In the heart of bustling Shanghai, the city pulsed with life as the golden afternoon sun bathed the skyline. From the 40th floor of the HD Group's headquarters, Jichen stood by the large glass windows of his office, enjoying a panoramic view of the city. The vast metropolis stretched out below him, bustling with energy, yet Jichen felt unusually calm, even peaceful.
His thoughts weren't on the business deals he had closed that morning, nor the upcoming shareholders' meeting. No, Jichen's mind was solely focused on the fact that his beloved Xiaoxing would soon be here, in China, safe with him. After months of planning, of making sure every detail was perfect, it was finally happening. His little girl would be in his arms again, away from danger, away from the chaos that had threatened her life.
The mere thought of it brought a rare smile to his lips, one that made his usually stoic and commanding presence seem lighter. Jichen wasn't the type to smile often—he had earned a reputation for being a sharp, no-nonsense CEO. But today was different. Today, the hardened exterior that had kept him grounded in the cutthroat world of business had cracked, allowing his paternal warmth to shine through.
As he took a deep breath, the familiar scent of coffee filled his office. He turned, crossing the room to pick up the cup of freshly brewed espresso on his desk. His assistant had just brought it in, along with the final report on Xiaoxing's transport. He took a sip, savoring the rich taste, and leaned back in his chair, feeling unusually relaxed.
It was a good day.
However, just as he took another sip, a sudden sneeze caught him off guard. He nearly spilled his coffee as the sneeze echoed through his quiet office. Startled, he blinked and laughed softly to himself. Then, almost immediately, another sneeze followed. Jichen quickly grabbed a tissue and rubbed his nose, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Who's talking about me behind my back?" he mused, chuckling to himself. It was an old superstition his mother used to say when he was a boy—if you sneeze unexpectedly, someone's talking about you behind your back. Jichen couldn't help but smile at the memory.
He glanced out of the window again, a faint shiver running down his spine. A sense of unease briefly washed over him, but he brushed it off. It was probably just the air conditioning, or maybe the excitement of finally having Xiaoxing back had made him a little jittery. He wasn't used to feeling so... emotional.
He checked his watch—Xiaoxing was scheduled to arrive within the next few hours. The security team he had hired was the best of the best, and everything had been meticulously planned. There was no room for error. His gaze softened as he imagined her small, curious face, her bright eyes lighting up as she explored her new home.
"Everything's going to be perfect," he said under his breath.
His phone buzzed, snapping him out of his daydream. It was his assistant again, confirming that all arrangements were in place and that Xiaoxing's transport had been safely handled. A small smile returned to Jichen's face as he read the message. He had done everything in his power to ensure her safety, but knowing she was on her way home filled him with a sense of relief he hadn't felt in a long time.
He tapped a quick reply, "Good. Make sure they keep me updated."
Jichen stood up from his desk, stretching his arms above his head. His office was immaculate, as always, the sleek black-and-white décor reflecting his preference for minimalism. Yet, today, he found himself picturing how it would change once Xiaoxing arrived. He imagined her running through the halls, her laughter filling the space. His heart swelled with warmth at the thought.
"I should buy her something," he murmured, thinking out loud. He grabbed his phone and began browsing through a luxury toy website, looking for something special that would make her smile. After a few minutes of scrolling, he landed on a custom-made dollhouse—a massive, intricately designed mansion with tiny furniture, miniature chandeliers, and even a little garden. Perfect.
His assistant knocked gently on the door before entering. "Sir, I've confirmed the delivery for Xiaoxing's room. It'll be ready by tonight."
"Good," Jichen replied, still focused on his phone. "And make sure the staff are prepared for her arrival."
The assistant nodded, smiling softly. It was rare to see Jichen so animated over something personal. His employees knew him as a tough, uncompromising businessman, but this glimpse of his softer side made the mood around the office lighter. Everyone knew Xiaoxing meant the world to him.
As the assistant left, Jichen returned to the window, watching the sunset. His heart was light, and for once, the weight of responsibility felt bearable. He had done everything right—protected Xiaoxing, dismantled the Syndicate's influence, and made sure she had a safe future ahead. His company was thriving, and now his personal life was finally starting to fall into place. For the first time in what felt like years, Jichen allowed himself to relax.
He was about to take another sip of coffee when he sneezed again. This time, the sneeze startled him so much that he almost spilled the entire cup.
"Again?" He laughed, rubbing his nose with a tissue. "Alright, who's talking about me?"
Jichen's phone buzzed again, this time with an incoming call. It was from his close friend and business partner, Lu Chen.
"Jichen," Lu Chen's voice came through the line. "I just wanted to check in—how's everything going with Xiaoxing's transport?"
"All good," Jichen replied, still smiling. "She's going to be here in a few hours. Everything's going smoothly."
"I'm glad to hear that," Lu Chen said with a chuckle. "But you sound too happy. What's got you in such a good mood?"
"Is it a crime to be happy?" Jichen shot back playfully. "You're just jealous that I get to see my daughter."
Lu Chen laughed. "You caught me. I'm jealous. But honestly, I'm happy for you. After everything that's happened, you deserve some peace. Just don't forget to buy her something special. You know how little girls can be."
"Already done," Jichen said smugly, glancing at his phone screen where the custom dollhouse purchase had been confirmed.
"Well, look at you, Mr. Perfect Dad. I'll see you tomorrow, alright?"
"See you, Lu Chen."
As the call ended, Jichen felt an overwhelming sense of contentment wash over him. Everything was falling into place. Xiaoxing would be safe with him, and for once, he didn't have to worry about the dangers lurking in the shadows. The Syndicate was no longer a threat, and his life was about to take a new, brighter turn.
He took one last look out of the window, watching as the city lights twinkled to life. The sky had darkened, but inside his heart, a warmth remained, steady and unwavering.
And somewhere, deep down, Jichen knew that whatever challenges came next, he was ready for them. As long as Xiaoxing was by his side, nothing else mattered.
For now, though, he allowed himself to enjoy this brief moment of peace before the next chapter of his life truly began.