A year ago, Anna finally received an important project—assisting a major jewelry company with the testing of a batch of high-value ores. This project was significant for her, not only due to the large volume of testing but also because it involved high-end gemstone samples. It represented a pivotal breakthrough in her career.
However, on her first day at the project site, the supervisor—an experienced mineral appraiser—stared at her intently as she entered the lab, his brow furrowed, suggesting he was in a bad mood.
At first, Anna brushed it off and focused on her work until, during a break, she overheard two staff members whispering, "Is she the new ore tester? She stands out more than us old employees; it's hard to concentrate with her around. Is she even wearing makeup?"
"It's no wonder Old Lin is in a mood today; he's been frowning ever since he saw her. She's just starting out in the mineral testing field, yet she's handling such an important project. She must have some impressive background."
"Right? With Old Lin's temper, he wouldn't tolerate just anyone. This project isn't even a priority, so why bring in an outsider like her? I just don't get it."
Anna felt a knot tighten in her stomach, sensing something was amiss. She quickly regrouped and, upon returning to the lab, approached Old Lin, expressing her willingness to adjust to the team's needs.
"Mr. Lin, do you think my hairstyle doesn't fit the lab's image? I could change it if you'd like. I'm open to any feedback," she said sincerely.
Old Lin glanced at her tousled hair and attire, then chuckled, "Don't worry about appearances; let's focus on your work abilities. Since you're willing to adapt, keep up the good work."
After this conversation, the atmosphere in the lab lightened, and the team began to collaborate more smoothly.
That day, the lab's task involved testing a batch of rare ores for hardness and optical properties, with part of Anna's work requiring outdoor spectral analysis of the samples. The tests ran until 8 PM, and as colleagues finished their tasks and prepared to leave, Anna remained adjusting the equipment.
"I'm a bit tired; I'm going to rest in the break vehicle," one team member said irritably, standing up to ask Old Lin for a short break.
Old Lin nodded, allowing her to take a breather in the luxury break vehicle, equipped with warm lighting, comfortable sofas, and a full supply of snacks and drinks. Inside, people were chatting and helping each other with light tasks.
Outside, the early winter night had descended, and the temperature was nearing freezing. Anna's testing required simulating a summer mining environment, so she wore only a thin lab coat. The cold wind hit her, making her shiver by the testing platform, her hands struggling to operate the equipment.
She couldn't help but glance toward the illuminated break vehicle where warmth enveloped her colleagues, who were enjoying the rare comfort, some eating instant noodles, others chatting, seemingly oblivious to her laboring in the chill.
Anna sniffed back tears, feeling a wave of sorrow. The cold brought not only physical discomfort but an overwhelming sense of loneliness, as if she were isolated in two worlds.
Just when she was about to give in to despair, a gentle voice broke through, "Why are you out here alone?"
Looking up, Anna was stunned to see Daniel standing before her. It felt surreal. This project site, over a thousand kilometers from Beijing, was the last place she expected to see him.
She was so surprised she couldn't speak, staring at him in disbelief. After a moment, she remembered her disheveled appearance—her hair messy from the lab cap, her face smudged with mineral dust, and her thin lab coat failing to keep out the cold.
"What are you doing here?" she blurted out, frustrated, feeling far from her usual self.
Daniel replied nonchalantly, "I came to meet a partner who wanted to treat me to dinner. His girlfriend is involved in the jewelry project here, so I thought I'd stop by to check things out."
Anna nodded, not wanting to say more. She buried her head in her arms, wishing he would leave quickly, not wanting him to see her in such a disheveled state.
That evening, Daniel seemed to genuinely be just passing through. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he left. Anna lingered for half an hour until the project leader, Old Lin, informed everyone that it was too late to continue the testing and that they should rest for the night.
As Anna changed her clothes, she overheard a few colleagues gossiping in the locker room. "It's not that it's too late; some people just want to avoid work and go off with their boyfriends!" one said, exasperated.
"Did you see her boyfriend? I heard he's the owner of a large investment group. Quite the background, huh?"
"Isn't he Li Honglang, the chairman of Changhe Group? Just look at the luxury car she drives, the Beijing A8—definitely not ordinary."
These gossiping comments felt distant to Anna. She was exhausted from the day and nearly too hungry to think, so she hurried back to the hotel for dinner.
The hotel was an old state-run establishment with basic amenities. The dimly lit front desk was only illuminated by a flickering emergency light. Anna hurried her steps, eager to reach her room.
Just as she was about to enter the hotel, someone suddenly called out to her from behind.
Turning around, she saw a well-dressed young man standing under a locust tree at the entrance, as if he had been waiting for her for quite some time.
"Do you know me?" Anna asked warily, scanning her memory for any familiarity but coming up blank.
"I'm Ives, Mr. Daniel's secretary," he smiled, succinctly introducing himself. "Mr. Daniel sent me to pick you up; please follow me."
Taken aback, Anna had many questions swirling in her mind, yet for some reason, she didn't ask and simply followed him to the car.
