The bathroom was pristine—white marble tiles, gleaming mirrors, and a faint scent of expensive rosewater soap. The hush inside offered a temporary escape from the noise and crowd outside. Lu Jingyan stood at the sink, her reflection calm, her fingers adjusting a stray lock of hair that had slipped from her updo.
She didn't hear the door open at first. But the sudden shift in energy—sharp and cold—alerted her.
Three women entered.
Cheng Ciao, Li Man, and another woman Lu Jingyan didn't recognize.
"Well, well," Cheng Ciao said, her heels clicking sharply on the floor. "We were wondering when we'd find you alone."
Lu Jingyan's expression didn't change. "I don't have time for this."
"You think you're above us now?" Li Man stepped closer. "Because Leng Xuanmo showed up with you?"
"I'm not here to compete," Lu Jingyan replied coolly. "If you're jealous, that's your problem."
Cheng Ciao gave a sharp laugh. "Jealous? Of what? A fallen heiress clinging to scraps of attention?"
Lu Jingyan turned away, reaching for her clutch. "Excuse me."
She took a step toward the door, but the third girl quickly blocked her path, leaning against it with a forced smile.
"Not so fast."
Lu Jingyan's eyes narrowed. "Move."
"No," Li Man said, circling her like a vulture. "We just want to remind you who you really are. You're not one of us. You're the scandal girl who brought her family down. You just got lucky."
Cheng Ciao stepped in. "And don't think you can just waltz into events like this without consequences."
Lu Jingyan's posture stiffened. "I don't need your approval."
The slap came without warning.
Cheng Ciao's hand cracked across her cheek, loud in the silence.
Lu Jingyan stumbled slightly, eyes flashing with restrained fury. "Touch me again, and you'll regret it."
That was enough to rile them.
Li Man grabbed her by the arm, shoving her back into the sink. Lu Jingyan grunted, pain radiating from her lower back as she collided with the marble edge.
"Still so arrogant," Li Man hissed. "Even when you're nothing."
Lu Jingyan tried to push past them, but the third girl stuck out her foot. In heels, Lu Jingyan's balance gave way easily. She slipped on the wet floor near the stall entrance—water likely spilled by design.
Her head hit the edge of the counter with a dull crack. A sharp cry tore from her throat as she crumpled to the ground, her left arm awkwardly beneath her. A sickening pop echoed as her shoulder twisted unnaturally. She gasped, trying to move, but pain exploded through her ribs and chest.
Blood trickled from her temple.
"Shit," the unknown girl breathed.
"She—she hit her head—" Li Man panicked, staring down at Lu Jingyan who lay trembling, trying to breathe through the pain.
"She's bleeding—her shoulder looks—oh god—" Cheng Ciao backed away, voice shaking. "I didn't mean for this to go that far."
"She needs help," the third girl said. "Now!"
But the others were already panicking, grabbing their purses and bolting for the door.
Lu Jingyan tried to call out, but her voice was no more than a whisper. Everything spun. Her vision blurred. She couldn't even lift her hand.
The pain in her side was unbearable—one of her ribs had likely cracked. Her shoulder throbbed, every breath hurting more than the last.
Footsteps approached again—this time running.
Mei Xiaotong burst into the room, eyes wild. She stopped in her tracks as she saw Lu Jingyan lying on the floor, crumpled like a porcelain doll shattered against stone.
"Jingyan!" she dropped beside her instantly. "What happened? Oh my god—stay with me, okay? Stay with me."
She gently cradled her head, trying not to touch the bloody gash. "Can you hear me?"
Lu Jingyan's lips moved. "H-Hurts…"
"I know, I know," Mei whispered, her voice cracking. "Just breathe. Help is coming. I'm calling right now."
Her hands trembled as she fumbled for her phone, dialed emergency services, and gave the location.
Lu Jingyan's eyes fluttered shut.
"No—no, stay with me! Look at me!" Mei begged, tears in her eyes. "You're going to be okay."
As the sound of distant footsteps and shouting grew louder, Mei Xiaotong held her friend close, the scent of blood and fear thick in the air.
And in that sterile, silent bathroom—the night turned from dazzling to devastating.