Later, in Chen Anya's room, the evening air was soft with the fragrance of lilac candles. The room itself was cozy yet stylish — posters, makeup bottles, and little trinkets scattered about, all reflecting Anya's cheerful personality.
Su Ning sat by the vanity, watching her reflection as she undid her hairpins, while Anya lay sprawled across the bed, hugging a pillow and talking endlessly.
"I'm kind of nervous about going back to school tomorrow," Anya confessed. "Everyone's going to see me as the 'rich girl' now. What if they treat me differently?"
Su Ning smiled, her reflection serene. "Then let them. Just be yourself, Anya. You don't need to prove anything."
"But it feels strange," Anya murmured. "Just a week ago, I was that poor girl who wore second-hand clothes, and now…"
"Now you're still the same person," Su Ning interrupted gently. "Money doesn't change your heart, unless you let it."
Anya sighed dramatically, rolling onto her back. "You always say things that sound so wise. Maybe I should start quoting you in my captions."
Su Ning chuckled. "You'd run out of followers."
"Rude!" Anya tossed a pillow at her, laughing.
The laughter faded into a more mischievous grin as Anya sat up suddenly. "By the way, Ningning, you've been trending online, You're literally everywhere — Stargram, Startok, Starbook, even the fashion blogs! That fan — what's her name again, oh, right, GoddessSuBabySu, she posted that selfie with you, and boom! Viral!"
Su Ning's lips curved slightly, amused. "I saw. It's just social media."
"Just social media?" Anya gasped dramatically. "If I had been the one in that photo, I'd have already gotten brand deals!"
Before Su Ning could respond, Anya jumped up, grabbing her phone. "Wait — we need new selfies! Move, Ningning!"
Within moments, she was leaning close, snapping photos from every angle while Su Ning laughed softly, indulging her antics.
"You know," Anya said after a while, scrolling through the photos, "I regret letting that fan take the spotlight. I should've claimed you first."
"Claimed me?" Su Ning raised a brow.
"As your bestie!" Anya declared proudly. "Everyone online would know I'm your person."
Su Ning could only shake her head, a smile tugging at her lips.
After the laughter died down, Su Ning reached for the jewelry box she had brought from her trip. She placed it gently in Anya's hands.
"My gift! What's in it?" Anya asked, eyes wide.
"Something I saw and thought of you."
Anya opened the box — and gasped. Inside lay a diamond jewelry set that shimmered under the soft light, the stones catching every flicker of color like liquid fire.
"Ningning…" she whispered, breathless. "This is… it's so beautiful!"
Su Ning smiled softly. "Do you like it?"
"Like it? I love it!" Anya squealed, hugging her tightly. "You spoil me too much!"
"Then I'll stop," Su Ning teased.
"Never!"
Anya ran to the mirror, fastening the necklace around her neck. The diamonds sparkled against her skin, catching the golden glow of the evening. For a moment, she just stared, mesmerized. Then she carefully took it off and placed it among her growing collection.
Turning back to Su Ning, she asked, "So, what should we do today? I feel like celebrating before the chaos of school starts."
Su Ning leaned back, thoughtful. "Where do you want to go?"
Anya's face lit up instantly. "Luminous. I heard Sundays are for VVIPs only."
Su Ning smiled knowingly. "Luminous it is."
The sun was soft and golden, filtering through the city skyline. When they arrived at Luminous, the luxury spa was calm and quiet — reserved only for elite clients. The glass doors slid open, revealing a world of fragrance, soft music, and pristine decor.
"Welcome, Miss Su. Young Miss Chen," the attendants greeted, bowing slightly.
Anya's eyes widened in delight. "Did you hear that? 'Young Miss Chen.' It sounds so classy!"
Su Ning's lips quirked. "Enjoy it then."
Inside, they were led to a private suite, all ivory and gold, scented with lavender and sandalwood. The head beautician, the same young woman who had once stood up for Su Ning personally attended to them, her face glowing with excitement.
"Miss Su! It's an honor," she said warmly. "Allow me to serve you today."
