"Driver, take us to Starlight Tech Emporium," Su Ning instructed in a calm tone that carried an air of quiet authority.
The chauffeur glanced at her through the rearview mirror. "Yes, young miss," he said respectfully, immediately steering the car toward the heart of the city.
Chen Anya, seated stiffly beside Su Ning, blinked in confusion. Her lips parted, then closed again. Starlight Tech…? Even just hearing the name made her heart pound nervously.
Everyone in City F knew that Starlight Tech Emporium wasn't a store—it was a kingdom of luxury, reserved for the city's most powerful elites. Their cheapest phone could feed an ordinary family for a year, and their laptops were often auctioned at private events instead of displayed publicly. Students like her had no business even walking past its gates, much less entering.
Still, Su Ning's calm, almost indifferent expression made it seem like the decision was as casual as going out for a snack.
Chen Anya clenched her fists in her lap. She wanted to ask, Why? What are we going to do there? But the words stuck in her throat. She was too scared of embarrassing herself in front of Su Ning.
The sleek car glided to a stop in front of a massive glass building that seemed to touch the sky. The words "Starlight Tech Emporium" shone in platinum above the entrance, glowing softly beneath cascading LED light strips that gave the whole facade the aura of a futuristic palace.
The glass doors opened automatically, releasing a faint fragrance of sandalwood and cool air-conditioned freshness. Inside, chandeliers shaped like stars and galaxies hung from the ceiling, casting rainbow shimmers across polished floors. Rows of glass cases displayed phones and laptops like priceless jewels, each one illuminated under soft, golden spotlights.
It wasn't a store, it was a temple of technology and wealth.
Su Ning stepped out first, her school uniform crisp and neat, her every step exuding confidence. She looked like she belonged here.
Chen Anya hesitated at the car door, her heart thundering. Her cheap shoes suddenly felt like they didn't deserve to touch that gleaming marble floor. She followed reluctantly, clutching her bag as if it could shield her from judgment.
Behind them, Mu Suying's car screeched to a stop. The girl leapt out almost immediately, her eyes fixed on Su Ning's back. "Su Ning! Wait for me!" she called, her tone uncharacteristically eager.
The moment the three entered, a wave of polished attendants in sleek uniforms swept forward. Their smiles were professional, their eyes sharp.
"Welcome, esteemed guests," one of them said, bowing slightly.
Then their gazes fell on the school badges. Fuyuan Academy. Recognition flashed instantly. Everyone knew that academy only admitted heirs of wealth and power.
The attendants' demeanor brightened visibly, their voices tinged with admiration. When they spotted Mu Suying, their respect deepened. "Miss Mu! What a pleasant surprise. It's an honor to have you here."
Their gazes flickered toward Su Ning and Chen Anya. The moment they realized Mu Suying was with them, their smiles grew warmer by several degrees, their tone more reverent.
Su Ning didn't acknowledge the fuss, only said evenly, "Show us your latest phones and laptops."
"Yes, of course!" The lead attendant, a young woman in a sleek black uniform, gestured for them to follow.
They were guided past rows of glowing display stands. Every device seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly brilliance.
"This here is the Celestia X9, limited edition, crafted with a diamond-infused titanium frame. Only five hundred exist in the world. Price: 648,000 yuan."
She tapped the next case, her voice smooth as silk. "And this is the NovaFold 12 Pro, the most advanced foldable model, at 572,000 yuan."
On the laptop section, she gestured proudly. "Here is the Orion QuantumBook, built with quantum-encrypted chips—price: 898,000 yuan. And beside it, our flagship, the Aether Supreme X. Sleek, ultra-light, yet unrivaled in performance. Priced at 925,000 yuan."
Her words were laced with pride.
Chen Anya, however, nearly fainted. Each price stabbed her like a knife. Hundreds of thousands… for a phone? For a laptop? Her knees went weak. She tugged gently at Su Ning's sleeve, whispering, "N-Ning… don't buy it. It's too much, it's—this is insane…"
But Su Ning's expression didn't waver. She might as well have been choosing apples at a fruit market. "Wrap up two of the best models, phone and laptop"
The attendant froze for half a second, her pupils dilating with delight, before nodding vigorously. "At once, miss!"
The staff scattered like eager bees, rushing to prepare the purchase. Their gazes lingered on Su Ning with admiration. A young girl in uniform, spending over three million yuan without batting an eye—it could only mean one thing: she was from a family far beyond ordinary wealth.
Chen Anya, meanwhile, stood frozen in place. Her mouth hung open, her thoughts spinning wildly. The friend who once shared stale bread with her had just spent what could buy villas—casually, effortlessly.
As the items were brought over in elegant gift bags, Mu Suying suddenly stepped forward. "I'll pay for them!" she declared, her voice a little too loud, her gold card flashing in her hand.
But Su Ning walked past her calmly to the counter. "No need. I'll handle it."
Her tone was steady, unhurried.
The transaction was completed in seconds. Su Ning didn't flinch at the total. She didn't even blink. Her elegance underlined one undeniable fact—this was her world, and she moved in it naturally.
When the staff handed the bags over, Mu Suying quickly snatched them with a smile. "I'll carry them for you, Su Ning!"
Su Ning allowed it with a faint smile, but her hand reached out to Chen Anya, who was still standing stiff as a statue. She gave her friend's hand a reassuring tug. "Let's go."
Anya stumbled forward, still in shock.
At the doors, the lead attendant presented a black-and-gold VIP card with both hands, bowing deeply. "Miss, this is your Starlight VIP Membership. With this, you'll enjoy exclusive privileges, priority access to every release, and invitations to our private auctions. We sincerely look forward to your next visit."
As Su Ning stepped into her car again, escorted personally by the staff, the entire emporium seemed to hum with a silent truth—
This girl was not someone to underestimate.