Lisa barely got any sleep that night.
Felix's words kept replaying in her head.
"Because I'm not done testing you."
She didn't know whether to be nervous or excited.
By the time she arrived at Z&K the next morning, she was already preparing for another intense day.
But what she wasn't prepared for—
Was the announcement waiting for her in the office.
The moment Lisa stepped into the game development department, all eyes were on her.
Mei practically ran to her. "Lisa, you won't believe this."
Lisa blinked. "What?"
Before Mei could answer, the team leader cleared his throat.
"Alright, everyone, listen up." He glanced around the room before his eyes landed on Lisa. "Felix Zheng has assigned Lisa to be the new assistant project manager for the AR game."
The room went silent.
Lisa froze.
Assistant project manager?!
That was impossible. She had only been here for one week.
Murmurs erupted around the office.
"She just got here…"
"She must have impressed Felix."
"Did she do something special?"
Lisa's head was spinning. She turned to Mei in disbelief. "Is this a joke?"
Mei shook her head. "Nope. You're moving up fast, girl."
Lisa swallowed. This was huge.
But then, just as the excitement was settling in—
A voice cut through the room.
"This is ridiculous."
Lisa turned.
A tall man, maybe in his mid-20s, stood up from his desk, his expression unreadable.
His name was Leo Zhang.
The current project manager.
And he did not look happy.
Leo crossed his arms, staring Lisa down. "Felix must be joking. An intern—being promoted? That's a slap in the face to the rest of us."
Lisa stiffened.
She could hear others mumbling, some agreeing with Leo.
She took a deep breath. "I didn't ask for this position."
Leo scoffed. "Then decline it."
Lisa met his gaze. "No."
The room fell silent again.
Leo narrowed his eyes. "What?"
Lisa clenched her fists. "I earned this."
Leo let out a dry laugh. "One decent report and you think you're qualified?"
Lisa's blood boiled, but before she could speak—
A familiar cold voice interrupted.
"That's enough."
Lisa froze.
Everyone did.
Felix Zheng stood at the entrance of the office, his piercing gaze locked onto Leo.
Leo's entire demeanor changed. "CEO Zheng—"
Felix's voice was like ice. "Did I ask for your opinion?"
Leo shut his mouth immediately.
Felix turned to Lisa. "Come with me."
Without another word, he walked off.
Lisa hesitated for only a second before following.
Felix sat at his desk, watching Lisa as she entered.
She didn't wait for him to speak. "You knew this would happen, didn't you?"
Felix raised an eyebrow. "Happen?"
Lisa sighed. "People are upset. They think I don't deserve the position."
Felix leaned back. "Do you?"
Lisa's breath hitched.
She wanted to say yes.
But instead, she hesitated.
Felix's sharp gaze didn't miss it. "Doubtful already?"
Lisa clenched her fists. "No. I just—" She sighed. "I just don't want people thinking I got this unfairly."
Felix's lips twitched in amusement. "Then prove them wrong."
Lisa blinked. "What?"
Felix leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "I didn't give you this position to be liked. I gave it to you because you're good."
Lisa swallowed.
Felix's gaze darkened slightly. "But if you can't handle the pressure, I'll take it back."
Lisa's eyes widened. "No."
Felix smirked. "Good."
Lisa took a deep breath. This was her chance.
She wasn't going to waste it.
Felix's voice snapped her back to reality. "You have three days to present a full revision of the AI system. If it's not better than what we have now, I'll assume I made a mistake in choosing you."
Lisa's heart pounded.
This wasn't just a challenge.
It was a warning.
She nodded. "I won't disappoint you."
Felix's smirk remained, but there was something in his eyes—something unreadable.
"Then get to work."
Lisa turned and left the office, determination burning in her chest.
She would prove herself.
No matter what.