When they reached the city, the skyline of Canary Wharf rose before them in sleek, glittering lines of steel and glass. The district stood polished and modern, its wide streets lined with manicured walkways, sculpted hedges, and reflective towers that captured the afternoon sun like blades of light.
Luxury cars moved smoothly along the roads, and professionals in tailored suits walked briskly between buildings, their polished shoes clicking softly against the pavement. The air carried that subtle mix of river breeze and expensive perfume drifting from high-end boutiques nearby.
Seated behind the wheel of her sports car, Su Ning tapped lightly on her phone screen and activated the GPS. The soft electronic voice guided her through a few turns before identifying a nearby luxury spa. Her lips curved slightly when she saw the name.
"Lumière Éternelle Aesthetic Sanctuary."
The building stood on a quiet corner just off the main boulevard. Its exterior was a harmonious blend of white stone and brushed gold accents. Tall arched windows framed sheer ivory curtains that drifted gently inside.
The entrance was flanked by delicate water features, shallow pools with floating white orchids, their petals perfectly arranged.
A gold-embossed emblem above the doorway shimmered elegantly, reflecting understated wealth rather than loud extravagance. The scent of lavender and something faintly citrus drifted even outside, subtle yet intoxicating.
Su Ning slowed the car and parked directly in front. The vehicle's engine purred to a halt.
Although her skin was already flawless beyond compare, she had always enjoyed the ritual of self-care.
She stepped out of the car gracefully, sunlight catching against the sky-blue jade pendant resting against her collarbone. Ah Mei followed immediately, her posture straight and alert.
The effect was immediate.
Pedestrians slowed. Conversations faltered mid-sentence.
Su Ning's appearance drew waves of attention filled with awe, curiosity, and unconcealed envy. Her porcelain skin glowed naturally beneath the London sun. The tomboyish outfit contrasted sharply with her ethereal beauty, creating a mysterious female-masculine charm, soft yet sharp, delicate yet commanding.
Her jewelry added to the allure. The three-diamond ring on the upper tip of her ear sparkled subtly, while the jade pendant radiated quiet elegance. She did not look like someone trying to be noticed.
"Is she a model?" someone whispered behind her.
"She looks unreal… like a doll," another murmured.
A teenage girl gasped softly. "No way that's natural skin."
"She's so hot....I'm beginning to doubt my sexual orientation." She whispered with blushing cheeks.
"You—" her boyfriend exclaimed speechless.
Some discreetly took pictures. Others openly stared, eyes wide with disbelief.
Su Ning ignored them all, her expression calm and indifferent. She walked toward the entrance as though attention were nothing more than background noise.
Inside, the reaction intensified.
The lobby of Lumière Éternelle was breathtaking. The floors gleamed in pearl-toned marble. A sculptural chandelier composed of delicate crystal petals cascaded from the ceiling.
Soft instrumental music floated through the air, blending seamlessly with the scent of essential oils. Plush cream sofas were arranged around low gold-trimmed tables adorned with fresh white roses.
The receptionist behind the counter, a blonde woman around twenty-seven froze the moment Su Ning approached. Her polished smile faltered for a fraction of a second before she quickly regained composure.
Su Ning offered a polite nod. "Good afternoon. I'd love to book a spa session, please."
Her British accent was smooth and refined, each word delivered with gentle clarity.
The receptionist blinked, visibly startled by both the accent and the presence before her. "O-Of course, madam. My apologies." She cleared her throat, straightening her posture. "We would be delighted to accommodate you. Do you have a preferred treatment?"
"Something relaxing," Su Ning replied softly. "Full treatment."
"Certainly." The receptionist stepped out from behind the desk almost immediately. "Please follow me."
Her tone had shifted from professional courtesy to subtle reverence.
They were guided down a softly lit corridor where warm lighting created a tranquil atmosphere. An attendant welcomed them warmly and ushered Su Ning into a private spa suite.
The room was serene. Gentle candlelight flickered across pale walls. A large massage bed draped in soft linens sat at the center. Shelves displayed neatly arranged oils and skincare products. Soft instrumental music drifted from hidden speakers.
As the attendants began their work, whispers exchanged between them were barely concealed.
Her skin…
It was impossibly smooth and soft.
One attendant leaned slightly closer while applying a gentle cleanser, her hands trembling faintly. She could not find a single visible pore. The texture was beyond flawless. It was like touching fine porcelain warmed by life.
Another attendant applied a hydrating mask, glancing at her colleague in disbelief.
