The Rise of the White Lotus

When Lexi spoke, that's when Rika snapped from her stupor. Everything was beautifully processed on her mind that made the corner of her lips curled upward. Rika taunted Che Diayu with a triumphant smile before following Lexi.

'Serves you right.' She thought inwardly. Though, she didn't expect Lexi would literally slap the annoying Che Diayu in front of everyone. Even if her career would be at risk or articles regarding this would once again circulate around the internet— Lexi still SLAPPED her!

'Woah… this woman.,' Rika's eyes sparkled as if her horizon broadened and sees Lexi in a new light. Despite that, she was also worried that Lexi's name would be drag down yet again and the truth would be twisted. 

On second thought, Rika could clean it up if that ever happens. After all, that's the least she could do.

Hastily catching up to Lexi, Rika giddily inquired, "Bestie, are you alright?"

Lexi didn't respond immediately until they were far enough from the boutique where she left Che Diayu. Stopping in her tracks, Lexi looked down on her numb palm that she used to slap the unreasonable girl. Since she slapped Che Diayu with all her force, her hand also turned numb and throbbed a little. 

"I am," Responding to Rika's question earlier, Lexi raised her gaze and the side of her lips curled into a meek smile. 

Both beautiful women then slowed their pace as they walked not knowing where to go. After all, Lexi was done purchasing the gifts she wanted to give to the people she cares, and they were only wandering aimlessly around to see if they find something nice.

****

[Inside another luxury stall]

"Aren't you going to ask what grudge I have with Che Diayu?" After some time, Rika gave her a side glance as Lexi wasn't asking anything. She wondered if Lexi wasn't interested or she just couldn't be bothered. Nevertheless, Rika still wanted to tell her.

"Even without asking, it's really hard to like that girl." Shrugging, Lexi apathetically responded as her eyes wandered around the shop they were in. Her reply automatically made Rika chuckled because what Lexi said was indeed true. 

"Well, that's true… but as for me, I won't dislike someone just because of what others think about that person. It's just that, Che Diayu harassed one of my staff and humiliate her. It only reached me afterward." Still, Rika summarized her reason for hating the girl with a heavy sigh.

Indeed, Che Diayu did not personally attack Rika. But, back when they filmed a movie where she starred and Che Diayu had a short scene in it, Che Diayu bullied one of her staff with a petty reason that her new assistant bump into her. 

Since Rika was busy the whole day, she only knew what happened the next day. However, Che Diayu already left so Rika could not confront her. Therefore, she held that grudge and waged a personal vendetta; that if one of these days, she would work again with Che Diayu— she would humiliate her on the pretense of working.

"Rika…" Upon listening to what Rika said, Lexi finally turned her head to Rika's bitter smirk. Sensing that Lexi's attention was on her, Rika turned to face her with a questioning raised brows.

"Ethan Lu, I'm dating him." Without further ado, Lexi blankly confessed. Forget about Che Diayu, but after spending some time with Rika, she wanted to give this 'newfound friendship' a chance by trusting the woman the way she trusted her. 

In her mind, Rika had been too open for her. She says things that would get her in trouble if the press came to know about it— especially dating Elliot Gong. Plus, Rika's reputation was clean with no dating scandal or whatsoever, so if Lexi wanted to cause her trouble, she could with that information. Thus, after long contemplation, Lexi wanted to trust this woman.

On the other hand, if Rika's jaw could literally drop, it was probably on the floor right now. She thought Lexi would warn about Che Diayu or what she was capable of. But, this… this was the last thing she expected for her to say. 

It was not that she was dismayed that about what she admitted, but it was because Lexi was dating! What more? It was the ultimate playboy that seemed impossible to tame when it comes to his greed in women.

Lexi stared at Rika whose mouth was wide open. Fortunately, there wasn't a fly around or else, it already nested inside her mouth. 

Slowly nodding, Lexi heavily sighed. "I know, it's crazy but--"

Lexi wasn't able to finish her sentence when Rika suddenly held her hand and thoroughly examined it with a bewildered look. Rika's other hand then hastily fiddled inside her purse and the next second, she was holding her phone while altering her gaze to her phone's screen and to Lexi's hand.

