In May, the rainy season arrived, and the climate in Xiangjiang was unpredictable.
Bian Yue sat in front of her vanity mirror, casually tossing her phone onto the table.
The phone screen was still lit up, showing a message from the current popular actress, Shi An'an.
Shi An'an's words were sharp and straightforward, filled with gunpowder, "Miss Bian, at Picnic Bay Marina, I want to talk to you in person about Sihe."
Li Sihe had constant scandals throughout the year, but this was the first time Bian Yue saw such blatant behavior.
It seemed that her fiancé, Li Sihe, truly cherished her.
Picnic Bay was close to the Tianhou Temple, so Bian Yue thought she might as well meet her and could also conveniently pay her respects to the Goddess of Sea. Before putting down the phone, she succinctly replied 'OK.'
At this moment, Bian Yue looked up at herself in the mirror, with skin as white as mutton fat jade, almond eyes, and red lips, exuding an exquisitely graceful beauty nurtured by luxurious fabrics.
But unfortunately, no matter how beautiful something is, looking at it for too long can still become tiresome.
Bian Yue stood up without any hesitation and walked down the winding vintage staircase, her gaze inadvertently drifting toward the second-floor corner.
At the far end of the second-floor hallway, a frame intricately carved from marble was embedded in the plush patterned wall.
Inside the frame was a family portrait of the Li Family, with Bian Yue being the only outsider.
At 16, after losing both her parents, Bian Yue was adopted by the Li Family, and that very day, they took this photo at the Li Family Ancestral Hall.
In the picture, the girl's hair was adorned with a mournful little white flower, timidly inviting pity.
Beside her stood Li Sihe at 18. The teenager wore a white shirt with great style—his sharpness was just emerging, elegant and poised with youthful vigor, and his face, favored by the gods, was the dream lover of countless young girls in Gang City.
Surrounding them were many elder members of the Li Family.
From then on, the Bian Family's heiress became the Li Family's Princess, marking the beginning of Li Sihe's most affectionate years.
Of course, flamboyant.
Bian Yue had the means to be flamboyant.
The butler downstairs saw Bian Yue appear and said respectfully, "Are you going out, miss? The young master will be back for lunch today. Shouldn't you wait for him?"
Bian Yue flipped her beautifully styled curls behind her back, smiling with her eyes, "Tell Li Sihe I'm going out to deal with his romantic affairs, and tell him to have two more bowls of rice. Eat well, drink well."
The butler, holding his breath like a robot, fetched an umbrella from the side, "It might rain outside."
Bian Yue thanked him, took it, and walked out.
In the taxi, Bian Yue looked at Shi An'an's photo.
Bian Yue considered herself acquainted with Shi An'an.
Bian Yue was the most famous investor in the industry, and her confidante, Wen Jiao, was a fan of Shi An'an. Miss Wen did things solely for fun, and, seeing Shi An'an's good temperament, transferred money from Bian Yue's company's account to invest in Shi An'an's performance project.
It was Wen Jiao's name that was used, but the profit went to Bian Yue.
In Wen Jiao's words, "Bian Yue, I want to support Shi An'an because I always feel she resembles you."
Bian Yue planned to tell Wen Jiao how similar they were after meeting Shi An'an.
"Miss, we're here."
The taxi stopped at the entrance of Picnic Bay, and Bian Yue paid and got out, looking around.
The waters at Picnic Bay, docked with numerous ships, were calm and tranquil. Bian Yue followed the agreed location, heading towards the very center of the harbor, towards the most luxurious over ten-story cruise ship.
Under the blazing sun, the light shone on the windows of the cabins facing south towards the sea.
When Bian Yue got out of the taxi, the sunlight was intense, projecting the shadow of a man on the glass.
Through the silhouette on the glass, the man's profile was perfectly lined, tall, with a cool and noble temperament.
He slightly lowered his head, seemingly observing, but even shadows bore the inherent indifference of those with authority engraved in their bones.
Only the distance created a surreal illusion.
Inside the cabin, the man's friend spoke up, his tone teasing, "The old folks of the Shen Family usually hold themselves more composed, but today they're all anxious and hopping mad. They're desperately looking for you. This is your homecoming banquet, and without you, they won't even touch their chopsticks."
The man didn't speak. Not until that slender figure disappeared from view did he retract his gaze, turn around, and sit down.
The room was not lit. The man's lowered eyes were vaguely visible, his temperament indifferent and detached. He spoke, his voice hoarse, distracted, "Mmm."
His friend spoke again, adding emphasis, "By the way, you're coming to the welcome banquet I'm hosting for you!"
The man stayed silent, seemingly lost in thought, raising a cup of clear tea, sipping it lightly. The hand holding the cup was jade-like, pure white, long and beautiful, akin to an artwork.
In the same upper deck lounge, a violin played melodiously, sunlight poured in, creating a serene warmth.
Bian Yue entered, sitting by the window where Shi An'an had booked in advance.
The best spot in this cabin wasn't by the window, but in the box directly facing it.
The cabin had only that one room, and opening the door led to a Jiangnan-style landscaped garden, with a natural hot spring.
The dining table was placed beside the water lilies, allowing for dining while enjoying the flowers. If the lights were out, it had a different kind of charm.
When Bian Yue was still a student, she often used to study in there with Wen Jiao.
Wen Jiao's eyes would tire from reading, so when she was captivated by a newly debuted young man in a magazine, she'd call him over to sing and dance.
When Wen Jiao wanted singers, they danced, and when she wanted dancers, they performed acts. Those male celebrities, with countless fans, all obliged with smiles, afraid to offend her.
After some time, Bian Yue found it boring and stopped participating.
In Xiangjiang, there were so many wealthy individuals that you could step on several at a time. And that particular room wasn't something money alone could book.
Shi An'an's status didn't measure up.
Moreover, today, the magnolia flower indicating vacancy on the box's door was gone, signaling someone important was inside.
Bian Yue retracted her gaze, shifting to the sea outside the window.
The warm sunlight fell on her face, casting a deeply alluring light and shadow, her aura dignified and graceful, truly a living little princess.
Not far away, the waitress, accustomed to seeing dignitaries and nobles, only needed a glance at Bian Yue to feel a sudden brilliance, hastily approaching with menus embedded with brocade and gold thread.
The waitress warmly bent over inquiring, "Miss, what would you like to order?"
Bian Yue lowered her head, her black curls gently draped over her chest, her fingers like green onions lightly flicked open the menu and casually pointed at a few dishes, her voice soft, "These ones, no. I'll take one of everything else, put it on the tab of the pretty lady arriving soon."
The waitress, having weathered many storms, only briefly showed a trace of shock before saying, "Sure, please wait a moment!"
The waitress left, and Bian Yue waited lazily, soon spotting a woman with extraordinary grace walking briskly towards her.
"I'm sorry, Miss Bian, I'm late!"
It was indeed the celebrity Shi An'an.
Bian Yue scrutinized her, subtly and without emotion—draped in luxury but overdoing it, a nouveau riche reincarnated.
Shi An'an sat down, similarly secretly evaluating Bian Yue—tasteless, just a pretty silly girl.