"Cheng Meng? Hmm," Pearl hummed, her voice crackling through the line.
"I don't know how you met her, but next time you see her, show some respect. You know why I say that?"
Ivy rolled her eyes, leaning back in her chair. "Nope, why?"
"Because Cheng Meng is a big deal! She's one of our company's top directors. And get this, she directed Born by the Moon."
Ivy blinked, confused. "Um... is that the movie you cried about when you didn't get the second lead?"
"Exactly!" Pearl exclaimed, her excitement bubbling through the phone.
"That series is massive now! It's one of the top-watched dramas worldwide. Cheng Meng's not just a director, she's a legend. Wait, how did you meet her? Was she the one who interviewed you?"
Ivy smiled, feeling a small sense of accomplishment. "Yeah, she was one of them."
"Girl, you met her?!" Pearl's voice rose with disbelief.
"Do you know how many people would kill to be in your shoes? I've only seen her like, four times since I started in this industry. She's always super serious and intimidating. Wait, how did you know her name? She's not exactly the chatty type."
Ivy chuckled. "She was... surprisingly friendly."
"Wow. You must've charmed her or something! Maybe you're luckier than you think. Anyway, I gotta go, I don't want to miss my flight. Love you, baby! Mwah, mwah, mwah!"
The call ended, leaving Ivy to stare at the screen, her mind swirling.
'Why was Cheng Meng so nice to me? I'm just a newbie… She shrugged. Maybe she was overthinking things.
Her thoughts quickly drifted back to him the mysterious CEO she'd insulted in the elevator. She groaned, burying her face in her hands.
"Why do I always manage to put myself in these situations?"
But as she reminded herself, 'it wasn't like he could fire her now'. She'd already been hired. There were rules, right?
Meanwhile, in a mansion across the city...
A grand estate sprawled across the landscape, luxury cars gleaming in the garage under the warm afternoon sun. Inside, the décor was sleek, modern, and ridiculously expensive. A crystal chandelier hung overhead, and lounging on a black leather couch was none other than Lu Feng, a man who exuded power and wealth with every move. His golden hair shimmered under the light as he casually sipped wine, a picture of relaxed authority.
He put down his glass and gestured to one of the suited men standing by the door. "Find out everything you can about the woman I interviewed today. Xu Xiao. I want her entire history on my desk by morning."
The man nodded sharply and left.
Lu Feng twin brother, Lu Cheng, walked down the stairs, dressed in his usual all-black ensemble, looking every bit as powerful, though slightly more casual than his brother. His jet-black hair contrasted sharply with Lu Feng's golden locks.
"Another background check? Who is she this time?" Lu Cheng asked, raising an eyebrow as he poured himself a glass of wine.
"Your new personal assistant," Lu Yan said with a smirk, taking off his sunglasses.
Lu Cheng froze mid-sip, eyes narrowing. "I didn't ask for a personal assistant. You know how I feel about—"
"—women?" Lu Feng interjected, laughing softly. "Yes, I know. But this one might surprise you."
Lu Cheng's expression hardened. "I thought I made it clear. No female assistants. I don't need the drama."
"Drama?" Lu Feng chuckled, leaning back in his seat. "Brother, not everyone is out to get you. Besides, there are rumors going around that you're gay. Care to address that?"
Lu Cheng's eyes shot daggers at his twin. "Gay? Seriously?"
Lu Feng shrugged nonchalantly. "The industry talks. And let's be real, you haven't exactly been seen with a woman in… ever?"
Ignoring his brother's jabs, Lu Cheng set his glass down with a sigh. "I don't want a female assistant. If this one doesn't work out, it's on you."
"Relax, she's just here to assist, not flirt with you." Lu Feng grinned, clearly enjoying his brother's discomfort.
"Different?" Lu Cheng raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, different," Lu Feng replied, lighting a cigarette. "I don't know what it is about her, but she's interesting."
Lu Cheng leaned back, rubbing his temple in frustration. "If she turns out to be a nightmare, I'm sending her right back to you."
Lu Feng laughed. "Fair enough. But trust me, you'll like her. Besides, if you don't, I've got a few other candidates lined up. Secretaries, receptionists, take your pick. Just don't say I didn't try."
Lu Cheng shot him a look. "You really think I'm that hard to please?"
"Yes." Lu Feng said it so matter-of-factly that Lu Cheng couldn't help but laugh, albeit reluctantly.
"Fine, I'll meet her. But if this turns into another headache—"
"It won't." Lu Feng stood, ruffling his brother's hair, a playful smirk on his lips. "You'll be thanking me soon enough."
"Get out of here, you're annoying me."
Lu Feng winked, heading towards the door. "Don't forget, acupuncture might help with that insomnia of yours. Call your doctor."
Lu Cheng smirked. "Don't act like you care."
"Of course I care. I need you alive for when I inevitably mess things up and need you to bail me out." Lu Feng laughed as he walked out, leaving his twin brother shaking his head in amusement.
Ivy had no idea what kind of storm was waiting for her the next day. As she lay in bed, thoughts of the mysterious CEO and her new job swirled in her mind. Tomorrow would be her first day, and whether she liked it or not, she'd have to face him again.
But she wasn't scared.
At least, that's what she kept telling herself.