The Gathering

Soon, everyone assembled in Grandmother’s study room.

The room was large and dignified, filled with the scent of sandalwood. Dark wooden shelves lined the walls, stacked with old books and antique ornaments collected over decades. A large portrait of Grandfather hung above the carved rosewood desk, watching over the family like a silent judge.

Yue entered beside her mother, Ling. Conversations hushed slightly as relatives glanced at her before returning to their discussions.

She saw her two uncles and their wives seated on the right side of the room. They smiled at her politely. Yue liked them; they often gave her gentle advice instead of harsh criticism. Her father was away on a business trip overseas and couldn’t attend the celebration. His absence made her feel slightly exposed.

She also thought about her cousin Lan, her first uncle’s son. He was studying abroad and couldn’t return this year. Lan had always treated her kindly, defending her when others misunderstood her. If he were here, perhaps she wouldn’t feel so alone.

Then—

Yue’s eyes stopped on Li.

Li stood near the window, sunlight falling softly over her figure. She was wearing a gorgeous pink dress that shimmered delicately under the lights. The fabric hugged her waist perfectly before flowing down like silk water. The color made her skin glow, and the embroidery at the hem looked exquisite and expensive.

For a moment, Yue forgot her earlier anger.

She walked closer.

“Hi, Li,” Yue said, her tone surprisingly calm. “Your dress is beautiful. Which brand is it?”

She gently touched the fabric between her fingers. “It looks stunning.”

Li turned slightly, enjoying the attention. A proud smile curved her lips.

“It’s designed by the famous designer, Nua,” she replied smoothly.

Yue’s eyes widened. “Really? How did you get it? Nua’s designs are hard to buy.”

Before Li could respond, Li’s mother, Lua, stepped forward and lightly brushed Yue’s hand away from the dress.

“You always covet Li’s things,” Lua said coolly. “Some things are not meant for everyone.”

The words weren’t loud, but they were sharp.

Yue’s fingers froze midair. A faint flush appeared on her cheeks.

“Sorry, Aunty,” she muttered quietly and stepped back toward her mother.

Ling leaned slightly closer and whispered, “I already warned you. Don’t be rude.”

Yue bit her lower lip but didn’t reply.

Li noticed the awkward silence and softened her expression, stepping toward Yue.

“Yue, sorry about that,” she said gently, though there was still a faint hint of superiority in her tone. “Mom just worries about the dress.”

Before Yue could respond, Li’s phone suddenly rang.

Li glanced at the caller ID.

Instantly, her entire expression changed.

Her eyes brightened, and her lips curved into a sweet smile that Yue had never seen before.

“I’ll be back,” Li said quickly, already walking toward the corridor.

Ling watched her leave and smiled knowingly. “Li’s boyfriend, Kuo, must have arrived.”

Yue’s heart skipped slightly.

Boyfriend.

She tried to sound casual. “Mom… I want that dress.”

Ling sighed softly. “That design is limited edition. It won’t be easy.”

“But you said you’d try,” Yue insisted quietly.

“I will try,” Ling said gently, brushing a strand of hair away from Yue’s face. “But sometimes, wanting something doesn’t mean we must have it.”

Yue lowered her eyes.

From the corridor, faint footsteps echoed. The atmosphere in the room shifted subtly. Several relatives exchanged curious looks.

Yue didn’t know why, but her chest felt tight.

It wasn’t just about the dress.

It was about something else.

Something she couldn’t name.

Maybe it was the way Li’s face lit up at that call.

Maybe it was the confidence in Li’s posture.

Maybe it was the invisible distance growing between them.

Yue straightened her back slightly.

If Li could shine so brightly today, then she—

She wouldn’t remain in the shadows.

Not anymore.

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