The next morning, Lin Meilin woke up to an empty house. Her mother, Matilda, had already left for work. Perfect. Finally,things were back to normal.

She lazily got out of bed, went through her usual routine;quick shower, breakfast, and then off to school.

By the time she arrived at her classroom, Li Nian was already seated, flipping through her notes like the diligent student she always was. Meilin sometimes wondered if her friend ever slept at all.

“Finally! Look who decided to show up,” Li Nian teased as Meilin dropped into the seat beside her.

“Morning,” Meilin muttered with a roll of her eyes, which only made Li Nian laugh harder.

“I’ve been dying for you to get here,” Li Nian leaned in, her eyes sparkling. “So… how was last night? Don’t keep me hanging.”

Meilin smirked, already guessing what her friend wanted to hear. “You won’t believe what happened.”

“Oh my God! Don’t drag it—spill!” Li Nian grabbed her wrist, shaking it impatiently.

Meilin lowered her voice dramatically. “Well, first of all, I… kind of caught Lu Ruiyan one of the guest rooms. With a girl.”

Li Nian’s eyes nearly popped out of her head. “What?! You mean they were—like—doing it?”

Meilin raised an eyebrow. “What else do you think moaning that loud means?”

Her friend clapped her hand over her mouth in horror. “Holy crap! Are you serious? Wait, wait—did you actually see them?!"

“Of course not,” Meilin huffed. “I wasn’t about to barge in. I only heard them from outside. But trust me, that was enough.”

Li Nian exhaled in relief, then shot her a mischievous look. “Well, at least your innocent eyes are still intact.”

“Shut up,” Meilin muttered, but she couldn’t hide the faint smile tugging at her lips.

“So what happened after?”

Meilin leaned back in her chair, trying to sound casual though her heart still remembered the thundering from last night.She recounted everything that happened to her best friend. Honestly, Li Nian, I wished I hadn’t been so shocked. I should’ve spoken my mind right then.

Her friend squeezed her arm, practically bouncing in excitement. “Oh my God, you saw him up close? Like face-to-face?” Then with a dreamy expression she clasped her hands “I wish I could see him up close too”

Meilin groaned. “He’s as handsome as the world claims,probably more. I hate to admit it. His eyes, his stupid smirk, even the tattoos… he looks unreal.” She sighed and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “But his attitude?Ugh! He told me to watch myself next time.” Thinking about it,she flew into renewed rage.

“Who the heck does he even think he is!”.

But Li Nian wasn't even paying attention anymore because the next second she gasped so loud heads turned from across the room. “He actually said that? To you?”

“Yes. And I wasn’t about to let it slide,” Meilin said sharply.

“You talked back to Lu Ruiyan?” Li Nian whispered like it was some kind of crime.

“No I didn't” She deflated for a second “But he’s so rude and grumpy I wish I did and also wish I smacked that annoying smirk off his annoyingly handsome face.”

Li Nian was now giggling uncontrollably. “Oh my God, Meilin, do you hear yourself? You sound like this all happened just this morning. You’re roasting the most famous singer in the country like he’s your annoying classmate.”

“Whatever. Believe me, when you meet him, you’ll understand.” Meilin crossed her arms. “Later, my mom dragged me to ‘say hello’ to him before we left. And guess what? He completely snubbed me. Even when his mother, Lu Becky, tried to get him to shake my hand, he ignored her. Spoilt brat.”

Li Nian was practically wheezing with laughter now. “I can’t! The way you’re talking, I almost wish I’d been there.”

“Well, be glad you weren’t,” Meilin muttered. “The less you see of him, the better.”

The morning classes went by in a blur. During lunch, Meilin and Li Nian sat together in the cafeteria, chatting between bites. Then, as the final bell rang, they walked out of the school side by side.

“So… how’s Jiang Xun?” Li Nian asked out of nowhere.

Meilin sighed. “He’s fine. I’ve got a date with him later, actually.”

Li Nian shot her a look. “You don’t sound too excited. Is everything okay?”

“I’m fine, Nian,” Meilin cut her off quickly.

They had just stepped onto the street when Li Nian froze. “Uh… isn’t that your mom?”

Meilin followed her gaze. Sure enough, Matilda was standing by her sleek black car, scanning the students until her eyes landed on Meilin. She immediately started walking toward her.

“What the—why is she here?” Meilin whispered, her stomach tightening.

“Wow, Meilin, your mom is gorgeous. I can't just get over it,no matter how many times.” Li Nian teased, but Meilin barely heard her.

“Good evening, Auntie!” Li Nian greeted politely.

“Good evening,” Matilda replied with a smile before turning to her daughter. “How was your day, Meilin?”

“Uh… fine,” Meilin stammered, completely thrown off by her mother’s unusually sweet tone.

“Come on, I came to pick you up.” Matilda held her hand and started leading her toward the car.

Li Nian waved goodbye as Meilin was pulled along, her expression full of questions.

Once inside the car, Meilin blurted, “Did you just say you came to pick me up from school?”

Matilda chuckled. “Yes. Don’t act so surprised."

Meilin blinked. “You’ve never done that before.”

“Well, today is special. I have wonderful news, and I couldn’t wait until you got home.”

Meilin’s curiosity burned hotter with every passing minute of the drive. Her mother was… smiling? Laughing even? She couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen her this lighthearted.

Finally, they arrived home. Meilin dropped onto the sofa while her mother stood in front of her, practically glowing.

“Do you remember a few days ago when I told you that something good is about to happen?” Matilda asked.

“Yes,” Meilin said cautiously.

“Well, it’s done.” She clasped her hands together. “This Saturday… you’ll be marrying Lu Ruiyan.”

Meilin froze, every word echoing in her head like a bomb.