Ren Yuxin, on the other hand, tried a soft blush pink ballgown with layers of tulle. The sweetheart neckline and delicate floral appliqués made her look like a princess from a fairytale.
Yang Qinru wrinkled her nose. "You look like a cupcake."
Ren Yuxin stuck her tongue out. "You're just jealous I can pull off pink."
Next, Yang Qinru stepped out in a metallic silver gown with an asymmetrical neckline and a thigh-high slit. The dress shimmered like liquid mercury, catching every light.
"I feel like a futuristic warrior queen," she mused, flexing her arm dramatically.
"You look like you walked out of a sci-fi movie," Ren Yuxin teased, but her smile showed approval.
Ren Yuxin's choice was a navy blue gown with intricate beadwork that resembled constellations. The dress had a plunging neckline and a flowing cape attached to the shoulders, giving it a celestial vibe.
"I'm a goddess of the stars," Ren Yuxin declared, striking a dramatic pose.
"You're ridiculous," Yang Qinru said, but she couldn't hide her grin.
Yang Qinru slipped into a sleek, midnight-black gown with a thigh-high slit and a sweetheart neckline. The fabric shimmered faintly under the boutique's soft lighting.
She stepped out, hands on her hips. "What do you think?"
Ren Yuxin, lounging on a velvet chair, tilted her head. "You look like the villain in a spy movie."
"That's the vibe I was going for." Yang Qinru smirked, twirling dramatically.
Meanwhile, Ren Yuxin emerged from her fitting room in a lavender gown adorned with delicate silver embroidery. The high neckline and long sleeves gave it a regal air, but the back was entirely open, showcasing her flawless skin.
"Do I look like a princess?" Ren Yuxin asked, striking a pose.
Yang Qinru looked her up and down. "You look like a nun from the front and a temptress from the back. It's confusing."
The boutique staff stifled their giggles as Ren Yuxin threw a cushion at Yang Qinru, who dodged with practiced ease.
Yang Qinru's next choice was a fiery red gown with another mermaid-like silhouette. The strapless design highlighted her collarbones, and the cascading layers of tulle at the bottom gave it an almost flamenco flair.
"Too much?" she asked, examining herself in the mirror.
Ren Yuxin, who was now wearing a mint-green gown with a plunging neckline and a flowing chiffon skirt, shook her head. "You look like a goddess of war."
"And you look like a nymph who got lost on her way to a forest party," Qinru replied, grinning.
"Better lost than underdressed," Ren Yuxin shot back, fluffing the gown's delicate layers.
Ren Yuxin tried on a golden gown covered in intricate beadwork. The off-shoulder design and fitted bodice made her look like she had stepped out of a royal portrait.
"Wow," Yang Qinru admitted, for once at a loss for words.
Ren Yuxin spun around, the gown catching the light and scattering it like sunbeams. "I feel like an empress."
"You look like one," Yang Qinru agreed.
Yang Qinru, on the other hand, opted for a pale blue ball gown with a plunging V-neckline and a cinched waist. The layers of soft tulle made her feel like she was floating.
Ren Yuxin stared at her. "Are we having a Disney moment? Because you look like Cinderella after the fairy godmother got involved."
Yang Qinru laughed. "I was going for more 'modern fairy tale,' but I'll take it."
After what felt like hours of trying gowns and playful banter, they finally found the ones.
Yang Qinru's choice was a sleek red gown with a deep V-neck and a fitted silhouette that flared out slightly at the knees. The fabric was satin, smooth and glossy, with a subtle sheen. Thin gold chains draped elegantly across her back, adding a touch of edginess.
"It's bold," Ren Yuxin commented as Yang Qinru admired herself in the mirror.
"And so am I," Yang Qinru replied, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.
Ren Yuxin, after much deliberation, chose a blush pink gown with delicate floral appliqués and a flowing A-line skirt. The subtle sparkle of the fabric and the understated elegance suited her perfectly.
"Are you sure it's not too sweet?" RenYuxin asked, looking at herself critically.
"It's perfect," Yang Qinru assured her. "You'll make everyone at the gala jealous."
Yang Qinru said. "You look like a goddess. Very you."
"And you look like a dangerous temptress," Ren Yuxin said, grinning.
As they paid for their gowns and stepped out of the boutique, arms linked and laughter bubbling between them, Ren Yuxin sighed dramatically.
"I feel like we just fought a war."
Yang Qinru grinned. "A war we won, Xiao Yu. A war we won."
"Milk tea now," Ren Yuxin demanded.
"Fine," Yang Qinru replied with mock exasperation. "But you're paying next time."
Ren Yuxin laughed. "You're rich, Qinru. Don't pretend you're broke."
"And you're not poor either, Xiao Yu," Yabg Qinru shot back. "But fine, my treat. Consider it payment for forgetting you existed for three months."
"You forgot I existed?!"
"Oops."