Morning: Business as Usual
Mei entered Liang Corporation's headquarters with her usual routine: a calm exterior, a sharp mind, and a tablet filled with today's schedule. The office buzzed with quiet efficiency, a well-oiled machine of power and precision.
Yet, even on a normal day, she knew better than to relax.
Liang Xinyi didn't do normal days.
..
First Order of Business: Image Control
As she settled into her desk outside Xinyi's office, Mei opened her usual media round-up—ensuring that the company's image remained untarnished.
The weekend's signing ceremony photos were still trending.
And unsurprisingly, Xinyi was the center of attention.
Mei scrolled through images captured from that night:
Xinyi, poised in midnight-black silk, gold embroidery glinting under the chandeliers. Xinyi, lifting her glass in an effortless toast, her gaze sharp yet unreadable. Xinyi, turning away just as someone tried to pull her into a conversation, her expression calm yet untouchable.
"Regal."
"Cold yet magnetic."
"Untouchable, yet commanding attention without asking for it."
One article described her as "an empress of modern industry—detached, sharp, and effortlessly beyond reach."
Mei smirked. They weren't wrong.
Yet, the photos told only half the story.
Because while Xinyi commanded every room she walked into, Mei had seen her after the ceremony—exhausted, silent, lost in thought.
But the world didn't need to know that.
Mei forwarded the links to PR with a simple note:
"Let the narrative settle. No official comment needed."
...
Midday: Noticing the Cracks
By noon, the office moved like clockwork.
Reports were filed. Schedules were confirmed. Emails flowed in and out without issue.
Mei entered Xinyi's office to brief her on the day ahead.
"Your meeting with the logistics branch is confirmed for one."
"Good." Xinyi's tone was the same as always—low, measured, efficient.
But Mei noticed things.
Xinyi wasn't looking at her calendar. She was looking at her phone. She wasn't taking notes. Instead, her fingers tapped idly against the desk, deep in thought. She had barely touched her morning coffee. That was rare.
Mei continued, pretending not to notice. "I'll also have PR run follow-ups on the investor media coverage."
A nod. "Fine."
A pause.
Then, almost as an afterthought:
"Mei."
Mei glanced up. "Yes?"
Xinyi's fingers stilled.
"…Never mind."
Mei's eyebrow twitched, but she didn't press.
Instead, she jotted down a mental note: "She's distracted. But by what?"
...
Afternoon: A Perfect Performance
By the time the logistics branch meeting started, Xinyi was back to her usual self.
Cool. In control. Cutting through inefficiency like a blade through silk.
When a department head hesitated on figures, she corrected them before they finished their sentence.
When someone proposed an alternative expansion plan, she already had the flaws mapped out.
When the discussion turned to investors' concerns, she dismissed them with a single look.
She wasn't just handling things.
She was commanding them.
And yet—
Mei, seated quietly at the side, watching, knew better.
There was a weight behind Xinyi's movements today.
A tension beneath the polished surface.
A new intensity in her focus—like she was pushing herself forward to keep from looking back.
...
Evening: A Strange Call & Lingering Questions
As the day wound down, Mei finally allowed herself to breathe.
She glanced at her watch. Almost 7 PM.
Most executives had already left for the evening—but Xinyi, of course, was still at her desk.
The office was quieter now. The city skyline outside glowed with evening lights. The air held that stillness that came when the world was preparing for night.
Mei grabbed her coat and reached for her bag when—
A soft ring.
Her eyes flickered to Xinyi's office.
She was still on a call.
And unlike her usual meetings, her voice was lower. Quieter. Measured.
Mei frowned.
Xinyi rarely spoke like that unless—
Unless it was something important.
She debated for half a second before walking back to her desk, pretending to type an email while listening carefully.
...
She couldn't hear everything.
But what she did hear was enough.
"…No, I don't need assistance. I need answers."
A pause.
"…Not your version. The real ones."
Another pause.
A quiet sigh.
"…Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about."
Silence.
Then, finally:
"…Then tell me who does."
Click.
The call ended.
Mei froze.
Xinyi sat in her office for a moment, unmoving.
Then, slowly, she leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling.
Mei exhaled.
She considered knocking. A simple "Is everything alright?" wouldn't be crossing a line.
And yet—
Since Xinyi read her father's letters, there had been more cracks than usual. She still trusted Xinyi would bring her in when she needed to. But for now, maybe offering some water and her presence would suffice.
So, instead of knocking, Mei left for the break room, grabbed a bottle of water, and walked back.
She placed it silently on Xinyi's desk, offering nothing but a small nod.
Xinyi blinked, as if pulled from a distant thought, then gave the slightest, almost imperceptible smile.
Mei nodded back.
No words.
No questions.
For now, that was enough.