After the Chen family finished signing the documents for the villa, the sun began to dip behind the horizon, dyeing the sky a gentle shade of gold and rose.
A soft breeze swept through the lakeside community, carrying the fragrance of blooming magnolias from the gardens around the Azure Lake Villa residences.
The world here seemed almost unreal — tranquil, rich, and so far removed from the noisy streets and small rented apartment the Chen family had lived in for years.
After a while, they all decided to explore the villa. Chen Anya, whose excitement knew no bounds, led the charge like an eager child. Her laughter echoed through the marble corridors as she dashed from one room to another, every discovery sparking a new round of astonishment.
"Mom! Look at this bathroom! It's bigger than our entire living room before!" she exclaimed, pointing at the enormous marble tub surrounded by glass walls and golden fixtures. "And there's even a jacuzzi!"
Liu Ting chuckled softly, her heart still struggling to catch up with reality. Every step she took revealed something grander than the last — from the glittering chandelier that hung like a crown above the living room to the soft Persian carpets that cushioned their every step.
The walls were adorned with delicate gold trims, and the furniture looked as though they had been selected by a professional designer — modern yet refined.
The Chen family moved from room to room, overwhelmed by luxury. The scent of newness filled the air; the villa was spotless, as though it had been waiting just for them.
Su Ning followed behind, watching with gentle amusement. Her calm smile reflected her quiet satisfaction. Seeing their joy filled a part of her heart she rarely showed anyone.
When they reached the garage, Chen Wei stopped abruptly. His jaw nearly dropped as his eyes landed on the two cars parked inside.
One was a sleek black BMW X8, its surface polished to mirror perfection, the silver emblem gleaming proudly on the hood.
The second was a cherry-red Ferrari Roma, its curves bold, seductive, and flawless under the overhead lights. The air smelled faintly of expensive leather and machine polish.
Anya was the first to break the silence. "Dad! Mom! Look at these cars! Oh my god, are they ours too?"
Su Ning laughed softly, her voice light. "Yes." She had later told Yang Feng to get two nice luxury cars, seemed he had good tastes.
Chen Wei blinked rapidly, unable to speak. He had seen such cars before — but only in glossy magazines or parked outside the companies of billionaires.
After a long pause, he rubbed the back of his neck and chuckled nervously. "Funny thing, I was also told by my company that they're giving me a new BMW. It'll be delivered tomorrow."
That earned a round of laughter from everyone.
"So that means we'll have three cars?" Anya gasped dramatically, her eyes shining with disbelief.
"Then it seems you'll be spoiled for choice," Su Ning teased. "Uncle Chen can take the company car. Aunt Liu, I think the red Ferrari suits you. It's bold and elegant—just like you."
Liu Ting's cheeks turned pink. "Me? Drive that car? Oh no, I can't. That's too much. I'd be too nervous to even touch it!"
"Then start practicing," Su Ning said with a laugh. "You'll get used to it. And as for Anya—" she turned, her tone playful, "—I think we should get a driver for her. That way, she can get to school in comfort."
Anya's jaw dropped. "A driver? Me?"
Chen Wei, who had slowly begun to recover from his shock, chuckled. "I'll handle it. I'll make sure we get someone responsible."
Anya clapped her hands together. "Then I'll be going to school in a private car? My classmates are going to faint when they see this!"
Su Ning and Liu Ting laughed together at her enthusiasm, the atmosphere in the villa warm and filled with joy.
After they had settled for a while, Su Ning's expression softened. She glanced at the family sitting together and decided it was time for the next step. "Uncle Chen, Aunt Liu," she said, her voice calm but firm, "You both to resign from your current jobs on Monday."
The room fell silent.
They sighed deeply and nodded.
Su Ning leaned back slightly, her tone casual. "You both deserve better. Aunt Liu, you won't be needing that old company anymore. And Uncle Chen, you can handle everything related to your new position after weekend. I want you both to rest for now. Tomorrow's the weekend, right? Spend it here. Get used to your new home."
Chen Wei frowned slightly. "But we still have things at the old house…"
"Only take what's important," Su Ning interrupted gently. "You can always buy everything else at the Azure Lake Shopping Mall. It's more convenient."
Chen Wei nodded, though still visibly overwhelmed. "Alright. I'll go to the old house to get important stuffs now."
"Good," Su Ning said with a satisfied smile. Then she turned to Liu Ting and Anya. "For now, auntie, Anya, come with me. There's something else we need to do."
Anya's eyes lit up immediately. "Are we going shopping?"
Su Ning smiled mysteriously. "Something like that."
They followed her out to the driveway, where the Phantom IX Sport car awaited them — its sleek silver body glinting under the villa's exterior lights. Once they were seated, the car hummed softly to life, gliding out of the driveway like a silent beast.
Inside the car, the atmosphere was filled with excitement. Chen Anya couldn't stop chattering about how her life felt like a dream, while Liu Ting sat quietly beside Su Ning, her eyes soft with gratitude.
As they neared the heart of City F, Su Ning subtly accessed her system interface through her thoughts.
"Transfer ten million yuan into three bank cards," she instructed silently.
