Under Arrest

A few days prior to her birthday, Bai Ruoxi was already dead tired by all the small details she had to focus herself on.

Her room wasn't even a bedroom anymore, but a salon/spa. Every day after she woke up and before she slept, they would do some treatment for her skin and hair. Bai Ruoxi was practically glowing from head to toe wherever she went. She had gotten back her former radiance suitable for the title she once held, a peerless beauty.

The only problem left was her dress.

Xu Liluo was on edge since Bai Ruoxi still couldn't find a dress that corresponded to her taste. They had set up a whole new closet full of gowns and dresses for her, and since the party was already so close, Bai Ruoxi couldn't afford to be picky anymore. She had chosen a knee-length rose gold colored dress. It was quite a beautiful one, but Bai Ruoxi wasn't satisfied enough.

She wanted something that could highlight her prowess and brilliance. Elegant and stylish, yet comfortable for her to wear all night long...

"Young Miss."

Bai Ruoxi's thought was interrupted. She raised her head and found Ming Lu leaning on the door with a smile. On his hand was a large dark blue velvet box, which greatly piqued Bai Ruoxi's interest.

"What's that?"

Ming Lu smiled mysteriously as he strode towards Bai Ruoxi. He then placed the fancy package on the table in front of her. "Someone sent it over just now."

Bai Ruoxi tilted her head and raised a brow, "What's in it?"

"Why don't you open it yourself."

Bai Ruoxi reached out her hand and brushed her fingers on the box, savoring the soft feeling of velvet against her skin. She opened the lock to see what was inside. And when she did, her eyes flew open in surprise.

It was an exquisite dress with an elegant design. Its crimson color reminded Bai Ruoxi of a phoenix embosomed in flame, expressing an aura of immortality. Rubies and Moussaieff red diamonds were scattered adequately, just enough to enhance its opulence. This dress would surely highlight not only her splendor but also boost her savoir-faire.

She looked around for the dress tag and found a simple Jean L Michaux on the inside.

Again, Bai Ruoxi was pleasantly surprised. Was this dress truly designed by the legendary Jean-Louis Michaux? No wonder it was so enthralling.

Bai Ruoxi was filled in excitement as her eyes started to flicker in joy. Without further ado, she immediately rushed into her walk-in closet and changed into the dress. It fitted her and complimented her figure perfectly.

Bai Ruoxi stared at her reflection in the mirror with awe. She felt grateful that she had gone through all those skin care and tended her hair. It was embarrassing to say it herself, but she was absolutely stunning in it.

"Wow," Ming Lu whistled. A grin was plastered on his face as he raised his eyebrows up and down. "It's perfect."

Bai Ruoxi scoffed and flipped her hair. "Duh."

She turned around to Ming Lu after she realized something. She was about to ask if he knew the identity of the sender, but the latter already had both his hands in the air. "I don't know."

Bai Ruoxi frowned. How was she supposed to thank the person who sent this dress then? If it really was a dress designed by Jean-Louis Michaux, just money alone wouldn't be enough to get a hand on it. Whoever it was must have spent a fortune for this dress, how could Bai Ruoxi be ungrateful to not at least express her gratitude?

"Since they sent you a dress, they must be aware of your birthday party. They are probably one of your guests."

Bai Ruoxi nodded in agreement. They wouldn't possibly stay quiet after gifting her such a luxurious dress and most likely would approach her later on to demand something. She only hoped that it was something she could repay...

Time went by in a blink of an eye. It was finally Bai Ruoxi's big day.

Precisely on midnight, everyone in the Bai Mansion had thrown a simple celebration for her. A small cake and surrounded by people she cherished. To Bai Ruoxi, this was already enough.

It was enough yet... she couldn't shake off the heartbreaking feeling that slowly crept its way onto her. Her voice broke into a cry and tears slipped down her cheeks.

Bai Ruoxi couldn't help but feel how great it was if Gu Yin was also by her side.

On this very same day years ago, a boy had sneaked into her room with a cream smeared face. He held a bouquet of freshly picked roses and a poorly baked cake, but Bai Ruoxi was so delighted by it. After all, it was the thought that counted.

In the end, Bai Ruoxi cried herself to sleep that night.

When afternoon came, she woke up with a slight headache and thin dark circles under her eyes, which gratefully could be easily covered with concealer. Bai Ruoxi let the maids set up the herbal bath before she stepped into the tub.

After nearly half an hour of soaking, she dried herself and immediately wore the gown. Bai Ruoxi then sat on the dressing table and let the stylists do their job. Since her dress was an impactful red, they decided to go for a bold look to match it. They acted swiftly and Bai Ruoxi was satisfied with the result.

"Miss Bai, you're very stunning. It should be illegal to be this beautiful." The stylist who did her makeup chuckled softly. She wasn't just saying it to get on her good side. Bai Ruoxi's skin was already flawless in the first place and even without makeup, she could simply take people's breath away. With a slight touch up, her whole being was basically screaming perfection.

Bai Ruoxi curtly replied and thanked the stylists before bidding them goodbye. She then continued to sit in front of the dressing table and admired the person in the mirror.

"Milady, you're under arrest."

Bai Ruoxi turned around to see Ming Lu with a big grin plastered on his face. He strode over and stood behind her, staring into her reflection as well.

"It should be illegal to be this beautiful," he repeated what the stylist had just said, earning a smack from Bai Ruoxi.

Ming Lu was wearing a white three-piece suit with a light blue dress shirt underneath. His hair was styled messily, giving him the bad boy vibe he used to have when he first came to the Bai Family.

Whenever they stood together like this, Bai Ruoxi couldn't help but notice the striking resemblance they had. Their nose, lips, and even eyes. Although slightly different in color, they had the same shape. If Bai Ruoxi didn't know better, she would have thought that Ming Lu was her illegitimate brother.

When she was lost in thoughts, Ming Lu suddenly pulled out a small box from his suit and put it on the dressing table. "Happy birthday."

"Thank you." Bai Ruoxi whispered. She opened the box and her eyes beamed with a pleasant surprise. Inside the box was a pair of rose patterned Rose Quartz earrings and a matching necklace.

She immediately put them on and checked her looks in the mirror, a smile blooming on her lips. "I love it."

"You should be." Ming Lu chuckled softly.

"It's almost six. Madam and the rest had left earlier, they should be expecting your arrival by now." Ming Lu stepped aside and held out his hand. "Shall we go then?"

Bai Ruoxi clasped her hand on his gloved one and stood up.

"Let's go."