Just as I prophezised, Wenyang fell asleep by the time we were out of the parking lot.

I turned the radio on, the familiar voices of the hosts I listened to while going home after practice filling the car. To avoid waking Wenyang up, I lowered the volume.

“I'm feeling the energy of our incredible city,” Alejando Hernandez Fabregas, the host, spoke in his deep baritone voice, adding his signature chuckle. “The vibes are electrifying, especially with the 100-year celebration of Kanbe's establishment in full swing. Can you believe it's been a century since our city first floated into existence?"

"Time flies when you're living in the future!” the co-host, Francesca Caparelli, a young woman who joined the team last month, energetically replied. “Kanbe has certainly come a long way. A floating city in the Pacific, a marvel of technology and innovation. And now, we're here to guide our listeners through the festivities. But first, let's dive into the historical significance of this moment."

"Absolutely!” Alejandro said. “Picture this, Kanbe in the year 2155. The city was designed to be a beacon of sustainability and progress. And here we are, a century later, still soaring above the waves, setting an example for the world. It's truly remarkable."

"And to mark this monumental occasion, the city has transformed into a hub of celebration. The entire month of July, the perfect time for a grand fiesta! What's on everyone's minds, Alejandro?"

"Food, of course! Kanbe's renowned for its culinary delights, and this centennial celebration is no exception. Most restaurants are offering discounts to make sure everyone can join in the feast."

"Listeners, get ready to tantalize your taste buds. Kanbe's culinary scene is at its peak, and the discounts are aplenty. Alejandro, any recommendations for our hungry listeners out there?"

"Oh, you know I've got some gems for you! First up, 'Levitate Bites.' They've got a special centennial menu featuring dishes inspired by the city's history. And the best part? A 50% discount for the entire month!"

"That's a steal! And for those who love a bit of fusion, 'Full of Flavor' is the place to be. They're combining traditional ingredients with cutting-edge techniques, and word on the street is they're offering a 'buy one, get one free' deal on select dishes."

My eyebrows went up at that. I have to go there, I thought while taking a turn. Maybe tomorrow with Zhou and Angelo if he's not a complete clown tonight.

"And for our seafood enthusiasts, 'Oceanic Aromas' is not to be missed. They're celebrating the city's aquatic roots with a menu that showcases the best of Pacific cuisine. And the view from their floating platform over at the western bay is breathtaking!"

"Incredible choices, Alejandro! And for our listeners, remember to explore the city's diverse neighborhoods. Each district is hosting its own unique events and culinary experiences. Don't limit yourself; let your taste buds roam!"

"And speaking of roaming, did you hear about the 'Skyway Soiree' happening in the Yoshink Tower? It's a floating banquet, suspended above the city, with chefs showcasing their signature dishes. The ultimate dining experience!"

"Sounds like a feast for the senses! Now, for our listeners who want a bit of nostalgia mixed with their celebration, check out 'Retro Reminisce.' They're recreating dishes from the world's past, giving us a taste of what life was like hundreds of years ago."

"And let's not forget the food trucks cruising through the hoverlanes. From traditional street eats to avant-garde delicacies, they've got it all. Keep an eye out for 'Big Juan's' truck; his fusion tacos are out of this world!"

"Absolutely, Alejandro! Now, we want to hear from our listeners. Where are you celebrating Kanbe's centennial? Have you discovered a hidden gem or a must-try dish? Call in and share your experiences with us!"

"And to make it even more exciting, we're giving away vouchers for some of the city's top restaurants. Share your celebration stories, and you might just snag a discount for your next dining adventure!"

"So, Kanbe, let's make this centennial celebration unforgettable. Feast, explore, and revel in the vibrancy of our floating city. This is 'Radio Blue Ocean', 2031 Station-”

I turned the radio off. We had arrived at our destination.

Wenyang was softly snoring on the passenger seat, not a care in the world.

Naturally, I took a selfie with her, giving a peace sign and a big smile to the camera. After collecting evidence of the new swimming team member's silliness and sending it to the swimming team group chat, I shook her shoulder. “Wake up,” I called. “We're here.”

She raised her head and looked around, then rubbed her eyes and yawned. “How long was I out for at in?”

“Like two minutes,” I replied with a chuckle, touching the screen to open the doors. “More or less,” I added before opening the glove compartment and getting two thick protein bars out, offering one to Wenyang. “Here. Eat this.”

The girl blinked a few times, then rubbed her eyes again. “Thank you, but I'm not really hungry.”

“I'm not asking if you're hungry,” I countered, dropped the food on her lap, opened mine, took a bite, and got off the car. “You need food after exercising.”

Third Heaven was, despite its name, a pretty ordinary looking beautician center. They offered services for every need, from full body shaving to beard trimming. To its right, a pharmacy by the name Brandasso was open and serving customers inside. To the left, a grocery store by the name Spicy & Quick was changing shifts, a couple staff walking in and out.

The parking lot was surprisingly not fully occupied despite Fridays being their most busy day of the week. A pleasant surprise.