Su Ning inclined her head with a gracious smile.
They began with a full spa treatment — aromatic baths, facial masks, and gentle massages. The tension of the week melted away.
When it came time for manicures, Anya chose a bright red polish adorned with tiny flowery imprints, each petal glimmering under the salon lights.
Su Ning, on the other hand, went for something far more refined — a black and gold fusion design. Her nails were painted with a glossy black base, the tips lined with fine gold filigree like delicate veins of light. Each finger bore a different accent, one had a small golden crescent, another a shimmering swirl, elegant, mysterious, and powerful.
"Your nails look like luxury itself," Anya murmured in admiration.
Su Ning only smiled faintly.
After their hair care session, Anya excused herself to the restroom, still humming happily.
Inside the restroom, the scent of white lilies filled the air. Anya was admiring her manicure when another girl emerged from one of the stalls.
Their eyes met — and both froze.
"Li Peihan?" Anya said in surprise.
Li Peihan blinked, equally stunned. "Chen Anya?"
Before either could recover, the door opened again. Qin Rulan stepped in, chatting to Peihan until her gaze landed on Anya. Her expression twisted instantly.
"Well, well," Rulan drawled, a cruel smile forming. "Look who we have here. The poor girl from school playing rich at Luminous."
Li Peihan smirked. "I was just about to ask what she's doing here. This place costs more than your entire monthly allowance, doesn't it?"
Anya straightened, her chin lifting slightly as she turned to wash her hands.
Rulan's smirk deepened. "Let me guess — spending Su Ning's money again? Must be nice having a rich friend to leech off."
The two girls laughed.
But to their surprise, Anya smiled, calm and confident. "If I were you, I'd be careful who I mock in public. People might start thinking you're jealous."
Rulan's laughter faltered. "What did you say?"
Anya met her gaze evenly. "You heard me." She reached for a paper towel, dried her hands, and turned and left.
Outside the restroom, Chen Anya walked elegantly, Qin Rulan and Li Peihan chased after her in anger.
"Stop right there!" Rulan snapped, grabbing her arm and pulling her back sharply. "You think you're someone just because you're hanging around Su Ning? You'll always be the poor girl pretending to fit in!"
Before Anya could respond, a soft yet firm voice interrupted.
"Excuse me," said a woman, elegantly dressed, clearly in authority. "Is there a problem here?"
It was the Head of Guest Relations, a woman named Madam Liao, known for her grace and influence within Luminous.
Rulan turned, plastering on a sweet smile. "Yes, actually. This girl doesn't belong here. I suggest you blacklist her. I can make a generous donation to the spa if needed."
Madam Liao's eyes glimmered with polite amusement. "I appreciate your offer, Miss Qin, but that won't be possible."
Li Peihan frowned. "Why not? She's a nobody."
Madam Liao's smile never wavered. "Because Miss Chen is the daughter of our Executive Manager here at Luminous"
The silence that followed was deafening.
Rulan's expression froze. Peihan's lips parted in disbelief.
"What?" Rulan stammered. "That's impossible—"
"It's true," Madam Liao said calmly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe this matter is settled."
Anya turned to her with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Madam Liao."
Madam Liao nodded, bowing slightly before turning to walk away.
Then, meeting Rulan's eyes, she added quietly, "Next time, choose your words more carefully."
And with that, she walked past them, head high, steps graceful, the light catching her red nails like sparks of confidence.
Behind her, Rulan's face burned with humiliation and embarrassment, Li Peihan looked as if the ground had vanished beneath her feet.
By the time they left Luminous, both girls went their separate ways silent, brooding, their pride shattered in the presence of the girl they once called poor.
Meanwhile, Su Ning waited by the lounge, sipping her tea. When Anya returned, she looked calm, composed though the spark in her eyes betrayed a quiet victory.
Su Ning's lips curved in knowing amusement. "You handled it well, didn't you?"
Anya blinked, pretending innocence. "I have no idea what you mean."
Su Ning smiled faintly. "Good. Then let's keep it that way."