Chapter 22: Return After Transformation, Part 1
It had already been more than eight months since she went missing. During this time, Shen Mengxia had absorbed knowledge and skills like a sponge soaking up water. Initially, her innocent nature caused her to hit many walls, but with her formidable capacity for learning, she quickly mastered the ways to handle such situations.
Jiang Zeyu and Fu Yanchen were not idle either; they monitored Shen Mengxia's progress constantly, occasionally setting small tests for her to see how she would respond. From her initial bewilderment to her later skillful resolutions, Shen Mengxia grew steadily.
When the eight months were up, her entire demeanor had transformed. She possessed a newfound spirit and cunning, yet she retained the sharp, calm intellect of a top student. Watching her, Jiang Zeyu couldn't help but remark, "There is no such thing as absolute fairness in this world. Look at her—this appearance, this background, and now all these skills. What chance is there left for ordinary people? She is a true winner in life!"
"Big brother, Zeyu, I have my own life to lead. I cannot keep hiding here indefinitely just because things haven't been cleared up. I have studies to complete; my youth cannot be spent in shadows," Shen Mengxia said, proving her growth. "Besides, I haven't had the chance to reunite with my sister yet. Perhaps if I return, there will be a breakthrough."
After consulting with one another, Fu Yanchen and Jiang Zeyu decided to respect her decision and let her return to Haijing. "We can't just go back like this; we need a cover story," Jiang Zeyu noted pointedly.
"Leave that to the scriptwriters; that’s their expertise," Fu Yanchen said, picking up the phone to delegate the task.
A few months later, on the outskirts of Haijing, a lavish, top-tier villa stood on a beautiful riverbank, appearing like a dreamlike castle from afar. Its exterior featured state-of-the-art architecture with fluid lines and a unique silhouette, every detail radiating unparalleled luxury.
As Jiang Zeyu and Shen Mengxia entered, they were greeted by a spacious living room with ceilings dozens of meters high and a massive crystal chandelier casting a dazzling glow. The walls were adorned with precious art, and the floor was covered in hand-woven wool carpets. A staircase of golden nanmu wood seemed to stretch on forever. The villa’s garden spanned thousands of square meters, filled with rare flowers and plants, complete with a massive swimming pool and a tennis court. Shen Mengxia introduced the features to Jiang Zeyu one by one, noting the luxury cinema and gym in the basement.
"Lavish! Truly lavish!" Shen Mengxia shrugged at the wide-eyed, awestruck Jiang Zeyu.
The living room was filling with guests, and murmurs could be heard. "Who is that girl? She has such an elegant air."
"Isn't that Qiao Wanwan?"
"No, not her. I mean the one wearing the yellow diamond necklace." They were, of course, talking about Shen Mengxia.
Shen Mengxia and Jiang Zeyu intentionally sought out Qiao Wanwan at the banquet. Approaching her, they found Qiao Wanwan in a white strapless gown, her hair swept up in a high bun, gossiping about the Fu family’s daughter. "To be honest, she was just an adopted daughter; it was bound to end this way. Look, she was never found, yet they are still holding this birthday banquet."
"Ms. Qiao, if you say that, then why haven't you and Ye Huaiyu gotten engaged as planned? Did Ye Huaiyu dump you?" Shen Mengxia’s words were soft, yet each syllable stung Qiao Wanwan’s heart.
"Who are you? Do you know—" Before she could finish, Qiao Wanwan froze. The person speaking was none other than Shen Mengxia.
The surrounding crowd turned toward the commotion, gasping in surprise. "Who is that? She’s so beautiful, and she carries herself so well!"
A petite, charming girl was seen throwing herself into Elder Fu’s arms, calling him "Grandpa" with a playful pout.
"Could this be Ms. Shen Mengxia, who went missing some time ago?" The hall instantly buzzed with excitement.
Her features were as exquisite as a painting, her skin as fair as snow, delicate as a blooming flower. Her large eyes were bright and spirited, radiating confidence and warmth. Her thick, dark hair was styled in a half-up princess hairdo, and she wore the latest global limited-edition haute couture gown, accented by a rare set of yellow diamond jewelry—a set unique in the world, with the necklace pendant alone weighing over seventy carats. In that moment, all the other women in the room seemed to fade into the background.