"Sold! 50 million, congratulations."

The voice resounded through a room filled with important figures in a covert location in Shanghai, China. With the sound of the hammer hitting the podium, the auction came to an end after lasting for one hour. The attendees began to stand up from their chairs and explore other rooms showcasing equally interesting works of art. 

"Congratulations, Miss Nicole, on acquiring Mao Yanshou's renowned Chinese portrait of Wang Zhaojun," a well-groomed middle-aged man approached Nicole with a wide smile, stopping by her side. 

Nicole, who had been admiring the painting mentioned by the man, turned towards him and nodded slightly in acknowledgement of his greeting, "Mr. Yan." 

"I've only heard rumors about your impeccable taste in ancient paintings but today I had the privilege of witnessing it myself," Mr. Yan said jokingly. 

Yan Yingluo was a successful businessman and avid collector in his early fifties. He had a particular interest in collecting antiques, particularly paintings of beautiful women from different eras. This preference reflected in his youthful appearance and relaxed demeanor, despite being unmarried and having a reputation for juggling multiple relationships. 

Nicole smiled politely, "You are too kind, Mr. Yan. It is my boss who has exceptional taste. Don't you both share a similar aesthetic when it comes to beauty?" 

Mr. Yan chuckled and gestured towards Nicole with his index finger before laughing softly. "Well said. I understand now why Ryan chose you as his personal assistant all these years. You possess all the qualities of an 'in-out beauty'." 

Nicole recognized that these words were merely playful banter from a notorious playboy like Mr. Yan. She had heard similar compliments countless times while accompanying Ryan to social events. However, she still took it as a compliment and felt pleased hearing it again. "I couldn't agree more, Mr. Yan." 

That middle-aged man's laughter grew louder. "I didn't know you had a sense of humor, Miss." 

Nicole returned his compliment with a smile. "By the way, according to Ryan's instructions, I am here to assist you in any way possible. Do you need my help with anything, Mr. Yan?"

The words of the young woman in the light blue sleeveless modern cheongsam stood before him, snapping him out. "Oh yeah, I heard you flew here directly from Switzerland?"

Nicole, a young woman in her late twenties with long black hair nodded, "There's a slight issue with one of the projects over there, so I need to check on it." She explained, "And Ryan asked me to fly over and meet you here as soon as possible after I'm done."

Mr. Yan's suddenly feels bad and the fine lines formed around his eyes. "Actually, it's not me who needs your help, but a friend of mine." The tone shifted to a more serious one as they began to speak privately.

"The company is called Wei Sheng Corp., meaning greatness is born. They specialize in electronics and have been locked in a five-year battle with Lai Ting Corp. This year will determine which company comes out on top for the Smart City project initiated by the Chinese government. It's said that this city will become the most technologically advanced in the world, run entirely by Artificial Intelligence." Mister Yan started to tell the story.

"However, we all know that a winner is not solely determined by quality, worthiness, skill and hard work. There are other factors that contribute, such as power and influence within society." He paused for a moment before continuing. "This is where I need your assistance, specifically in that area."

Nicole tried to understand the man's request and clarified, "So, you want me to use my connections to support Wei Sheng?"

Mr. Yan raised both hands, "For your information, I am a fair and honest man." He tried to straighten Nicole's view, "It's just that I believe Wei Sheng lacks social exposure compared to Lai Ting. Despite being a star in the electronics industry for decades, they still struggle to gain public sympathy."

Nicole had a thought and spoke up. "Would four guardians be enough?"

Mr. Yan's eyes widened in surprise. "Do you know them?"

"Not personally, but I have been invited to their club," Nicole replied.

"Then that means they've already opened up any connection with you."

Nicole looked skeptical. "I'm not sure. I haven't been in contact with them since last year. But if it can help you, I will try."

A small smile appeared on Mr. Yan's face. "Does that mean Miss Nicole agrees to help us?"

She smiled back, "To be honest, I don't have the courage to refuse your request." Nicole said softly, "Ryan also wanted me to thank you for the painting at the Milan auction. He really liked it."

Mr. Yan waved off her thanks. "It's no trouble at all. That's what friends are for."

The sound of laughter echoed between the two, signaling an unspoken alliance. "So when will you introduce me to Wei Sheng's Director? Time is running out," Nicole urged, known for her speed and efficiency at work.

As if anticipating her question, Mister Yan replied, "I have a plan to introduce you both here. That's why I invited him to today's auction." He looked around as he spoke, searching for the man he mentioned. "He is a young man in his early thirties, tall and handsome."

Nicole joined in the search, trying to match Mr. Yan's description with a figure in the room.

