Early summer in New York is usually sweltering, but today was uncharacteristically pleasant. The sunlight was brilliant without being scorching, casting a mellow warmth over everything. A gentle breeze drifted through the air; if it weren't for the towering skyscrapers flanking them, it would be hard to imagine they were in the middle of bustling, crowded Manhattan. The park’s elevated walkway wound through the concrete jungle like a shimmering ribbon of silk, cradling the warm greenery. Kelly led the way, her sharp business attire and the rhythmic click of her leather shoes against the wooden planks feeling slightly out of place, yet in New York, her tempo and confidence felt perfectly in tune with the surroundings.
"This area was recently renovated; they just replaced the stonework last autumn," she said with a smile. "It looks much better than before. You’ve timed your visit perfectly."
Ye followed at a slower pace, dressed with an understated yet significant elegance. Her long skirt hovered exactly one centimeter above the ground as her eyes swept between the various street vendors and art installations. She had lived in this city for a few years before Wanying was born and had revisited several times since, but those trips were always so hectic she barely had time to breathe. It had been a long time since she had truly seen the city.
"The way these vendors display their wares hasn't changed much in decades," she remarked in a neutral tone. "But the environment is certainly better than it used to be."
Wanying, meanwhile, was like a darting swallow—captivated by sculptures, snapping photos of graffiti walls, and occasionally glancing back to gauge the distance between her mother and Kelly. She couldn't quite put her finger on the relationship or the underlying mood between the two women. Perhaps to liven the atmosphere, she pointed to a clay-like human figure and said, "Auntie, that looks just like the gift you sent me a few years ago!"
Without saying anything, Kelly replied with a gentle smile.
The three continued along the Sky Garden until they turned into the newly opened department store Kelly had mentioned. The building was stark white, like a block of unquarried stone, standing quietly on the street corner—a cold existence that seemed to have no intention of pleasing anyone.
Upon entering, they were greeted by a sharp, chilly air. The floors were seamless limestone and the walls were perfectly smooth, devoid of any slogans or advertisements. The interior was vast and rounded, though closer inspection revealed independent boutiques nestled within. Each shop’s display varied slightly, but the color palettes blurred into one another. A single store felt like a mere shade within the larger mall. Displays floated like islands, and the clothing stores were sparsely stocked, their arrangements followed the same silent, gradient-coded rule as the rest of the building.
"Calling this a shopping center is a stretch; it feels more like an art museum," Ye whispered, seemingly afraid that a louder voice might echo too sharply in the hollow space.
"It is," Kelly laughed softly. "I brought you here because it’s unique. Otherwise, shopping centers are all the same—hardly worth the walk. They utilized a lot of Japanese aesthetics here—Wabi-sabi and Yūgen. Before it opened, people said it would be out of place in New York, but since the launch, it’s become the hottest spot in town. For a while, they even had to limit entry to online reservations."
"Wait, what is that scent?" Wanying suddenly caught a whiff of a bracing, fresh fragrance.
"Cedar and vetiver. They change the scent profile with the seasons," Kelly explained.
Wanying nodded, though her gaze remained restless. She suddenly found the place too quiet—as if even a spoken word were being eavesdropped upon. Sensing her unease, Kelly added, "Actually, we don't need to be so cautious. The building materials were specially chosen for their acoustic absorption. Sound doesn't travel far here; there's no resonance or reflection. That’s why it feels unnaturally still."
Wanying nodded, her eyes suddenly drawn to a shop in the distance. She looked at Ye with excitement. "Mom! That’s my favorite brand! Can we go look?"
"Of course," Ye said, looking at Wanying with indulgence.
They headed toward the store.
After quite a while, the three finally left the shopping center. "Ugh! I’m so tired and hungry!" Wanying groaned.
"You’re complaining? You were the one doing all the shopping," Ye said, looking at her daughter with mock exasperation.
"Shopping and trying things on is indeed exhausting," Kelly added.
"You’re still taking her side?" Ye shot Kelly a look. "But really, has your shopping style become even more aggressive than before? How do the clerks in almost every shop know you?"
"Hardly. It’s just because of sponsored events or the need to buy gifts," Kelly laughed. "Look at how down to earth I am these days."
"I don't believe a word of it," Ye said, rolling her eyes.
"Alright, do you want to walk to The Nephele or take a car?" Kelly asked.
"My god, let's take a car, Auntie Lin, I beg you. Even though the shops are delivering everything, my feet are actually about to snap," Wanying pleaded.
"Your stamina is nothing compared to your aunt’s when she was young," Ye noted, shaking her head.
Kelly smiled, and shortly after, an autonomous vehicle pulled up in front of them. "Let's go, get in," Kelly said.
In about ten minutes, they arrived at the foot of a modern skyscraper. The exterior was an undulating curtain of glass that shimmered with the remnants of the sunset, its waves resembling ripples stirred by a gentle sea breeze. Stepping into the lobby, the soft exterior curves gave way to a sharp, masculine interior of rigid angles. The soaring ceiling tapered upward, creating a powerful sense of vertical extension. Kelly led them to an elevator where an attendant bowed slightly and pressed the button for her. Soon, the transparent glass doors slid open. Kelly led the way in; As the glass elevator ascended, the view expanded—New Jersey appeared across the water, and the sun began its slow descent below the horizon.
"Here we are," Kelly said the moment the doors opened.
"So, The Nephele hasn't just hired a new chef; they’ve completely remodeled the place?" Ye marveled, taking in the entrance.
"Yes, it took a significant amount of effort," Kelly replied.
Despite being raised in luxury, Wanying was stunned by the unique design. The restaurant seemed split in two: one half stark white, the other pure black. Towering Gothic arches lent the space a sense of mystery. The sunset’s afterglow pierced through the arches, striking the black-and-white tiled floor like a visual debate between life and death.
"Come, let's go in," Kelly said to the two who were lingering at the door.
Ye raised an eyebrow. "This place... it doesn't feel as lively or welcoming as it used to."
Kelly only smiled—a smile so light it felt like a form of evasion. "It’s all to please the consumer. At The Nephele’s price point, this is what the clientele seeks. Plus, the new chef has his own philosophy; he always says he wants to ensure every guest has their own 'realization' here."
"Eating a meal shouldn't feel like joining a religion," Wanying muttered, though her tone wasn't mocking—it carried a hint of focused contemplation.
"When you grow up, Wanying, you'll realize that most things eventually boil down to faith," Kelly said.
At that moment, an usher in a charcoal-gray uniform appeared soundlessly from within, as if they had been waiting for a long time. "Good evening, Madame Lin. Your table is ready. You may be seated whenever you wish."
"Thank you," Kelly said.
They stepped through the threshold one by one, and the door closed silently behind them. The air grew heavy again, as if another story was finally ready to begin36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡin26vMc5Nf
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