The first official paycheck didn't feel real.
Lin Su stared at the numbers on her phone for a long time before speaking. "There's… no way this is correct."
Xu Yan, who had been pacing around the room, rushed over and grabbed her arm. "Show me."
Lin Su turned the screen toward her.
There was a brief pause.
Then—
"WHAT?!" Xu Yan screamed, nearly dropping the phone. "This is insane! This is not money, this is… this is life-changing!"
Mei Lin, seated calmly on the couch, glanced over. "Let me see."
Xu Yan shoved the phone into her hand like it might disappear if she held onto it too long.
Mei Lin scanned the figures once, then twice. Her expression didn't change much, but she let out a quiet breath. "It's correct."
Xu Yan collapsed onto the couch dramatically. "I'm rich…"
Lin Su shook her head, still trying to process it. "Not just from this. The earnings from the series alone…"
Mei Lin finished her sentence. "If managed properly, it's enough to last a lifetime."
That was the part that made it sink in.
Not just comfort.
Security.
The kind they had never known before.
Xu Yan sat up suddenly. "Wait. Does this mean we can actually… you know… move?"
Lin Su looked at her. "You've been thinking about that too?"
"Of course I have!" Xu Yan said. "I refuse to keep living like I'm still struggling when I clearly am not anymore."
Mei Lin nodded slightly. "It makes sense. With our schedules increasing, we need something more stable. Somewhere secure."
Lin Su leaned back, thoughtful. "Somewhere private."
There was a brief silence before Xu Yan snapped her fingers. "I know exactly where we should go."
Mei Lin raised a brow. "That sounds dangerous already."
Xu Yan grinned. "Golden Crest Residence."
Lin Su blinked. "That estate?"
"Exactly," Xu Yan said, already excited. "High security, private access, celebrities, business elites—everyone important lives there. You don't get disturbed, no random media lurking around, and the facilities are top-tier."
Mei Lin nodded slowly. "That's actually a good choice."
Lin Su looked between them. "You've both thought this through."
Xu Yan pointed at herself proudly. "I plan ahead."
"You panic ahead," Mei Lin corrected calmly.
"Same difference," Xu Yan shot back.
—
Two days later, they stood at the entrance of Golden Crest Residence.
The estate was exactly what people said it was. Quiet, polished, and heavily guarded. Security was tight, but not suffocating. Everything was designed to keep outsiders out and residents comfortable.
A representative greeted them and led them through the compound.
"Each block offers a different layout," he explained. "Private elevators, underground parking, 24-hour concierge service, fitness centers, and restricted access floors. Residents value discretion above all else."
Xu Yan leaned toward Lin Su and whispered, "I'm already in love."
Lin Su smiled faintly. "We haven't even seen the inside yet."
"That's enough for me," Xu Yan replied.
They were shown several units across different blocks. Each one better than the last.
Spacious living rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, modern kitchens, quiet surroundings—everything felt… right.
When they finally sat down to decide, Xu Yan spoke first.
"I'm taking Block B," she said confidently. "It's closer to the gym and I need to pretend I'll actually use it."
Mei Lin glanced at her. "At least you're honest."
Xu Yan grinned. "Growth."
Mei Lin turned to the representative. "Block A. Higher floor."
Lin Su looked at her. "You prefer the quiet?"
Mei Lin nodded. "Less noise. Better focus."
That made sense.
All eyes turned to Lin Su.
She hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Block C."
Xu Yan blinked. "Why that one?"
Lin Su smiled slightly. "It feels… balanced. Not too busy, not too quiet."
Mei Lin gave a small nod. "That suits you."
Xu Yan clapped her hands. "Perfect! We're all in the same estate, just different blocks. Close enough, but still our own space."
Lin Su let out a small breath, looking around the place once more.
"This really feels like… a new chapter."
Mei Lin replied calmly, "Because it is."
Xu Yan stretched her arms dramatically. "From struggling actors to property owners. If this isn't leveling up, I don't know what is."
Lin Su laughed softly. "Just don't forget where we started."
Xu Yan placed a hand on her chest. "Never. But I also won't forget where we are now."
Mei Lin stood up, already composed. "We move in soon. Don't get too comfortable celebrating yet."
Xu Yan groaned. "There she goes again."
Lin Su smiled, watching the two of them.
For the first time in a long time, everything felt… settled.
Not easy.
Not guaranteed.
But stable.
They had worked for this.
And now—
they finally had a place