Spring sunlight poured lavishly through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse, gilding the velvet chaise where Gu Nianzhi lounged, lost in thought. Her woolen throw slipped down, unnoticed, as a haunting melody of "Fireworks Easy Cold" shattered the tranquil afternoon—a ringtone she could never ignore.
"Rain falls thick, the old hometown overgrown. I've heard you walk alone..." The melancholic lyrics echoed insistently before her slender finger reluctantly swiped across the screen.
"You absolutely must come tonight!" Feng Yixi's overly sweet voice bubbled through, edged with excitement. "It's my birthday, and tomorrow's our postgraduate interview—double celebration!"
Nianzhi traced idle patterns into the condensation of her iced tea glass, her voice calm despite her tightening chest. "Dexin Villa, correct?" The thought of navigating Feng Yixi's dazzling, extravagant world tonight weighed heavily upon her, even if her guardian's empty villa made it geographically convenient.
Across the city skyline, Feng Yixi leaned against her balcony railing, a seashell-pink earbud sparkling subtly beneath her meticulously styled hair. "I'll send you the address," she sang sweetly, crimson lips curling into a malicious smile as her sister approached.
"You're pushing things too far," Feng Yipeng murmured, her cappuccino trembling slightly in her grip. "That orphan isn't even a threat—"
"Not a threat?" Yixi's voice dropped dangerously low, her diamond-clad fingers tightening on the rail, the sinister pear-shaped yellow stone flashing ominously. "Since she transferred here, everyone treats her like she's some goddess. But tonight, things will change." A wicked satisfaction infused her whisper. "One tiny prick from this, and our 'top student' will become tomorrow's viral sensation. With uncle's latest gift, she'll beg for mercy."
Yipeng fought down rising panic. "Father's IPO—"
"Relax." Yixi laughed softly, her voice brittle as shattered glass. "The serum is untraceable after twenty-four hours. By the time our interview starts, she'll be… indisposed."
Twilight cloaked Dexin Villa in extravagant brilliance. Crystal chandeliers shimmered like scattered stars, reflecting off gilded walls as C-city's elite drifted gracefully through an amber haze of champagne. Conversations paused collectively as sapphire silk flowed elegantly through the entrance.
Gu Nianzhi's gown cascaded like liquid midnight around her slender frame, porcelain skin glowing ethereally beneath the glittering lights. Whispers erupted in admiration—Who's she? Looks like she just stepped off the cover of Vogue…
"I didn't expect to see you here," a warm voice interrupted her steps. Mei Xiawen, the charismatic class president, approached with polished ease, subtly adjusting his immaculate cufflinks. His gaze lingered appreciatively over the delicate violet organza caressing her collarbones. "Yixi's near the orchestra. Should I—"
"Thank you, Xiawen," she smiled politely, a practiced gesture that did not quite touch her deep, enigmatic eyes. "I can manage."
As she moved gracefully through the glittering throng, hidden lenses quietly sprang to life, capturing every poised step into the unknown.