The office building of Feng Corporation towered above Qin Yue like a silent giant, its glass walls gleaming in the sunlight. She stood on the sidewalk, staring up at it with wide eyes, her hands gripping the worn straps of her shoulder bag.
The crowd streamed in and out of the entrance—men in sharp suits, women in elegant dresses, all walking briskly, their shoes clicking against the polished tiles. They didn't glance at her. No one did.
This is ridiculous, she thought, exhaling a shaky breath. Why am I even here? They won't hire me… not with my background.
But Qing Feng's voice echoed in her mind from their call earlier that morning.
"You never know unless you try."
Qin Yue pulled her shoulders back. Her white shirt was freshly ironed, though it wasn't designer. Her jeans were neat, though not expensive. She looked presentable enough—or so she hoped.
Steeling herself, she pushed through the glass doors.
---
The lobby was a different world—cool, bright, and scented faintly of fresh flowers. The marble floors reflected the light from the massive chandelier overhead. Behind the sleek reception desk sat a young woman in a navy blazer, her eyes sharp and professional.
"Good morning," Qin Yue said with a polite smile. "I'm here for the assistant interview."
The receptionist gave her a once-over—quick, assessing. "Name?"
"Qin Yue."
Her fingers flew over the keyboard. "Please wait over there. The HR manager will call you shortly."
Qin Yue nodded, clutching her bag tighter as she moved to the waiting area. Plush chairs, glossy magazines, and the soft hum of conversation filled the space. She sat, trying to calm the jitter in her hands.
Five minutes later, a middle-aged woman in a tailored dress stepped out from the elevators.
"Miss Qin Yue?" she called.
Qin Yue rose quickly. "Yes, that's me."
"This way, please."
---
The HR office was modern and minimalistic. The woman introduced herself as Manager Liu and began flipping through Qin Yue's resume.
"You have good grades," Manager Liu said, "but your work experience is… limited."
Qin Yue bit her lip. "I haven't had many opportunities, but I'm a quick learner, and I'm willing to work hard."
Manager Liu's expression softened just slightly. "We'll see. The CEO is personally reviewing candidates for this assistant position. It's… a demanding role."
The word "CEO" made Qin Yue's stomach tighten. She nodded anyway. "I understand."
Manager Liu made a brief phone call, then gestured toward the elevator. "You're in luck. He can see you now."
---
The elevator ride felt endless. Qin Yue's reflection in the mirrored walls stared back at her—bright black eyes, nervous but determined.
When the doors slid open, she stepped into a corridor lined with glass offices. At the far end, massive double doors stood closed. A tall man in a suit waited outside them.
"You're the candidate?" His tone was neutral.
"Yes," Qin Yue said.
He knocked twice, then opened the door. "CEO Li, the applicant is here."
Qin Yue stepped inside.
---
The office was breathtaking—floor-to-ceiling windows revealing the skyline, shelves of books and files, a sleek black desk at the center. And behind that desk sat him.
Li Feng.
He was leaning back in his chair, one hand resting casually on the armrest. His suit was impeccable, the dark fabric accentuating his broad shoulders. His gaze lifted to meet hers, sharp and assessing.
Qin Yue froze for half a second.
It wasn't that he was just handsome—though he was. It was the way his presence filled the room, the quiet authority in his posture. She felt as if he could see right through her.
"You're late," he said.
Qin Yue blinked. "I—No, I came as soon as HR called—"
"I don't like excuses," he interrupted, his voice smooth but cutting. "Sit."
She obeyed, perching on the edge of the chair.
He picked up her resume, skimming it. "Good academic record. No elite school, no family background worth noting. Why should I hire you?"
The bluntness made her grip her bag tighter. "Because I work hard. I don't give up easily. And I can handle pressure."
One corner of his mouth lifted—not in amusement, but in something like disbelief. "Everyone says that."
"Then let me prove it," she said, meeting his gaze without flinching.
For a moment, silence stretched between them.
Finally, he set the resume down. "Fine. You'll start tomorrow."
Qin Yue's eyes widened. "I… got the job?"
His lips curved slightly—not quite a smile. "You'll work directly under me. You'll follow my schedule, handle my calls, and anticipate my needs before I say them. If you fail even once, you're gone. Understood?"
Her heart thudded. "Understood."
"Good. Don't be late."
---
Qin Yue walked out of the office in a daze, barely noticing the city skyline beyond the glass. She had done it—against all odds, she had landed a position at Feng Corporation.
But something in Li Feng's eyes lingered in her mind. Cold, sharp… and yet, when she'd challenged him, there had been a flicker of something else.
She didn't know it yet, but this was the beginning of a game far more dangerous than she had imagined.
---
That evening, as she boarded the bus home, her phone buzzed with a message.
From: Unknown Number
"6:45 a.m. sharp. My office. Don't make me wait."
Qin Yue stared at the screen, her pulse quickening.
Her new boss was going to be… a handful.
---
[To be continued…]