The luxurious boutique was a world of opulence, every inch of its space radiating refinement and elegance. Yun Xiyan sat gracefully on a plush sofa, looking every bit the picture of serene beauty. Her mother, elegant as ever, was deep in conversation with a world-renowned designer, her voice a soft hum amidst the refined luxury that enveloped them. Just a month ago, Mother Yun had ordered a gown—one specially crafted for her daughter's upcoming coming-of-age banquet.
"Yanyan, darling, it's finally here! Come try it on! Mom's dying to see!" Mother Yun's voice was filled with excitement, her eyes glowing with affection as she took her daughter's hand, leading her toward the changing room. A team of staff flitted around them, eager to assist with the transformation.
When Yun Xiyan laid eyes on the gown, her breath caught.
It was beyond stunning. The rich, velvety red fabric shimmered subtly, catching the light with every movement. The design was both elegant and daring—a perfect blend of youthful grace and mature allure. A daring thigh-high slit added a hint of sensuality, making the gown the ideal balance of sophistication and seduction—everything a coming-of-age banquet required.
With the staff's delicate hands, Yun Xiyan was transformed into a vision of elegance. She looked at her reflection in the full-length mirror, her figure enhanced by the gown's flawless design. From the side, Mother Yun watched with quiet pride, her heart swelling with emotion. The little girl she had once cradled was now a stunning young woman.
"My baby's all grown up," Mother Yun whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
Yun Xiyan smiled softly, her heart warmed by her mother's affectionate gaze. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around her mother in a tender embrace.
"Mom, stop it," she teased lightly, her voice full of affection. "I'm only turning twenty, not leaving home."
Mother Yun kissed her daughter's cheek, her smile radiating love, yet tinged with a hint of wistfulness. "I know, darling," she said, her voice soft. "I'm just a little emotional, that's all."
Yun Xiyan stood before the mirror, twirling gracefully as the gown shimmered with her every move. The fabric hugged her figure, leaving her feeling more confident and powerful than ever before. But as she gazed at herself, one thought came to mind—she couldn't wait to see Li Mochen's reaction to the dress.
What expression would he have? The thought made her giddy with anticipation.
"Your father and brothers are going to be so proud of you," Mother Yun's voice interrupted her thoughts, warm and filled with pride. Standing by the entrance, her eyes gleamed with that special tenderness only a mother could carry. "Wait here, darling. I'll go settle the payment."
Yun Xiyan nodded, watching as her mother moved gracefully through the boutique, the staff trailing behind her. Left alone in the spacious room, the silence seemed to hold its breath, as if waiting for the grand event ahead.
Then, from the corner of her eye, she spotted a familiar figure at the doorway—Madam Li, also known as Bai Wanrou, Li Mochen's mother.
Yun Xiyan's heart fluttered, but she quickly regained her composure. She turned toward Madam Li with a soft smile, her poise unshaken.
Madam Li's eyes brightened when she spotted Yun Xiyan. Mother Yun watched fondly as her close friend made her way toward her daughter, a warmth in her gaze that only a lifelong friend could share.
"Yanyan, my dear," Madam Li greeted her, her voice rich with affection. "You've become even more beautiful since the last time I saw you."
Yun Xiyan lowered her gaze modestly, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. Her voice, though gentle, carried a quiet determination. "Auntie, you're definitely coming to my coming-of-age banquet tomorrow, right?"
Madam Li laughed lightly, her laughter as clear as fine crystal. "Of course, my darling. I wouldn't miss it for the world. I'm just here to pick up my gown. How could I not be there to witness it?"
Yun Xiyan smiled, her lips curling slightly. Her mother and Madam Li's long-standing friendship meant the two women shared an unbreakable bond.
"Thank you, Auntie," Yun Xiyan said, her voice sincere. "It means so much to me that you're coming."
Madam Li gave her a knowing look, her smile lingering. "Your mother and I have been friends for many years, Yanyan. I've watched you grow from a little girl into the beautiful, capable woman you are today. I'm proud of you." With a final, affectionate glance, Madam Li added, "I'll see you tomorrow night, my dear. And remember, everything you've earned is well deserved." She kissed Yun Xiyan's cheek before leaving the boutique.
As Madam Li's figure disappeared, Mother Yun's soft footsteps approached. She gently tugged on her daughter's arm, eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Did something happen, darling?" she asked, noticing the subtle smile playing on Yun Xiyan's lips.
Yun Xiyan blinked, quickly composing herself. "Auntie Li came to pick up her gown," she explained casually. "We chatted for a bit."
Mother Yun smiled knowingly. "Ah, Auntie Li... You two have always been so close. Our families used to host banquets together all the time. I remember her son, Li Mochen. He's a few years older than you, isn't he? Are you two still close?"
