Green Tea Empress: Every World Needs Me

Bianca Chen was an artist. Not the kind who painted sunsets or composed symphonies, but an artist in the delicate craft of persona manipulation. She sat before her vanity, her delicate fingers adjusting a loose curl in her chocolate-brown hair. Her reflection smiled back at her—a perfect combination of innocence and allure. It wasn’t an accident. Everything about Bianca was intentional: the soft blush that graced her cheeks, the subtle shimmer in her lipstick, and even the faint sparkle in her almond-shaped eyes. She had honed her craft over years, learning to play the part of the ideal woman in any situation. A notification chimed on her phone. Bianca’s lips curved into a gentle smile as she opened the app. Her livestream audience had already started flooding the chat with their usual adoration. “Good evening, my darlings,” she said into the camera, her voice sweet and soothing like a spring breeze. The chat exploded: [Heartbreaker101]: You’re a goddess! My day isn’t complete without you. [Fanboy88]: Marry me, Bianca! I’ll dedicate my life to you. [LoyalListener]: How can someone be this perfect? Are you even real? Bianca giggled softly, tilting her head just enough to make it seem unintentional. “You’re all too kind. I’m just a simple girl, really. If anything, I’m lucky to have all of you. Now, how was everyone’s day?” The flood of responses kept her entertained for the next twenty minutes. Compliments, jokes, heartfelt confessions—they all came pouring in, each one reinforcing her carefully crafted image. By the time she ended the stream, she had gained another thousand followers and several lucrative sponsorship offers. Her smile faded as she put her phone down. In the silence of her room, Bianca's mask slipped, revealing a calculating expression. To her, the livestream wasn’t about validation or connection. It was a tool. A weapon. And Bianca was a master at wielding it. --- The Invitation Later that evening, Bianca was sprawled across her sofa, scrolling through social media when a notification popped up on her phone. A message from Liam Wu. Liam: Meet me at Café Bloom. 8 PM. Don’t be late. Bianca raised an eyebrow. Liam Wu was her ex-boyfriend—if you could call him that. Their relationship had been less about romance and more about mutual benefit. He was the CEO of Wu Enterprises, a man with wealth and power who had once been enamored by her charms. Though they’d parted ways amicably, Liam occasionally re-entered her life with cryptic requests like this one. Bianca sighed, tossing her phone onto the couch. She didn’t particularly enjoy Liam’s company, but he always came with opportunities she couldn’t ignore. “Time to see what the mighty CEO wants,” she muttered, heading to her wardrobe. --- Café Bloom The café was bustling with patrons by the time Bianca arrived, her heels clicking against the tiled floor. She had opted for a classic outfit: a tailored white blouse and a high-waisted skirt that emphasized her figure without being overt. Understated elegance. The kind of look that made people notice her without realizing why. Liam was seated at a corner table, his sharp features illuminated by the café’s warm lighting. His black suit was impeccably tailored, and his dark eyes carried their usual intensity. He looked up as she approached, his expression neutral but his gaze lingering just a moment too long. “You’re late,” he said, his deep voice cutting through the ambient chatter. Bianca slid into the seat across from him, her lips curling into a soft smile. “Fashionably late, Liam. You should know by now that I don’t rush for anyone.” Liam’s mouth twitched, almost forming a smile, but he quickly suppressed it. “I need a favor.” Bianca tilted her head, feigning surprise. “From me? The great Liam Wu, asking for help? I’m flattered.” “It’s business,” he said curtly. “There’s a gala next weekend. I need a date.” Bianca raised an eyebrow. “A gala? Don’t you have an endless supply of models and socialites who’d die for the chance to be on your arm?” “This isn’t about appearances,” Liam replied, his tone serious. “I need someone who can handle themselves in a room full of powerful people. Someone who can keep certain individuals... in check.” Ah, there it was. Liam didn’t need just any date. He needed someone who could navigate the treacherous waters of high society with the precision of a surgeon. Bianca leaned back, tapping her chin thoughtfully. “And what’s in it for me?” “Two things,” Liam said. “First, I’ll pay you. Generously. Second, I’ll owe you a favor.” Bianca’s eyes sparkled. A favor from Liam Wu was worth far more than money. His network alone could open doors she didn’t even know existed. “Fine,” she said, her tone playful. “I’ll be your date. But don’t forget, Liam—you owe me.” “Deal,” he said, his expression softening just a fraction. --- The Shift As Bianca left the café, she felt a strange chill in the air. The streetlights flickered, their warm glow dimming momentarily. She stopped, glancing around. The bustling city seemed quieter than usual, as if the world itself were holding its breath. Then it happened. A blinding light engulfed her, and the ground beneath her feet seemed to vanish. Bianca felt herself falling, her heart racing as the world dissolved into an endless void. When she opened her eyes, she was no longer in the familiar streets of the city. Instead, she found herself standing in the middle of an opulent ballroom. The ceiling was adorned with glittering chandeliers, and the walls were lined with golden sconces. Elegant couples twirled across the polished floor, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Bianca looked down at herself and gasped. She was dressed in an extravagant gown—silken fabric in shades of emerald and gold, intricate embroidery trailing along the hem. It was a dress fit for royalty, and it clung to her as if it had always belonged to her. “Lady Bianca,” a deep, authoritative voice called. She turned to see a man approaching her. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with sharp features and piercing blue eyes. His tailored suit, adorned with a crest she didn’t recognize, suggested nobility. “You dare arrive late to the Duke’s ball?” he asked, his tone icy. Bianca blinked, her mind racing. Duke’s ball? Where was she? “I—” she began, but her words faltered. The man stepped closer, his gaze scrutinizing her. “Who are you?” The question hung in the air, heavy with suspicion. Bianca quickly composed herself, slipping into her practiced smile. “Forgive me, my lord,” she said, her voice steady. “I seem to have... lost my way.” The man’s eyes narrowed, but before he could respond, another voice cut in. “Duke Alaric, surely you’re not interrogating the lady at your own ball?” Bianca turned to see a second man, equally tall but with a warmer demeanor. His dark hair was tousled, and a playful smile tugged at his lips. Alaric frowned. “Stay out of this, Cedric.” Cedric ignored him, offering Bianca a low bow. “Lady Bianca, allow me to escort you. The Duke can be... intimidating.” Bianca hesitated, but Cedric’s outstretched hand was inviting, and she needed time to figure out what was going on. “Thank you, Lord Cedric,” she said, placing her hand in his. As he led her away, she couldn’t help but glance back at the Duke. His icy gaze followed her, a mix of suspicion and intrigue. Wherever she was, Bianca knew one thing: she was playing a new game now. And if there was one thing she excelled at, it was winning. End of Chapter 1