A faint chime echoed in her mind.
'Transfer completed.'
She reached into her purse and brought out three sleek gold bank cards. The edges gleamed faintly under the car's ambient lights.
When they stopped at a traffic light, Su Ning handed two cards to Liu Ting. "These are for you and Uncle Chen," she said calmly.
Liu Ting's eyes widened instantly. "Ning Ning, no, this is too much—"
Su Ning waved her hand casually. "It's just a small token. Think of it as housewarming money. You'll need it for other necessities. Really, it's not that much."
The woman hesitated, torn between gratitude and disbelief. But the sincerity in Su Ning's eyes made it impossible to refuse. Slowly, she took the cards, her voice trembling. "You… you've done too much already. We don't even know how to thank you."
Su Ning smiled faintly. "Then don't. I told you before, I owe you more than you can imagine."
Then she handed the third card to Chen Anya. "This one's yours."
Anya immediately shook her head, flustered. "No way! I can't take that!"
"If you don't," Su Ning said with mock seriousness, "I'll just throw it out the window."
That made the girl panic. "Fine, fine! I'll take it! You're impossible, Su Ning!"
Su Ning chuckled, leaning back against her seat, while Liu Ting quietly looked at her — thinking to herself that Su Ning was truly a blessing sent to their family.
The drive continued smoothly, and soon the car stopped in front of a towering glass building that shimmered in the afternoon light. The golden sign above the entrance gleamed proudly:
Luminous Beauty Spa — City F Branch.
The building stood five stories tall, surrounded by lush gardens and elegant fountains. The air was filled with the delicate scent of essential oils and jasmine. It was a place of luxury, often visited by socialites, celebrities, and even government officials.
Liu Ting froze. "Su Ning… why are we here?" she asked nervously. "This place… it's too expensive. I can't even afford to step inside."
Su Ning smiled warmly. "You're not here to spend money. You're at your new workplace."
Liu Ting blinked in confusion. "Workplace? What do you mean?"
Su Ning stepped out of the car, her calm poise commanding attention as always. "You'll see."
At the entrance, several staff members were already waiting — elegantly dressed in matching uniforms. Among them was Zheng Ling, the assistant manager, a young woman in her mid-twenties with bright eyes and a professional air. The moment she saw Su Ning, she straightened and bowed respectfully.
"Welcome, Miss Su!"
The staff followed her lead, bowing in perfect harmony.
Su Ning nodded gently in acknowledgment and walked inside, Liu Ting and Chen Anya following close behind, still dazed by the attention.
They took the private elevator straight to the fourth floor, where Zheng Ling's office was located. The office smelled faintly of roses and sandalwood, and they were immediately offered tea served in fine porcelain cups.
Su Ning took a sip before she spoke. "Zheng Ling, I brought the new executive manager for the City F branch."
Zheng Ling blinked. "Yes, general manager Zhou already informed me"
Su Ning smiled and gestured towards Liu Ting. "This is Mrs. Liu Ting."
The assistant manager quickly stood up and bowed again. "Welcome, Manager Liu!"
Liu Ting was speechless. "Wait—what? Me?!"
"Yes auntie" Su Ning replied simply, smiling as though she were announcing something as casual as the weather. "Miss Zheng, please guide her through everything she needs to know."
Zheng Ling, still recovering from shock, nodded eagerly. "Yes, Miss Su! I'll make sure Manager Liu settles in perfectly!"
Then Su Ning added lightly, "And Miss Zheng, you'll get a salary raise of one hundred and fifty thousand yuan. The other staff — fifty thousand each."
The assistant manager nearly dropped her pen in shock. "Thank you, Miss Su! Thank you!"
Her excitement was contagious; even Liu Ting could feel the warmth spreading in the room.
Zheng Ling then offered to show them Liu Ting's new office, which was located on the fifth floor. When they entered, everyone fell silent in awe.
The office was spacious and beautifully designed — floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking City F, a marble desk with a gold nameplate that already read Manager Liu Ting, cream-colored sofas, and delicate orchids placed in crystal vases. The walls shimmered faintly with subtle golden patterns, and a private lounge connected to the side.
Liu Ting stood frozen at the doorway, tears forming in her eyes. Her hands trembled slightly as she stepped inside. "This… this can't be real…"
Chen Anya's eyes glistened with emotion. "Mom… this is really yours!"
Su Ning smiled, her tone gentle. "It suits you. Strong, elegant, dependable."
Liu Ting turned toward her, unable to speak. She had worked all her life — cleaning offices, taking insults, struggling to make ends meet. And now, in a single day, she was standing in a place like this — her name engraved on a golden plate.
Tears rolled down her cheeks silently.
"Thank you, Ningning," she whispered, voice trembling.
Su Ning smiled softly. "You deserve it."
As the sun dipped lower outside, painting the glass walls in amber light, Chen Anya looked at Su Ning with renewed awe. Her heart swelled with gratitude and fierce loyalty.
She clenched her fists secretly, and vowed in her heart.
'No matter what happens, I'll never leave Su Ning's side. Even if it costs me my life.'