Chapter 38: The Stage

Lu Xiao Na woke up very early, just as the sky began to brighten.

When she awoke, she found herself nestled in Luo Yan’s embrace, with an indescribable warmth pressed against her, and a faint milky fragrance lingering in the air.

Thinking of her embarrassing behavior the night before, her pretty face flushed.

She had never told anyone about those things with her mother.

Then she looked at Luo Yan, at the exquisite sleeping face so close to hers, and felt a small warmth flow through her heart.

This sleep had been more comfortable and peaceful than any she’d had before.

She had many friends—or rather, as the daughter of New Aonan’s Deputy Consul, she had never lacked them—but none had ever made her feel as special as Luo Yan.

Although it had only been a few days since they met, the feeling of being together was different.

Perhaps it was because Luo Yan had saved her once.

Born in an era of war, she had seen too much human indifference and the fickleness of the world.

She knew well how insignificant a life could be.

But precisely because of this, she was deeply grateful to Luo Yan.

Even though she knew Luo Yan had saved her for other reasons, she still cared very much about that life-saving grace.

Perhaps it was because Luo Yan was too beautiful—so beautiful that, as a fellow girl, she couldn’t feel jealousy, only the urge to draw closer.

Or perhaps it was Luo Yan’s stunning final move that had inspired envy and admiration.

Of course, it might not be so complicated.

Maybe it was just a feeling—a sense that this person was worth getting close to and trusting.

It was undeniable that Luo Yan, as an outsider, still had countless secrets.

Her decision to live with Luo Yan had also been an attempt to close the distance between them, hoping to obtain valuable information.

What she hadn’t expected was that not only did she fail to get any useful intel—she had also “thrown herself in.”

Lu Xiao Na patted her cheeks, gathered her thoughts, then tiptoed out of bed.

She turned on an ambient light and began moving quietly.

First, she washed up and did her makeup, then she prepared the makeup tools and clothes Luo Yan might need later.

When Luo Yan opened her sleepy eyes, Lu Xiao Na was nearly done.

Noticing Luo Yan was awake, Lu Xiao Na grinned.

“Big Sister Luo Yan, go wash up. I’ll handle everything else.”

There was no trace of the weak and pitiful girl from last night—only liveliness and cheerfulness.

Seeing this, Luo Yan felt relieved.

Today, she would end her unemployed status and officially begin work.

Her first job in both her lives.

And not just any job—she was heading to New Aonan Energy Group, a company with extraordinary status.

Emotion surged in her heart.

Considering the importance of this day, it made sense to put thought into her attire.

“Big Sister Luo Yan, done washing? Try this on. As for underwear… it’s better to change into this set.”

Luo Yan glanced at it and finally relaxed.

At least the young lady wasn’t trying to put her in something strange today.

“This is fine for underneath, but the coat needs changing. This doesn’t reflect your goddess aura, Big Sister Luo Yan…”

“No high heels? No way! High heels are essential to show off your invincible long legs, Big Sister Luo Yan.”

“You’re an Awakening-level ability user. Forget 4cm, you could handle 10cm heels easily!”

“Yes, just like that… Eh, your feet are so exquisite and beautiful, Big Sister Luo Yan. This perfect size, this feminine shape—truly enviable…”

“Do you know what a ‘foot fetish’ is, Big Sister Luo Yan? Based on my experience, your feet are treasure-tier. I’m so jealous of your future boyfriend…”

“No boyfriend? Eh, my cousin said the same thing before she got married… Wait, don’t hit me on the head—it’ll make me stupid!”

“Okay, let’s go with these shoes. Take the coat and try it in the cloakroom, Big Sister Luo Yan…”

“Let’s see… this coat’s a bit too conservative.”

“Not heroic enough.”

“And this one’s too frivolous…”

“Big Sister Luo Yan, just try one more. Really, just one more.”

“Ah, this one might work. Please don’t hit me again! Hehe…”

Lu Xiao Na checked the time again.

An hour and a half remained.

Atlanta was already waiting outside—they could leave anytime—but Luo Yan still needed makeup.

Time was tight.

As she took a deep breath, the cloakroom door gently opened.

Luo Yan emerged wearing a black, slim-fit coat with a classic shirt collar that revealed her snow-white neck.

The high-end fabric hugged her seductive curves, her ample chest proudly standing without a hint of sag.

A black knee-length pencil skirt emphasized her figure even more.

Black matte stockings and black heels lent her both power and elegance.

A flawless appearance, a unique heroic spirit—paired with this professional attire, her charm reached new heights.

Not a single imperfection.

The heels tapped softly on the floor.

It was her first time in high heels, and her expression was a bit awkward.

“This should be fine, right?”

Though embarrassed, she couldn’t deny the sense of accomplishment.

With the change of clothes, she could feel her aura shift.

Still, she harbored some resistance—if this continued, she might completely turn into a girl inside and out.

“Very perfect. Hehe, let’s go with this. Sit down, Big Sister Luo Yan.”

*****

An hour later, at the municipal center.

A silver sedan slowly navigated the traffic and stopped before a magnificent skyscraper.

Apart from the security personnel, no one paid attention to the car.

Its license plate indicated wealth or nobility, but this was the municipal center, the entrance to New Aonan Energy Group.

Dignitaries and elites came and went daily—nothing unusual.

However, when the car door opened, it drew every gaze.

A stunning woman in black heels stepped out—or rather, a girl, for her youthful face still retained a trace of innocence.

Yet she bore a mature elegance beyond her years, and a unique heroic spirit.

Her figure was captivating—long legs in black stockings, a full chest barely contained, and makeup just right.

She was perfection incarnate.

Men stared, enthralled.

Women looked on, envious.

Luo Yan gazed at the skyscraper before her.

The sky had brightened.

From her angle, the towering building seemed to pierce the clouds, cutting the lead-gray sky into jagged strips.

In this narrow space, surrounded by massive billboards, tens of thousands crowded the streets like rivers through valleys.

They waited, passed, stopped—forming the bustling heart of New Aonan.

She had come to this center.

For the first time, she observed the city this way—and was observed in return.

Tap, tap.

She climbed the steps toward the tempered glass facade.

New Aonan Energy Group.

Her brand new stage.

[End of Volume 1]