The hum of Leo's motorcycle echoed down the paved driveway, cutting through the midmorning air like a scene from an action movie. Sophie sat behind him, gripping his waist with one hand and holding her phone in the other—recording a casual selfie video as they approached the mansion gates.
"Is that… her place?" Sophie asked, pulling her earbuds out.
Leo smirked under his helmet. "Yup. Told you she's not lowkey."
They rolled to a smooth stop outside a massive iron gate, adorned with red ribbons and floating lanterns. A security guard bowed slightly before waving them in with a respectful nod. The gate slid open, revealing Ling Zhao's family estate in full glory.
The mansion stood tall and graceful under the morning sky, glowing softly with hanging gold-and-rose lights. The entire lawn and courtyard were packed with guests dressed in elegant semi-formals, bustling with laughter, music, and the scent of expensive perfume and spiced appetizers.
"Woah," Sophie said, hopping off the bike and removing her helmet. "This isn't a party—it's a princess ball."
Before Leo could reply, the front doors flew open—and there she was.
"LEO!!" Ling called out with a smile that lit up the night.
She sprinted through the crowd, arms wide, dressed in a flowing pastel-pink party dress that swayed like cherry blossoms with every step.
Leo dropped his helmet and caught her in a tight embrace, lifting her slightly off the ground.
"You came," she whispered, squeezing him tight.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," Leo replied, smiling into her shoulder.
Ling finally looked past him, eyes locking on the girl standing behind. "And you must be... Sophie?"
Sophie stepped forward confidently. "That's me. The big sister. Don't worry, I'm on your side—unless you break his heart."
Ling laughed and gave her a quick hug. "You're cooler than I imagined."
She then turned to gesture behind her. "These are my girls—Mei, Xiu, and Ning."
The three Chinese girls stood elegantly, each with their own vibe:
Mei with bouncing curls and bold eyeliner
Xiu in a sleek silver dress, calm and observant
Ning with bubblegum-pink hair tips and a teasing smirk
"Hi!" Mei grinned. "You're even cuter than Leo's blurry photos."
"He has photos of me?" Sophie raised an eyebrow.
Leo coughed awkwardly. "Okay, wow—Mei."
"Guilty!" Mei sang, making peace signs.
---
🎀 The Party Panic...
Once the introductions were done, Ling quickly pulled Leo and Sophie away from the entrance, weaving through the crowd until they reached a quieter hallway inside the mansion.
Her voice dropped. "Okay, here's the thing—I need help."
"What's wrong?" Sophie asked, instantly alert.
"I planned everything—the food, the guests, the decorations… but the DJ cancelled last-minute. And my cousin who was supposed to MC didn't show up either."
Leo blinked. "You're serious?"
Ling looked on the verge of panic. "Yeah. I was going to call my dad and ask if one of his army tech people could throw together a music system but—"
"No need," Sophie interrupted, placing a hand on her shoulder. " We got you."
Ling tilted her head. "What do you mean?"
"You," Sophie said, "are going to go get glammed up like the birthday queen you are. And we… are going to run this party."
"Like really?"
" Of course dear. You just dress up and prepare yourself. We'll figure something out." Leo said.
Ling stared at them,unsure.
" Come on babygirl," Sophie said tilting her head and Ling chuckled shyly.
Just then, giggles burst from behind a velvet curtain.
Mei, Xiu, and Ning popped out like nosy pixies, all grinning.
"We were totally eavesdropping," Ning admitted.
"But we love this plan," added Xiu.
They gently nudged Ling toward her bedroom with excited chatter.
"You're in good hands," Leo called out.
"Better than AI command bots," Sophie added.
When the four friends had left, Sophie turned to Leo asked.
" You ready for this loverboy?"
" I should be."
" Good, you be the DJ and I'll do the party MC thing."
" Got it Siz."
*****************************
Party Ignition — MC Sophie x DJ Big Leo
A few minutes later, music stirred, lights dimmed slightly, and the mic crackled alive.
All heads turned toward the small stage as Sophie Pierce—in a stylish blazer, heels, and hoop earrings—strode into the spotlight.
"Laaaadies and gentlemen!" she called out, her voice clear and commanding. "Welcome to the event of the season! A celebration of light, laughter, and turning twenty in style!"
Crowd: Wooooooh!
"I'm your host today—MC Sophie—here to hype you up and guide you through the madness. But first... what's a party without beats?"
The lights shifted. A spotlight hit the DJ deck.
"Make some noise… for the only viby DJ in this universe—give it up for DJ… BIG… LEOOOO!"
The crowd erupted. Leo appeared behind the turntables in sunglasses and a fresh jacket, striking a pose before scratching the disc and then dropping his first track—a booming electronic hit that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
From the upstairs window, Ling and her girls peeked down, giggling in amazement.
"He's actually kinda hot when he's confident," Ling said softly.
" Indeed he is. Now, hurry up. " Said Xiu. " You have a boyfriend to surprise."
" What about her ex-boyfriend?" Ning asked."I think I've spotted him somewhere."
Ling turned around and looked at Ning. Ning's eyes didn't flinch.
"Really?"
" It's true girlie," Ning said.
" What now?" Ling asked sitting on her cozy bed.
" Let's hope...they won't meet. Coz if they do....a tornado there shall be," Mei said.
>>>>>>>>>>