The BMW glided through the quiet streets of the Azure Lake residences, its silver body catching the last hues of sunset like a ribbon of light. Inside, laughter filled the air as Chen Anya leaned across the seat, chatting animatedly with Su Ning, who sat by the window, her long dark hair flowing gently over her shoulders.
As they turned into the Chen family villa, the air was tinged with the comforting scent of home — blooming osmanthus trees, soft breeze, and the faint aroma of Liu Ting's cooking drifting from the kitchen window.
"Mom and Dad will be so happy," Anya said, her smile radiant. "Mom kept saying the house feels empty without you."
Su Ning chuckled softly, her tone tender. "It's only been two days, Anya."
"That's two days too long," Anya huffed playfully. "You know how they adore you, Ningning. Mom even made your favorite sweet-and-sour ribs today."
At that, Su Ning's lips curved into a soft smile, her gaze turning toward the elegant villa ahead — the place that once echoed with the sound of struggle and now shimmered with warmth and prosperity.
They had all been poor once. The Chens — hardworking, honest people — had struggled to keep their small home intact. Su Ning remembered those nights vividly: when she and Anya huddled under a shared blanket, dreaming of better days. It was a dream that now stood before them, made real by Su Ning's rise and her refusal to leave her loved ones behind.
As the car stopped in front of the villa, Liu Ting emerged from the doorway, her apron still tied around her waist. Her smile was wide and welcoming.
"Ningning! You're finally here!" she exclaimed, wiping her hands on her apron before opening her arms.
Su Ning stepped out gracefully, her poise effortless yet warm. She greeted Liu Ting with a light hug, her voice soft. "Auntie, you look even younger than the last time I saw you."
"Oh, stop teasing me," Liu Ting laughed, her eyes crinkling with fondness. "Come in quickly, the food's getting cold. Go wash your hands first, both of you!"
"Okay, Auntie," Anya said, already dragging Su Ning toward the stairs like a child eager to show off her best friend.
Before they could disappear, Chen Wei came descending from the staircase, his face freshly shaven and his posture upright, the years of hardship now replaced by the quiet dignity of success.
"Well, if it isn't our Ningning!" he greeted with laughter, his voice rich with pride. "You've been gone for just a weekend, and it feels like our sunshine went away with you."
Su Ning laughed softly, bowing her head slightly. "Uncle Wei, you look amazing. Have you been working out?"
Liu Ting snorted fondly. "He only started jogging because he suddenly wanted to look good."
Chen Wei coughed, looking away. "Nonsense! I just thought it's time to stay fit."
Their shared laughter filled the air, warm and real.
Inside the dining room, the table gleamed beneath soft crystal lights — a spread of rich, colorful dishes that looked almost too beautiful to touch. From tender ribs glistening in sauce to steamed fish scented with ginger and spring onion, every dish carried the fragrance of love and care.
They gathered around the table, and for a few minutes, all was laughter and chatter.
"This is so good, Mom!" Anya said between mouthfuls, eyes wide with delight. "You've outdone yourself this time."
"Eat slowly," Liu Ting scolded lightly. "Don't talk with your mouth full."
Su Ning smiled, her eyes sparkling with quiet amusement as she sipped her soup. "Auntie, your cooking always feels like home."
Liu Ting softened instantly. "And you'll always have a home here, Ningning."
After a while, Su Ning turned to Chen Wei and Liu Ting, her tone turning gently curious. "Uncle, Auntie… are you ready for your new jobs tomorrow?"
Chen Wei chuckled nervously. "Nervous, to be honest. Working in such a famous Hotel, having such high position is scary. I wouldn't even know what to do if I meet those big business men and political bosses who come from all over the country, even foreigners."
"You'll be great," Su Ning said, her tone reassuring. "The hotel needs people with integrity, and that's what you both have. Just be yourselves."
Liu Ting nodded, her eyes shining with emotion. "It still feels like a dream, Ningning. To think we'd ever have a chance like this."
Su Ning reached across the table, lightly squeezing Liu Ting's hand. "It's not a dream, Auntie. You've earned it. All of you have."
The rest of the meal passed in warmth and laughter, the kind of easy comfort that only came from family.
The dining table gleamed with the soft reflection of golden light, the air rich with the lingering aroma of Liu Ting's cooking. The meal had been one of laughter, chatter, and quiet contentment — the kind that felt like a balm after long, uncertain days.