"And don't forget, he's also a smart guy," Mr. Yan added. "In just one year, he adapted to the corporate world and learned business from the ground up, even though it wasn't his expertise. He managed to triple Wei Sheng's sales, securing their position at the top." Mr. Yan spoke proudly of Wei Sheng's Director accomplishments.

"If they already have such a great leader, there may be nothing left for me to help with," Nicole commented.

Mr. Yan let out a sigh. "Even though he is great, a businessman without social skills is like a toothless tiger - easily overpowered by someone like Lai Ting, who is just a rabbit."

Nicole nodded in agreement, remembering her own experiences over the past ten years which had changed her from being timid and fearful, to bold and confident. "You mentioned this isn't his area of expertise. What did he do before?"

"He was a swimmer," Answered Mr. Yan. "He won several gold medals at the Olympics. You've probably heard of him."

Nicole's body tensed at the thought of who it could be. "What is his name?"

Before Mr. Yan could answer, a familiar voice rang out behind her, causing her to flinch.

"Uncle Yan."

The man in front of Nicole raised his hand and returned the greeting, with a big smile on his face. "Miss Nicole, our awaited guest has arrived."

As the footsteps grew closer, Nicole's heart beat faster. She had pushed her fears deep down, but now they crept back up like a recurring nightmare, threatening to consume her once again in a dark pit of terror.

"Miss Nicole, this is Wei Sheng's Director." Mr. Yan continued speaking excitedly, seemingly oblivious to the change in Nicole's demeanor.

"Miss Nicole, this is the Director of Wei Sheng," Mr. Yan said excitedly, seeming oblivious to any change in the young woman's expression.

When their eyes met, Nicole couldn't help but flooded with a swirl of emotions. The protective and comforting gaze that had once made her kneel at his feet, was now replaced with sharp and calculating eyes that seemed to be sizing her up. It seemed that both of them had changed over the years, physically and in their perspectives on life.

But as Nicole looked at him, she couldn't help but wonder if it was truly him who had changed or if she had never truly seen him for who he was all along?

"Nice to meet you, Miss Nicole. My name is Wu Zhaoyi."

The man reached out his hand towards her, but Nicole only acknowledged him with a brief glance without making any significant movements.

"Or would you prefer if I say, It's been a long time, Luo Xieshan?" The man said.

***

Ten years ago

The atmosphere in the indoor swimming pool was filled with noise from the athletes practicing their hundred-meter freestyle. At the end of the pool, several people stood holding timers, ready to press them when each swimmer finished. 

After a few seconds had passed, one person pressed the timer first and let out a satisfied loud. "Good job! Very good!" When the swimmer emerged from the water, the middle-aged man proudly showed the time recorded on a small object in his hand. "Fifty seconds, a new record."

The girl caught her breath and turned around, leaning against the wall. She removed her swimming goggles and took deep breaths as she stared straight ahead as if mentally preparing for another round of training.

"If you can maintain this level of performance, then you will surely make it onto the Chinese national team at the end of this year."

Those were the words of encouragement and recognition coming from her coach who had been by her side since she was ten years old, now seventeen.

"And because of your exceptional performance today, I have a special present for you."

The coach clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "As you all know, the Olympics just ended and our country won several medals in swimming. Due to my good relationship with the national coach, I have asked him to allow some athletes to come here to give you all hands-on training for a month." Excited exclamations filled the room. "Now, let's welcome our national heroes with a round of applause."

The back door opened and the sound of whistling accompanied the footsteps of the athletes as they entered and formed a line near the pool. The shouts and greetings echoed, making it difficult to hear what they were saying.

Xie Shan, who was still in the pool in her previous position, remained unfazed and uninterested in joining the crowd. Until, her coach's voice brought her attention back. "Shan Shan."

She looked up to see her coach squatting next to a young man dressed in a black t-shirt and training pants. Before the coach could speak, the young man spoke up first. "I'm not sure if I need to introduce myself or not, but just in case you don't know me yet, my name is Wu Zhaoyi." He extended his hand towards her with a faint smile. "I will be your training partner for a month. Nice to meet you."

Xie Shan glanced at her coach before looking at the hand offered to her. "I'm Luo Xieshan," She said as she raised one hand from the water and shook his hand. "But you can call me Shan Shan. It's nice to meet you too."

From that day on, they became inseparable training partners, working hard together to become professional swimmers. Wu Zhaoyi is a good mentor to Xie Shan who was a fast learner and talented athlete.

At the end of that year, she had achieved her dream of becoming a member of the Chinese national team. She thought this would be a new chapter full of rainbows after experiencing heavy rain, but little did she know that it would eventually destroy her life and achievements that she fought for with her life.

***