As the last class ended, Li Na and Ning Yu gathered their things and made their way out of the classroom.

The two friends walked through the crowded halls, enjoying each other's company. They eventually made their way to the cafeteria, where the smell of steaming hot food wafted through the air. They joined the long line of students waiting to be served.

They finally reached the front of the line. They grabbed their trays and filled them with rice, vegetables, and meat before finding a table to sit at.

"What do you think happened to Xiao Mei?" Li Na suddenly remembered. "She wasn't in class today."

Ning Yu let out a small giggle as she said, "Maybe Xiao Mei got kidnapped by aliens."

Li Na rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Come on, Ning Yu. You can be so ridiculous sometimes."

Ning Yu shrugged. "I'm just saying, it's a possibility. We can't rule it out."

Li Na laughed and shook her head. "I highly doubt it."

Ning Yu leaned in and whispered, "Or maybe she's off on some secret spy mission. She is pretty sneaky, you know."

Li Na couldn't help but chuckle at that.

Ning Yu looked at Li Na with a playful smile and teased, "Why do you care so much about Xiao Mei's whereabouts, ah? You finally have a stress-free day, don't ruin it!"

Li Na nodded in agreement

As Li Na and Ning Yu were eating, Li Na decided to bring up the topic of the banquet. "Hey, Ning Yu," Li Na began, "my family is throwing a banquet for my father this weekend. Do you want to come with me?"

Ning Yu looked up from her food, surprised. "Really? That sounds exciting! Of course, I'll come.

Ning Yu leaned in and asked "So, what are you going to wear for the banquet?"

Li Na shrugged, "I don't know, I'll just wear something simple."

Ning Yu looked at her in disbelief. "What? Just something simple? You have to look stunning!"

Li Na assured her. "It's not that big of a deal, Ning Yu.

Ning Yu shook her head. "No way. We're going shopping after school today, and we're going to find you the perfect dress. Trust me, I have a great eye for fashion."

Li Na chuckled. "Alright, fine. But nothing too flashy, okay? I don't want to look like a peacock."

Ning Yu grinned. "Don't worry, I won't let you down."

…

After the close of school Li Na and Ning Yu exited their school campus, the sun already setting on the horizon. They made their way to the nearby shopping center, a modern building with four floors. The mall was bustling with activity, with bright neon lights shining from the shop windows, and loud music playing in the background.

As they entered the mall, the girls were greeted with a wave of cool air-conditioned air. They headed straight to the third floor, where the boutique stores selling evening dresses were located.

Li Na and Ning Yu walked past racks of glittery dresses, each more stunning than the last. They browsed through different stores, comparing prices and styles before finally deciding on a store that caught their eye.

As Li Na and Ning Yu walked into the store, they were greeted by the sleek marble floors and glittering lights hanging from the ceiling. The scent of expensive perfumes filled the air.

The saleswoman, who was impeccably dressed in a black suit, looked them up and down with a raised eyebrow. "Can I help you?" she asked in a polite but skeptical tone.

"We're looking for dresses for a banquet," Li Na replied.

The saleswoman's eyes flickered over their school uniforms and then back to their faces. The saleswoman gave them a quick look before resuming her work.

Li Na and Ning Yu began to browse the racks of dresses, admiring the intricate designs and elegant fabrics. The saleswoman watched them skeptically, wondering if they could afford anything in the store. But the girls were unbothered, and they continued to browse and try on dresses.

After trying on several dresses, Li Na found the perfect gown for the banquet. It was a beautiful red dress with intricate beading and flowing fabric. Ning Yu gasped in awe at how stunning Li Na looked in the dress.

"Wow, Li Na, you look stunning!" Ning Yu exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration.

Li Na was hesitant, "I don't know, it's a little too flashy, isn't it?"

Ning Yu shook her head, "No way! You're going to be the belle of the ball in that dress. Just wait until all those boys see you!"

Ning Yu grinned mischievously, "Who knows? Maybe you'll find your Prince Charming tonight!"

Li Na looked at Ning Yu with an amused expression, "Do I look like Cinderella to you?"

Ning Yu looked her over from head to toe and said, "Well, you do have that fairytale quality about you."

Li Na blushed at the compliment, "Stop it, you're making me feel embarrassed."

Ning Yu grinned sheepishly and headed off to the changing room to try on her dress.

As she waited, she looked around the boutique and admired the beautiful dresses on display.

Li Na was taken aback by the sight of Wang Yuling in the boutique. Wang Yuling was equally surprised to see Li Na. Their gazes met and for a moment the air was tense with unspoken hostility.

Wang Yuling was browsing through some dresses, but her eyes followed Li Na's every move

Li Na tried her best to ignore her, but she couldn't help overhearing Wang Yuling's conversation with the saleswoman. "I can't believe a girl like her could afford to shop here," Wang Yuling whispered loudly, casting a sideways glance at Li Na.

"You know, Wang Yuling, you seem to have a lot to say about me. But last time I checked, you were the one who got caught leeching of someone's husband," Li Na retorted with a smirk.

Wang Yuling's face twisted as she glared at Li Na. "How dare you! You have no right to talk to me like that."

"Oh, but I do," Li Na replied coolly. "After all, it's not a secret that you've been following married men for money. Aren't you too old to still be doing this?"

Wang Yuling sputtered in anger, "How dare you accuse me of such things! I have never done anything of the sort!"

Li Na raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "Oh really? Then how do you explain that diamond bracelet on your wrist? Or that expensive bag you're carrying?"

"If my memory serves me correctly, your job does not pay well enough for you to afford those." Li Na said

Wang Yuling looked down at her wrist and then at her bag. She quickly regained her composure and snapped, "So what if I have those things? It's none of your business!"

The atmosphere in the boutique became tense. People started whispering to each other, exchanging shocked glances as they watched the confrontation unfold.

Li Na continued with a sly smile, "And as for your age, well, I suppose some people never learn. But I have to say, I thought you would have retired from your… profession by now."

Wang Yuling's hissed, "You little brat, how dare you say such things to me! Your father will hear about this and you'll regret it."

Li Na simply smirked in response. "Oh, I'm sure he'll be very interested to hear about your little side job. But don't worry, I won't tell him if you don't go opening your fish mouth. Spouting lies"

"Now, if you'll excuse us, I have some shopping to do."

With that, Li Na turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Wang Yuling fuming with anger.

Wang Yuling scowled at Li Na's retreating back, seething with anger and embarrassment. She knew she had been humiliated in front of everyone in the store.

As Wang Yuling walked out of the store, she felt humiliated and embarrassed. Wang Yuling felt like everyone was judging her, and she couldn't bear the shame.

Li Na walked back to the fitting room area and saw Ning Yu walking out in a beautiful dress. The dress hugged her body perfectly, accentuating all the right curves. The color complemented her skin tone, making her look like a goddess. Li Na couldn't help but stare in awe.

"Wow, Ning Yu, you look amazing!" Li Na said, genuinely impressed by her friend's beauty.

"Thanks, Li Na," Ning Yu replied, twirling around to show off her dress. "I think I'm going to get this one. What do you think?"

"It's perfect for you," Li Na replied, smiling.

Ning Yu beamed with happiness, glad that Li Na approved. Together, they walked towards the counter to pay for the dresses.