The next day, Mayor Wen Zhong arrived at Lei Xian's mansion as planned. As he stepped out of his sleek black car, the morning sun reflected off the mansion's marble façade. He paused for a moment, taking in the opulent sight—the cascading fountain, intricate iron gates, and lush gardens sprawling on either side.
"Quite the palace," he muttered under his breath, adjusting his tie nervously.
Inside, a maid greeted him at the door. "Good morning, Mayor Wen Zhong. Madam Lei Xian is expecting you. Please follow me."
The hall was nothing short of breathtaking. Gleaming floors mirrored the glittering chandeliers above, priceless paintings adorned the walls, and a faint scent of roses lingered in the air. Mayor Wen Zhong couldn't help but feel a little out of place.
Xu Jinhua, the housemaid, led him to the sitting room. "Madam Lei Xian is waiting for you inside."
Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the door. The sitting room was a portrait of elegance—lavish furniture, a black leather sofa that looked custom-made, and a towering bookshelf filled with rare first editions. Lei Xian, dressed in a refined cream-colored dress, stood by the window. Her commanding presence made the already grand room feel small.
"Ah, Mayor Wen Zhong," Lei Xian greeted with a serene smile, extending her hand. "It's an honor to have you here. Please, have a seat."
"The honor is mine, Miss Lei Xian." The mayor forced a smile as he took the seat she gestured to. "And might I say, your home is… magnificent."
Lei Xian sat down gracefully, crossing her legs. "Thank you. A home should reflect one's ambition and vision, don't you agree?"
He nodded, glancing around. "You've certainly succeeded in that."
Lei Xian's expression turned slightly more serious as she leaned forward. "But I assume you didn't come here to discuss architecture. Let's not waste time, Mayor. What brings you here today?"
Wen Zhong hesitated, running his hand over the armrest of the sofa. "You're right. I came to discuss something of great importance—something personal."
"Go on," Lei Xian said, her tone calm but her sharp gaze unwavering.
Mayor Wen Zhong hesitated, his usual composure faltering slightly. "Yes… I saw your interview yesterday, and I must say, your company's achievements are remarkable. Your medicines have changed lives. Truly a beacon of hope."
Lei Xian's smile didn't waver, but her eyes grew sharper. "I appreciate your kind words. But I sense there's more you'd like to discuss."
The mayor leaned forward, his voice tinged with desperation. "Miss Lei Xian, my son… he's gravely ill. No cure has worked. "He's my only heir, Miss Lei Xian. I've taken him to the best hospitals—here, abroad, everywhere. No one has been able to help him. But your company…"
Lei Xian tilted her head, her lips curling into a faint smile. "My company?"
"I've been observing your work for years," Wen Zhong continued desperately. "Your medicines are revolutionary—100% effective, curing what others cannot. I need your help. Please. Create something for my son. I'll do anything you ask."
Lei Xian's smile grew sharper, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Anything?"
"Yes," the mayor said with urgency. "Anything."
Lei Xian leaned back, her fingers tapping rhythmically against the armrest of her chair. "Very well, then. Attend my company's shareholders' meeting this week."
The mayor blinked, caught off guard. "A shareholders' meeting? Why would you want me there?"
"There's something I wish to show you," Lei Xian said cryptically, her voice steady. "Your presence will be... illuminating."
He hesitated but nodded. "If that's what it takes, then I'll be there."
Lei Xian's smile remained, though her tone shifted, taking on a sharper edge. "And congratulations, Mayor Wen Zhong."
"For what?" he asked, frowning.
She arched a brow, feigning surprise. "For your daughter, Wen Xia's, engagement to my nephew, Tai Sun. Or did you think I wouldn't know?"
The mayor chuckled awkwardly. "Ah, I didn't expect you'd be aware of that so soon…"
Lei Xian's smile turned razor-sharp. "How could I not? We're practically family now, aren't we?"
Wen Zhong shifted uncomfortably. "Family, yes, but this engagement… it's mutually beneficial. Tai Sun is an impressive young man, holding the position of Vice President at Yi Group. It's a perfect match for Wen Xia."
