That evening, Xia Yi arrived at the private dining room He Shihan had reserved.
The atmosphere was intimate—low lighting, a candle flickering between them, and soft jazz playing in the background.
She mentally prepared herself for another verbal sparring match. He wouldn't make it easy, would he?
He Shihan stood as she entered, pulling out her chair with unexpected courtesy.
"I'm glad you came."
"I didn't realize I had a choice," Xia Yi replied coolly, sitting down.
He gave her an amused look.
"You always have a choice, Yiyi. It's whether you make the right one that matters."
She narrowed her eyes at his cryptic remark.
"Cut the riddles, He Shihan. Why did you insist on this dinner?"
He poured wine into her glass, his movements slow and deliberate.
"Consider it a peace offering. We need to find a way to work together, don't we?"
Xia Yi took a sip, assessing him carefully.
"So, this is your idea of teamwork—fancy dinners and cryptic conversations?"
He smiled, a dangerous glint in his eyes.
"It's called building rapport."
She leaned forward slightly, matching his intensity.
"If you think you can charm me into lowering my guard, you're wasting your time."
He Shihan chuckled softly, swirling his wine.
"Maybe I just like seeing you on edge. You're fascinating when you're trying to resist me."
Xia Yi's jaw clenched, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.
"You're playing with fire, Mr. He."
He leaned closer, his voice dropping an octave.
"Good thing I enjoy the heat."
___
Halfway through the meal, the conversation shifted from playful banter to business.
"I looked over the projections for the joint venture," Xia Yi said, her tone businesslike.
"It'll work, but only if we move fast. The competition won't wait."
He Shihan nodded, listening intently.
"I agree. But there's something else we need—trust."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Trust?"
"Yes. Trust that you won't back out. That when things get tough, you won't disappear."
Xia Yi scoffed.
"I don't back out, He Shihan. You'll learn that soon enough."
He smirked.
"I'm counting on it."
___
As they finished dinner, He Shihan paid the bill without a word, standing and offering her his hand.
Xia Yi hesitated for a moment before placing her hand in his. His grip was firm, his touch warm—too warm.
"Shall we?" he asked, his voice smooth as silk.
She gave him a small, defiant smile.
"You're awfully confident for someone who still hasn't earned my trust."
He Shihan chuckled as they exited the restaurant.
"Yiyi, I don't need to earn it. I just need to make sure you never doubt me."
As they stepped into the night, Xia Yi realized something unsettling—He Shihan wasn't just a business partner.
He was a storm waiting to engulf her. And she wasn't sure if she wanted to fight it… or let it sweep her away.