"Seriously, how can people be so clueless?" Suyin muttered, her voice dripping with contempt as she scrolled past posts of fashion disasters and insane chatter.
The Li estate in Tianlan was a fortress of wealth. The large and magnificent property was enclosed by high walls that were decorated with beautiful patterns and the property boasted of carefully manicured gardens and a grand mansion that spoke of untold riches. Within this beautiful property was where the well known Suyin Li, the sole heiress of the Li dynasty, who was known throughout the city for her unhidden arrogance and extravagance.
Suyin laid on a beautiful longue dressed in silk by the pool, the very picture of luxury. Her flawless skin that was followed by a flawless layer of foundation and highlighter, glowed under the afternoon sun. Her long, red hair was styled in messy waves that fell down her back. She wore an outrageously expensive designer robe with golden embroidery, and her every move was a display of complete and uncaring entitlement.
Her latest interest was a crystal glass filled with champagne that was perched delicately in her hand. She took a small sip with her eyes scanning her social media feed with a mixture of disdain and boredom.
The door to the pool area swung open, and a young maid, with her head bowed respectfully, approached her with a tray of brunch items. "Miss Suyin, your breakfast is ready," she said in a subdued voice.
Suyin barely looked up because her gaze fixed on her phone. "Put it down and go. I'm busy," she snapped, not even glancing at the tray filled with delicacies that had been prepared for her. "And next time, make sure it's not cold."
The maid nodded quickly as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she set the tray down on a nearby table and retreated as quickly as possible.
Just then, Madame Li, who was Suyin's mother, entered the place Suyin was. She was elegantly dressed in a tailored suit, her look was reflecting both authority and unease. "Suyin, sweetheart, I need to talk to you," she said, her voice was laced with barely hidden frustration.
Suyin sighed dramatically as she began putting down her phone with a huff. "What is it now, Mom? I swear, you're always interrupting my relaxation, I can't take it anymore."
Madame Li's eyes narrowed slightly. "This is important, Suyin. The Wong family's daughter is coming over for brunch. I need you to make an effort to be pleasant."
Suyin's expression twisted into one of utter annoyance and disturbance. "Oh, how delightful. Another boring social event. I can't wait to meet Mei Ling and her endless charity talk. How utterly riveting."
Madame Li's patience was wearing thin. "This isn't just about being polite. The Wongs are crucial to our business, and you need to put on a good face."
Suyin rolled her eyes and stood up with exaggerated slowness. "Fine. I'll play the dutiful daughter. But if I have to listen to one more tedious story about charity, I might just explode."
The doorbell rang, and Suyin's irritation was very much visible, she did little to hide it. She stomped her way to the entrance, each step a forceful declaration of her annoyance. As she opened the door, Mei Ling from the Wong family stood there, her smile polite but somewhat strained.
"Hello, Suyin," Mei Ling said, extending a hand. "It's nice to see you."
Suyin's gaze was cold and dismissive as she took Mei Ling's hand with a perfunctory shake. "Oh, Mei Ling. How wonderful of you to grace us with your presence," she said with a saccharine tone that barely masked her disdain. "I've heard so much about your 'charitable endeavors.' How pleasantly old-fashioned."
Mei Ling's smile tightened, but she maintained her composure. "Thank you, Suyin. It's been a rewarding experience."
Suyin waved a hand dismissively. "Yes, well, we all have our little projects. I'm sure yours is very… fulfilling."
As they moved to the dining area, Mr. Li entered, his expression serious and commanding. "Suyin, come to the study. We need to discuss something important."
Suyin's eyes narrowed in irritation. "Must we do this now? I'm sure it can wait until after I'm done pretending to be interested in boring guests."
Mr. Li's gaze hardened. "This is not a request. It's about your future."
Suyin followed him reluctantly into the study, the heavy oak door closing behind them with a resounding thud. The room was lined with bookshelves and decorated with rich beautiful furniture. She flopped into a leather chair, her posture exuding a mix of irritability and boredom.
"What's this about?" she asked, her voice laced with annoyance. "More family tradition nonsense?"
Madame Li joined them, her expression as stern as her husband's. "Suyin, as you approach your coming of age, there is a significant family tradition you need to be aware of. It's more than just social engagements."
Suyin's eyes glazed over. "Please, spare me the melodrama. Just tell me what I need to know."
Mr. Li leaned forward, his expression grave. "This tradition is tied to your heritage. You have a role to play that's crucial to our family's legacy."
Suyin's patience snapped. "Oh, for heaven's sake. Just get to the point. What's so important that I need to drop everything for it?"
Madame Li's gaze softened slightly, though her voice remained firm. "Suyin, you'll need to understand and embrace this tradition. It's a part of who you are, whether you like it or not."
Suyin stood up with a dramatic sigh, clearly frustrated. "Fine. I'll deal with it. But don't expect me to be thrilled about it."
As she left the study, her annoyance was showing in every step. Little did she know, her world was about to be turned upside down in ways she could not yet comprehend. The truth of her true nature and destiny was looming, but for now, she remained blissfully unaware.