Xiao Man introduced Yang Liu'er to everyone. When the other guests learned that Yang Liu'er's family owned a clothing company, many of the young women eagerly struck up conversations with her. They were particularly interested in the slim-fitting dress she was wearing, which she had supposedly designed herself.
Yang Liu'er's smile was perfectly polite, and she handled the attention with poise and ease. She had changed so much, both inside and out. Xiao Man was certain that, given time, she would radiate an even more dazzling brilliance, just as she herself had said she would: she would become someone who commanded the attention of the masses.
Xiao Man swirled the juice in her cup. Seeing there wasn't much left, she drained it in one go. Just as she was about to turn to set the cup down, a hand reached out from her side and took it. A man chuckled softly and asked, "Here, let me. Would you like another?"
