Lian had spent the morning asking Jin to take him on a tour of the mansion, his eyes scanning the halls and rooms for any possible escape route. He had pretended to be interested in the artwork and furnishings, all the while taking mental notes of the layout and potential vulnerabilities.
As they walked, Jin had pointed out various features of the mansion, from the lavish chandeliers to the intricately carved doors. Lian had listened attentively, nodding and asking questions, all the while searching for a weakness in the mansion's security.
After the tour, Lian had asked Jin for drawing materials, claiming that he enjoyed sketching the beautiful surroundings. Jin had brought him a sketchbook and pencils to his room, and Lian had spent some time sketching the mansion's gardens, trying to appear nonchalant.
However, the exertion had taken its toll, and Lian had soon grown tired. He had put down his pencils and lain down on the bed, feeling the weight of his situation bearing down on him. The stress of pretending to be Mei, combined with the physical and mental strain of searching for an escape route, had exhausted him.
Before he knew it, he had drifted off to sleep, lulled by the silence of the mansion.
A knock at the door woke Lian up. He sat up in bed, rubbing his eyes, and saw Jin standing in the doorway with a woman who looked like a stylist or a personal assistant.
"Miss Mei, this is Madame Wong," Jin said. "She's here to help you get ready for the dinner party tonight."
Madame Wong smiled and came into the room, carrying a large bag of clothes and accessories. "Don't worry, Miss Mei, I'll make sure you look stunning for tonight," she said, beginning to unpack her bag.
Lian's heart sank as he realized he had to attend a dinner party with Cheng. He didn't know what to expect, but he knew he had to be careful. Madame Wong began to lay out various outfits and accessories, discussing the finer points of fashion and etiquette.
Madame Wong scanned the rack of clothes, her eyes narrowing as she searched for the perfect dress. Finally, she pulled out a stunning evening gown in a rich, jewel-toned color.
"Ah, Miss Mei, I think this one will be perfect for you," Madame Wong said, holding up the dress.
Lian's eyes widened as he took in the dress. It was beautiful, but he felt a surge of discomfort at the thought of wearing it.
"Go ahead, Miss Mei, try it on," Madame Wong encouraged, holding out the dress.
Lian hesitated for a moment, then took the dress and headed to the dressing room. He changed into the gown, feeling a bit awkward in the feminine attire.
When he emerged, Madame Wong smiled in approval. "Perfect fit, Miss Mei. Now, let's work on your hair and makeup."
Lian's shoulder-length hair, which his mom had styled into a short bob to make him look more feminine, was transformed by Madame Wong's skilled hands. She added hair extensions to make Lian's hair look longer and more luscious, flowing mane. She curled the ends and pinned the sides back, creating a elegant updo.
Next, she moved on to Lian's makeup, carefully applying foundation, eyeshadow, and lipstick to enhance his features. Lian watched in the mirror as his reflection transformed into a poised and polished young woman.
When Madame Wong finished, Lian barely recognized himself. The makeup and hair styling had completely changed his appearance, making him look like a high-society debutante.
Madame Wong stepped back and admired her handiwork. "You look stunning, Miss Mei," she said, smiling.
Lian felt a mix of emotions: discomfort, anxiety, and a hint of curiosity. He had to admit, he did look impressive.
Just then, Jin knocked on the door. "Miss Mei, it's time to go downstairs," he said. "Mr. Cheng is waiting for you."
With Madame Wong's final touches complete, Lian and Jin headed downstairs. The grand staircase curved downward, leading them to the entrance hall.
As they reached the bottom, Jin gestured toward the door. "Mr. Cheng is waiting in the car, Miss Mei," he said.
Lian's heart skipped a beat as he followed Jin out the door. The cool evening air greeted him as he stepped onto the driveway.
The sleek, black car waited by the curb, its tinted windows reflecting the light. Jin opened the door, and Lian slid into the luxurious interior.
Cheng sat across from him, his eyes locking onto Lian's transformed appearance. His gaze lingered, taking in every detail, and Lian felt a shiver run down his spine. His giving him a deep stare which is piercing like a dagger.
The silence was oppressive, with only Cheng's piercing gaze speaking volumes. Lian's discomfort grew as he tried to maintain his composure.
The car pulled away from the curb, gliding smoothly into the evening traffic. Lian's anxiety grew as he wondered what lay ahead.
*************************************
**************THE LI'S VILLA***********
Vivian Li stood in front of her closet, scanning her collection of designer gowns. Her friend, Sophia, sat on the bed, sipping champagne and offering her opinion.
"Wear the red one," Sophia said, holding up a stunning crimson gown. "It'll make a statement."
Vivian smiled, her eyes lighting up. "I love it," she said, taking the dress from Sophia. Then she slipped into the gown.
