---
After breakfast, Liang Yexuan walked outside with his usual cold and indifferent air. The morning sun filtered softly through the trees lining the driveway of the Liang Mansion.
His navy blue suit clung perfectly to his tall, sculpted frame as he adjusted his cufflinks and strode toward his car.
Just as the chauffeur opened the door for him, hurried footsteps echoed behind him.
"Brother! Wait for me!" Liang Qianyu called out, a piece of bread in her mouth and her handbag swinging wildly in her hand as she rushed to catch up.
He paused only for a second, glancing back with a raised brow before continuing his steps.
From the top of the staircase, their mother, Madam Liang, called out as she saw her daughter dashing toward the door. "Xiao Yu! Where are you going so early in the morning? And running like that?"
Liang Qianyu looked over her shoulder and replied cheerfully, "I'm going shopping with Sister Meilin!"
Madam Liang smiled softly and nodded. "Okay, take care and don't hesitate to call if you need anything."
"Okay! Bye, Mom!" Qianyu shouted, waving.
She reached the front steps just as Liang Yexuan's sleek black car rolled out of the gates.
"Brother! You left me!" she pouted, stamping her foot.
He looked out the window, expression neutral. "Take the car behind me," he instructed curtly.
With a slight grumble, she climbed into the second car. "To the Su Mansion," she told the driver.
---
The luxury vehicle purred quietly down the road, and soon they reached the grand Su estate.
A blend of European elegance and traditional Chinese elements, the Su residence stood like a regal monument.
The morning sun bounced off the marble steps as Liang Qianyu stepped out of the car.
Inside, the Su family was gathered at the dining table enjoying a warm breakfast together.
The warm scent of freshly baked buns and congee floated in the air.
Su Meilin was the first to spot her.
She jumped to her feet excitedly.
"Qianyu!" she called, running to the door with a wide smile. "You're here! I missed you so much!"
Liang Qianyu returned the embrace tightly. "I missed you too, Sister Meilin."
"I'm back now," Liang Qianyu said cheerfully.
"Qianyu, you've grown even more beautiful," said Su Zhenghao.
His wife nodded. "Yes, absolutely stunning! You've grown even more lovely in these past three years."
Liang Qianyu blushed lightly. "Auntie, Uncle, you flatter me... It's only been three years."
"Even three months can change a jewel like you," Madam Su said with a wink.
They laughed and invited her to join breakfast, but she declined politely. "I already ate at home, thank you. I just came to pick Meilin. We're going shopping."
The Su parents exchanged knowing glances and nodded. "Enjoy yourselves. Call if you need anything."
"We won't!" Meilin grinned, dashing upstairs to grab her bag.
"Wait... Sister Meilin," Liang Qianyu suddenly remembered something and opened her handbag. "I brought gifts!"
She opened her elegant bag and handed Su Zhenghao a sleek silver watch with a custom-engraved dial.
"This is exquisite," he said, inspecting the craftsmanship with appreciation.
To Madam Su, she handed a delicately embroidered silk scarf in deep jade with fine golden thread patterns. "Auntie, I thought this color would look perfect on you."
Madam Su touched it to her cheek, clearly moved. "You're such a thoughtful child."
To Grandfather Su, she presented a carved sandalwood incense holder from an ancient temple in Kyoto.
"For your meditation room, Grandpa Su."
The old man beamed, running his hand over the smooth wood. "Perfect. Just perfect."
Finally, she gave Su Meilin a small velvet box. "This is for you."
Meilin opened it to find a limited-edition bracelet with delicate diamond floral patterns.
"Qianyu! This must have cost a fortune!"
"You're worth it," she said with a playful wink.
Meilin rushed upstairs with the bracelet and the gifts.
When she returned, she looked stunning in a red dress, and they walked out together, chatting and laughing.
---
In the car, the girls chatted animatedly.
"There's a new mall near the Liang Conglomerate's headquarters," Su Meilin said.
"I heard about that," Liang Qianyu nodded. "Let's go there. I'd like to see how the company looks now too."
"Yes, the Crystal Arcadia Mall," Meilin added. "It's the biggest in the capital."
"Where to?" the driver asked.
"To Crystal Arcadia Mall," Qianyu ordered, eyes gleaming.
---
The sleek black car pulled up to the grand entrance of Crystal Arcadia Mall, its glass walls gleaming under the mid-morning sun.
As the doors opened, Su Meilin stepped out first, her figure hugging a bold red dress that exuded elegance and seductive grace.
