Jiang Ting's Invitation and Hidden Vulnerability
Astra pushed open the door to the CEO's office. Sunlight streamed through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, casting sharp, angular shadows on the polished floor. Jiang Ting sat behind his desk, his tailored suit impeccable, his long fingers tapping rhythmically on the table, producing a low, insistent sound. His eyes, dark and deep, were unfathomable, like the endless ocean at night.
"Come here." His voice was low, magnetic, and left no room for argument.
Astra approached the desk, a vague sense of unease coiling in her stomach. Jiang Ting slid a document toward her, his lips curving into a subtle smile that carried a hint of danger.
"Take a look." His tone was lazy, yet there was a cold edge beneath it. "I've already resigned from your analyst position at Xiqin Investment Bank."
Astra's heart jolted, her head snapping up in disbelief. "You resigned for me? Without asking?"
The corner of Jiang Ting's mouth lifted slightly, his smile dark and enigmatic, like a glimmer of moonlight in a pitch-black night. His eyes held an unrelenting pressure.
"Don't forget, I'm your creditor — a 30 million creditor. I have every right to make decisions for you. Besides, you were helping me today anyway. Why keep pretending you can't use your powers to make money? Isn't that a bit hypocritical?"
He rose slowly, his tall figure radiating an aura of absolute control. He moved around the desk, each step deliberate, his gaze blazing like a fire intent on consuming her. The weight of his presence made Astra's breath quicken.
"Astra, is this hypocrisy, or self-deception?" His voice was low, threaded with irony and curiosity. "You've already stepped into my world. You've become an irreplaceable part of my plans. Yet, you're still trying to run."
He lifted his hand, his long fingers gently tilting her chin upward. The pressure was subtle, but the command was undeniable. He forced her to meet his gaze — those dark eyes, endless and swirling with unseen storms. In them, she caught a fleeting glimpse of vulnerability, a shadow of pain hidden beneath his hardened exterior. He was like a lone eagle, soaring through a tempest, his proud strength masking deep, unseen scars.
For a moment, Astra froze. The brief flash of fragility in his eyes pierced her defenses. But then, as quickly as it appeared, it vanished. Jiang Ting's expression shifted, the icy edge replaced by a playful smile. One corner of his mouth lifted, his fingers falling away.
"Let's leave together after work," he murmured, his voice low and rough, tinged with an unexpected gentleness. "Cured meat and noodles. Just for you."