Xiaoyun stood before the full-length mirror in her bedroom, taking in the reflection of herself with practiced satisfaction. Her raven-black hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, the strands shimmering as they caught the sunlight that filtered through the window. Her delicate, porcelain skin was flawless, unmarred by the imperfections that plagued others. Her deep, almond-shaped eyes held a quiet confidence, a serene beauty that effortlessly drew the gazes of anyone who happened to cross her path.
She smiled to herself, admiring the image before her. It wasn't vanity—at least, not in the way others would describe it. Xiaoyun was simply aware of her own magnificence, a truth she had learned from the countless compliments and admiring glances that had followed her from the moment she could remember. Men often looked at her as though she were a rare flower, and women saw her as the standard they aspired to. Xiaoyun was aware of their envy, and it only served to solidify her sense of superiority.
"Xiaoyun, you're looking particularly radiant today," her mother's voice echoed from the hallway.
Xiaoyun's smile softened into something more knowing as she turned toward the door. "Thank you, Mother,"
Her mother entered the room, her expression fond but tinged with concern. "There's still time to reconsider the proposal from the Su family, you know. They're very influential—"
Xiaoyun raised a hand to stop her. "Mother, we've had this discussion one too many times."
Her mother sighed, an all-too-familiar sound, but Xiaoyun wasn't worried. Her parents adored her, and they were content with allowing her the freedom to live her life as she pleased.
She wasn't interested in relationships—at least, not yet. The men who tried to get close often lacked the wit or charm to hold her attention, and she had yet to meet anyone who could offer something more than empty compliments or shallow pursuits.
A sleek black car waited for her in the driveway, and the chauffeur opened the door as she approached. "To the café, Miss Xiaoyun?"
"Yes," she said simply, sliding into the leather seat. As they pulled away, Xiaoyun leaned back, savoring the quiet luxury of the ride.
When they arrived, she stepped out with practiced elegance, turning heads as she entered the bustling café. Her friends were already seated. Ming waved enthusiastically, while Mei and Li smiled politely. Xiaoyun's arrival was, as always, the highlight of their gathering.
"Finally! I thought you'd never get here," Ming teased.
"Traffic," Xiaoyun said dismissively, though in truth, she had deliberately taken her time. Let them wait—it only heightened the effect.
The conversation started with the usual topics: Mei's shopping sprees, Li's latest work dramas. Xiaoyun contributed sparingly, aware that the real interest lay in her responses. She sipped her tea slowly, giving them just enough attention to feel included.
Inevitably, the subject shifted to Ming's favorite obsession.
"You know," Ming began, leaning forward, "the manhua I'm reading just updated, and it's so good."
Xiaoyun's attention began to drift.
"And the prince," Ming continued, her voice rising with excitement, "I think he's finally going to admit his feelings, but there's this—"
Xiaoyun nodded absently, swirling her tea. The faint clinking of the spoon against the porcelain was far more interesting.
"Xiaoyun," Ming suddenly said, narrowing her eyes. "Are you even listening?"
"Of course," Xiaoyun replied smoothly, setting down her spoon. "The prince. Feelings. Very dramatic."
Mei and Li laughed quietly as Ming rolled her eyes. "One day, you'll actually read it, and you'll see what I mean."
Xiaoyun's lips curved into a small, amused smile. "Perhaps. When I'm in the mood for something…less predictable."
Ming huffed, but the conversation shifted again, and Xiaoyun let herself tune out the hum of chatter. Her gaze drifted to the café's glass walls, where she caught her reflection once more.
Who could possibly be as perfect as me?
The thought brought a small, satisfied smile to her lips. Everything about her life was immaculate. The world spun exactly as it should, and she was at the center of it.