Time passed while Ye drifted in a haze of memory and alcohol, at one point she couldn't tell if it was her own memory or if she just had a reminiscent dream. Suddenly, a faint but rhythmic knocking came from the door.
"Come in," Ye said, opening her eyes and quickly straightening her appearance.
"Ye, is everything alright?" a woman asked as she entered.
The door pushed open softly, and a woman stepped into the lounge. She appeared to be in her early forties, carrying an aura of quiet authority that made her both difficult to look at directly and impossible to ignore. Her shoulder-length black hair was sleek and perfectly trimmed, echoing the precision of her attire—a pale pink linen-blend blazer that fit as if molded to her form, a simple white blouse, and a pair of clean-cut black trousers. Her look was composed and professional; even her color palette was restrained yet impactful.
Her features were well-defined, bordering on sharp, with bright, firm skin that spoke of meticulous care without the need for heavy makeup. Most striking were her eyes—piercing and clear, as if she were looking at something far away, or perhaps as if she had seen too much. A certain weariness was buried deep beneath her calm exterior, causing Ye to pause for a beat.
She wore a pair of simple gold hoop earrings that caught the light with a subtle, steady glint. Standing about 170cm tall, her posture was ramrod straight, devoid of any hesitation. When she looked at Ye, her eyes softened instantly, and a slight, polite smile touched her lips—a deliberate sheath over her sharp edge.
For a moment, Ye felt dazed by Kelly’s smile, as if that initial sense of overwhelming pressure had been a mere hallucination. Collecting herself, Ye smiled back. "Aha, the busy woman herself has arrived. Hello, Kelly."
"You’re teasing me, Ye. You’ve been in New York for a week already, haven't you? It’s my oversight that I’m only just now finding the time to sit with you. I just went to check on Wanying’s memory and chip-reading process. Everything is going smoothly; it’s just taking a bit longer because the sampling points we set initially were quite dense. Do you need anything? Another glass of wine, perhaps?" Kelly asked.
"No, no. Just have them bring me some sparkling water. I am not 20 anymore; two glasses and I’m gone these days, haha!" Ye laughed heartily.
"Fair enough." Kelly turned to make a small gesture to someone outside, then looked back at Ye. "Are you busy, or should I stay and chat for a bit?"
"Of course you’re staying! I wouldn't have it any other way. How long has it been since we last saw each other?"
"It hasn't been that long, has it? Didn't we see each other last year?" Kelly smiled.
"You used to stick to me like glue when you were little. You’ve really grown up now," Ye laughed.
Kelly sat on a small stool facing Ye's chaise lounge. "Aside from visiting the Blueprint Institute, what else do you have planned for this trip to New York?"
"Nothing for New York specifically—just wandering around and taking in the atmosphere. The main focus is Boston. As you know, Wanying starts university there this year, so I’m taking her to get familiar with the environment," Ye said.
"Have you sorted out the housing? Is there anything you need help with?" Kelly asked.
"You say that as if you're still an expert on Boston. How many years has it been since you went back?" Ye teased.
"I’m still more familiar with it than you are, Ye," Kelly replied, her posture finally relaxing slightly. "If you can't find a place immediately, the apartment I used to live in is currently vacant. The new tenant doesn't move in until September, so you could stay there for a while. It’s a bit small and old, though; Wanying might not find it to her taste."
"If it belongs to her aunt, she’ll be too thrilled to complain. You’re being too polite, Kelly—if you keep this up, I’m going to get angry," Ye said with mock indignation.
"Haha, alright. Just let me know if you need it. Now, about Wanying..." Kelly started to continue, but Ye waved her off.
"Enough about Wanying. There’s only so much to say about that child. Tell me about you. How have you been lately?"
"What is there to say about me? Adult life is just... life. Day in and day out, going to work, waiting for a vacation so I can go spend all my money in a place someone else is tired of living in, then coming back to earn more. It’s not much different from a hamster on a wheel," Kelly said.
"And how is life in New York?" Ye asked with a hint of playfulness.
"New York is New York. The city that never sleeps. It can be vast or intimate, bustling or lonely. There are always choices," Kelly said.
"Since there are always so many choices, have you met anyone interesting? You’re still in your prime..." Ye’s tone became cautious, but before she could finish, Kelly offered a thin smile and shook her head slightly.
"No. There’s nothing left to pursue. It’s enough," Kelly said flatly. "I’ve loved, I’ve been loved, I’ve gained, and I’ve lost. That’s plenty. There is nothing else I want. Besides, at this age, one has to be realistic. At most, it’s about physical attraction rather than emotional connection. Maintaining a relationship is far too exhausting; The emotional drain is totally unnecessary; I used all my strength on that when I was young."
Their conversation was interrupted by a soft knock at the door.
"Come in," Kelly called out.
"Madam Chang, Director. Miss Meng’s chip reading and memory comparison are complete. We are now just waiting for the Blueprint construction. Because the initial sample density was so fine, the construction will take about a week," Alice said as she entered.
"Is Wanying awake?" Kelly asked.
"She is expected to wake in about half an hour," Alice replied.
"Good. Bring her here once she wakes," Kelly instructed. "Also, the afternoon tea I ordered earlier—you can bring that in now."
"Certainly. I’ll see to it immediately." Alice nodded and softly closed the door.
"Even afternoon tea? You’re going to spoil Wanying rotten," Ye laughed.
