Lisa clutched her passport tightly, her heart racing with excitement as she stepped off the plane at Beijing Capital International Airport. The city stretched before her—tall skyscrapers, bustling streets, and a mix of ancient culture and modern innovation. She was finally here.

Ever since she was a child, Lisa had dreamed of coming to China. The language, the traditions, the fast-paced life—it fascinated her. And now, at eighteen, she had made it. With a job secured at Z&K, one of the biggest tech companies in the world, she was ready to begin a new chapter.

As she walked through the airport, dragging her suitcase behind her, she took a deep breath. This was her fresh start. No family holding her back, no one telling her she wasn't good enough. Just her, her dreams, and the future waiting for her in Beijing

Lisa arrived at her rented apartment, a small but cozy space near her workplace. After unpacking, she stared out the window, watching the city lights twinkle in the night. "Tomorrow is the first day," she whispered to herself. She had to make a good impression.

The next morning, she dressed in a simple white blouse and black pants, tying her hair into a neat ponytail. She wanted to look professional but still be herself. Taking one last deep breath, she stepped outside and hailed a taxi to Z&K Headquarters.

The building was massive—tinted glass windows reflecting the early morning sun, stretching high into the sky like a modern fortress. Lisa swallowed hard. This was it. The place where animation, game creation, and cutting-edge technology were born.

As she walked through the large glass doors, a cold, professional atmosphere greeted her. Employees moved quickly, their faces serious as they tapped on tablets and spoke into headsets. It was intimidating, but Lisa kept her head high.

She approached the front desk, where a stern-looking receptionist barely glanced at her. "Name?"

"Lisa—Lisa Okafor. I'm the new employee in the app development team."

The receptionist scanned the list, then handed her an access badge. "Take the elevator to the 25th floor. The department manager will be expecting you."

Lisa nodded and hurried toward the elevator, gripping the badge tightly. The moment she stepped inside, a tense silence filled the space.

Three men in sleek black suits were inside, staring straight ahead. Their presence was heavy, almost suffocating. Lisa shifted uncomfortably, feeling like she had stepped into a world far above her level.

Ding.

The doors opened, and the men stepped out—but before Lisa could sigh in relief, another figure entered.

Felix.

Lisa didn't know his name yet, but the moment he stepped into the elevator, the temperature seemed to drop.

He was tall, dressed in all black, with sharp features and an expression so cold it sent shivers down her spine. His dark eyes barely acknowledged her presence, as if she didn't exist.

Lisa swallowed, forcing herself to stay calm. Who was he?

The elevator doors closed. Silence.

Lisa shifted on her feet. Should she say something? Greet him? But something about his presence made her think that would be a terrible idea.

Seconds felt like hours, and just when she thought she couldn't take the awkwardness anymore, the elevator dinged again.

Felix stepped out without a word, his long coat swaying behind him. Lisa let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding.

As she stepped onto the 25th floor, a friendly-looking woman greeted her.

"You must be Lisa! Welcome to the app development team. I'm Mei, your team lead."

Lisa smiled, grateful for the warm welcome. "Nice to meet you!"

Mei led her through the open office space, introducing her to colleagues and explaining projects. Lisa's excitement grew. This was what she wanted—to create something meaningful, to prove herself.

But as Mei explained the company's vision, Lisa's curiosity got the better of her.

"Um, Mei… I saw a guy in the elevator. Tall, black coat, super serious. Who is he?"

Mei's cheerful expression froze.

Lisa frowned. "Did I say something wrong?"

Mei leaned in, lowering her voice. "You mean Felix?"

Lisa nodded.

"That's our CEO."

Lisa stiffened. "What?"

Mei sighed. "Felix Zheng. Nineteen years old. Founder and CEO of Z&K. A genius in technology. But…"

"But?"

Mei hesitated before whispering, "He's cold. Heartless. He doesn't care about anyone. Everyone here fears him."

Lisa's stomach flipped. That guy was her boss? The one she had been stuck in an awkward elevator ride with?

Great. Just great.

Lisa sighed, shaking her head. No matter how cold Felix was, she wasn't here to be scared of anyone. She was here to work hard, to follow her dreams.

Little did she know… this was just the beginning.