The air was heavy with the scent of jasmine and wine. Lu Xiao adjusted her pale pink dress nervously as she stepped into the grand ballroom of Chongqing International Hotel. It was her first company gala, and as a junior employee, she had no choice but to attend. The event was worlds away from the life she knew—humble, simple, and anchored by the responsibilities of her family.
The room glittered with chandeliers and the polished faces of the elite. Lu Xiao felt like a paper doll among porcelain figurines. She clutched her glass of juice, avoiding the stares of men whose gazes lingered too long.
"Relax, Lu Xiao," her colleague Lin Mei whispered, nudging her gently. "It's just one night."
Just one night.
But it only took one moment for everything to change.
An hour into the event, Lu Xiao began to feel lightheaded. Her vision blurred, and the music turned into a dull hum. She placed the untouched glass of juice on a nearby table, her fingers trembling. Something was wrong.
"I… I need air," she mumbled, staggering toward the exit.
The hallway outside the ballroom was quieter, but her condition worsened. The ground seemed to tilt beneath her feet. She stumbled forward, her mind screaming for clarity. Someone had tampered with her drink—of that, she was certain.
"Miss, are you okay?"
The voice was deep, steady, and tinged with concern. She turned her head, barely registering the tall figure before her. The man had sharp features, a commanding presence, and eyes that seemed to see straight through her.
"I… I think…" Her voice broke, and the world spun. Before she could collapse, strong arms caught her.
"Hold on," the man said, his voice calm but firm. He guided her down the hall and into an elevator.
When the doors opened, Lu Xiao found herself in a luxurious hotel suite. She barely registered the plush surroundings before being helped onto a soft bed.
"I'll get you some water," the man said, stepping away.
Panic surged through her. She didn't know this man. She didn't know where she was. Struggling to sit up, she tried to speak, but the words wouldn't come. Her limbs felt heavy, as if weighed down by invisible chains.
"Hey, it's okay," the man said, returning with a glass of water. He placed it on the nightstand and knelt beside her. "You're safe here. I'm Lei Han."
His name meant nothing to her in that moment. All she could think about was escaping.
"Please," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I want to leave."
Lei Han hesitated, his brows furrowing. "You're not in any condition to go anywhere. Someone drugged you."
The words struck her like a blow. She closed her eyes, tears slipping down her cheeks. What had she done to deserve this?
"Don't worry," Lei Han said softly. "I won't hurt you."
His words carried an unfamiliar sincerity. He sat in a chair across the room, giving her space. The night passed in silence, interrupted only by the sound of her labored breathing.
When morning came, Lu Xiao woke to sunlight streaming through the curtains. Her head throbbed, but the haze had lifted. Lei Han was still there, seated in the same chair, looking out the window.
"You're awake," he said, turning to face her.
She nodded, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Thank you… for helping me."
Lei Han stood, his expression unreadable. "You don't need to thank me. Just be careful who you trust."
Without another word, he left the room, leaving behind a business card on the nightstand. Lu Xiao picked it up with trembling fingers.
Lei Han.
Director of Operations. H&L Corporation.
Her fingers tightened around the card. She would never forget his name—or the kindness of a stranger who had saved her from an unthinkable fate.
But life had a cruel way of moving forward, and so did she.