After Su Ning and Zheng Ling finalized everything in the office, Zheng Ling politely gestured for them to follow her downstairs.
"Miss Su, Madam Liu," she said with a respectful smile, "everyone has been eagerly waiting to meet the new executive manager."
Su Ning gave a calm nod while Liu Ting straightened herself nervously. Her palms were slightly sweaty, her heart fluttering with anxiety.
'Meet the new executive manager? '
She was still trying to wrap her mind around the fact that she was the one holding that title now.
Chen Anya noticed her mother's tension and gently squeezed her hand. "Mom, you'll be fine," she whispered encouragingly.
Liu Ting smiled faintly, grateful for her daughter's support. She drew in a steady breath, adjusted her blouse, and followed Zheng Ling as they made their way to the ground floor of the spa.
The elevator doors opened to reveal a wide open hall glowing with soft golden lights. Every staff member — from receptionists to skincare specialists, stylists to accountants, beauticians to cleaners to security— was already assembled neatly in front of the grand staircase.
They had stopped work an hour early, all waiting for this mysterious new manager they'd heard so much about.
Whispers had flown across the spa all afternoon.
"I heard she's from the main branch."
"No way. Maybe she's a professional from overseas."
"What if she's strict like the last manager?"
But when the elevator chimed and the doors opened, every conversation stopped at once.
The crowd turned to look.
Su Ning stepped out first, her elegant posture commanding quiet awe. Her eyes were calm but sharp, her aura naturally composed.
Right behind her came Zheng Ling, and then Liu Ting — who walked gracefully, though clearly a little shy — and Chen Anya, curious and wide-eyed as she trailed beside her mother.
For a long moment, the hall was utterly silent.
Then Zheng Ling's voice rang clear and confident:
"Everyone, allow me to introduce our new Executive Manager, Madam Liu Ting."
The crowd blinked. Then, as though under an invisible cue, they all bowed respectfully and spoke in unison:
"Welcome, Manager Liu!"
Liu Ting's heart trembled. For years, she had been the one bowing to superiors, the one greeting managers, the one being ordered around. And now, an entire hall of staff — smartly dressed, confident young professionals — were bowing to her.
She quickly regained her composure. Though her heart was pounding, she gave a gentle smile and bowed slightly in return. "Thank you, everyone. I'm honored to be here."
Her voice was calm and soft, but it carried through the hall easily.
Zheng Ling encouraged her subtly with a small nod. Liu Ting then straightened her shoulders and began to speak naturally, her inner grace slowly revealing itself.
"I may be new to this position," she said, "but I've seen enough of the world to understand that the most successful teams are not built by pride, but by unity and respect. I look forward to learning from all of you, working with all of you, and growing together, thank you."
Her words were simple, but genuine.
Her gentle yet steady tone carried warmth, her eyes holding sincerity. It wasn't the cold, sharp authority they were used to from the previous manager — but something entirely different.
Her kindness had its own quiet power.
You could feel it.
Within seconds, the staff were smiling, whispering softly among themselves — and one could already sense the change in atmosphere.
"She's so humble."
"I already like her."
"She feels… different. So kind."
Indeed, Liu Ting's natural grace, softened by years of hardship, radiated an aura of genuine strength — one that didn't demand respect but naturally earned it.
Su Ning watched silently from the back, the faintest smile on her lips. Yes, she thought. 'She fits this place perfectly.'
Zheng Ling stepped forward once more. "Everyone, I have another announcement," she said brightly. "From today onward, the company is giving every staff member a salary raise! Fifty thousand yuan added to your monthly pay, effective immediately."
A moment of silence — then the entire floor erupted in joyful exclamations.
"What?!"
"Fifty thousand?!"
"Really?!"
The happiness in the air was contagious. Staff members clapped, cheered, and bowed again in gratitude. Their eyes glowed with respect toward Liu Ting, who stood frozen for a moment, her face warm and slightly flushed.
She turned slightly to glance at Su Ning, who was scrolling through her phone. Liu Ting didn't need to ask — she knew where this generosity had come from.
When everything calmed down, Zheng Ling escorted them as they left. Liu Ting was still in a daze. Chen Anya's face was bright with admiration and pride for her mother, while Su Ning's expression remained peaceful and unreadable.
They exited through the main doors and returned to the car. For a while, no one spoke. The quiet hum of the engine filled the silence as Su Ning drove them toward the exit of City F.
Liu Ting finally exhaled softly, still overwhelmed. "I… I can't believe all that just happened. It feels like a dream."
Su Ning chuckled quietly. "Then don't wake up yet."
Anya grinned. "Mom, you were amazing! You even spoke like a real CEO."
Liu Ting smiled shyly. "I was shaking inside. My legs almost gave way."
Su Ning only smiled more.
She had earlier told Zhou Meng not to announce her identity but she knew Liu Ting would have guessed it.
She shifted gears smoothly and said, "We are stopping at Azure Lake Shopping Mall."
"Shopping mall?" Anya blinked. "Already?"
Su Ning smiled. "You'll need new things for your new lives."
Liu Ting laughed softly, though still uncertain. "You really think we need more?"
"Of course auntie," Su Ning replied.
