The press conference had gone better than Hua could have hoped, but the aftermath was still a whirlwind. Media outlets immediately started running stories, some positive, others still casting doubt. As they left the venue, Hua could feel the weight of the world pressing on her shoulders, but for the first time in weeks, it didn't seem as heavy.
Ming was still by her side, holding her hand as they walked through the lobby and out into the car waiting for them. The questions from reporters were endless, but Hua and Ming ignored them, slipping into the back seat of the car and letting out a collective sigh of relief as the door closed behind them.
"That was... intense," Hua said, leaning her head back against the seat. She could still hear the echo of her own words in her head, the adrenaline from the press conference slowly fading away.
Ming turned to her with a soft smile. "You were incredible. You held your ground and showed them who you are. That's all that matters."
Hua smiled, though she felt a lingering anxiety gnawing at her. "Do you think it will be enough?"
Ming reached over, gently taking her hand. "It's more than enough. You've already proven yourself, Hua. Now, you just need to keep doing what you do best."
Hua nodded, appreciating Ming's unwavering support. But she knew the road ahead would still be challenging. The world would watch her every move even more closely now. The rumors would eventually fade, but her reputation would still be scrutinized, her every decision questioned.
As the car started moving, Hua gazed out of the window, watching the bustling city pass by. It felt strange to see life continue on as usual outside, as if the world hadn't just shifted dramatically in her life. She had been so focused on navigating the corporate battlefield that she had barely allowed herself to think about what came next—about her future with Ming, and what that might mean for both of them.
The thought of Ming stirred something deeper in her. She turned to look at him, his profile calm and composed as he scrolled through his phone, likely checking updates from the press. Despite the chaos, despite everything, Ming had always been her constant. He had stood by her, believed in her, and defended her when no one else had.
And in that moment, Hua realized something she hadn't allowed herself to fully acknowledge before—she was falling for him. Not just in the fleeting, surface-level way she had thought. No, this was deeper, more profound. It terrified her.
But before she could dwell on it, Ming glanced over at her, catching her staring.
"You okay?" he asked, raising an eyebrow in concern.
Hua smiled, brushing her thoughts aside for now. "Yeah. Just thinking about everything."
Ming reached over, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Don't overthink it. You've done more than anyone could have expected today."
His touch was gentle, but it sent a surge of warmth through her. Hua didn't pull away. Instead, she leaned into his hand, closing her eyes for just a moment. She let herself feel that warmth, that quiet reassurance that Ming always brought.
When she opened her eyes again, Ming was looking at her with an expression she couldn't quite read. It was soft, almost vulnerable, as if he was seeing her in a way he hadn't before.
"Ming..." she started, but before she could continue, his phone buzzed with a call.
With an apologetic smile, Ming picked it up, turning away slightly as he answered. Hua let out a quiet sigh, her thoughts scattered once again. She didn't know what she had been about to say, or if she would have had the courage to say it. But the moment had passed, and Hua wasn't sure when she would find it again.
As Ming talked on the phone, the car drove on, taking them back to the company. The next phase of their battle was about to begin. But this time, Hua felt like she wasn't alone. She had Ming by her side, and for now, that was enough.