Wenyang lazily exited my car, looking around. “Where are we?” she asked, walking to me and opening the bar.

I looked at her, then at the building, then back at her. My eyebrows furrowed in worry while chewing. “Are you okay? Want some water? We came here so you can get shaved.”

She blinked a few times, rubbing her forehead with both hands. “I feel like shit,” she groaned and took a bite of the bar. “Everything hurts.”

That fast? I wondered, giving her a look over and swallowing the food. “I have some anti-inflammatory medicine if you want,” I offered, gesturing at my car and taking another bite. “Or you could get a massage,” I proposed, gesturing at Third Heaven.

The young girl took a deep breath and let it out, then swallowed. “A massage sounds nice,” she confirmed, rubbing her neck. “Those seats were super comfy,” she added with a chuckle and bit the bar.

“They are,” I agreed, walking towards the building. “By the way, Wenyang. Listen up.”

She followed, giving me a nod.

I turned to her and pointed at the building behind me with my thumb. “There are several packages for shaving,” I explained. “The first is legs, arms, and face. The second is legs, arms, face, back, and chest. The third is full body, including genitals and butt. Every package comes with a massage before and after, each with different oils and creams to prepare your skin and protect it from the sun.”

Wenyang nodded. “Okay.”

“Are you comfortable with other people going near your intimate bits?” I asked to make sure. “If not, that's okay. Some members of the team don't go that far with shaving. Just making sure you know beforehand.”

The young girl nodded. “Yeah. I do get massages sometimes,” she replied, running a hand over her arm, where a thin peach fuzz was visible. “It'll be my first time shaving, though, so I'll go with the full one if that's not a problem.”

“Okay, then,” I concluded and made my way to the building, swallowing the last bit of the bar. “Let's go. Give me the wrap,” I told her and offered a hand.

She put the last bit of the bar in her mouth and handed me the wrap.

The automatic doors opened, letting us through. The inside was a minimalist-style beautician shop with white floors, white walls, white ceiling, white furniture, and white appliances. It had a very clinic feeling to it, which was nice. The air conditioning was working full time, greatly alleviating the summer heat.

“Valentina, my dear,” a woman's voice called as we entered. Adrianna Włodarska, the owner of Third Heaven, a stylish woman in her mid forties who always wore a professional suit, walked to us with a polite smile, her heels clicking on the floor with each step. “Welcome,” she told us and gave Wenyang a wider smile. “A new face! What's your name, young lady?”

“Wenyang Feng,” the girl replied with an equally polite smile, offering a hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Adrianna shook hands with her, her smile turning amused and business-impressed. “My, what a polite young lady. And what a beautiful name. I'm Adrianna Włodarska and the pleasure is all mine, Wenyang. Tell me, what can I do for you ladies?”

“Deluxe Pampering Body Shave for Wenyang, and Luxury Spa Manicure and Pedicure for me, please,” I requested, taking the opportunity of being there.

“Right this way,” Adrianna invited, stepping to the side. “I'll take Wenyang with me,” she added, giving the young girl a nod. “Please, if you don't mind.”

Wenyand turned to me, giving me an unsure look that both asked for help and permission.

“Go ahead,” I told her with a nod. “You're in good hands.”

The two walked away and into a door, then disappeared from sight.

Another staff, Daphnee Bianchi, a fashionable woman in her late twenties who did my nails every time I visited, approached me. “New member?” She inquired, nodding to the door Adrianna and Wenyang disappeared into.

“Yep,” I confirmed. “Joined this week. She needed a bit of removal.”

Daphnee gave me an understanding nod. “Same as usual?”

I nodded. “Same as usual.”

“Right this way,” she offered, gesturing to the manicure tables.

I followed her and sat down.

The woman wasn't one to make small talk, limiting herself to precise questions and her work. She gave off a calm and comfortable vibe, too, which I appreciated.

Her co-workers were, although equally capable in the craft, nosy and prone to gossip with loud hyena-like laughter. There was a market for that with how their tables were rarely empty whenever I visited on Mondays.

Daphnee took my hands and gave them a look over. “Almond medium, velvet ocean blue, gel only. Right?”

“That's correct,” I said, relaxing on the comfortable chair.

For the following fifty minutes Daphnee used oils and creams to moisturize and massage my hands, then a variety of tools to file, shape, buff, and trim my nails to remove the previous coat, along with pushing my cuticles back a bit and lifting dead skin for easier removal. After all that was done, she applied the chosen design. Her hands were precise, quick, and gentle. Next were my feet, receiving the same treatment.

In the meantime I was watching a screen on the wall, having requested Daphnee to tune into newest Bought Love episode that aired at that exact time, which I usually watched at home.

The show told the tale of a middle-aged married man with four children who had fallen in love with a young escort after a night out with his boss, sending his life into a spiral of chaos, drama, betrayal, and violence throughout the first season. Having learned of such a horrendous breach of loyalty, the spouse, filled with hurt, spite, and anger, started an affair of her own in the second season. The show was well into its third season, focusing on the life of the marriage's oldest child and the ramifications of the parents wrongdoings.