After a fifteen-minute drive, they arrived at a luxurious hotel. The opulent decor sparkled under bright chandeliers, and the thick carpet felt like walking on clouds, creating a surreal atmosphere.
They finally reached a private room at the end of the corridor. As the door opened, Anna felt all eyes turn to her, making her legs weak with nervousness.
Inside were seven or eight people, both men and women, all exuding an exceptional presence. Some were in formal attire, while others wore casual clothes, but each had an undeniable aura.
Daniel was undoubtedly seated at the head of the table. Having shed his suit for a simple white shirt, he appeared relaxed. Spotting her, he gestured to the empty seat next to him, "Sit here."
Under the curious and scrutinizing gazes of the guests, Anna mustered her courage and walked over, sitting beside him.
Though the wooden chair was comfortable, she felt like she was sitting on needles. This setting and position made her the center of attention.
Fortunately, no one pressed her with questions. They treated her as Daniel's "guest" and continued their discussions, mainly revolving around industry matters. As Anna sipped her tea, she listened to the conversations. While she didn't understand everything, she gradually picked up some insights.
For instance, the person sitting to her left was the head of the largest private construction company in the province; further left was a senior partner from a major investment firm; and another was the regional manager of an international jewelry brand…
These were people she would never normally encounter, and any one of them had the influence to overshadow everyone she had known in her past.
This dinner felt like an unprecedented spectacle to her.
"Why are you only drinking water? Aren't you going to eat something?" Daniel's low voice suddenly cut through her thoughts.
Startled, Anna realized the surrounding chatter had fallen silent, and all eyes were now on her.
Her cheeks flushed as she stammered, "I... I didn't think..."
Daniel glanced at her, clearly unconvinced. His eyes swept over her nearly untouched plate before he scooped a spoonful of fish gelatin with a serving spoon and offered it to her. "This fish gelatin is excellent for skin care. Give it a try."
Anna wanted to refuse, but under the watchful gazes of everyone, she had no choice but to accept the bowl, murmuring a soft, "Thank you."
Looking at the translucent blob, she was skeptical, but when she took a spoonful and placed it in her mouth, a wave of delicate fragrance filled her senses. It wasn't a flavor forced out by seasonings but a natural taste reminiscent of minerals, smooth and rich.
She couldn't help but marvel at the quality of this multi-million yuan yellow-lipped fish gelatin—it truly was a rare delicacy.
Even so, she hardly enjoyed the meal, feeling as though a stone lodged in her stomach. Aside from the dishes Daniel specifically served her, she barely touched anything else.
Finally, as the dinner came to an end, Anna sighed with relief. She walked out of the private room with Daniel, standing outside the hotel waiting for him to say goodbye to the guests.
Her gaze wandered to the distance, where several executives gathered around Daniel, warmly bidding him farewell. He nodded graciously, maintaining a composed smile, engaging in light conversation with them effortlessly, as if navigating the social nuances without a hint of pressure.
Anna couldn't help but admire him inwardly. "This guy is truly impressive," she thought. "Not a hint of impatience from start to finish. His control over his expressions is remarkable." Facing such industry giants, he remained composed and calm, clearly a master of navigating this world.
She sighed inwardly, "Some positions really aren't meant for just anyone." The dinner had stretched on for hours—if it had been her, she would have been exhausted long ago.
"What are you mumbling about? Are you complaining about me behind my back?" Daniel's voice suddenly broke her thoughts, startling Anna.
She clutched her chest and exhaled, "How do you walk so quietly?"
Her surprise was evident, her eyes wide open, her face looking especially fresh without makeup. Her skin was smooth and radiant, with a natural glow, like a finely cut gemstone yet to be polished.
Daniel stared at her for a few seconds before shifting his gaze and stepping lightly down the stairs. His steady steps and the soft sound of his handmade shoes on the marble steps echoed through the hotel entrance.
Anna watched him walk further away, feeling a mix of confusion and intrigue, but quickly followed. This man was always unpredictable—cold and distant one moment, warm and approachable the next.
The driver had already parked the car at the hotel entrance and was courteously holding the door open for Daniel.
But Daniel didn't get in immediately. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, motioning to Anna. "Get in first."
Anna hesitated for a moment, realizing that he was letting her enter first. Nervously, she stepped into the car, her palms sweaty as she worried about making a fool of herself in such a high-end vehicle.
The car had a high chassis, and as she stepped in, she almost slipped but managed to catch herself on the door before falling. Embarrassed, she muttered, "I'm not used to cars like this..."
"I can tell," Daniel said with a hint of amusement in his voice, as his long legs casually stretched out while he seated himself beside her.
Anna immediately felt uncomfortable. When the door closed, the car's small interior suddenly felt even tighter, as if she were enveloped by Daniel's presence. A faint, woodsy fragrance emanated from him—a scent cool yet light, but unmistakable.
Her heartbeat quickened slightly as she discreetly edged closer to the window, trying to keep a safe distance from him.