The Azure Lake Shopping Mall was a marvel of modern luxury — a massive glass complex that sparkled under the setting sun. The building was shaped like a graceful arc surrounding an artificial lake, with floating lights beginning to glow as dusk approached.
Every surface gleamed, and elegant music played faintly through hidden speakers. The air was cool, filled with the faint scent of designer perfumes.
As they entered through the VIP entrance, uniformed attendants greeted them politely. "Welcome to Azure Lake."
She had told Yang Feng to keep her identity a secret so it was normal they didn't recognize her.
Liu Ting and Anya followed her closely, wide-eyed like tourists seeing a new world.
Su Ning led them first to the female clothing section, a vast space filled with racks of luxury brands. Sveral attendants immediately approached them, bowing slightly.
"Good evening, guests. What would you like to see today?"
Su Ning's gaze swept across the room, then she smiled. "Something professional, elegant — and comfortable. For her." She gestured toward Liu Ting.
Within minutes, several attendants began bringing out blazers, silk blouses, pencil skirts and pants in soft pastel shades, a lot of high heels and shoes to fit, as well as casual and night wears.
Liu Ting tried a few on and looked at herself in the mirror, almost not recognizing the woman staring back. The gentle fabrics, the fit — it transformed her entirely.
Anya clapped her hands. "Mom, you look so classy! Like one of those famous CEOs in dramas!"
Liu Ting laughed in embarrassment. "Stop teasing me."
They spent the next hour trying different outfits. Then Su Ning led them to the men's section. "Uncle Chen needs his too," she said simply.
They picked out tailored suits, leather shoes, and even a few casual outfits. The attendants worked efficiently, packing each set in branded boxes with silk ribbons.
Next came the younger women's fashion section — and that was where Anya completely lost control.
Her eyes sparkled as she darted from one rack to another. "Ah! Look at this skirt! And this top—oh! Su Ning, this one! Look at this!"
Su Ning laughed softly, her voice teasing. "Pick what you like. Everything that fits, we'll take."
"Everything?!" Anya's mouth fell open.
"Everything," Su Ning repeated calmly.
By the time they were done, they had bought casual clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories. They also bought four more FUYUAN Academy uniforms for Su Ning and Anya. The attendants trailed behind them with arms full of designer items.
Then they went to the evening wear section. Rows of elegant gowns shimmered under the soft lights. Su Ning personally selected a few — a navy blue velvet dress for Liu Ting that complemented her gentle beauty, and a pale pink off-shoulder gown for Anya that made her look like a fairytale princess.
For herself, she chose a minimalist black evening dress — simple, but impossibly elegant.
After that, they visited the jewelry section. Sparkling diamonds glittered behind glass cases.
Liu Ting's eyes caught on a delicate diamond necklace set, pure and dazzling, resting on white velvet. Her eyes lingered, but she quickly turned away, shaking her head.
"It's beautiful," she murmured, "but it's too expensive."
Su Ning noticed. Without saying anything, she gestured to the staff. "Wrap that one up. And that set. And this one, then the one beside it... Oh, and three men's watches — something sophisticated."
The staff nodded immediately, eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Right away, Miss."
Liu Ting turned around quickly, alarmed. "Ningning—!"
Su Ning smiled lightly. "Consider it a family gift."
Before Liu Ting could protest, they were already moving toward the upper floors.
They bought bedsheets, duvets, pillowcases, and delicate home fragrances on the third floor, then moved to the fourth for groceries and kitchen supplies — though Su Ning reminded them they already had most essentials in the villa.
Then lastly, they went to the skincare section and bought a lot of skincare products.
It was only when they reached the checkout counter that Liu Ting realized how much they had bought.
"Wait—Ning Ning, I'll pay for some of this," she said hastily, reaching for her purse.
Su Ning handed her card to the cashier before she could even blink.
"Use this," she said simply.
The cashier swiped the gold card, and the machine beeped softly.
7,000,000 yuan — Transaction Approved.
The staff bowed deeply. "Thank you for shopping with us, esteemed guests"
Liu Ting was speechless. "Seven… seven million?! Ningning, you can't just—"
"It's fine," Su Ning interrupted gently. "You're family."
The mall manager, who had rushed down upon hearing the transaction amount, immediately offered complimentary delivery. "Miss Su, please allow us to deliver everything to your residence free of charge. It's our honor."
"Alright," Su Ning said, smiling faintly.
Outside, the sun had fully set, and golden street lamps illuminated the wide boulevard.
Chen Wei's car was already parked at the entrance. He waved as he saw them approaching.
"I've finished packing everything important," he said when they reached him. "I mailed the key to the landlord. He was surprised."
Su Ning nodded approvingly. Behind them, a group of mall staff were loading boxes into a large silver truck bearing the mall's logo.
"Follow us to Villa 089" Su Ning instructed them.
As the convoy of cars and the delivery truck rolled down the night-lit streets, the Chen family sat together in quiet awe.
Chen Wei glanced at his wife's elegant new clothes and smiled softly. "I never imagined we'd be living like this, Ting."
Liu Ting looked at him with tearful eyes. "It feels like fate has finally smiled on us."
Anya, seated in the backseat, grinned wide. "More like Su Ning smiled on us."
Outside, the moon hung high over the calm lake, reflecting the lights of Villa 089 in the distance.
It was a night they would never forget — the night their lives truly began anew.