4

It was as if the outside world had sunk into darkness. At first, the space outside seemed still, but in a moment, the sound of rain pattered on the ground and bounced off the roof tiles. Then, the sky began to pour down like a torrential stream. The intense sound of the rain was unceasing, accompanied by the wind, which swept away dry leaves and lashed against the windowpanes. If you were close enough, you could hear the rasping sound from outside the window.

Inside the shabby wooden house—one could even call it an abandoned house—there were no amenities to speak of. It was a place no one would care to look at when passing by, perhaps only stopping to take shelter from the rain before leaving. The sound of a leak echoed, the water plinking into a bucket that was already half full. The sound of the falling water became softer. It was in this very wooden house that a crime had taken place...

In the ethereal mist of a new day, S City appeared magnificent and splendid. The scene was beautiful; the large buildings had been lit up since early, the streetlights long since turned off, and the shops were already open to welcome customers. From the 24th floor of the Joy Hotel, the cityscape unfolded before one's eyes, revealing the beautiful urban landscape.

On the hotel balcony, a young man was sitting in a chair, enjoying his tea. Steam rose from the cup on the table, and in the cold air, the gentle wisps of smoke from the tea seemed to have a strange allure. He held his hands over the mouth of the cup, and the steam wafted up, passing through his fingers. He brought the cup to his lips, and the steam rose to his chin and mouth, blurring the glasses he was wearing. Slowly, he could smell the fragrant aroma of the tea... He brought the cup to his lips and tilted his head back slightly to drink. Setting the cup down on the table, he looked at the scene below. The steam on his glasses cleared, restoring the initial clarity, and the glamorous S City seemed to shrink a bit...

The cars on the road seemed to have no destination; they just kept going, getting farther and farther away, until at some point, you realized they had vanished. Outside, the sun was already high in the sky, and the sunlight was shining down on the ground. He stretched slightly and turned to go back inside the room, not paying attention to the curious eyes of those around him.

--.

Inside the luxurious hotel room, young Felix was sleeping peacefully under a soft duvet, snoring softly. He sat beside the boy, not wanting to wake him at that moment. The faint smile on his face seemed to prove it. He got up from the bed and walked toward the wardrobe. Inside, there were only a few clothes, and more than half of them were hotel items. He gently put his hand on his forehead, looking at the unopened suitcase. Maybe the snoring boy had forgotten his task. He took a bathrobe from the closet and went into the bathroom.

When he came out, he was wearing a hotel bathrobe, wiping his wet hair with one hand and adjusting his glasses with the other. Something had made him focus on it intently. "Be careful!" came Felix's voice, making him look at the boy, but his feet kept moving forward, causing him to fall to the floor. He sat on the floor, his eyes squeezed shut in pain, followed by a look of shock from Felix and then a burst of giggles from the boy. Seeing this, he gave a wry smile and stood up. The two of them continued... But those eyes behind the curtain, which had witnessed everything, a slight smile was on the man's lips.

In the spacious ballroom, a scene of luxury unfolded. Not only that, but the place gathered many people of high status in society. The party was luxurious and extravagant. Upon entering the door, you would be greeted by a grand scene. Inside, the room was luxurious. In the center of the large ballroom was a small stage, only two or three steps away from the guest area. The stage was wide, not only dividing the two sides of the guests but also taking up a bit of space. The party was glamorous and splendid, with expensive crystal chandeliers illuminating the room.

He walked into the party and couldn't help but become the subject of discussion for a few people. At first, a few people seemed indifferent, but gradually, a few recognized him. A man walked over to him, a look of excitement on his face: "Mr. Hy, it's been a long time. I didn't think I'd see you here." He seemed to ignore the man, politely avoiding him as if he didn't want to engage. He walked to a party table, where a man who seemed drunk was talking to the people sitting with him at the time. It wasn't arrogance or anything, but for him, it was just that he didn't want to build relationships or get involved with anyone at this party.

He sat down in his assigned seat, but his seat was next to his "relatives." They weren't curious about his appearance, as if they had known beforehand or simply didn't want to pay attention. Suddenly, all the lights went out. Two spotlights moved from the door, gradually illuminating the orchestra, and then moving to the stage. The sound of the lights moving was completely silent, as if the music had masked it. In the darkness, even a tiny light would stand out. Not only everyone else but he, too, instinctively followed the movement of the lights. Then, the lights gradually moved to the two screens on either side of the stage where a man stood with a graceful and luxurious demeanor, holding a script for the party in his hand. After bowing to everyone, the MC spoke:

"It is an honor to welcome and thank our distinguished guests and loved ones for taking the time to attend the birthday party at the Lavender Hotel today."

After the MC's words, a round of enthusiastic applause from the guests below the stage followed.

"Ladies and gentlemen, each of us may have our own path, but sometimes we also need to take time for ourselves and be with our loved ones. In today's warm atmosphere, I am extremely honored to be able to join you in celebrating an important milestone in the life of the main character of today's party. Please give a big round of applause to welcome the host of today's party, Ms. Arrogant, to the stage."

From the wings, a young woman in her 20s walked out. The guests at the party were all in awe of her captivating beauty. She had a tall, slender figure, and the low-cut back of her dress revealed her thin, fair back. Her long brown hair was lightly curled and draped over her right shoulder, her face was beautiful and youthful with a high nose, sharp eyes, and plump red lips. The meticulous makeup seemed to adorn her beautiful face.

She was the host of the party, the princess of the largest jewelry corporation in S City.

All the lights in the room were turned on. At that moment, everyone seemed to be focused on this beautiful princess. The party continued with well wishes from all the guests...

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