Vivian Li sat in front of her mirror, surrounded by her glam squad.Her hairstylist, worked on Vivian's locks, while a top-notch makeup artist, expertly applied a flawless makeup.
Vivian's friends, Sophia and Ava, lounged on the couch, sipping champagne and chatting. "So, have you seen pictures of Cheng's fiancée, Mei?" Sophia asked, her voice low and conspiratorial.
Ava leaned in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "No, what's she like?"
Sophia smiled mischievously. "I've heard she's a total porcelain doll. Cheng arranged the whole thing without his parents opinion."
Vivian rolled her eyes, her lips pursing in distaste. "Bet that bitch won't last for long just like every other ones," she said, her voice filled with mockery.
The makeup artist, smiled knowingly as she applied a subtle smoky eye. "You look stunning, Vivian," she said, stepping back to admire her work.
"i know." Vivian replied arrogantly.
The hairstylist finished Vivian's hair, styling it into loose waves. "You look perfect," Ava said, smiling.
Vivian gazed at her reflection, feeling like a million bucks. "Thanks, guys," she said, smiling at her friends.
"you're going to steal the spotlight." Sophia said.
"As always." Vivian replied staring at her reflections on the mirror.
Sophia and Ava stood up, their eyes shining with excitement. "Let's get going," Sophia said. "We don't want to be late."
Sophia nodded in agreement. "You'll knock them dead tonight."
Just then, Vivian's phone buzzed with a text from her mother. "Don't embarrass me tonight, Vivian. Make a good impression and don't forget to mingle."
Vivian raised an eyebrow, feeling a mix of amusement and annoyance. "Hmm," she said, smiling wryly at Sophia.
The limousine pulled at the dinner venue and the driver opened the door. Vivian stepped out, her stunning red gown flowing behind her like a river of fire. The custom-made Versace dress hugged her curves perfectly, accentuating her slender waist and toned physique. The intricate beading and embroidery on the gown sparkled under the flashing cameras, making her look like a true Hollywood starlet.
Paparazzi cameras flashed, capturing the moment as Vivian posed for the photographers. Her friends, Sophia and Ava, followed suit, and the three women posed together.
The paparazzi snapped photos, admiring Vivian's stunning outfit. "That's a one-of-a-kind Versace gown, worth a small fortune!" one of them exclaimed. "And are those Louboutins on her feet? The new collection, no doubt."
Vivian's shoes were indeed the famous red-soled Louboutins, the latest design from the fashion house. Her clutch was a rare, limited-edition Hermès Birkin bag, made from the finest leathers.
As they entered the mansion, guests couldn't help but stare. "Wow, Vivian, you look incredible," one of them said, eyeing the gown. "That dress is perfection. You must have spent hours getting ready."
Vivian smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "It was worth it, darling," she said, air-kissing the guest's cheek.
The guest nodded, taking in the details of Vivian's outfit. "Those shoes are stunning. And that bag... I've only seen a few of those in person."
Vivian's friends smiled, knowing the Birkin bag was indeed a luxury item, highly sought after by fashionistas.
Sudenly Roll-Royce LaRose Boire Droptail carrying Cheng and Lian pulled up to the mansion, drawing all eyes to the couple. Cheng stepped out, his tailored tuxedo accentuating his broad shoulders. Lian followed, his ethereal beauty captivating the crowd.
"Who's the woman beside Cheng?" someone whispered, in curiosity.
As Lian's face became visible, the room fell silent. His porcelain skin and delicate features made his look like a work of art. His silver gown, adorned with intricate sequins, shimmered under the light.
"Is that a custom-made Oscar de la Renta gown?" someone asked, eyes wide with admiration.
The gown's price tag was rumored to be astronomical, with some estimates reaching six figures. Lian's understated elegance and refined features made her look like a true royalty.
"Look at her jewelry," someone else whispered. "Those diamonds are exquisite."
Lian's necklace was a stunning piece, featuring rare, flawless diamonds. The necklace alone was worth millions, and the overall look was breathtaking.
Cheng and Lian made their way through the crowd, people couldn't help but stare. Vivian, who had been the center of attention moments before, now found herself watching Mei with disgust and hate.
Vivian's friends, Sophia and Ava, exchanged disapproving glances.
"Can you believe her?" Sophia whispered, her voice laced with hatred. "She thinks she can just walk in here and steal the spotlight?"
Ava nodded in agreement. "I know, right? Vivian was the belle of the ball just moments ago, and now this... Mei person is getting all the attention."
Sophia snorted. "And that dress! It's like she's trying to outdo Vivian or something. I mean, who wears a custom Oscar de la Renta to a dinner party?"
Ava raised an eyebrow. "Someone who's trying to make a statement, that's who. And it's working, unfortunately."