Li household.
Days passed, and at last, it was time for Li Lian to leave for Beijing with her brother.
"We love you both," their parents said, pulling them into a tight embrace.
Her father gently patted her back. "Don't worry about us. We'll be fine. Just focus on your goals."
Lian nodded, biting back her emotions as she held onto the moment a little longer.
With one final wave, she and Wenbo got into the car. As the engine started and the house grew smaller in the rearview mirror, Lian clutched her bag tighter, a silent vow forming in her heart—I'll make it.
Zhaoyi pavilion.
An hour later, Yang Yufan emerged from the bedroom, dressed sharply in one of Yifan's tailored suits.
"I like this suit, so I'm taking it," he said, admiring himself in the mirror. "I love that we have almost the same body type."
Yifan, seated on the couch with a newspaper in hand, didn't look up. "Seriously? You can get your own tailored."
"Nope. I want yours."
Yifan let out a long, exasperated sigh. "Tchhhhh."
Yufan grinned, grabbing his watch from the table. "Bye-bye, now."
Just as he reached for the door, Yifan's voice cut through the room.
"Approve her." Yufan paused, hand still on the doorknob. A slow smile crept across his face before he gave a short nod without turning back.
Four Seasons Hotel.
The scent of imported perfume hung in the air, mingling with the quiet hum of the air conditioner. The woman sat with her legs elegantly crossed, the dim lighting casting soft shadows on her features. Her crimson dress hugged her figure tastefully, and her glossy black hair cascaded down one shoulder.
Yang Yufan shut the door quietly, letting the silence linger before speaking.
"You're early," he said, loosening his tie as he walked in.
She raised her eyes, amusement dancing in them. "You're late."
He chuckled under his breath, tossing his blazer on the armrest before walking over. "Couldn't leave the empire in flames just to see your pretty face, unfortunately."
She took another sip of her wine, the glass reflecting the golden light. "Flattery doesn't work on me."
"I wasn't flattering. It's a fact." He sat beside her, stealing her glass for a sip, then wrapped his arm around her waist. "I missed you, Meilin."
"You did?..." she murmured, her voice soft as she leaned into his shoulder. "And yet, you still ran off to the Yang villa."
He rested his chin lightly atop her head. "I needed space to focus on work. If I stayed in Beijing, you'd have me skipping meetings and losing sleep."
She chuckled lightly, her fingers tracing lazy circles on his thigh. "And whose fault would that be?"
"Yours," he said without hesitation, his voice dropping teasingly. "You're too distracting. Like right now."
Meilin lifted her head to meet his eyes, mischief sparkling in hers. "Then maybe I should leave."
He tightened his hold. "Over my dead body."
Their laughter blended into the low hum of the room, warm and intimate.
______
Li Lian and Li Wenbo arrived at his apartment, a light buzz of excitement between them after receiving the news that she had been invited for an interview the next day.
"Here," Wenbo said, handing her a neatly folded outfit. "Wear this to the interview tomorrow. Look your best."
She took the clothes with wide eyes, her voice soft with gratitude. "Thank you, brother."
He nodded, giving her a small smile. "Hmm. Freshen up and come out for dinner. I made your favorite."
With that, he gestured toward the guest room that would now be hers. She disappeared inside, clutching the outfit like it was a ticket to a new beginning.
Next morning.
"Lian, come down for breakfast," Li Wenbo called out as he set the dishes on the table, the clinking of plates echoing softly in the quiet apartment.
He soon heard light footsteps padding across the floor.
"Good morning, brother," she greeted with a smile, taking her seat at the table.
"Morning. Eat quickly, you're running late," he reminded, glancing at the clock.
She nodded, hastily stuffing a mouthful of food as she tried to eat and stay calm all at once.
She finished eating and quickly grabbed her bag, heading toward the door.
"Wait, I'll drop you off," her brother said, stopping her with a firm voice.
She paused and nodded, grateful for his presence. "Okay."
An hour later, they arrived at Yang Capital.
"Organize yourself. I know you can ace it," Li Wenbo said, giving her a reassuring look.
Li Lian nodded firmly. "Hmm." She stepped out of the car and walked toward the towering building, the bold letters of YANG CAPITAL casting shadows over her figure as she entered the empire with steady steps.
Yang Capital – 23rd Floor, Human Resources Department.
Li Lian sat on a cushioned seat in the minimalist waiting area, her hands clasped tightly on her lap. She inhaled slowly, trying to ease the tightness in her chest. The heels of her shoes tapped nervously against the marble floor.
"Miss Li Lian?" a woman called from a nearby door.
She stood up quickly. "Yes, that's me."
"Please come in."
The room was sleek and professional. At the end of the table sat Yang Yufan, composed and businesslike. For a brief moment, Li Lian froze, a faint frown tugging at her lips. Her hands clenched at her sides, but she quickly exhaled, masking her reaction. She needed this job. Pretending not to recognize him, she stepped forward and said calmly, "Good morning, sir."
A smirk tugged at the corner of Yufan's lips. "Good morning. Have a seat."
She returned a polite smile and sat down, her eyes deliberately scanning the room—anywhere but his face.
"Why are you applying here now?" he asked.
"My family recently went through an unexpected financial setback," she said evenly. "I've moved to Beijing to start over and I'm looking for a chance to prove myself and grow professionally."
"You don't have any corporate experience," he noted.
"That's true," Li Lian admitted, her tone steady. "But I'm a fast learner, dependable, and I don't give up easily."
"You've got the job, then. I look forward to working with you."
"Yes, thank you, sir. I appreciate it." She stood, gathering her things, and turned to leave—only to be stopped by his voice.
"Lian Lian."
She froze.
"You see me for the first time in years… and act like you don't even know me," he said quietly, almost gently.
"… I-I don't know what you mean, sir."
The smirk on Yufan's lips only deepened at her attempt to deflect.
"This is all Yifan's fault," he said casually. "But that doesn't mean you should be mad at me."
He paused, eyes studying her carefully.
"But… if you are, then I'm sorry."
"…It's okay."
With that, she turned and walked out, not sparing him another glance.
Yufan watched the door close behind her, then immediately pulled out his phone and typed a message to Yifan: She's here.
Yifan replied with a single, indifferent "Hmm."
On Lian's side, she ordered a cab and rode home, already mentally preparing for her first day as an investment research assistant. Giddy and excited, she tried to focus on the opportunity ahead—except for one inconvenient detail: working under Yang Yufan meant seeing him every day. That also meant fewer chances of crossing paths with Yifan.
Well, whatever. She'd already decided. She would act like they'd never known each other at all.