Her action made Lexi's brows furrowed in confusion. In her eyes, Rika seemed she was comparing something with her phone and her hand. Since Lexi only saw Ethan Lu's profile for a brief moment, she hasn't seen the whole content of his Weibo account that was oozing with sweet love moments.

"No way…" Minutes had passed before Rika finally let these words slipped from her mouth. Raising her astounded gaze to meet Lexi's pair of natural upturned eyes, Rika gasped in disbelief.

Based on her momentary examination, Lexi's hand seemed similar to most of the photos Ethan Lu posted. After all, only her hand or finger was always shown in every photo Ethan Lu shared. 

What confirmed Lexi's words was that, upon clear inspection, Rika noticed that she had a dot sized mole on the back of her hand. It was so small that if the photo wasn't zoomed in, it will go unnoticed.

Unconsciously tightening her grip on Lexi's slender hands, Rika stuttered. "T-those photos… i-it was you?!"

"Hmmm," Nodding as she hummed, Lexi confirmed. She would be lying if she said she wasn't curious about what Ethan Lu had been posting on his Weibo account. Alas, whatever that was, Lexi would surely know later.

"Oh my god…" Still, in disbelief, Rika muttered while she covered her mouth. Her eyes contained awe and her inner gossip side slowly resurfaced. 

Although Rika somewhat admired Ethan Lu, it wasn't that deep for her to be hurt. Instead, she was interested in how did this happen. After all, Lexi's engagement with the chief executive officer of the Liu Empire wasn't a secret— everyone knows about it. 

Furthermore, it has only been months since the engagement was called off before Lexi's countless scandals bombarded every entertainment news section. Therefore, based on her observation with Lexi, she was more shocked that she had started dating… and it was Ethan Lu for god's sake!

"This is huge…" Without thinking about her words, Rika uttered her thoughts out loud.

"I know… and I trust you about it." Nodding, Lexi knew that if this comes out while her scandal hasn't died down yet, not only the public would put pressure on Ethan Lu but it would all revived her past scandal. 

Well, Ethan and Lexi's reputation when it comes to their love lives has been pretty messed up. Also, this was better as she wanted her private life to remain private as much as possible.

"My gosh, bestie!" When Rika recovered, she excitedly clasped her hands together. She added, "Tell me how did it happen?" 

Lexi already expected the worst outcome. But, seeing Rika's reaction, part of her heart was relieved that she wasn't against it or showed the tiniest displeasure about it. Although it was risky to tell her, even so, Lexi gambled. 

"Well, it just happened back when…" After several pleas from Rika, Lexi began telling her how they met and what happened thereafter. 

Instead of shopping more, they ended up in a cozy cafe and resumed their girl's day out. They didn't notice the time as Rika was too engrossed listening to their 'love story' as if she was watching a movie.

Suddenly, just when Lexi ended the summary of her history with Ethan Lu while leaving other details like Churu and the traumatizing Yue event, her phone suddenly rang.

Looking at the caller ID of her father, Lexi immediately answered with a soft voice. "Hi, Dad…"

"Lexi, I'm on my way to pick up your Mom. We'll arrive at the restaurant in an hour." Delighted, Frederick Yang said as excitement lingered on his voice.

Lexi glanced at the time and seeing that it was past six in the evening, her eyes widened. "See you, Dad. Take care of the road." With that said note, Frederick Yang agreed before ending the call.

"Wow, we didn't notice the time." When Lexi placed her phone down, Rika commented as she looked at her watch. 

"Well, it's been a while since I didn't get bored with someone's company." Smiling, Rika genuinely uttered as she was grateful that she saw Lexi today. This time, all her uncertainty about Lexi vanished as Rika perceived that she was the most real friend she would have. She added;

"Well, I plan to invite you over dinner but it seems you already have arrangements tonight. Hehe,"

"Hmm, I'll be eating out with my parents." Mildly nodding, Lexi might not say it out loud but she already considered Rika as her friend now.

Soon, Lexi and Rika went on their separate ways but before that, Rika hugged her tightly to express her feelings to her new best friend.

"I'm glad we got to be friends… who would have thought, hehe." Said Rika before letting her go. 

For Lexi, it was a day well spent and surely, their friendship would grow stronger with time.