Lisa sat at her desk, fingers flying across the keyboard.
Midnight.
Felix Zheng had set the deadline, and she was determined to meet it—no, to exceed it.
The AR game's weaknesses were clearer now. Enemy AI too predictable. Combat balance needed tweaking. Scoring system had flaws. Lisa outlined everything, but instead of just listing problems, she included solutions.
Her eyes burned from staring at the screen too long, but she refused to take a break.
She could feel it.
This wasn't just about the game.
This was about proving herself.
11:45 PM.
Lisa took a deep breath, attached her report, and hit SEND.
It was done.
She leaned back in her chair, exhausted but satisfied.
Then her phone buzzed.
[New Email from Felix Zheng]
Lisa's heart jumped. Already?
She clicked on it.
"Come to my office. Now."
Lisa stared.
Now?
She glanced at the time. 11:47 PM.
Lisa hesitated outside Felix's office.
Was he about to tear her work apart?
She squared her shoulders and knocked.
"Come in."
Felix sat behind his massive desk, the glow from his computer screen illuminating his sharp features.
Lisa stepped inside, closing the door behind her. "You wanted to see me?"
Felix didn't look up. He was scrolling through her report, eyes moving rapidly.
For a moment, the silence stretched.
Then he spoke. "Not bad."
Lisa blinked. That was… almost a compliment.
Felix finally looked at her. "Your analysis is sharp. And your solutions are workable."
Lisa felt a spark of pride. "Thank you."
Felix leaned back, studying her. "But."
Her stomach tightened. There it is.
"You worked fast," he said, tapping his desk. "Too fast. I expected you to make at least one mistake."
Lisa met his gaze. "And did I?"
Felix was quiet.
Then—
"No."
Lisa tried not to smile.
Felix exhaled, closing the file. "You're better than I thought."
Lisa tilted her head. "You thought I'd fail?"
Felix smirked slightly. "Most do."
Lisa hesitated, then asked, "Then why did you test me?"
Felix's smirk faded. He looked at her for a long moment, as if debating whether to answer.
Finally, he said, "Because I wanted to see if you're worth my time."
Lisa's breath caught.
Was this his way of admitting he was impressed?
Felix stood up, walking past her. He stopped at the window, hands in his pockets. "You did well, Lisa."
Lisa's heart pounded at the way he said her name.
Felix turned slightly. "Go home. You'll need your energy."
Lisa frowned. "For what?"
Felix's smirk returned. "Because I'm not done testing you."
Lisa swallowed.
This was only the beginning.