allie said somewhat embarrassedly.
Fiona's eyes lit up, "Don't worry about that! Leave it to me, I guarantee you'll be the most dazzling star of the party!"
Over the next hour, Fiona acted like a professional stylist, carefully dressing up Allie. She first helped Allie choose a simple yet fashionable dress, the light blue fabric complementing Allie's fair skin. Then, Fiona let Allie's long hair down, the silver-bright, long curls falling to her lower back.
"Allie, your hair is so beautiful, so long and gorgeous. It's a pity it's always tied up during training, and we can't see it."
"It's nothing special. I've been thinking about cutting it sometime. It's quite troublesome to maintain."
"No, don't cut it! If you cut it, I'll never speak to you again!"
Allie laughed happily.
"Now, it's makeup time!" Fiona's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Allie looked nervously at Fiona as she took out various cosmetics. "Fiona, I've never worn makeup before..."
"Don't worry," Fiona reassured her, "I'll give you a very natural look, I promise it won't be too heavy."
Fiona's movements were gentle as she carefully applied makeup to Allie, occasionally pausing to admire the effect. Finally, she put down her makeup brush with satisfaction.
"All done, look in the mirror!" Fiona said excitedly.
Allie turned to face the mirror, and when she saw herself, she couldn't help but open her mouth in surprise. This was a version of herself she had never seen before. The girl in the mirror was beautiful and charming, with lively features. Her purple eyes seemed to sparkle like stars, and her silver hair was smooth and shiny, falling loosely to give her an ethereal appearance. The blue dress perfectly showcased her figure and elegant temperament.
"Is... is this really me?" Allie was stunned.
Fiona smiled proudly, "Of course it's you! You were beautiful to begin with!"
Allie looked at Fiona with gratitude, "Thank you, Fiona. You're really amazing."
Fiona waved her hand dismissively, "I can't wait, let's go and dazzle everyone!"
"Oh wait," Allie called out to Fiona.
"What's wrong? Is something not right?"
"I, I want to try the roller skates first, just for a little bit. To see if they fit."
Fiona sighed, "Alright, alright, Roller Princess. Be careful of your dress!"
Allie glided gracefully along the campus path, her long silver curls flowing in the breeze. The light blue dress swayed gently with the rhythm of her skating. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting a soft glow on her. Her movements were elegant and fluid, as if dancing in the air. Passing students stopped to admire, attracted by this beautiful and moving scene.
The party venue was a luxurious villa owned by Fiona's family in Olympus City. When Allie followed Fiona into the villa, she was stunned by the sight before her. In the spacious hall, crystal chandeliers emitted a soft glow, expensive artworks hung on the walls, and soft carpets covered the floor.
"Welcome to the Martinez house," Fiona said with a smile, "Don't be nervous, everyone here is very friendly."
Allie nodded, trying to calm her nerves. She knew Fiona came from a wealthy family, but it was only at this moment that she truly realized the wealth and status of Fiona's family.
As Fiona and Allie entered the ballroom, the surrounding chatter seemed to die down instantly. Allie was wearing a light blue long dress adorned with tiny rhinestones. Her silver hair fell around her fair neck, shimmering with a soft holy light under the chandeliers. Her slightly youthful face was pure and charming, her purple eyes sparkling with a hint of nervousness. In her memory, this was the first time she had attended such an occasion, and she felt very uncomfortable.
Fiona was wearing a dark red off-shoulder gown with black crystal jewelry, looking edgy and flamboyant. Her red hair was tied up high, revealing her long neck, and diamond earrings sparkled on her earlobes. She stood next to Allie in stark color contrast, attracting everyone's gaze.
"Allie, relax," Fiona said in a low voice, "You look absolutely gorgeous today. You're sure to be the center of attention."
A blush spread across Allie's stiff face, "Fiona, I'd rather not be the center of attention..."
Just then, Fiona's gaze swept across the ballroom and suddenly stopped in a corner. Her expression froze instantly, her eyes widening and her mouth slightly open, clearly shocked by the sight before her.
"What's wrong, Fiona?" Allie followed her gaze and couldn't help but freeze as well.
In a corner of the ballroom, Fiona's father - a burly, stern-faced middle-aged man - was chatting animatedly with the school principal. And at the table next to them sat a familiar figure - Ryan.
Ryan was wearing his usual high-end black floral-patterned suit, traditionally cut with some innovative touches. The collar of his shirt was slightly open, making him look formal yet not too somber. His black hair was neatly combed back, and the silver badge had reappeared on his collar. At the moment, he was intently listening to Fiona's father's conversation, occasionally nodding or smiling.
"Oh my God," Fiona whispered in shock, "Is that Ryan? How did he end up at the party?"