Chapter 73

"I'm back!" Mia's radiant smile filled the screen, her eyes crinkling into crescents. "Can't wait to see me?"

"I've missed you so much!" Emily nearly jumped with excitement. "Send me your location right now."

"Don't forget to bring little Yiyi along. I've been dying to see her." Mia mentioned Emily's sister cheerfully, completely unaware of the situation.

Emily's smile froze. Her fingers tightened around the phone unconsciously. "Yiyi... hasn't been well enough to go out lately," she said softly. "I'll bring her to see you another time."

Understanding the implications of Yiyi's autism, Mia didn't press further and simply agreed with a bright, "Okay!"

The moment the call ended, the location notification popped up. Emily glanced at the address—not far from Sky City—and quickly hailed a taxi.

Mia had chosen a newly opened seafood restaurant. She remembered how much Emily loved seafood, but ever since the family crisis, they hadn't indulged in a proper seafood feast in ages.

"Emily!"

The familiar voice reached her the second she stepped out of the cab. Mia stood at the restaurant entrance, rushing toward her like an excited little bird.

Under the sunlight, Mia's smile was as dazzling as ever. Emily's eyes grew warm as she opened her arms for the long-awaited embrace.

"Oh my god!" Mia pulled back, scrutinizing her before suddenly frowning. "Now I know why you never initiate video calls."

Emily raised a brow. "Hmm?"

"You've been secretly getting prettier!" Mia poked her cheek indignantly. "How unfair!"

Emily couldn't help but laugh. "You caught me."

Mia dragged her toward the restaurant, half-threatening, "You better spill everything later. What have you been up to this past year to become this stunning?"

"As you wish, Your Majesty." Emily grinned.

They had been classmates since middle school, hailed as the two golden flowers of their class. Some admired Emily's cool elegance, while others adored Mia's vibrant charm.

But instead of rivalry, they became inseparable best friends. For six years, they shared school uniforms, sipped from the same bubble tea, and even kept each other's secrets.

Mia led her straight to the most luxurious private room. Before they could even order, waiters began bringing in platters of seafood, covering the entire table.

"What's all this?" Emily's eyes widened in surprise.

"My mom's new place." Mia winked proudly. "Eat as much as you want today!"

Emily laughed. "Are you trying to fatten me up?"

"If it's you..." Mia smirked, pinching her chin. "I wouldn't mind feeding you forever."

...

After the feast, Mia was eager to hit a bar. Though reluctant, Emily didn’t want to dampen her friend’s mood and followed along.

The bar pulsed with dim lights and deafening music. They settled at the counter and ordered two Pink Ladies.

"Let's dance!" Mia shouted over the noise, leaning close to Emily’s ear.

Emily shook her head. "I'm not really good at it."

"Liar!" Mia rolled her eyes. "You were amazing at ballet. This is nothing!"

Emily chuckled and stood. "Wait here. I’ll be right back—just need the restroom."

"Hurry!" Mia called after her. "I’m not dancing without you!"

The moment Emily left, their drinks arrived. Mia picked up one and downed it in a single gulp. She usually had a high tolerance, but this time, just half a glass made her head spin.

She clutched her forehead, trying to steady herself. Then a tall figure approached, slipping an arm around her swaying shoulders.

When Emily returned from the restroom, the bar counter was empty. Assuming Mia had grown impatient and gone to dance, she scanned the crowd but couldn’t spot her.

Just as she pulled out her phone to call, her peripheral vision caught a burly man leading a girl up the stairs.

That figure—it was unmistakably Mia.