"Her skin doesn't even need treatment," one whispered in hushed awe.
"And yet it's softer than anything I've ever seen," the other murmured.
Even Ah Mei, standing quietly to the side, possessed skin so refined it rivaled that of high-end skincare campaigns.
The attendants burned with curiosity. What products did they use? What routine could produce such perfection?
But professionalism restrained them.
They remained silent.
After the spa session, Su Ning felt refreshed and satisfied. She stretched her fingers lightly before glancing toward the manicure section.
"I'd like to get my nails done as well," she said casually.
The nail technicians nearly dropped their tools when she placed her hands gently on the table.
Her nails were already perfect—glossy, symmetrical, naturally luminous.
"Your nails are… so beautiful, i-i'm sorry, are they real?" one technician breathed without thinking.
Su Ning smiled faintly. "Of course. What colour would you recommend?"
"Red!" the technician replied.
"Yes. Blood red. With light illustrations." The second beautician added.
"Red it is." Su Ning agreed.
They worked carefully, applying rich crimson polish that contrasted strikingly against her fair skin. Delicate, subtle designs were added, fine silver accents tracing faint patterns near the cuticles.
When finished, the result was stunning.
The deep red shimmered under the light, bold yet elegant.
Su Ning lifted her hand, examining the contrast. She seemed pleased.
"Ah Mei," she said gently, stretching her phone over, "take a picture."
Ah Mei complied. The photograph captured her slender fingers, the vivid red nails gleaming like fresh lacquer, set against her porcelain skin.
The contrast was mesmerizing.
Su Ning looked at the image and smiled softly, satisfaction flickering in her eyes.
Then a playful thought surfaced.
She smirked faintly.
Without hesitation, she sent the image to Qi Xiyue with a short message:
What do you think?
One minute later, her phone rang.
Her heart skipped.
She stared at the caller ID for a moment before inhaling softly and answering.
"Hi," she greeted.
There was a brief silence before his voice came through—low, husky, and dangerously calm.
"Where are you?"
The sound alone sent a faint shiver down her spine.
"London," she replied, her voice softer now.
A pause.
"Where in London?" he asked again, tone slightly darker.
She leaned back in her chair, smirking. "Why don't you find out?"
There was a soft, dark chuckle on the other end.
"Oh, I will."
The promise in his voice was unmistakable.
She ended the call feeling an odd warmth in her chest.
After paying, she and Ah Mei exited the spa.
Next, they entered a massive luxury boutique nearby.
The store itself was grand and tastefully designed. Polished marble floors reflected the warm chandelier lights above. Minimalist racks displayed carefully curated seasonal collections, each piece spaced perfectly as though part of an art exhibit.
Soft instrumental music floated in the background, adding to the elegant calm of the place. The air smelled faintly of leather and expensive cologne.
Several attendants approached immediately, their eyes widening almost imperceptibly when they saw her face. Her beauty was even more striking up close, and paired with the effortless confidence she carried, she commanded attention without saying a word.
"Good afternoon, madam," one of the attendants greeted warmly, her voice filled with professional enthusiasm. "Please let us know how we may assist you today."
Su Ning offered a small nod and, without hesitation, turned toward the male section.
The attendants paused for a split second, slightly surprised, but quickly followed after her.
"I'd like to look here," Su Ning said casually, her tone calm and composed.
"Of course," another attendant replied quickly, her smile widening. "We have our latest premium arrivals in this section."
Su Ning walked slowly along the racks, her fingers brushing lightly over fabrics—cotton blends, silk textures, structured wool. She had recently grown fond of boyish silhouettes, finding them comfortable yet quietly powerful. There was something appealing about sharp lines and relaxed cuts that didn't cling or try too hard.
"This jogger line is crafted from Italian cotton," one attendant explained, lifting a pair carefully. "It's both breathable and structured. Very popular among our elite clients."
Su Ning took it, feeling the texture between her fingers. "I'll take the entire row," she said simply.
The attendants exchanged quick glances in shock.
"T-the entire row?" they gasped.
"Of course."
She moved on to loose-fit trousers in muted tones— grey, black, charcoal grey, deep navy, soft beige. She selected several without hesitation.
"These oversized round-neck tops are part of our limited edition drop," another attendant added eagerly. "The stitching is hand-finished."
"Pack them all," Su Ning replied calmly.
Her tone wasn't arrogant—it was simply assured.