After the meal, Chen Anya was still talking about the dish when Liu Ting stood up, gathering the plates with a hum under her breath. Su Ning smiled faintly, watching her move — graceful and practiced, yet lighter now than she used to be. There was no longer the weariness that once lined her face back when life was all struggle and debt.
As Liu Ting reached for another plate, Su Ning rose from her chair.
"Auntie," she called softly.
Liu Ting turned, a towel still in her hand. "Hmm? What is it, Ningning?"
Su Ning's lips curved. "There's something I brought for you. I wanted to give it after dinner."
Liu Ting blinked, surprised. "For me? Ningning, no, no — you've done enough already. You've given us everything we have now."
Su Ning shook her head gently, her tone calm but affectionate. "I haven't given you anything that you didn't already deserve. This is just a small gift — something beautiful for someone who deserves beautiful things."
She reached for a velvet gift box, deep crimson with a gold-trimmed edge, the kind that whispered quiet luxury. Liu Ting hesitated before accepting it, her fingers brushing against Su Ning's with maternal familiarity.
When she opened the box, her breath caught.
Inside, nestled in white silk, lay a ruby jewelry set — a necklace of delicate gold chain carrying a single ruby centerpiece shaped like a teardrop of fire. Matching earrings glowed beside it, small rubies ringed with slender arcs of gold that caught the light like sunlight through red glass.
The color shimmered richly — bold yet refined, alive yet poised.
Liu Ting's lips parted, her voice barely a whisper. "Ningning… this is—this is too much. It's… stunning."
"It reminded me of you," Su Ning said softly. "Strong, warm, and radiant. You've always had that kind of beauty, Auntie, even when times were hard."
Liu Ting looked up, her eyes glistening. "You shouldn't have. Something like this—"
"It's not about the price," Su Ning interrupted gently. "It's about what it means. You worked so hard for Anya, for Uncle, even when you had nothing left for yourself. I just wanted to give you something that says… you deserve luxury, too."
The older woman blinked rapidly, her throat tight. For a long moment, she couldn't find words. Then she smiled, a little watery, as she cradled the jewelry in her hands.
"You've grown into such an incredible young woman," Liu Ting murmured. "When I think of how far you've come… I still remember when you used to come over after school with that old worn-out bag, smiling even though you'd skipped lunch."
Su Ning's lips quirked faintly, her gaze soft with memory. "And I still remember how you'd notice right away and make excuses to give me food. You said it was because you made too much."
Liu Ting chuckled, eyes damp. "You caught me back then, didn't you?"
Anya grinned, leaning her chin on her hand. "You two sound like an old couple reminiscing about their youth."
Liu Ting swatted lightly at her daughter, though the motion was fond. "Hush, girl. Let me have my moment with Ningning."
Su Ning smiled. "Auntie, promise me you'll wear it tomorrow, when you start your new job. Red brings confidence — and good fortune."
Liu Ting nodded, holding the box close to her chest like something precious. "I'll wear it proudly. Thank you, Ningning… truly."
Su Ning's voice softened. "You don't have to thank me. You, Uncle, and Anya — you gave me family when I had no one. This is just my way of giving a little back."
Liu Ting's eyes softened with maternal affection. "You'll always be part of this family. No matter where life takes you, remember that."
Su Ning smiled — a quiet, grateful smile that reached her eyes.
The moment lingered, warm and wordless, before Liu Ting straightened and wiped at the corners of her eyes. "Alright, enough of this sentimental talk. Go on upstairs, you two. Anya's probably been dying to tell you everything that's happened since you left."
"Mom!" Anya protested with mock offense, though laughter colored her tone.
"Go, go," Liu Ting urged with a grin, turning back toward the kitchen. "And Ningning—thank you again. You made this old woman's night."
"You're not old," Su Ning said with a small chuckle. "You look younger than most women in their thirties."
Liu Ting laughed softly, shaking her head. "Sweet-talker."
As Su Ning and Anya ascended the stairs, Liu Ting stood for a moment by the dining table, her eyes fixed on the ruby necklace glinting in the soft chandelier light.
She touched the pendant gently, the crimson gem glowing against her palm like a symbol — a reminder of everything they had overcome, and the girl who had once been their hope now returning as their pride.
Her lips curved into a quiet, emotional smile