9 Chapter 9: Here Comes a Love Rival

Ding ding ding ding ding~

The quartet ceased playing and the guests were called to attention with the soft melody played from a triangle.

At promptly 9 o'clock, Wei Song, the patriarch of the illustrious Wei family prepared for the grand toast. Every guest was served with a champagne flute of vintage 1996 Dom Pérignon Rose Gold. Wei Song stood on the stage of the grand ballroom decked in gold embroidered blue Tang style suit as he motioned for Shu Li to join him.

"Good evening everyone. Tonight is Shu Li's night and our Wei Family hopes it will be a night that she remembers fondly in the years ahead.

My sweet angel, as you turn 25 today, know that there's nothing in this world that I wouldn't do to put happiness in your heart and smiles on your beautiful face. You are my rainbow and everything I treasure in this world. Happy birthday my dearly beloved daughter. I love you so much."

"Thank you, daddy!" Shu Li sniffles as she hugs Wei Papa.

"In addition, I would like to take this moment to announce my daughter Wei Shu Li as newly appointed chief designer of Le Ciel."

The Wei Family is a key player in the textile and fabric industry, involved in raw material extraction, textile production, design and garment manufacturing. In the past decade, they have since expanded into the fashion industry (specifically haute couture) forming the fashion house, Le Ciel.

"I am honored to accept the position of chief designer. I will make you proud, President Wei. Thank you to all our guests for taking the time to celebrate my birthday!"

The ballroom was filled with rounds of applause and congratulations. Old Madam Wei, Wei Song's wife Su Meili, and Wei Suhan also stood near the podium, their faces filled with smiles of approval. Among those present were Wei business associates, relatives, university friends, and members of other noble families.

Smiling throughout the toast, Miyeon who had been witness to the touching speech and display of affection between father and daughter felt a slight twinge in her heart. Miyeon was truly happy for her best friend. Shu Li is a kind and generous friend with a beautiful soul. She deserved all the luxury and care bestowed upon her. 'Ah, this ugly side of myself has come out. I envy Shu Li's loving family.' Moving to the UK at 13 and living in boarding school up to graduation and working in consulting, she had always been alone. There was a time she yearned for a home and a parents' warmth.

For a short while, she had felt this when she began working part time at a cafe near Cambridge University. When she began her graduate degree and for several years that followed, the chatty cafe owner Anna was a mother figure to her. Anna would fuss about Miyeon's poor eating habits and intense work schedules. She would also push her to meet more people. "Why are you always eating those instant food?! You drink too much coffee, it's bad for you." "If you are hungry I can make you something from the kitchen, it's super quick." "You need to experience falling in love. What kind of girl is married to work at your age?!" "You need to go out and travel more! Why, if I didn't have to run this cafe, I would go with you." "I've never been to Asia you know. It's my dream to visit C Country." These are all things Anna would say. However, since her wastrel husband ran away with his mistress nearly two decades ago, Anna worked tirelessly in the cafe to put her two children through school. They grew up to be upstanding individuals ready to start a family of their own. But sometimes fate loves to play cruel tricks. For just when she was planning to sell the cafe and enjoy a life of retirement, she fell seriously ill. And after a difficult 2 year long battle, she passed away to liver cancer a few weeks before Christmas. It's been 8 months since then.

Snapping out of her reverie, Miyeon decided it was time to bid farewell to Shu Li and head back to her apartment. In terms of HP she is at a critical 10%, she will likely pass out if she doesn't leave soon. 'It is probably a good idea to stop by the hospital to get refills on my medication. I have been feeling more lethargic recently.'

Miyeon met up with Shu Li who was surrounded by a group of friends. They were discussing the after party; the guests will be spending 3 days & 2 nights cruising in Wei's private yacht. Shu Li noticed the approaching Miyeon and her face broke out into a joyous smile.

"Miyeon! Come let me introduce you. Ladies! This is Miyeon. We met at secondary school in the UK. We are basically sisters. Don't be fooled by her sweet smile, this woman is ice cold." Shu Li motioned towards a pair of attractive young ladies. One was clad in black bustier draped dress the other in a red wrapped hip slit dress. "This is Qing Ruhe and Su Tian. They studied fashion design in IED. We met during fashion week in Milan and hit it off. They are now based here in Y City."

"Hello. You can call me Irene. It's nice to meet you both." (Miyeon)

"Likewise. I've heard alot about you from Stella." Ruhe gave a polite smile.

Su Tian, on the other hand, just gave a perfunctory nod in response. She glanced at Miyeon with barely veiled contempt. Miyeon's brows raised slightly but she did not bother to determine the reason for Su Tian's hostility. In contrast to Miyeon's soft and delicate features, Su Tian had sharp angular features.

Author's Note: Dialogues in ALL CAPS are in ENGLISH.

"OH, AND YOU'VE MET RICH AND JESSE BACK IN CAMBRIDGE. THESE BOYS JUST CAME BACK FROM A JOB IN NEW YORK. THEY'VE JUST SIGNED EXCLUSIVE MODELING CONTRACTS WITH LE CIEL." Two striking British men who looked like they came straight out the cover of Vanity Fair stepped forward.

"HAH. LOOKS LIKE WE ARE ALWAYS AN AFTERTHOUGHT TO STELLA. HEY BABY GIRL. LONG TIME NO SEE. HOW'VE YOU BEEN?" Rich Taylor greeted Miyeon with a quick hug. He's tall dark haired with green eyes decked in a sleek black suit and has a habit of flirting with pretty girls.

"IRENE, IT'S BEEN A WHILE. YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL AS ALWAYS. " Jessie Evans said softly. Though a good friend of Rich, the latter was more quiet and introspective. Blonde and blue eyed, he looked dashing in a well fitted navy suit. Rich 'ahem-ed' beside him and Shu Li covered a giggle. In the corner of her eye, Miyeon saw Su Tian rolling her eyes while Qing Ruhe kept a neutral expression.

"HEY RICH, I'VE BEEN WELL. YOU'RE SWEET AS USUAL JESSE. CONGRATS TO YOU BOTH FOR SIGNING WITH LE CIEL." Miyeon softly laughs.

"ARE YOU SURE YOU DON'T WANT TO JOIN THE AFTER PARTY?" (Shu Li)

"MM. I'M SURE." (Miyeon)

"COME ON, BABY GIRL. WE HAVEN'T HUNG OUT IN A WHILE." (Rich)

"YEAH, IT'D BE GREAT IF YOU COULD COME WITH." (Jesse)

"I'LL TAKE A RAIN CHECK. YOU GUYS HAVE FUN." Miyeon shook her head apologetically. 'I am so exhausted.' She thought silently.

"IRENE. UM, LET'S GRAB LUNCH SOMETIME." Before Miyeon could take a few steps, Jesse reached out. The tall blonde haired man shot Miyeon puppy dog look.

"SURE. PING ME." Miyeon responded with a gentle smile and finally waved goodbye to the group.

"SEE YOU AROUND." (Rich)

"TALK LATER!" (Shu Li)

"HEY, ARE YOU STILL.." Rich hooked his arm on his friend's shoulder and gave a nod towards Miyeon's direction.

'Cough' "PUT A SOCK IN IT!" Jesse retorted, ears slightly red. His gaze did not leave the departing silhouette until it was completely out of sight.