Jiang Li took a deep breath as she stepped into the grand glass building of Lu Corporation, one of China's most prestigious investment firms. She had worked tirelessly to earn her place here, overcoming countless obstacles to prove her worth in a cutthroat industry. But what she hadn't expected was to come face-to-face with her childhood protector turned tormentor—Lu Zeyan.
Zeyan had once been her closest friend, the boy who wiped her tears and fought off bullies for her. But as they grew older, their paths diverged. He became cold, calculating, and ruthless—qualities that made him a legend in the finance world. And now, he was her boss.
Li squared her shoulders. She wasn't the timid girl he once knew. She was here to succeed, and nothing—not even him—would stand in her way.
A Tense Reunion
The first day at Lu Corporation was a whirlwind of introductions and formalities. As she was settling into her new office, a knock on the door made her look up.
"New hires should report to my office immediately," a deep voice commanded.
She froze. That voice.
Turning around, she saw him. Lu Zeyan stood in the doorway, exuding an air of authority. His sharp features had matured, his dark eyes held an unreadable intensity, and his tailored suit screamed power.
For a moment, neither spoke. The air between them was thick with unspoken words.
"Jiang Li," he finally said, a smirk playing on his lips. "You're braver than I remember. Walking into my company like you own the place."
Li's heart pounded, but she met his gaze steadily. "I don't need to own it. I just need to prove I belong here."
His smirk deepened. "We'll see about that."
Office Warfare
Zeyan wasted no time testing her limits. That afternoon, he assigned her a nearly impossible task—analyzing a high-stakes investment deal within an unrealistic deadline. It was a clear challenge, a warning that she wouldn't be getting any special treatment.
Li, however, was ready to fight back. She worked tirelessly, pushing through exhaustion and proving her competence. When she submitted her report the next morning, she caught a flicker of surprise in Zeyan's eyes.
He glanced through the documents, then met her gaze. "Not bad," he admitted. "But don't expect me to go easy on you."
Li smirked. "I wouldn't dream of it."
A Moment of Weakness
That night, as she left the office, rain poured down in torrents. Li stood under a shelter, contemplating whether to run through the downpour or wait it out.
"Still hate the rain, huh?"
She turned sharply. Zeyan stood beside her, holding an umbrella. The memory hit her—years ago, he used to shield her from the rain with his school blazer.
"I can manage," she said, but he simply extended the umbrella over her.
For a moment, they stood in silence, the past hovering between them. Then, Zeyan stepped back, his expression unreadable.
"Don't be late tomorrow," he said before walking away.
Li watched him go, her heart a mix of frustration and something she didn't want to name.
She had come here for her career. But with Lu Zeyan in her way, the battle was just beginning.