Chapter 1: A Day of Dreams and Disillusion
The rain poured heavily, drumming against the pavement like a relentless orchestra, as if the sky itself wept for me. But I wasn't foolish enough to think it did. No, today was just another day—one filled with the bitter wind of disappointment.
I had just been rejected.
Six months. I had dedicated six months of my life to this internship, working harder than anyone else, determined to secure my place in the company. And yet, in the end, my efforts had amounted to nothing. The reason? My girlfriend's new boyfriend had decided that I was unfit to work there. It was a cruel and unjust decision, one that shattered the future I had envisioned.
Today was supposed to be the day when interns like me would either be welcomed as permanent employees or shown the door. I had been confident, certain that my hard work and dedication would be enough. I had even planned to propose to my girlfriend once I secured the position. After four years together, I thought it was time to take the next step, to build a future together. But now, that dream had crumbled into dust.
I woke up that morning with excitement, adjusting my eyes to the brightness of my room. My heart pounded with anticipation. I quickly went through my morning routine—brushing my teeth, taking a bath—rushing through it all in my eagerness to arrive on time. In my excitement, I even forgot to grab breakfast.
As I hurried through the streets, my mind was occupied with thoughts of the day ahead. That was when I overheard an announcement on a public screen.
"The Black Tiger Sect and the Mountain Lion Sect continue their battle for control over Yin Province in the Chang District. Citizens are advised to stay indoors and avoid any conflict zones."
I frowned, a sinking feeling settling in my stomach. Cultivators were fighting again. To them, normal humans like us were insignificant—collateral damage in their pursuit of power. While some cultivators upheld justice, many saw themselves as superior, far above the concerns of ordinary people.
Then, realization struck me like a bolt of lightning.
My parents lived in Chang District.
Panic surged through me as I fumbled for my phone, my hands trembling as I dialed my mother's number. It rang for a few agonizing seconds before she picked up.
"Hello?" My mother's voice came through, filled with urgency.
"Mom! Are you okay?" I asked breathlessly.
"Long Wai? Is that you?" she practically screamed. I was sure half the neighborhood could hear her.
Relief flooded me at the sound of her voice. "Yes, it's me, my empress," I said, using the nickname my father and I had given her. She ruled the house with an iron will, so the title suited her perfectly.
"You saw the news, didn't you?" she asked.
"Yeah. Is everything really alright?"
"Everything is under control," she reassured me. "The Black Card Division has already stepped in."
I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. The Black Card Division—the enforcers of the cultivation world—was known for maintaining order. They dealt with rogue cultivators who abused their powers for evil. People admired them, even feared them.
"Okay, Mom. I'll get going now. Today's the big day—I'm going to become a permanent employee!" I said with a smile, hoping to lighten the mood.
"Good luck, little brat," she said before hanging up.
I pocketed my phone, shaking my head with a chuckle. Even in serious moments, my mother always found a way to tease me.
Still, my thoughts lingered on the Black Card Division. If only I had some supernatural abilities, maybe I could've joined them, become a cultivator, and protected my family. But then again, I loved my simple life. Despite everything, I wouldn't trade it for the world.
By the time I reached the company, the rain had eased, leaving the streets slick with water. I stepped inside, shaking off the droplets clinging to my jacket. My heart raced as I walked through the familiar halls, surrounded by the same employees I had worked alongside for months.
Their smiles greeted me, their faces full of anticipation.
They all thought the same thing I did—that today, I would finally become one of them.
I could see it in their eyes—the silent congratulations, the belief that I had earned my place here. And for a moment, I let myself believe it too. The joy in the air mirrored my own, an electric energy that made me feel on top of the world.
Taking a deep breath, I calmed myself, settling into a chair as I waited for the meeting to begin.
Today was going to be the best day of my life.
Little did I know, I was going to regret those words soon.