34 Lina visits Ning's mansion

Bearing in mind that she did not want to get caught in the rain, Lina hastened her pace. She was to meet Ning, as soon as possible. There was a possibility that Ning might have searched another girl for the mystery man. She read the address again, that was printed on the 'visiting card', that Ning had given to her.

The row of buildings at the boulevard emitted colours of an array of orange hues as sunrays reflected from the glass plates cemented on them. Music from posh restaurants got loud at timed intervals in the middle of the stylish tables. White-collared people talked about stock markets and how to capitalize on them.

Finally, Lina reached the place mentioned on the visiting card. And the first sight of Ning's mansion got her astonished! "Oh My God! Look at that!!" chuckled Lina as she stood before the mansion, savoring the beautiful piece of architecture.

It was a truly magnificent mansion all in white. It featured large griddle windows and exquisite details over the front entrance. They made a beautiful focal point and give a boost to the splendor and grandeur in this design. A paved driveway that lead to a massive garage had lush greenery around it, that added a color burst and a great curb appeal. The sitting area with stone benches and a water fountain in the garden felt peaceful and inviting.

The mansion truly had an aristocratic appeal to it.

Lina walked towards the main door, as she searched for the door bell. "Such an amazing house! I guess there is no need to ring the bell. They must be very rich. There must be a camera somewhere here," Lina smiled. "Ah! There it is," giggled Lina who got very happy at her right guess.

Instead of ringing the bell, Lina waved at the camera. "Hi! Can someone please open the door?" she shouted and continued to wave at the camera.

Her hand waves were soon interrupted by an impeccably dressed maid, who opened the door. The maid had a look of surprise on her face. "What were you doing with the camera?" asked the maid.

"Oh! I.. I was signalling you to open the door," replied Lina after a little hesitation.

"But, you could have rang the bell," giggled the maid.

"Oh! S.. sorry about that." Lina stammered. "I am here to meet Mrs. Ning," she continued.

The maid gestured Lina to enter the house. Lina's shoes were very dirty after having walked for a long time. She did not want to spoil the carpet laid out at the house's entry. And so, she bent down to remove her shoes.

The maid interrupted. "No need! You don't have to remove your shoes. Please, come in," the maid laughed at the innocence of the crimson haired girl. "Mrs. Ning is working out in the back lawn. Her fitness trainer is here," the maid continued.

Lina entered the mansion and followed the maid. Her jaw dropped as soon as she saw the gorgeous interiors of the place.

The entrance lobby, with an opulent space, opened into the living and dining areas. A deep teal colour had been used on the walls, doors and ceiling beams, which demarcated the entryway from the rest of the space. Adding a sense of opulence to the area were gold light fixtures and door handles paired with a statement console and an accent mirror. The running pattern in gold along the cornice brought continuity to the entire space. White marble flooring formed the perfect foil to the luxurious colours, furniture and fittings.

Lina could not be more impressed, until she saw the dining room, which came in the way towards the back lawn.

The living room and dining room were the stars of the space. Both spaces were framed by pairs Corinthian columns between which stood full-length windows dressed in gold blinds and layered with sheer gold curtains. Ornate chandeliers in gold formed the focal lighting, surrounded by soft recessed lights hidden within drop ceilings.

Lina, with her eyes wide open, continued to walk behind the maid. She was escorted to the backside of the mansion.

The side corner wall was raised to the level of the patio for a natural transition from house to the back side area of the mansion. The backside gave a waterpark-like experience with the most elegant design, Lina had ever come across in her life. The pool had stones, waterfalls and other features, islands, colorful landscaping, and inviting artistic elements.

Aunt Ning and her fitness instructor sat on their respective swiss balls, as the instructor briefed Aunt Ning about the next exercise move. While the young instructor, a cute brunette, looked very fresh, aunt Ning looked exhausted.

Aunt Ning looked extremely funny as she tried doing the crunches on the gym ball to lessen her belly fat. As she sat on the swiss ball with her feet flat on the ground, she rolled down by walking forward and rested her back on the ball. Then, she supported her head and neck by placing her fingertips on the sides of her head.

As soon as she tried to lift her upper body and crunch, the weight of her body forced her to fall down on the ball.

"Don't forget the breathing pattern! Breathe in.. breathe out" demonstrated the instructor.

Aunt Ning, too exhaused to raise her weight and crunch, decided to quit. "How am I supposed to breath out with this ball under my neck," she yelled as she slipped from the ball and fell down on the floor. "Stupid ball!" roared Ning, as she picked up the ball and threw it towards the house's door.

Coincidentally, Lina stood there and caught the ball. She had been giggling all this time, watching Ning working out. "I caught it!" shouted Lina as she smiled at Ning.

Aunt Ning was surprised. "Ahh! It's you," she smiled and got back on her feet, with great effort, to meet the girl.