Lei Xian's gaze darkened. "Mutually beneficial? Is that how you see it? And what about your true motives, Mayor? Do you think I'm unaware that you're trying to gain leverage over me and my brother?"
Wen Zhong's face paled. "Miss Lei, I assure you, that's not—"
"Save your assurances," Lei Xian interrupted, her voice icy. "You're playing a dangerous game, Mayor. My brother and I may not be on good terms—in fact, we're enemies. But you… you're trying to kill two birds with one stone. Using this engagement to curry favor with both sides while keeping your options open. Am I wrong?"
The mayor exhaled heavily. "Tai Sun genuinely cares for Wen Xia. Their relationship isn't just a scheme."
Lei Xian's lips curved into a sly smile. "Perhaps. But don't think for a moment that I'll let you manipulate me. If I'm to help your son, you'll play by my rules. Attend the shareholders' meeting. And remember… I'm watching every move you make."
Wen Zhong lowered his gaze, his voice subdued. "Understood."
Lei Xian rose gracefully, signaling the end of their conversation. "Good. I'll have my secretary send you the details. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to."
The mayor stood, bowing slightly. "Thank you, Miss Lei Xian. I won't forget this."
"As Wen Zhong left the mansion, the weight of Lei Xian's gaze lingered on his shoulders. He thought about her words—calm, calculated, and layered with unspoken warnings. He had hoped for a solution, but it seemed he had only walked into a labyrinth."
***
Yi Chen sat in his grand office, a sleek, modern space that radiated authority and taste. The room was adorned with minimalist decor—black and chrome accents, leather-bound books lining the shelves, and a few strategically placed awards that gleamed under the warm lighting. A faint aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air, courtesy of the cup sitting untouched on his desk.
Yi Chen was engrossed in a thick report when his phone buzzed. He ignored it at first, focusing on the numbers in front of him, but the persistent vibration made him glance at the screen. A message from Chairman Yi popped up:
Lunch and dinner with Bai Ning Jing this week. VIP room at Paradise Hotel booked. Don't forget.
Yi Chen stared at the message, his eyebrows knitting together. "Lunch and dinner?" he muttered, his voice laced with irritation. "What's he planning now? A whole matchmaking marathon?" He leaned back in his chair, reading the message again and his frown deepened at the mention of the room.
"A room too? Does he think I'm some playboy who needs an overnight arrangement?" His voice dripped with sarcasm.
Annoyed, he picked up his phone and quickly typed a reply:
You said it was just lunch. Why a dinner too? And what's with the room?
He hit send and leaned back, waiting for a response. The message was read instantly, but no reply came. He scowled at the screen, his irritation growing.
Picking up the phone, he called. The line rang twice before Zhao Lin, answered. "Hello, Yi Chen. How are you?"
"Fine," he replied tersely. "Can I speak to grandfather?"
There was a pause, then Zhao Lin's voice dropped to a conspiratorial tone. "Ah, your grandfather is… resting right now. He'll call you back when he wakes up."
Yi Chen's lips thinned into a line. "Resting, huh? Or is he purposely ignoring me?"
On the other side, Zhao Lin smiled awkwardly as Chairman Yi signaled her to stay quiet. "I'll let him know you called."
Yi Chen sighed, his frustration mounting. "Ignoring me won't solve anything," he muttered as he ended the call.
"Of course," Zhao Lin said brightly. "Have a good evening, Yi Chen!"
Before he could reply, the line went dead. Yi Chen stared at the phone in disbelief He tossed the phone onto the desk and leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. "Lunch, dinner, and a room," he said to himself. "What does he think this is? A corporate merger or an arranged marriage reality show?"
"Might as well meet her and get it over with," he said to himself. "One meeting, then I'll make it clear this isn't happening."
Taking a deep breath, he turned back to his report. But the thought of the upcoming meeting lingered, tickling the edges of his mind like a persistent itch he couldn't quite scratch.