Yun Xiyan felt a rush of heat flood her cheeks. "Mom! What are you saying?" she stammered, quickly averting her gaze. "Li Mochen and I haven't spoken in ages." She lied, though they had spoken recently.
Mother Yun, however, didn't miss the slight shift in her daughter's expression. A knowing smile curled at her lips. "I remember, back in the day," she mused, her voice nostalgic. "You used to hide behind my gown at the Li family's banquets whenever he was around. Auntie Li and I would laugh, saying that you two would make a perfect couple when you grew up."
Yun Xiyan's heart skipped a beat, and her pulse quickened. "Oh my gosh, this is easier than I thought!" she thought, her mind racing with possibilities. "I didn't know Mom and Auntie Li had been thinking about this all along."
Mother Yun's sharp gaze caught the shift in her daughter's expression, and a teasing smile tugged at her lips. "Hmm? What's this, Yanyan? Are you interested in him?" she asked, her tone light but full of warmth.
Yun Xiyan quickly turned her face away, trying to maintain her confident composure. But deep down, her heart raced. Her mother's words made everything feel a little more attainable, a little more within reach.
When she first arrived in this world, Yun Xiyan's only goal was to ensure Li Mochen's happiness. She didn't want him to fall into the same fate as the original supporting character. But everything changed when she met him at the university and had that first conversation. Something stirred inside her, an unfamiliar but undeniable feeling. She realized that perhaps, her feelings for him had begun to grow.
Her pulse quickened at the thought, but she pushed it away, hoping her growing desire wasn't just a fleeting fantasy. But Mother Yun wasn't fooled. Gently, she took her daughter's hands in hers, her voice soft but serious. "If you like him, Yanyan, go for it. I approve of him. He's mature, responsible, and shows real promise. I think he's a good match for you."
Yun Xiyan's eyes widened in surprise, her face flushing even more. "I—I didn't say I liked him!" she blurted out, the heat in her cheeks intensifying.
Mother Yun rolled her eyes playfully, chuckling softly at her daughter's flustered reaction. "Your expression says it all, darling," she teased. "Don't worry about your dad or your brothers. I've got everything under control. Just enjoy being young, Yanyan. Don't let anything hold you back."
Meanwhile in the Li Family Mansion
Mother Li had just returned from the boutique when she spotted her son in the living room, typing away on his laptop. "My son, what a surprise to see you home, darling. Everything okay at the company?" she asked with a warm smile.
Li Mochen looked up, meeting her gaze with a soft expression. "Everything's fine, Mom. Dad mentioned that next year, when I graduate, he plans to hand over the company to me. Right now, I'm just working on my final paper."
Mother Li smiled, pleased by the news, but then something seemed to spark in her memory. "Son, do you remember Yanyan?" she asked suddenly. "The daughter of Auntie Yun. I saw her at the boutique this morning—she was trying on a stunning gown for her coming-of-age banquet tomorrow."
Li Mochen's fingers faltered on the keyboard for a moment before resuming, though his expression softened. "Yun Xiyan?" he asked, his tone slightly more thoughtful.
"Yes, that's her!" Mother Li nodded enthusiastically. "Yanyan's grown into such a beautiful young lady. I remember when she was little—she used to visit here often and always hide when she saw you." She chuckled at the memory. "Auntie Yun and I used to tease her, saying she had a little crush on you."
Li Mochen's gaze softened even more as his thoughts drifted back to that day at B University. He hadn't expected to see Yun Xiyan again, especially after so many years, and part of him had thought she'd forgotten all about him. But when their eyes met, something stirred within him, something he hadn't anticipated. She had changed, matured into a striking young woman, and their brief conversation had left a lingering impression on him.
"Did you meet with her recently?" Mother Li asked, her voice laced with a hint of curiosity.
Li Mochen's gaze remained distant for a moment, his fingers pausing on his laptop keyboard. "Just a quick chat," he replied, his tone casual, but something in his expression betrayed a deeper interest.
Mother Li's smile widened, sensing there was more to the story than he was letting on. "Well, tomorrow is her coming-of-age banquet, and we're invited, just like the other families. You should take the opportunity to talk to her more, son."
Her words seemed to echo in his mind, the idea of seeing her again igniting something inside him. His thoughts, which had been quiet until now, began to swirl with a growing sense of anticipation. He hadn't realised just how much he was looking forward to tomorrow. He was eager. Desperate, even. To see her. To hear her voice. Especially since he found out that when near her, he can hear her thoughts stir something deep within him. It was as if the mere thought of her had the power to awaken parts of him that had lain dormant for far too long.
He nodded slowly, trying to keep his composure. "I'll do that," he said, though his voice was quieter, more thoughtful than before.
Mother Li, sensing his change in demeanour, smiled knowingly. "Good. It's important to not let these moments pass by, son."