6 Chapter 6: First Meeting

After a few minutes of light conversation, Lu Minzhe stood up to excuse himself and meet with the patriarch of the Wei Family, Wei Song. Before he left he didn't forget to hand a small black box wrapped with a white ribbon to Shu Li. She hurriedly unwrapped the present and she shrieked with joy upon seeing the key to an Aston Martin DBS. "Minzhe-Ge~ thank you!! I knew you love me most!" as she hugged and kissed his cheek.

Lu Minzhe's gaze quickly flitted to Miyeon before returning to Shu Li. He lightly patted her head, "Alright, just don't get into trouble. I am going ahead to meet the elders. See you in a bit."

Shu Li continued to be in a good mood after Minzhe left. Humming a song whilst the stylists worked on her hair and makeup. Miyeon sat on the sofa and scrolled through her Veibo as she waited for Shu Li when an article on Lu Minzhe came on her feed.

The article was linking Lu Minzhe with a popular idol An Yutong. It included some blurry images of the two in the airport and further entering a black luxury vehicle after. Miyeon didn't think further about the gossip article and stood up to hand Shu Li her birthday present.

It was a dainty diamond and white gold tennis bracelet. Shu Li's eyes widened as she noticed the insignia on the bracelet clasp. "How did you? This piece is not for sale." Shu Li uttered.

"The designer was introduced to me as a client a few months before I left the UK. Taillac has moved back to France but wanted me to let you know...Taillac still kept the matching piece." Miyeon watched Shu Li wiped a tear and smiled. "Thank you, Irene. Thank you for coming back and thank you for bringing this with you."

"You're welcome. You know I will always support whatever decision you choose to make." Miyeon paused before she added "Happy birthday Stella."

The two best friends had gotten into a habit of using their English names whenever they had their heart to heart conversations. It was something that made them feel less alone and adapted in a foreign land. The first few years they had spent in the UK has been the loneliest for them both. Meeting each other at Westminster School was the best thing that happened to them.

Back then, Miyeon just transferred as a sophomore on a scholarship. She was definitely a fish out of water in the new environment. Albeit extremely attractive, she was reticent and had an aura of indifference. Miyeon also spent most of her time buried in her studies and taking on part-time work to supplement her income. It was during one of those side gigs that she met Shu Li.

In all actuality, Miyeon did not have a good first impression of Shu Li. The latter often brought a group of her model friends into the private room of the restaurant Miyeon was working at. And the group was known for making difficult requests on staff like forcing them to down shots or sing and dance for their entertainment. Though several of the staff found the group's behavior abhorrent and somewhat degrading, they eventually put up with it for the generous tips. All the expenses were covered by Shu Li's black card.

One night, the group was being particularly rowdy and Miyeon along with a sunny newcomer, Shirley, had been tasked to serve their private room. The male guests had been getting rather handsy with the newcomer who was increasingly growing uncomfortable.

Miyeon had pulled Shirley to her side and asked her to bring in the food and liquor. With a cold glance, she hand told off the male models and requested they find another establishment if they will be acting like unmannered dolts. "People come here for fine dining. You best go to a bar or book a hotel room and request some female escorts if you are unable to control your libido."

As exited the room, she remembered catching Shu Li stare. Though she had been unaware of the latter's identity. The group eventually caused a ruckus, demanding the manager take responsibility. That was Miyeon's last day at that restaurant.

The next afternoon, while Miyeon is in the library catching up on school work before she goes for an interview to work the night shift as a receptionist in a business hotel. She could not help but sigh. 'Maybe I was too rash yesterday. The hours in that restaurant were pretty good and so was the pay. I should've held my tongue. Well it's too late now. Hopefully they make sure to not have newcomers serve that group in the future.' She had been deep in thought before noticing a pair of expensive heels with knee high socks standing in front of her.

"Here you are. I've been looking for you." It was Shu Li.

They have come so far since then.

In the Wei Manor, Miyeon decided to leave Shu Li to complete her preparations as she headed down to greet the rest of the Wei Family.