Lina could barely focus during class, her thoughts in complete disarray. The upcoming party weighed heavily on her mind, along with the daunting task of keeping Bo Qiang away from the protagonist. She scribbled notes absentmindedly, not really absorbing any of the lecture. Her chest tightened with anxiety as she imagined all the potential mishaps the evening might bring. Finally, the class ended, and Lina hurriedly gathered her belongings, planning her next move.
Just as she was about to leave, her phone buzzed with a call from an unknown number. A little hesitant, she answered, "Hello, who is this?"
A deep, professional voice responded, "Good afternoon, Miss Lina. This is Secretary Yuan from Mr. Bo Qiang's office. I'm currently waiting for you outside."
Lina blinked in surprise, but quickly recovered. "Oh! I'll be right there." She tucked her phone away, her pulse quickening, and made her way outside. The sight of a sleek black car parked near the curb caught her eye, and she immediately recognized it. With a polite smile, she slipped into the back seat and nodded gratefully at Secretary Yuan, who was seated in the front.
The ride passed mostly in silence, with Lina deep in thought about the evening ahead. Every now and then, however, Secretary Yuan's gaze flickered toward the rearview mirror. Is this really the woman the boss left a meeting for? he mused, still trying to understand Bo Qiang's recent behavior.
Eventually, they arrived at a high-end salon, and Secretary Yuan turned toward her, his voice as formal as ever. "Miss Lina, I'll leave you in the capable hands of the salon's staff. They'll take care of your hair, nails, and makeup. Feel free to let them know any preferences you have. You'll have complete privacy, as the salon is closed for your exclusive use. If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to call me." He paused for a moment, then added, "I'll be back in three hours to take you to the office."
Before Lina could properly thank him, Secretary Yuan stepped out and gave her a slight nod. She stood there for a moment, inhaling deeply to steady her nerves before stepping into the salon.
As she entered, five women greeted her with welcoming smiles. Lina smiled back, though a bit timidly, and offered a soft "Hello."
One of the women, slightly older and exuding warmth, stepped forward and asked, "You must be Lina, right?"
Lina nodded, confirming with a small smile. The woman gently took her by the arm and guided her deeper into the salon. Little did Lina know that the next few hours would be grueling as the women worked tirelessly, transforming her from head to toe as if she were a life-sized doll.
They worked with the precision of artists, trimming and curling her hair, applying layer after layer of makeup, meticulously painting her nails, and ensuring every detail was perfect. By the time they finished, Lina felt utterly exhausted. Yet when she looked in the mirror, she hardly recognized herself.
Three hours later, just as promised, Secretary Yuan was waiting outside. Lina stepped out, her appearance nothing short of breathtaking. Her red hair fell in soft curls down her back, and she wore an elegant black dress with a low, daring cut that showcased her pale skin, now glowing under the soft evening light.
Secretary Yuan, though typically composed, couldn't hide his reaction. His eyes widened slightly, and for a brief moment, he simply stared. I never imagined the president's sister could look this stunning, he thought to himself, a bit awestruck.
Noticing his gaze, Lina chuckled softly and teased, "Is everything okay? Shall we go?"
Her voice snapped him back to reality, and he quickly regained his professional demeanor, clearing his throat. "Yes, Miss Lina. Of course, let's go."
As they drove through the city streets, Lina gazed out the window, feeling a mixture of exhaustion and nerves. The evening hadn't even begun, and yet she already felt drained. Why did I agree to go to this party? she thought with a quiet sigh. I'm so tired already... But there was no turning back now.
Meanwhile, back at the office, Bo Qiang was wrapping up a long day. He stretched in his chair and glanced at the clock, realizing how late it was. I wonder if Lina's ready for the party by now? He couldn't help but feel a little curious about her preparations. He'd been told she was being taken care of by one of the best salons in the city.
Just as the thought crossed his mind, there was a firm knock on his office door. He straightened up, smoothing his shirt, and called out, "Come in."
The soft sound of high heels clicking against the floor caught his attention. As he looked up, his eyes widened in surprise. Standing before him was Lina—though she looked like an entirely different person. The transformation was astonishing. Her usual casual appearance had been replaced by an air of sophistication and elegance. Her sleek black dress fit her perfectly, and the way her red curls framed her face gave her an almost ethereal glow. For a moment, Bo Qiang wasn't sure if this was really the same Lina he knew.
Is this really her? he wondered silently, his expression betraying his shock.