The luxury car rolled to a halt at the towering gates of the villa. The driver stepped out and opened the door with practiced precision.
Su Ning stepped onto the marble-paved driveway, the evening sun catching the jade pendant around her neck and casting a soft glow across her pale skin. Chen Anya followed quickly, still dazed. She had been with Su Ning earlier that day when they had walked into a high-end store, casually purchasing two of the most expensive phones and laptops available — one set for Su Ning, one for herself.
At that time, Anya had thought it was a fleeting dream, something she would wake up from at any moment. But now, as she stood before Su Ning's grand villa, reality struck her harder.
The driver drove away, leaving the two girls before the imposing iron gates. Su Ning entered the code, the gates slid open, and she gently tugged Anya's hand.
"Come in," Su Ning said simply, her tone calm, but her presence commanding.
Anya's breath caught in her throat. She followed hesitantly, each step drawing her deeper into a world she never imagined Su Ning belonged to. The path wound past a shimmering fountain whose water glistened like liquid silver, flanked by manicured gardens. To the right stretched a swimming pool larger than her entire living room. And near the garage, several limited-edition luxury cars gleamed under the sun — cars she had only seen in magazines.
Behind them, another car pulled in quietly. Mu Suying emerged, her face pale with awe as her eyes darted everywhere — the cars, the villa's grand structure, the sparkling glass walls. Her chest tightened with both regret and respect. Her father's words echoed in her mind: Serve Su Ning, protect her, and never oppose her again.
She swallowed hard. How foolish I was back then, mocking her… now, I'll spend my life making up for it.
The girls entered the house, and a cool wave of lavender-scented air wrapped around them. The living room was vast, with high ceilings, golden chandeliers, velvet drapes, and handcrafted furniture that radiated understated luxury.
Anya froze at the edge of the room, afraid to sit on anything. She hovered uncertainly, her hands gripping her schoolbag. "I… I shouldn't touch anything… it's too expensive…"
Su Ning glanced back and smiled faintly. "It's just furniture, Anya. Sit wherever you like."
But Anya shook her head vigorously. "No… I'll stand."
Meanwhile, Mu Suying drifted around quietly, her hands clasped in front of her as she took in the décor. The more she saw, the heavier her heart became. Who is Su Ning really? Just how powerful is her background…? No, no more questions. I mustn't doubt her. I'll earn her trust, no matter how long it takes.
Without another word, Su Ning headed upstairs alone, her fluffy white slippers whispering against the polished stairs. Anya and Mu Suying remained below in silence, both unsettled for different reasons.
Minutes later, Su Ning descended gracefully, now dressed in soft beige lounge-wear that draped elegantly over her figure. A thin silk cardigan fell from her shoulders, its loose sleeves flowing gently. Around her neck, the jade pendant gleamed brightly against her pale skin. Her long hair, freshly brushed, framed her delicate face, while her girlish fluffy slippers gave her an air of approachable softness despite her poised demeanor.
She looked like someone plucked straight out of a fashion magazine — casual, yet every detail whispered wealth and refinement.
Both Anya and Mu Suying stared, momentarily speechless.
Su Ning ignored their stunned looks and went straight to the tea set displayed on a side table. Her hands moved fluidly as she brewed the tea with practiced grace. Steam curled into the air, carrying the earthy, soothing fragrance of premium leaves. She poured three cups.
"Here," she said softly, setting a cup before Anya.
Anya hesitated. "Ningning… are you sure? I—I don't want to break it…"
"Drink," Su Ning said firmly, her own cup already in hand.
Anya obeyed, trembling slightly as she raised the porcelain cup to her lips. The flavor was rich, layered — unlike anything she had ever tasted. It brought tears to her eyes again, though she didn't know why.
Su Ning took a sip of her own tea before setting it down and leaning slightly closer to Anya. Her eyes softened.
"Anya, I know you're confused. I owe you an explanation."
Anya's chest tightened, her fingers clenching the cup.
Su Ning continued in a low, calm voice. "The truth is… my family is not what you thought. My parents weren't ordinary people. They belonged to a powerful background, one that had to remain hidden. When they passed away, I thought I'd lost everything… but recently, those ties resurfaced. That's why I live here now. That's why things have changed so suddenly."
Anya gasped softly.
"But why pretend?" she whispered. "Why let everyone bully you at school if you had all this…?"
Su Ning's lips curved into a faint, bittersweet smile. "Because showing my identity would've been dangerous. I had to remain invisible, to protect myself — and to protect you too. Pretending to be poor was the safest choice until the time was right."
Anya's tears spilled over. She thought of all the times Su Ning had endured sneers, insults, even her own broken phone screen taped together while others mocked her. She thought of the times Su Ning had shared her food despite barely having enough for herself.
Her voice cracked. "You suffered so much, Ningning… and you still stayed by my side… why?"
Su Ning reached out, clasping Anya's trembling hands. "Because you never abandoned me. You treated me like family when I had nothing. You are my best friend, Anya. That will never change. Now it's my turn to protect you."
Anya burst into tears fully, covering her face.
From the sofa, Mu Suying's nails dug into her palm as she listened. So it's true… a hidden background. No wonder Father bowed his head before her name. No wonder…
She bit her lip, shame burning in her chest. And I dared insult her once… I'll never forgive myself. But from now on, I'll be loyal. I'll stay by her side and earn her recognition.
Su Ning quietly picked up the shopping bags from earlier, which Mu Suying had placed on the coffee table. She slid them toward Anya.
Anya's eyes widened. "Ningning…?"
"You were with me when I bought these," Su Ning said softly. "The latest phone and laptop — one set for me, one for you. They're yours."
Anya gasped, shaking her head violently. "No! No, I can't accept this! They're too expensive!"
"You will," Su Ning said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Anya's lips trembled. "But my parents… if I take this home, they'll panic! They'll ask questions I can't answer—"
"Then keep them here for now," Su Ning said calmly. "But they're yours, Anya. If you refuse…" Her eyes narrowed, her voice sharpening slightly. "…then we're no longer friends."
Anya froze, her heart lurching in horror. "No! Don't say that! I… I'll accept them. I'll just… leave them here until I can explain somehow."
Su Ning's smile softened again. "Good. And don't worry — I'll visit your parents soon. I'll handle it."
Anya blushed deeply, embarrassed at the thought. Still, she nodded. "Okay…"
The evening slipped by in quiet conversation. Anya's tears dried, replaced by cautious hope. Mu Suying remained in the background, silent, determined to prove her loyalty.
Finally, Anya stood. "I should go home. My parents will worry."
Before Su Ning could answer, Mu Suying quickly rose. "I'll take you," she said smoothly, eager to serve.
Anya hesitated, glancing at Su Ning.
Su Ning nodded lightly. "Go with her. It's safer."
Reluctantly, Anya agreed. The two girls left together, leaving Su Ning at the doorway, the pendant around her neck glowing softly in the fading light.
Her gaze hardened with quiet determination.
The world had once laughed at her, trampled her, left her in despair. But those days were over. From now on, she would rise above them all — and no one would dare push her down again.