The ship's spa was located on the third deck, accessible through frosted glass doors that opened into what could only be described as a temple of luxury.
Yang Zhilan stepped inside behind Shen Hui and immediately felt her jaw want to drop. The space was enormous—all cream marble and soft golden lighting, with the gentle sound of water trickling from a decorative fountain in the corner. The air smelled of eucalyptus and rose, and soft instrumental music played from hidden speakers.
"This is..." Yang Zhilan couldn't find the words.
"Heaven?" Shen Hui supplied with a knowing smile. "I know. Come on, they have the most amazing treatment rooms."
A spad attendant in an elegant white uniform approached them with practiced grace. "Welcome, ladies. We have your appointments ready. If you'll follow me to the changing area?"
Yang Zhilan pull out her phone as they walked through the spa, unable to help herself. The changing room was all polished wood lockers and plush benches. She snapped a photo of the towels—actual heated towels in a warming drawer. Another of the complimentary robes that felt like clouds. The slippers that were somehow both elegant and comfortable.
"Yang Chu will never believe this exists," Yang Zhilan said, taking one more picture of the marble vanity area with its expensive lotions and serums laid out like a luxury boutique.
They changed into the provided robes and were led to a relaxation room where they could wait before their treatments. The room featured several lounge chairs, more soft lighting, and a small refreshment area with infused water and fresh fruit.
Yang Zhilan was still taking it all in when the door opened and another woman entered.
Song Jieli.
She looked tall and elegant in her spa robe, her hair pulled back in a perfect bun, her makeup minimal but somehow still flawless. Her eyes swept over Yang Zhilan and Shen Hui with cool assessment.
"Shen Hui," she acknowledged with a polite nod. "And... Yang Zhilan."
"Song Jieli," Yang Zhilan replied, keeping her voice friendly despite the tension she could feel radiating from the other woman.
Song Jieli settled into one of the chairs with practiced grace, crossing her legs elegantly. "I have to say, you seem to be enjoying the amenities quite enthusiastically."
There was something in her tone—not quite outright rude, but with an edge that made Yang Zhilan's smile falter slightly.
"It's... beautiful," Yang Zhilan said simply.
"Mm. I suppose it would be impressive if one wasn't accustomed to this sort of thing." Song Jieli's eyes flicked to Yang Zhilan's phone. "Taking pictures for social media? Or perhaps to show people back home what the other half lives like?"
Yang Zhilan felt heat creep up her neck. "Just for personal memories."
"How... provincial," Song Jieli said with a small smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I forget that not everyone grows up with access to luxury spas and yacht clubs. It must all be very novel for you."
Shen Hui's posture changed, her spine straightening in a way that spoke of aristocratic offense. "Jieli, there's no need to be rude."
"Rude?" Song Jieli's eyebrows rose delicately. "I'm simply making conversation. Surely Yang Zhilan isn't so sensitive that she can't acknowledge the obvious differences in our backgrounds."
"The only obvious difference," Shen Hui said, her voice dropping to that icy tone that Yang Zhilan had never heard from her before, "is that Zhilan is appreciating what she's experiencing, while you seem determined to make everyone around you as miserable as you clearly are."
YOU ARE READING
Batter My Heart,Mr Xi (Book 2)
Romance(Sequel to Ties and Fate.) Yang Zhilan's idyllic village life is shattered when her late adoptive father's past comes back to haunt her family as he had double-crossed a very powerful mercenary group. Adding to the turmoil, she doesn't remember t...