The actors were extremely talented, gripping the audience with their respective inner conflicts and moral dilemmas.

Daphnee finished my nails just in time for the credits to roll.

It had been an exciting episode with gripping development, although ending in a cliffhanger.

“Damn you, Spicy Orange Entertainment!” I hissed at the screen. “You can't do that to me!”

Daphnee giggled and cleaned the table. “And we're done. What do you think?”

I checked my nails and feet, then smiled, giving her a nod. “Beautiful as always, Daphnee. You have the hands of an angel.”

“Thank you very much,” she replied with a big smile. “You have beautiful hands and feet, so I don't have to do a lot.”

“Don't undersell yourself,” I countered, flashing her a smile. “You're good.”

Daphnee accepted the compliment with a word of gratitude. She excused herself and went to take a break.

The screen announced the following show, a story about some 21^st century woman called Natasha being reincarnated in a magical world, becoming a sort of overpowered golden amazon.

The writing and pace were ass and the premise was lazy and overdone so I stopped watching midway through the second episode a few months back.

Turning my attention elsewhere, I put my socks and sneakers on and went to the counter.

The staff person, a man in his early twenties I had never met, gave me a professional smile. “The Deluxe Pampering Body Shave and the Luxury Spa Manicure and Pedicure, correct?”

I nodded. “That's me.”

He touched the screen on his side then gestured at mine.

The screen read [Ꝅ8.500], saying it out loud in a robotic voice as well.

I pressed my left wrist on it, finalizing the transaction. “Thanks,” I told him and took a seat at the waiting area where I checked my phone.

The time was 17:44 so Wenyang was still occupied.

Fuck, I thought, recalling something. Lucciano said something about a collective fund. I navigated the messages, well into the hundreds in the chat party about his birthday celebration, then transferred Ꝅ10.000 to his account after finding the information, adding the message: For the birthday boy <3.

The store was fairly busy, with several customers receiving various services like haircuts, manicure, pedicure, facial treatments, and others of the sort.

Two minutes of replying to the many messages I had received later, I played the same card game as earlier on my phone while waiting.

After winning two matches in a row, a spam pop-up filled the screen, trying to scam me with some obviously fake message about pro players or something of the sort.

I ignored the ad and continued playing, losing a match and winning another.

The door to the inside of the building opened.

Wenyang came out with a refreshed face and a satisfied smile.

Adrianna followed behind, saying some things.

The girl nodded and replied.

I stood up and stretched my back.

“-sunblock, not sunscreen, since the natural protection was just removed. Okay?” the owner told her.

Wenyang nodded. “Got it. Thanks a lot, Miss Adrianna.”

“You're very welcome, young lady. Take care and make sure to come back. Alright?” the woman smiled, giving her a friendly pat on the shoulder. She turned to me. “Doesn't she look radiant?”

I eyed the eighteen-year-old, giving her a look over.

Her skin was glossier and looked healthier than before. The peach fuzz was nowhere to be seen, which was the main goal of visiting the place. Her eyebrows were lined up as well, giving her face a prettier look.

I nodded, giving the waiting Wenyang a smile. “You do,” I confirmed and gave her a wink.

“Thank you,” the young girl replied with slight embarrassment.

I turned to Adrianna and offered a hand. “Thanks a lot for today.”

She shook my hand and gave me a nod. “Always a pleasure having you, Valentina. Take care and stay hydrated.”

“We will,” I replied and gestured at Wenyang to follow me, then walked out of the store. “See you, Adrianna.”

The woman waved us goodbye.

Back out on the street, we walked to my car.

The heat of summer had dwindled considerably, the tall buildings nearby casting long shadows.

“Feeling good?” I asked and unlocked the vehicle, prompting the doors to open.

“That massage was heavenly,” Wenyang hummed. “I feel so refreshed now.”

I sat on the driver seat and drummed my fingers on the steering wheel.

Wenyang entered and fastened her seat belt. “How much was it?”

I touched the screen on the dashboard and the doors closed. “Five thousand Kredits,” I replied, fastening my seat belt. “The budget will cover it so don't worry about money.”

“Five thousand?!” the girl exclaimed in shock. “That's half my monthly allowance...”

I turned to her with raised eyebrows. “That's why we have a budget. Some students don't have a job to cover expenses like these. If you need to buy anything related to swimming Nora can get it for you.”

“I see,” the girl muttered, slumping on the seat.

“Send me your house location so I can drop you off,” I told her and started the car. “You told your parents, right?”

“I did,” she confirmed, producing her phone. “I'll send it right away... wait. I don't have your contact.”

I offered my phone.

She touched it with hers, then fiddled with it. “Sent.”

I confirmed the contact exchange and my car recognized the information sent to my phone, prompting a notification to provide navigation. I accepted with a touch and the dashboard turned into a map of Kanbe. “Let's get you home, then,” I told her and turned the engine on, then drove away.