The Neapolitan Girl in China

Naples Airport was a chaos of rolling suitcases, shouting families, and jet engines roaring on the tarmac. In the middle of it all, two girls were clinging to each other like their lives depended on it. Paola Zhang's eyes were red from crying. Born in China but raised since she was a baby in the heart of Naples, she was finally going back to Beijing. Her uncle, Francesco Li, the billionaire owner of a fashion empire, had called her home to work for him. And Dalila Vitale, pure Neapolitan, fierce, loyal, with a heart of gold and a tongue that could cut steel, was losing her other half. "So this is the last time, Paola..." Dalila whispered, her voice breaking. "Maybe the last time we'll ever truly see each other." Paola held her tighter. "Don't you dare say that! Naples is beautiful because of people like you. It's my dream to have you there with me in China, Dalila. I swear I will make it happen." Dalila wiped her tears and tried to smile, that proud, stubborn Neapolitan smile that never bowed to anyone. "Go, have a safe flight. A piece of my heart goes with you," she said. "As soon as you land, say hello to your family. And talk to your uncle... that man who insisted on dragging you into his company." Paola laughed through her tears. "Oh, he already knows about you. From my i********:. Too well, maybe." The final boarding call echoed. Paola grabbed her bag and ran toward the gate, turning back every two steps to wave. Dalila stood alone in the crowd as the plane took off outside the window, a melancholy Neapolitan song playing in her mind. She didn't know it yet, but her life was about to change forever. A one-way ticket to Beijing was waiting for her. And so was Uncle Francesco.