Li Zhen received the call while she was in the middle of sewing a gown she designed. She took her belongings and left The Rental hurriedly, the gown now forgotten.

She knew it was a long time coming but she didnt think it would be too soon. Heck, she kept telling herself that from the moment she had that that long talk with Sanchai.

She had borrowed Xinghe's car for the week, while he is away to Changsa for a business trip his father sent him on. The exhilirating rush she usually feels when driving the yellow sports car was absent as she drove to the address Lei texted her. She hasnt seen any of the F4 since they left Shanghai a few years ago. And she has not heard from them since. She suddenly felt like her old self, insecure and frettish. They had no idea how much she had changed--or if they had changed at all. But she can vividly remember the four handsome men, in her living room confronting her about the scandal she caused for Sanchai. Of course, it had been resolved and she and Sanchai had talked it out. But it didnt make things less awkward between her and these popular boys. She was just a social outcast while they were on the higher end of the social heirarchy. Moving to Sanya was the new beginning she had wanted for herself, and she was glad she made that decision.

A large box-like home appeared before her as the GPS notified that she has arrived at the destination. The entryway was unassuming, almost like a huge rock. But as soon as the maid who greeted her had let her in and lead her to a large living area, she was stunned at the amazing architecture and stark, almost-bare furnishings. One side of the house was floor to ceiling glass that stretches to the second floor and beyond that glass was an unparalleled view of the beach and sunset.

"This is soo.." she whispered to herself as she slowly walked towards the glass, mesmerized by the stunning view before her.

"...amazing, isnt it?" a voice behind her said, she turned around and was met with a familiar face.

"Ximen?"

"Hello Li Zhen. You look beautiful. Sanya seems to have a knack for turning cute little mice into graceful felines."

She raised her eyebrows at him, not saying anything. She instinctively raised her guard against guys like Ximen and Meizou. They are notorious smooth talkers, since the last time she saw them. And she is getting the feeling they still are. He, on the other hand, still looks as handsome as ever.

"I must say, I didnt expect to see a sophisticated looking young woman. I vaguely remember you as a wallflower." he looked over her bright yellow sundress under a navy blue leather jacket.

"Where's Sanchai?" she said, ignoring his attempt at small talk. "Lei called me to meet them here. What are you doing here?"

Ximen chuckled as he took a seat at one of the wing back chairs at the corner of the room facing the large glass wall. "One at a time Li Zhen. It's never good to rush things."

She cocked an eyebrow at him and crossed her arms in front of her, not liking the way he was looking her over. She waited for him to continue.

"First off, I apologize if you find my visual inspection of you.....uncomfortable. You just seem so different from that little mouse I remember in Ming De. Second, Lei is upstairs in the office talking with Sanchai and Meizou. And third, this is one of my family's villas. Lastly, you better take a seat while we wait for them to come down. Things are about to get interesting, so might as well sit back and enjoy some tea."

Li Zhen didnt say anything as she sat on the sofa. She made sure to sit in the center so she wont appear intimidated. Deep inside, she was in knots. 

There could only be a few reasons Lei called her here. And she'd bet her entire scholarship that she knows what its about. 

Xiao Yu was giddy with excitement. She was given the day off since they were overstaffed at the cafe. Which means she will be with Ximen today! She dropped by her favorite bakeshop and bought a box of donuts before she goes and surprise her boyfriend at his home. 

No one answered the door when she arrived. She tried the bell again several times. That's odd. He's usually home at this time. She shifted her bag and the donut box, then entered the passcode to the home. He gave her the code since they started dating. His house was usually empty except for him and the scheduled cleaning lady who comes by on weekends. She entered the huge foyer and found the living area clean and untouched. The cleaning lady must have come by already. She checked the rooms and there was no sign of Ximen.

She smiled. She decided to wait and surprise him instead. She placed the donut box on the side table at the living room when she noticed a bulky folder under the pillows on the sofa. 

He must've left this, she thought as she picked up the folder and was surprised that it was a bit heavy. Curious as ever, she took a peek inside and saw that it was filled with some sort of a portfolio and magazine pages. She took a seat on the sofa and tentatively took out the contents of the folder.

Her eyes widened. Pictures upon pictures of a beautiful young woman from different fashion and editorial spreads. The closer she looked, the more her hand trembled as she realized who the person was. 

"This cant be..How...What is this.. Where..."

*credits to owner of pic