"Show the Miss the second dress," the butler gestured. The maid put the glittering blue dress back into the box and then opened the other one.
It was a beautiful maroon gown made of soft velvet, with short puffed sleeves and a gently flared skirt that twirled easily. A small satin bow sat at the waist, adding a touch of charm. Around the neckline, delicate lace trimmed the edge, giving it a quiet, elegant finish.
It was indeed fresh and cool, but compared to the glittering blue dress shown just now, this one seemed to pale in comparison.
Jian Yue's eyes lit up. "I want this one!"
It was so simple—definitely easier to move in than the one filled with diamonds.
The maid's regret deepened as they packed up. "Alright, we will let the Madam know of your choice."
With that, they carried the boxes, gave a slight bow, and walked out.
The butler spoke lightly as he watched the girl skip back to her desk. "Young Miss, Madam said you can take today off. You need to rest early and look your best for tomorrow's dinner banquet."
Jian Yue tilted her head, her calm expression betraying her inner excitement. Just when she thought she had no free time, her mother actually decided to give her a day off.
How amazing is that?!
It was a holiday she wasn't expecting, and her expression softened.
"Sure, I will take a good rest and appear my best." Her chubby face was filled with determination, and her voice was lighter. She almost couldn't control her smile.
The butler nodded amiably. "Take care then." With that, he retreated from the room, leaving the young girl kicking her feet in the air, flipping her book closed.
She rested her cheek on the book, her eyes twinkling with delight.
"I can rest well today and tomorrow."
With that, she stood up and ran to her bed to take a sweet nap.
Work can wait.
The next day came quickly.*
This banquet was grander than Jian Yue had initially expected. Even her grandfather was attending—and one had to know, the old man only went to VIP banquets.
Inside the sleek black car, the family of three sat in the spacious passenger seat.
Su Nian was dressed exquisitely. Her black hair was styled in an updo, woven into an intricate design. Around her neck was a piece of jewelry, its starting price around six figures. But no doubt, the gold color suited her very well. Her skin looked even paler than before, and her face glistened as if she had applied oil. Coupled with her exotic pink lips, she looked lovely and innocent, and her purple dress complemented her milky complexion. One would have trouble guessing her real age.
Beside her was her husband, clad in a sharp purple bespoke suit. His hair was slicked back, with a strand curled in the middle of his forehead, highlighting his 3-dimensional features. His eyes were sharper than usual, though softened by the curl of his thin lips.
People were right—the couple looked like a match made in heaven.
Their little girl took after them, looks-wise. She had her father's sharp yet refined eyes and long eyelashes like butterfly wings. She also perfectly inherited her mother's button nose and heart-shaped lips. Her pale skin stood out, contrasting beautifully with the vibrant maroon gown. She looked as cute as a little elf.
They were bound to attract attention at this banquet.
Su Nian's pleasant voice sounded. "Xiaoyue, when we get there, be sensible and humble. Speak with actions, not words. Remember how hard you've been working these days? Exactly—you need to keep proving yourself."
The little girl looked at her beautiful mother and tilted her head. "I understand, Mom. But… why?"
"Why what?" Su Nian asked gently.
Jian Yue's voice was soft but filled with curiosity. She had pondered this question repeatedly, but even her genius mind couldn't find the right answer. "Why do I have to prove myself?"
"Oh?" Su Nian raised her willow brows, a light smile gracing her lips as her eyes met her daughter's bright ones. "So you can be popular and adored. Don't you want to be a princess? You can only become one admired by everyone if you prove yourself to be the best."
"But I already proved myself multiple times—and my friends now call me Princess." She was telling the truth. Throughout the previous month, she had attended several banquets, and her title as the genius girl was now firmer than ever. Her little friends even brought her expensive gifts—from cookies to bracelets—whenever they met at school.
"True, but to further stabilize your title, you need to be unbeatable. Only then will you always be seen as a princess."
Jian Yue pursed her lips.
Did that mean she had to spend a lifetime attending never-ending classes just to prove herself?
Her brows scrunched up at the thought. "B–But Mom, what if someone came and took that title? Like… like out of nowhere, like a puff of smoke! What if someone just appeared and became the unbeatable one?"
The couple's eyes darkened simultaneously. The atmosphere in the car plummeted, and Little Jian Yue's bare shoulders rose with goosebumps.
Did the driver turn off the heater? How did it get so cold all of a sudden?
The graceful smile on Su Nian's lips disappeared, and her almond-shaped eyes turned icy.
She took Jian Yue's jaw in her slender hand, her gaze boring into her daughter's bright eyes. Her voice was even softer than usual—but the warmth was gone. "That's why you need to become unbeatable. So no one that pops out of nowhere will take your title."
She continued, her voice sharp. "Always remember—you're a Jian. And to remain a Jian, you must walk the path we've laid for you. Only then will you continue receiving the praise you deserve. Otherwise, you'll lose everything. Everything you've worked so hard for will go down the drain. Puff—like smoke—it will vanish. So, Xiaoyue, never forget Mom's words. You must be unbeatable."
Jian Yue gulped. Why were Mom's eyes so… cold?
She didn't look like her mom at all!
Though she could barely understand what the 'strange woman' meant, she nodded anyway. "Okay… I will become unbeatable…" Her voice trembled at the end.
Su Nian's smile returned, and the coldness melted away as if it had never been there. Warmth returned to the car.
Jian Yue subconsciously heaved a sigh of relief.
Mom is back.
Su Nian smiled with satisfaction, gazing out the window with a gentle yet determined look in her eyes.
Unfortunately, it was a satisfaction that wouldn't last long—one that would vanish all too soon, like smoke, puff, into thin air.
Because Jian Yue was right.