Ling Mei woke up to the sound of her own screams. She was drenched in cold sweat, her heart racing from the nightmare that had haunted her for years. The memories of her childhood, of her stepmother and stepsisters' cruelty, still lingered, refusing to be forgotten.
She got out of bed and began her morning routine, trying to shake off the lingering fear. As she dressed, she glanced at her Cartier watch, a gift from her grandfather. She was running late, and she knew her manager, Yan Li, would not hesitate to scold her.
Just as she finished getting ready, her phone rang. It was Yan Li, her voice loud and shrill. "Don't tell me you're still in bed?" Ling Mei rolled her eyes, accustomed to Yan Li's dramatics. "It's only 6:45 am. The meeting is at 8."
Yan Li's voice was laced with annoyance. "Does this mean you're still in bed?" Ling Mei sighed, patiently responding, "I'll call you when I'm ready." She hung up the phone, relieved to be free from Yan Li's nagging.
As she headed to the meeting, Ling Mei's thoughts turned to her grandfather, Ling Bao. She had kept her family background a secret, even from her colleagues in the modeling industry. Only Yan Li knew the truth.
At the meeting, Ling Mei was introduced to Director Zoe Braxton, a renowned figure in the fashion world. The two women exchanged pleasantries, discussing the endorsement deal that Ling Mei would be representing.
Director Zoe was impressed with Ling Mei's portfolio and her experience in the industry. "I must say, you're one of the most talented models I've worked with," she said, smiling. Ling Mei blushed, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment.
After the meeting, Ling Mei and Yan Li returned to their office. Ling Mei asked Yan Li about her impression of Director Zoe. Yan Li replied, "She seems professional enough. We should be able to bag a good deal from this." Ling Mei nodded, lost in thought.
Just then, Ling Mei's phone rang again. This time, it was her grandfather. His voice was stern, commanding her to return to the Ling's mansion that evening. Ling Mei's heart sank, knowing that she would have to face her family's drama once again.
Yan Li noticed Ling Mei's distress. "What's wrong?" she asked. Ling Mei hesitated, unsure of how to share her family's complicated dynamics with Yan Li.
"It's just my grandfather," Ling Mei said finally. "He wants me to come home tonight." Yan Li raised an eyebrow. "What's going on?" Ling Mei sighed, feeling a sense of resignation. "I don't know. But I have a feeling it's not going to be good."
As Ling Mei left the office with Yan Li, she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in her stomach. She knew that she would have to face her family's secrets and lies once again, and she wasn't sure if she was ready.
As they walked out of the office building, Ling Mei's phone buzzed again. This time, it was a text message from an unknown number. "I'll be waiting for you tonight," the message read.
Ling Mei's heart skipped a beat as she wondered who could have sent the message. She felt a shiver run down her spine as she realized that someone had been watching her.