So Do You

~Eight days later

Liling silently watched as the evening sky transformed into a breathtaking canvas, painted with crimson, orange and pink hues as the sun kissed the horizon goodnight.

It was finally the night of the banquet, and a twinge of anticipation hung in the air, a sharp contrast to the strange calm Liling could feel inwardly. Even she didn't understand how she could be so relaxed, maybe it had to do with the fact that she had finally accepted the reality of her new life.

The make-up artist gently turned Liling's face as she highlighted her cheekbones. She was going for a dewy makeup look on Liling to amplify her facial features without looking too over the top. 

With a final coat of lipgloss and a few spritzes of setting spray, she was finally done. 

She took a step back to admire her finished work akin to an artist admiring their masterpiece. "Perfect", she remarked smiling.

Liling turned to the large circular mirror staring in silent awe at her face. She smiled and thanked the make-up artist, but was brushed off with a wave of her hand.

As far as the make-up artist was concerned, Liling was the prettiest lady she had ever worked for, despite only applying light makeup, she already looked like the definition of pure perfection. 

 She quickly packed up her things and gave a small bow before leaving. The hairstylist was already in the corner prepping her stuff to get to work.

Liling glanced behind her towards where Little Bun was sitting on a plush, cream-coloured couch against the far wall, his little legs dangling over the edge as he drew on his tablet. 

She smiled affectionately at him. As always, she was reminded of her brother when he was younger. She sighed thinking about how much she missed him and how much she wished she could talk to him. Ever since he had left to live on campus, he was always busy, and if he wasn't, she was. 

She pulled herself out of her worrying thoughts as the hair stylist got to work. With nimble fingers and an eye for detail, she moved around Liling with efficiency, twisting and pinning her hair into an elegant updo.

The faint smell of hairspray mingled with the air in the walk-in closet, enveloped her, as she watched her hair being expertly curled.

Suddenly, the door to the closet burst open, and Li Xiu breezed in, a whirlwind of energy and excitement.

Li Xiu was already fully dressed for the evening. She donned a floor-length silk sapphire gown that shimmered as she moved. It was an elegant work of craftmanship that featured off-shoulders, a glittering bodice and intricate pleating on the upper part of the skirt. Her hair was skilfully done as two fishtail braids twisted together at the back, leaving the rest of her long hair to cascade in waves down her back. 

"There you are!" Li Xiu exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she spotted Little Bun on the couch. "I've been looking everywhere for you. It's time to get you dressed. We can't have you showing up looking like a little ragamuffin, now can we?"

Little Bun looked up, a small smile on his lips at Li Xiu's teasing tone. He set his tablet aside and slid off the couch, his feet barely making a sound on the plush carpet as he walked over to her.

"Damn Liling," Li Xiu said, her eyes widening as she locked eyes with Liling. "You look absolutely amazing" she said with a squeal failing to contain her excitement. 

Liling chuckled. "Thanks, Li Xiu. You look gorgeous as well"

"Eek, we look so good", she said stressing the 'oo' sound and laughing. "Alright, we'll leave you to it, see you later, mwau" She sent an air kiss and with that, she was out of the room with the same tenacity she had come in.

Liling watched them go, a smile lingering on her lips. The room felt quieter without their presence, but the anticipation of the evening kept her pulse thrumming.

Not long after, the hair stylist was adding the final accessories to her hair. The stylist finally stepped back, a satisfied smile on her face as she surveyed her meticulous work. "All done", she announced smiling. 

Her long black hair had been pulled into an intricate low bun. Strands of her hair had been intentionally left out to add flair and a flowy element to the elegant hairstyle, and small pearls adorned the entirety of the hairstyle.

Liling turned her head slightly, examining the elegant waves as they framed her face. "Thank you", she said, genuinely pleased with the result.

Liling stood, moving to where her champagne gown awaited her. The fabric felt luxurious beneath her fingertips, the rich colour giving it a regal feel.

Stepping behind a changing screen, she took off her bathrobe and slipped into the dress, feeling the way it hugged her curves and accentuated her figure. She stepped out, and the stylists helped her with the final adjustments, making sure every fold and seam was perfect whilst putting on her jewelry.

She turned to the mirror, taking in the sight of herself in the full-length reflection. She looked like a queen, poised and regal, ready to take on the world.

Just then Li Hao stepped in, his hair neatly styled and dressed in a well-tailored black tuxedo that made him look even more striking than usual. 

His eyes widened as he took in the sight of her. "You look..." he said, his voice filled with awe, "absolutely ravishing"

She gave a polite smile as she walked over to him and took his arm in hers. "So do you"

He gave a throaty chuckle. "Since when are men described as ravishing?"

"Since I decided you are"

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~The Pinnacle

The Pinnacle was one of the largest hotels in the country, managed by the Li Corporation. It lived up to its name, its towering presence dominating the skyline with its gleaming glass façade. 

The grand entrance, framed by marble pillars and meticulous stonework, was a spectacle of luxury, a fitting stage for the high-profile guests arriving for the banquet. The air was thick with excitement, a cacophony of voices, waving microphones and clicking cameras creating a chaotic symphony.

As their sleek black limousine pulled up to the entrance, Liling could already see the frenzy outside. A large crowd of paparazzi had gathered, their cameras flashing incessantly as they tousled for the best position.

She glanced over at Li Hao, who sat beside her, his expression calm and composed. His eyes flicked over the scene outside with indifference. This was what he was used to, the spotlight on him and his family since childhood.

"Ready?" he asked, his brow lifting jokingly, his voice calm and laid back.

"As ready as I'll ever be".

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Author here,

Sorry for the late chapter.

Enjoy~