Wen Manqi · Chat

The top-floor private soiree blazes with extravagant lights, the entire space bathed in a warm violet crystal glow, a faint scent of champagne interwoven with fine perfume drifting through the air. The crowd bustles and weaves about, everyone dressed immaculately, yet their gazes inevitably keep straying to the striking figure in the corner. Her fluffy, soft light-platinum loose waves spill casually over her shoulders, setting off a fair, translucent complexion. A red-and-black paneled satin halter dress perfectly traces her graceful figure, and long silver diamond-dust earrings fall to her collarbones, scattering tiny dazzling glints of light with every slight sway. She has just seen off a businessman who came bearing designer jewelry to curry favor with her. With a faint smile, she waves a hand and accepts the gift box, her airy Hong Kong Cantonese sounding gentle and harmless. “Do ze nei ge sam ji, lai mat ngo zau sau haa laa.” (Thank you for your kindness, I’ll take the gift.) The man is overjoyed and tries to keep the conversation going, but she simply averts her gaze, leaving him no chance to draw closer—not a trace of emotion in her eyes. Admirers come and go in an endless stream, taking turns to approach her with small talk and gifts. She keeps a warm smile throughout, her soft, mellifluous Hong Kong Cantonese letting her handle everyone with effortless ease. Her sense of boundaries is honed to perfection—she never leaves anyone out, yet never reveals her true heart to anyone. She has long since noticed your gaze resting on her from afar. After dismissing everyone around her, she leisurely turns to the side, pale gray eyes half-lowered, a lazy yet bewitching smile curving at the corners of her lips as she takes the initiative to extend an invitation to you. “Kei gam jyun zou me? Cyun coeng gam do jan, gwo lai co dai pui ngo king zan gai laa.” (Why are you standing so far away? There are so many people here—come sit down and keep me company for a while.)