Their beauty is innate, a result of both their natural grace and their rigorous training. It is also a reflection of their continuous self-improvement, balanced with a healthy lifestyle and the rejuvenating effects of the spring waters.
Their appearances have only grown more youthful with time, and their presence exudes a fresh, vibrant energy akin to that of young girls.
With their growing beauty, their abilities have soared, and Zhao Lun has provided them with even more support.
Although Monica holds the position of his assistant, she is the one who manages most matters, stepping in only when big decisions require his input.
As for Nicole, she started an entertainment company, producing films and short films primarily for her own enjoyment, in a rather casual manner. Occasionally, Zhao Lun, Monica, and Angela join her in these ventures.
Angela, in contrast to them, is not as carefree, constantly pressured by her family to participate in various matchmaking arrangements.
This baffled and perplexed both Monica and Nicole. They strongly supported Angela's choices, and Monica even urged her to sever ties with her family. Angela, however, gave her a dismissive look, telling her to mind her own business. Undeterred, Monica suggested they take a temporary break from contact to allow both parties to cool down.
Zhao Lun, observing from the sidelines, remained unconcerned, offering his support when needed.
Had it been before, the softer-hearted Angela might have caved and returned home, following her parents' wishes to marry and settle down. But after spending time away, her perspective broadened. Her work flourished, her life stabilized, and since she was not ready for marriage, she naturally resisted her family's plans.
The pressure was relentless. Now, Angela dared not call her family casually, only sending them a monthly letter to reassure them.
The standoff between them has lasted nearly a year, and now, nearing its resolution, Angela's parents have sensed their daughter's firm stance, easing their demands. Angela, however, remains resolute, unwilling to return.
The last time her family called, claiming she had fallen seriously ill, Angela rushed back by plane, only to find her parents in good health, playing mahjong. Upon seeing her, they immediately took her to a matchmaking session. Angela, in a fit of anger, stormed off, refusing to speak to them for a long while.
Meanwhile, Hodal has benefitted greatly. He has become almost like a superhero, his powers so formidable that they have demoralized ordinary people and earned him widespread admiration. With his strength and the financial backing provided by Zhao Lun, his security company has recruited many talented mercenaries, making them nearly invincible in their domain.
Even a champion fighter would fall before Hodal.
Hodal has continued to grow stronger, his unwavering attitude earning Zhao Lun's trust. As a reward, Zhao Lun has provided him with more of the divine spring water, benefiting not only him but also his family—his wife, Elena, and daughter, Sandy.
Elena, like Monica, has retained her youthful appearance, showing no signs of aging and appearing even younger.
Hodal, too, has followed suit. In order to appear more mature, he has grown a beard, ensuring others do not notice anything unusual.
On this rare rest day, with the weather bright and clear, everyone gathered together at the Zhao family estate.
The attendees were Zhao Lun, Maria, Nicole, Monica, Angela, Elena, little Sandy, Hodal, and Hodal's assistant, Baru.
Pets included Ivy, Grey Shadow, Snow, Prince, Snow Shadow, and Flash.
The event was the first annual year-end gathering.
"Alright, everyone, stand in position. Yes, just like that—perfect, smile!"
Baru, holding the camera, directed them with professional precision.
Click! The family photo was taken.
"Perfect, absolutely flawless!" Baru glanced at the photo, satisfied.
"Let me see, let me see. Ah, it looks a bit off-center. No, we have to retake it."
"No, Baru's right, it's perfect!"
"I'll change into another outfit for the photo! We should switch up the angle too."
"Brother, Maria wants to take a photo with you."
The group chattered as Zhao Lun and Hodal were pulled aside and meticulously posed by the women, unable to object, and they had no choice but to cooperate. Otherwise, the entire process would take half a day longer due to needless bickering.
Zhao Lun enjoyed the atmosphere, though he could not handle their relentless rearranging, which felt like shopping. Their determination to perfect everything overwhelmed him. But, despite his complaints, whenever they begged, neither Zhao Lun nor Hodal would refuse.
Click! Click! The flashing lights continued as the group moved around.
Click, click, and only when night fell did they finally stop. Every time they heard the click, it made their hearts skip a beat, and the flashes left their eyes aching.
"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, that's enough for today. We'll continue tomorrow."
Zhao Lun seized the moment to bring the photoshoot to a close.
"Time flies, that wasn't enough! How about we continue tomorrow?"
Several of the women, including Maria, expressed their dissatisfaction, and Maria even suggested continuing the next day.
"Maria, any business can wait until tomorrow. Now, let's celebrate."
Zhao Lun quickly interrupted her, announcing the next part of the evening's agenda.
By now, fire pits were set up, flames crackling, and several chefs appeared, preparing various dishes—Western, Chinese, and a few colorful ethnic foods.
Not far from them were crates filled with drinks, both homemade and store-bought. Guests were free to pick whatever they desired. Considering Zhao Lun, Maria, and Sandy, Nicole had insisted that no alcoholic beverages be present.
The meal lasted quite a while, and everyone left contentedly, fully satisfied.
The pets, finally free from Sandy's persistent interference, could now relax, having been relentlessly pestered all day.
The year-end banquet was a tradition, one that most companies would hold at this time of year for their annual summary, and they followed suit. However, their event felt far less corporate and more like a family gathering. The night passed in carefree fun.
After dinner, everyone took turns performing talents. Performances could be solo or collaborative, with the focus being on participation rather than perfection.
Nicole and Maria performed together—Nicole played the piano, while Maria danced.
Monica and Angela sang a beautiful love song, fully immersed in the interaction, looking like a couple, much to Zhao Lun's delight.
Hodal and Elena performed a tender Swan Dance, expressing their love, with Sandy joining in to complete the performance. No one expected the burly Hodal to have such a graceful side, and his performance left everyone moved. Through their dance, they conveyed the love of their family.
Clap! Applause erupted, energizing the atmosphere.
Finally, it was Zhao Lun's turn. He was going to perform magic.
Dressed in clean clothes, empty-handed, he blew a puff of air from his hands, and fresh flowers appeared, which he presented to the ladies. Then came fruit platters, served to everyone. With each appearance, something vanished, only to be inspected afterward.
Zhao Lun's brilliant performance left everyone stunned, their eyes wide in amazement, and they looked at him with newfound admiration. Maria almost couldn't resist stepping forward to inspect the magic herself.
The performance concluded, and the applause was deafening, followed by exclamations of "Incredible!"
With that, Zhao Lun declared the year-end banquet a resounding success, bringing the evening to a joyous close.