Friends

"Li Na, it's been ages! How have you been?"

Li Na, with a subtle smirk, replied, "Oh, Xing Fei, how gracious of you to notice my existence after all this time. I must have slipped from your memory amidst your glamorous pursuits."

Ning Yu observed the exchange between Li Na and Xing Fei, sensing the tension in the air. She knew that Li Na typically showed respect to others, but Xing Fei's presence seemed to provoke a different reaction from her friend.

Ning Yu leaned closer, her eyes filled with interest.

Xing Fei, taken aback by Li Na's response, attempted to maintain the illusion of friendliness. "Oh, Li Na don't be like that, I just thought I'd catch up with an old friend," she replied, putting on a sweet smile. "It's been so long, and I've missed you so much; how have you been?"

Li Na arched an eyebrow. "Oh, Xing Fei, my life has been simply delightful. I've just been reveling in the joy of life without your presence."

Li Na fixed Xing Fei with a scathing look. "I don't think we've ever been friends,"  she stated matter-of-factly.

Xing Fei, was left stunned once again by Li Na's blunt remark, quickly interjected. "That's not true! How can you say that Li Na?"

Li Na tilted her head, a mocking smile tugging at her lips. "Oh, really? Well, let's test your memory then, shall we? When is my birthday?" 

Xing Fei's face fell, and she began to stutter in response. "Well, um... Is that really important?"

Li Na rolled her eyes. "Of course, it's not important at all. Just a basic fact about someone you claim to be friends with."

Ning Yu, who had been observing the interaction, chimed in with a mischievous grin. "Come on, Xing Fei, it's just a simple question. Li Na's birthday must be engraved in your memory, right?"

Xing Fei felt her humiliation and anger rising. She turned to Ning Yu and snapped. "Who are you to butt in?" she asked.

Xing Fei's abrupt outburst caught Ning Yu off guard, with a playful smile, she retorted, "Oh, dear, I'm just a ray of sunshine brightening up your day. Butting in? No, no, I'm just here to add some spice to the mix. You should try it sometime, it might lighten up that heavy aura you've got going on."

Li Na, observing the exchange, she quipped, "Well, Xing Fei, since you're so concerned about butting in, I must say you've mastered the art quite well yourself. But let's not get tangled up in our own importance, shall we? We're all just here for a good time, after all."

Xing Fei's face burned with shame. She tried to recover her composure, her voice tinged with irritation. "Well, I don't need any extra spice, thank you very much. Just know your place."

Ning Yu's eyes twinkled mischievously as she leaned in closer. "Oh, sweetie, don't worry, I always remember my place. Right here, in the spotlight. But if you ever want a taste of what it's like, just let me know. I'll be happy to share the limelight with you."

Xing Fei's irritation was visible as she she whirled around and walked away. But she halted when she heard Ning Yu's teasing voice.

Ning Yu couldn't resist the opportunity for a playful retort.

"Well, aren't you a bundle of sunshine?" Ning Yu taunted, her voice full of mischief. "Did someone forget to have their medicine?"

Xing Fei's annoyance flared as she tightened her fists. "I didn't come here to be entertained by the likes of you," she hissed

Ning Yu's sneer curled upon her lips as she cast a disdainful gaze at Xing Fei. "How utterly tiresome. I believe our encounter has run its course. You may now take your leave." With a wave of her hand, she adopted the persona of a Madam, dismissing her servant.

Li Na couldn't help but giggle. A knowing smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she said. "Ah, Ning Yu, always one for dramatic flair."

Ning Yu responded with a mischievous grin. "Well, Li Na, if life were a stage, why not add a touch of entertainment wherever we go?"

How dare Li Na, and that outcast, have the audacity to speak to me in such a manner? And as for her sidekick, Xing Fei dismissed her with a dismissive sneer.

Still clutching her fists tightly, Xing Fei's vowed silently to herself that she would not let this humiliation go unanswered.