Kelly smiled. "By the way, Sister Ye, a new shopping center opened nearby. It has everything and is designed as beautifully as an art museum. Why don’t we wander over there before we head to The Nephele? I’ve planned a route—we can walk there through the Sky Garden."
They continued their idle chat until another knock sounded.
"Come in," Kelly said.
"Pardon the intrusion. I’ve brought your afternoon tea," Alice said, her tone gentle and professional. She stepped aside to hold the door.
A staff member in a crisp white uniform with silver-buttoned vest and gloves entered, pushing a silver trolley. It was a remarkably sophisticated English afternoon tea service, arranged with an elegance that felt as though it had been transported directly from a high-end London hotel. A three-tiered silver stand was filled with exquisite miniature pastries and savories. The top tier held mini rose-petal madeleines and lemon curd tarts, with sugar shards as thin as paper shimmering in the light. The middle tier featured slightly toasted scones accompanied by handmade orange marmalade and thick clotted cream. The bottom tier was a spread of delicate finger sandwiches—finely trimmed cucumber, smoked salmon with cream cheese, and veal with watercress—each placed like a jewel on bone china.
Though the tea hadn't been poured yet, the aroma already filled the room. The space was instantly transformed by a lazy, noble afternoon atmosphere, as if time itself had slowed down to match the scent of the tea.
With steady movements, the staff member spread a cream-colored linen cloth over the round table in the center of the lounge. The fabric was fine and smooth, its edges embroidered with a subtle gold thread pattern. Soft light poured from the ceiling, reflecting off the porcelain and silver with a sense of quiet ritual.
"Let’s have tea while we wait for Wanying. She should be here soon. I’ve prepared your favorite Darjeeling; Wanying has the English Breakfast. Please, sit," Kelly said, rising from the sofa to lead Ye to the table.
"You’re always so thoughtful. After all this time, you still remember even these little things," Ye said with a smile.
"You know my circle is small; I’m glad to have you both here," Kelly replied.
"Then when are you going to move to Boston so we can be together more often? With your success, you don't need to stay in New York anymore. Your employees will follow you anywhere," Ye laughed.
"You know how it is, Sister. When you gain power and money, what follows usually isn't freedom, but more conditions. Call it responsibility or call it a cage—I really can't get away lately," Kelly smiled. "I even invested in a new project recently. You’ll think I’m crazy, but these high-risk plans are addictive."
"Oh? Tell me about it," Ye asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Well... Come in." Kelly cut herself off as another soft knock sounded.
Alice and Wanying stood at the door. "Miss Meng, please come in," Alice said.
"Wanying, how do you feel?" Kelly asked with a smile.
"Great! Just like I took a long nap. I feel very refreshed," Wanying said. "Auntie, it’s been too long!" She stepped forward and gave Kelly a big hug.
"Good. Sit down, you’re just in time. The tea is fresh and the food has just arrived."
"Auntie, this is exactly like the afternoon tea at Claridge’s in London. No—it might even be better. You’re amazing! Where did you find this?" Wanying marveled at the spread.
"Oh, don't be so surprised. Nowadays, London to New York is only a three-hour trip. It wasn't that difficult," Kelly laughed.
"It really is from Claridge’s?" Ye asked, her expression one of genuine shock.
"It is," Kelly answered casually. "Anyway, when do you leave for Boston?"
"We’ll stay a few more days. It’s summer, so there’s no rush. Maybe we can spend a bit more time with you, Auntie?" Wanying said, her eyes drifting toward Ye as if seeking permission.
"You’re just trying to mooch off your aunt, aren't you?" Ye laughed. "No problem. I’d love for you to spend more time absorbing some of her brilliance."
The three enjoyed their tea, chatting idly. Wanying picked up a white bone-china cup and took a small sip, pairing it with a butter scone. She chewed slowly, looking every bit the well-bred lady—a look that seemed almost at odds with her youthful eighteen-year-old face, yet perfectly harmonious with her natural air of nobility. Ye, meanwhile, started with the cucumber sandwiches.
About an hour later, as the tea service drew to a close, Kelly set down her cutlery and daintily dabbed her mouth with a napkin. "If you’re both ready, shall we head out? We can walk through the Sky Garden to the new shopping center, and after a bit of wandering, it’ll be time for The Nephele."
"The Nephele?!" Wanying exclaimed, as if hearing the news for the first time.
"Didn't you hear Alice mention it earlier? Why are you so surprised?" Ye looked at Wanying, puzzled.
"Wait... did she?" Wanying asked, bewildered.
"She probably just didn't notice," Kelly interjected smoothly. "I’ll go to the restroom and be back to take you out. You can gather your things or use the restroom here in the lounge."
"Sounds good," Ye said.
Kelly smiled and walked out of the lounge. However, she didn't go to the restroom. Instead, she walked to an office and knocked.
"Come in," a woman’s voice called from within.
Kelly pushed the door open.
"Hi, Kelly." Alice looked up and immediately stood when she saw who it was.
"Don't get up. I just wanted to ask one thing: she belongs to the type who struggles with choices while simultaneously feeling that every choice must have meaning, correct?" Kelly asked.
"Yes, that is correct."
"I see. Give me the first draft of the Blueprint in three days. I will review it personally," Kelly said.
"Will do," Alice responds.
ns216.73.216.141da2
and then Add to home screen.