Mu Yue Ran gazed around, bewildered, amidst the sea of people in tailored suits. She stood out in this opulent, refined setting.

Her deep blue evening gown, intricately embroidered, perfectly accentuated her figure. Its eye-catching design drew many glances—bought hastily after receiving her mission, just to blend in.

After helping Ji Yueyi escape Wu Fan, Mu Yue Ran had hoped for a peaceful break, enjoying the pampering of a pretty girl. But the damn System cast a shadow over her comfort, instantly uploading her next target’s details.

So here she was at this gala. Hmm? How did she sneak in? Well, she climbed over the wall, of course~

Sighing, Mu Yue Ran brushed off the fifth suitor. She grabbed a glass of red wine from a passing waiter, using the sip to scan the crowd. Her target wasn’t here. Maybe in the villa’s backyard?

Just as she pondered how to slip into the core area, a flustered girl hurried toward her from behind.

Mu Yue Ran sensed someone approaching, assuming another annoying admirer. She turned to dismiss them coldly—but froze at Mu Shuanghua’s worried face.

"Hello, we meet again," Mu Shuanghua greeted politely, not wanting to seem rude to a stranger.

Unlike her courtesy, Mu Yue Ran stayed icy, silent. They locked eyes, reading each other’s unspoken emotions. Mu Shuanghua didn’t back down.

Mu Yue Ran hid her frustration beneath calmness. "Miss, have we met before?"

Mu Shuanghua counted on her fingers. "Three days ago, at a mall. I mistook you for someone else."

Mu Yue Ran took a light sip. The crimson wine stained her lips full and glossy. "Sorry, my memory’s poor. I don’t recall."

Mu Shuanghua shook her head, unfazed. Following her heart, she pressed on. "No matter. I didn’t introduce myself. I’m Mu Shuanghua, a boxer."

At "boxer," Mu Yue Ran’s brow twitched slightly. She knew this stubborn girl wouldn’t quit—just like childhood, as headstrong as a mule.

"Hello, I’m Ji Yueyi," Mu Yue Ran lied smoothly, silently apologizing to Ji Yueyi. She needed to escape; tonight was for her mission, and shaking off Mu Shuanghua wouldn’t be easy once attached.

"So, Miss Mu, what is it? You’ve stopped me twice now. Mistaking me again?"

Mu Shuanghua almost said yes but bit her tongue. Why did she keep seeing her brother in this stranger—a girl, no less?

Was she mentally ill from longing? Or was there something drawing her in? She had to find out.

"I... I want to be friends. And apologize for last time." Her words were sincere but awkward; she rarely initiated connections. Ignoring her embarrassment, she stepped forward—only to be gently rebuffed.

"Don’t worry. It was trivial."

"Now, Miss Mu, I have business. Excuse me." Mu Yue Ran turned away without hesitation. Watching her leave, Mu Shuanghua’s heart clenched sharply, stealing her breath. She rushed after her, reaching to grab Mu Yue Ran’s arm.

Why did every departure hurt like this?

"Wait!" She just needed a contact. But her foot caught her dress hem. She stumbled forward, releasing Mu Yue Ran to avoid dragging her down. Twisting mid-fall, she tried to steady herself—too late. The crowd’s eyes turned. She braced for humiliation.

Then, a firm arm caught her slender waist. Mu Yue Ran planted her feet, elegantly righting Mu Shuanghua. With one hand behind her back, she gave a slight bow and slipped away.

To onlookers, it seemed a graceful encounter—a fleeting dance fitting the gala’s elegance.

Mu Shuanghua stared at her palm. That brief touch flooded her with familiar warmth, like her brother stood before her. Was this real? Or a dream?

If real, why was her brother a girl?

"Haha, I must be crazy." She shook her messy bangs, laughing bitterly. When she looked up, Mu Yue Ran had vanished again. Separation carved a hollow ache inside her, turning sweet memories bitter.

Still searching the crowd, Mu Shuanghua was found by Piao Lele, who’d finished her talks.

"Hua’er! What’s wrong?" Piao Lele asked, seeing her gloom. Mu Shuanghua only murmured she’d met someone oddly familiar.

Piao Lele missed the vagueness, eager to cheer her up with gossip. "Listen! This gala’s just a front. The real goal is matchmaking for the host’s reclusive daughter."

"The main event’s in the villa! She’s finally showing herself!"

"Where’s your invitation?"

Mu Shuanghua patted her pockets—empty. She searched everywhere, then admitted, "I think I lost it."

Piao Lele pouted briefly but brightened. Tossing her own invite into a bin, she dragged Mu Shuanghua toward the food area. "No worries! I came to cheer you up anyway. Let’s feast!"

Meanwhile, Mu Yue Ran approached the villa with an invitation. The usher blocked her politely. "Pardon, miss. Do you have an invitation?"

"Yes."

He checked it, then returned it with a deep bow and a smile. "Welcome to Skylark Manor, Miss Mu Shuanghua."

Mu Yue Ran nodded and stepped inside.