She chose hoodies in soft neutral shades, cropped jackets with subtle metallic zippers, structured bomber jackets that added edge without excess. She picked out sleek sneakers in white, black, and one in muted earth tone.
The attendants could barely keep up.
"Madam has excellent taste," one said admiringly as she folded another selection.
Su Ning's lips curved faintly. "Comfort matters," she responded.
They then guided her toward the male jewelry section.
The glass displays gleamed under focused lighting. Minimalist wristwatches with leather and steel straps were arranged neatly. Sleek silver neck chains rested against velvet cushions.
Su Ning leaned slightly closer, examining a matte black watch with a simple dial.
"This piece is handcrafted in Switzerland," the attendant said quickly. "It's very exclusive."
"I'll take it."
She selected two more watches, then three understated neck chains—cool, clean designs that matched her evolving aesthetic.
Ah Mei stood a few steps behind her, hands neatly folded, eyes scanning the surroundings while remaining silent.
After finishing in the male section, Su Ning moved to the female collections.
The attendants practically floated beside her now, their excitement barely contained.
She browsed through rows of casual feminine wear—flowing blouses, tailored trousers, soft knit dresses. She selected a mix of pieces, balancing elegance and ease. She added several official outfits as well—sharp blazers, fitted pants, skirts, silk blouses in subtle tones.
In the footwear section, she chose pointed heels in nude and black, pairs of sleek ankle and knee-length high heeled shoes, minimalist sandals, and comfortable flats.
The undergarment section saw her selecting several high-quality pieces without hesitation.
By now, four attendants were following her, their arms gradually filling with garments.
When she reached the jewelry section, the lighting intensified slightly, making diamonds and gemstones sparkle vividly.
A delicate one-ear jewelry piece caught her attention first—a fine chain that curved elegantly along the ear. She selected it a few sets without deliberation.
Next, a diamond set shimmered softly within its display. The craftsmanship was refined, each stone perfectly cut. She studied it briefly before nodding. "This as well."
She added two slender ankle chains and several delicate toe rings.
"Excellent choice, madam," one attendant said, nearly glowing with admiration.
She then wandered toward a display of sunglasses.
"Just for fun," she murmured lightly, picking up a pair and placing them on her face. The reflection in the mirror showed a woman who looked effortlessly wealthy and untouchable.
She selected several.
In the perfume section, she chose subtle fragrances suitable for official settings—nothing overpowering, just refined and elegant. She also selected a few more as gifts.
The attendants nodded respectfully.
While walking past another section, she paused at face caps and nose masks. She selected a few minimalist designs, practical yet stylish.
By the time she was done, the total number of items had grown significantly. Eight attendants now followed closely behind her, their arms filled to the brim with shopping bags and boxed accessories.
At the counter, everything was tallied.
"Your total comes to eight point six million dollars," the cashier said carefully, her voice betraying a hint of disbelief.
Su Ning didn't even blink.
She handed over her card smoothly.
The transaction went through without delay.
The attendants' admiration deepened into awe.
"Thank you for shopping with us, madam," one of them said sincerely. "It was truly a pleasure assisting you."
Su Ning gave a small, polite smile. "Thank you."
Outside, they carefully placed the shopping bags into the car. The boot filled completely, and the back seat soon followed.
Once inside and out of sight, Su Ning raised her hand casually.
With a subtle wave, every shopping bag vanished into her space.
They soon got to a mall where she got raw food, spices and ingredients as well as snacks, canned drinks, and few bottles of good wine at the wine section.
She also selected high-quality bed covers and duvets, soft Egyptian cotton sheets, plush comforters, neutral-toned throws. She chose designs that matched the serene aesthetic of the island mansion.
Soon after they left, she noticed a museum along the way and was suddenly curious, they paid and went in. Thirty minutes later, they ended up being the piece of attraction instead of the actual pieces as people continuously stared, whispering to each other in awe and surprise. Some secretly took pictures, while pretending to take pictures of art pieces.
Su Ning wasn't bothered and kept surveying interesting art pieces, soon they came back out.
Just as Su Ning reached for the car door handle, her fingers paused midair, the softness in her expression disappeared, replaced by a faint, almost imperceptible coldness. Her senses sharpened instantly, every nerve attuned to the subtle shift in atmosphere.
They sensed a murderous intent locked at them.
Beside her, Ah Mei reacted at the exact same second, posture straightened subtly, shoulders aligning with quiet readiness. The air around her seemed to tighten as her gaze turned sharp and predatory.