Her heels clicked confidently against the marble floor.
Beside her, Liang Qianyu emerged in a pastel pink dress that fluttered around her like a princess from a modern fairytale.
The contrast of sultry and sweet turned heads immediately.
Passersby paused as others whispering—these two were impossible to ignore.
A woman nearby, holding a coffee, gasped. Her eyes widened, and she fumbled with her phone.
"Oh my god, it's Su Meilin! The CEO's fiancée!" she whispered, snapping a quick photo. She posted it immediately, captioning: "Lucky day! Just bumped into the queen of high society!"
Gathering her courage, the woman walked over, visibly excited. "Excuse me... Miss Su? May I... may I take a selfie with you?"
Although Su Meilin disliked mingling with the common crowd, she kept her trademark graceful smile. "Of course."
The woman turned to Liang Qianyu. "And who is this? She looks so familiar..."
Su Meilin answered with a sweet smile. "This is Qianyu. Yexuan's younger sister."
The woman's jaw dropped. "Miss Liang?! Oh my God, it's really you!"
"Can I take a selfie with both of you?"
Liang Qianyu gave a polite, picture-perfect smile. "Sure."
They posed together, and the woman skipped away excitedly and quickly posting the selfie.
The post exploded online within minutes.
"OMG! I just met the two queens of the city! Su Meilin and Liang Qianyu out shopping!"
They're so beautiful I can't breathe.
Lucky! These sister-in-laws are so elegant and friendly!
Where are you? I want to come!
Send me your location! I'm so envious!!
The post went viral within minutes, flooding social media with admiration and envy.
---
At the heart of the mall was an upscale boutique of Elliot Raymond, a prestigious English designer famous for elegance and exclusivity.
"Elliot Raymond's dresses are so dreamy," Qianyu sighed as they stepped inside.
"I agree," Meilin said, eyes already scanning the racks. The boutique was bathed in white and gold, every piece of clothing displayed like art.
Inside, the boutique gleamed like a modern fairy tale. Chandeliers sparkled, silk dresses lined the walls, and a pleasant floral scent lingered in the air.
Velvet mannequins wore gowns stitched with silver threads, gemstones glinted in embroidery, and chandeliers bathed the room in soft golden light.
The sales assistant, already having seen the viral post, welcomed them with starry eyes. "Welcome, Miss Su, Miss Liang. It's our honor."
They sauntered through the boutique until two gowns at the center caught their eyes.
One was an emerald green ballgown with silver threading that caught the light like dewdrops. The bodice was structured with a heart-shaped neckline and intricate lace that dripped into layers of silk.
The other was a royal blue off-shoulder fishtail dress, the hem flaring like ocean waves. Crystals lined the neckline and shimmered with every step.
"They're stunning," Su Meilin whispered, mesmerized, "It's like something out of a dream," Meilin breathed.
"I can already see myself in this," Qianyu said, touching the soft fabric.
The sales assistant stepped forward nervously. "I'm terribly sorry, ladies... These are custom pieces ordered by another client. Elliot Raymond himself designed them."
Meilin sighed softly, "That's a shame... They're truly stunning."
But Qianyu's expression shifted slightly, lips tightening.
"Do you know who I am?" she asked coolly.
"Yes, Miss Liang Qianyu," the assistant replied nervously.
"My brother is Liang Yexuan. Surely he wouldn't be happy to hear his sister was refused. He can buy out this store if he wants."
The assistant stiffened but maintained her composure. "Yes, Miss Liang. But I'm afraid Mr. Grayson's policy is firm. Custom pieces cannot be sold to anyone but the original client. Please understand."
Qianyu narrowed her eyes, but Meilin gently tugged her hand.
"It's okay. Let's look at the others."
They strolled further in and found two other stunning pieces.
Although they felt they couldn't compare with the two dresses they saw, they found it bearable and beautiful to the eye.
A sleek silver mermaid gown with crystal mesh sleeves, and an ethereal seafoam-green A-line dress with layered tulle like ocean waves.
"I'll try the silver one," Su Meilin said, heading to the fitting rooms.
Liang Qianyu nodded, waiting outside.
But as soon as Su Meilin disappeared behind the velvet curtain, Qianyu's smile vanished.
Her bright, bubbly demeanor dissolved. Her eyes, previously warm and sparkling, turned sharp and unreadable.
She tilted her head slightly, her lips curling into a smirk.
The glint in her eyes was no longer innocent.
---