Su Changrong straightened his posture, excitement bubbling beneath his stiff expression. "Mrs. Song, we'll prepare well. Thank you."
"You're welcome, Rosalie," Mrs. Song replied before leaving.
Li Lan clutched her daughter in delight. "Rosalie, your father and I owe this all to you! I'm so nervous—I don't even know what to wear tomorrow."
"Don't be nervous, Mom. Let's go inside and pick something out," Rosalie said with a warm smile.
As they turned to go, they spotted Celia. The smiles on Su Changrong and Li Lan's faces vanished instantly.
"Celia, why are you here? I heard your stepfather caused a scene today. You should go back with him to the countryside," Su Changrong said coldly.
"Yes," Li Lan added sharply. "We're going to be on TV tomorrow—don't you dare cause trouble and embarrass us."
Celia's lips curved slightly as she let out a quiet laugh. "Aren't you even curious about how I grew up all those years in the countryside?"
"Do you want money? How much will it take for you to go back with your stepfather?" Su Changrong asked impatiently.
The sting of the wind on her face felt like a blade, but Celia simply turned and walked away.
Rosalie watched her leave, satisfaction glinting in her eyes. Go back where you belong.
Celia headed toward Yipinlan Villa, but before she could get far, Li Chong suddenly appeared.
"Celia, where are you staying? Dad has nowhere to go—let me stay with you tonight."
He pulled out a small box. "Look what I bought for you!"
Opening it, he revealed a set of revealing lingerie.
"Put these on tonight, and we'll sleep together."
Celia's face remained unreadable, her eyes cold as frost. "Get out."
"Get out?" Li Chong sneered. "Don't refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit."
Glancing around to ensure no witnesses, he drew a sharp knife from his pocket and took a step toward her.
Just then, blinding headlights swept over them as a Ferrari screeched to a halt.
The driver's door flew open and Nathaniel Fu's younger cousin, Zane Song, stepped out. "Hey! What do you think you're doing?"
Seeing the luxury car and Zane's confident posture, Li Chong turned and fled.
"Damn it! Stop!" Zane started after him.
"Don't chase him," Celia said, catching his arm.
Zane looked at her, frowning. "Celia, who was that man?"
"It's my problem," she said quietly. "Don't get involved."
His gaze shifted to the villa behind her—his uncle Nathaniel's home. Rumors online suddenly seemed less like gossip.
They'd dated briefly—just a month—before Celia had abruptly ended things, claiming she wasn't afraid of him knowing her worst side. Back then, he hadn't understood. Now, he thought he did.
Zane's hands curled into fists at his sides. "Celia… are you really with my uncle?"
She knew Zane liked her sincerely, but she had never returned his feelings. Not wanting to hurt him further, she had never given him hope.
Celia nodded once. "Yes."
His handsome eyes reddened. "Why?"