Mornings at Tengxin always carried a kind of quiet freshness. The soft tap of badges at the gates, the hush of footsteps on polished floors, the low chime of elevators opening everything moved in a smooth, unbroken rhythm.
Wei Xiao stepped into the lobby, letting the familiar stillness settle around her — but today, something felt off. She noticed a small crowd gathered near the center.
A few girls were gathered in a loose semicircle, murmuring to each other, phones in hand. Some pointed. Some leaned in for a closer look.
Curious, Wei Xiao followed their gaze and spotted it.
A sleek, translucent kiosk stood beneath the LED billboard, glowing softly. Its curved surface held a digital touchscreen, outlined with soft, theme-colored highlights. Above the screen, a scanner pulsed gently — waiting for the tap of an employee badge.
Beside it, a small holographic sign floated in the air, scrolling the words:
"Tap your badge here."
The murmurs continued, drifting like gossip on tiptoe.
Some employees traded hushed questions, others shrugged or squinted at the screen.
A pair of girls stepped forward and tapped their badges —
Beep.
One leaned in, whispering something that made the other smother a laugh behind her hand.
A few feet away, someone raised a phone for a quick photo.
Wei Xiao lingered for a moment, brows slightly furrowed. She was curious too but the clock wasn't forgiving.
With a quiet sigh, she picked up her pace. Being late again wasn't worth the risk.
The elevator chimed.
She stepped in just as the doors slid open, letting them close behind her as she rode up to the department floor.
***
By the time she got to her desk, Chen was already sipping her yogurt drink, the straw bent at an unnatural angle. She looked half-awake, but her gossip radar? Fully functional.
Ling glanced up from her screen. "You see that group huddled in the lobby?"
Wei Xiao nodded, setting down her tablet. "Yeah. What is it?"
Suddenly, Zhou swiveled halfway in his chair.
"Anyone know what's going on? People won't stop buzzing about it."
Both Wei Xiao and Ling turned their heads toward him, eyes wandering.
Chen was busy sipping her yogurt through a slightly bent straw when her gossip radar suddenly flicked on.
"You haven't heard?" Chen asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Heard what?" Zhou replied, looking confused.
"The Wang family is hosting a banquet next week, where they will finally introduce Wang Yifan."
Zhou blinked.
"Wang Yifan? Who's that?"
Kai pulled off his headphones, letting them rest around his neck.
"You serious? He's Chairman Wang's grandson. The heir to the entire Wang family. Rumors say he's next in line to be CEO of Tengxin."
A chorus of shocked whispers and gasps bubbled up from the girls nearby.
"What? No way!"
"Seriously?" "You've got to be kidding!"
Kai rubbed the back of his neck, sounding a bit unsure.
"But… I heard they kept him under wraps for years — no public photos, no press, nothing. Even the media tried and couldn't get a single shot. Now they're finally going to show him off. Looks like China's biggest mystery is about to be solved."
Ling, distracted from her code, finally looked up.
So… what's the deal with that glowing scanner in the lobby?
Chen tapped her spoon against the yogurt cup.
"That's the key part — they're actually using it to pick one girl to be his partner for the evening."
"What is he, some kind of prince now?" Zhou scoffed. "Chairman Wáng out here hosting royal matchmaking like he's looking for a princess?"
Chen smirked, hands clasping dramatically. Well, he's no less than a prince .
But it's not just about matchmaking. She'll be his assistant for the evening — helping him with introductions, handling investor info, making sure he has the right talking points, and keeping everything running smoothly. She has to know what Tengxin is showcasing that night — which project to highlight, who's backing it, and where the money's coming from. It's a serious role, not something to be taken lightly.
Qian Ru tilted her head, looking bored as she casually flipped a file onto the desk. "Why go through all that drama? Wouldn't it be easier to just assign him a professional assistant for events like this?"
Mei Yan, who'd been quietly following the conversation, glanced at Qian Ru and chimed in,
Exactly! All this for one night — it's like casting a drama lead, not picking an assistant.
Chen smiled, resting her elbows on the table.
"Sure, they could've gone the easy, safe way — just assigned him a professional assistant and called it a day but Chairman Wang wanted to try something fresh. Instead of picking someone who just reads numbers from a report, he thought—why not choose someone who's actually in the trenches? Someone who knows the work inside out. It makes things feel more real. More connected. The employees feel involved too."
Known for her upbeat spirit, Min Jie leaned in eagerly. "Chairman Wáng never lets things go the usual way — he's always trying to shake things up. Doesn't matter where or what it is, he'll break the rules . That's how he built Tengxin from the ground up — tossing the old playbook, making bold moves no one else dared to try. It sounds risky, even reckless, but somehow… it works. It really shows that sticking to the rules doesn't always get you far.
Mei Yan rolled her eyes. "All this fuss for just one night? Seems like such a waste of time." She shot Qian Ru a smirk, silently hoping for a nod.
Chen said with a knowing smile,
"It's not a waste of time. She'll get a hefty bonus — but it's more than that. She'll meet industry tycoons face-to-face. "There's a private session with top executives — empire-builders shaping the future — where she'll dine, talk, and build real connections."
On top of that, she'll be in the running for Employee of the Year. It's a rare distinction — only the most outstanding even make it onto that list. And once your name's there, doors start opening. Promotions, major projects, leadership roles… it's the kind of exposure that gets you remembered — and in a place like this, visibility matters."
Zhou — who'd been listening carefully felt his phone buzz. He looked down: a message from Tao, one of the Sloth Brothers. Then he glanced up at Tao.
"I agree, bro," he said. "Why's this not open to the guys too?"
Turning to Chen, he added dramatically, "That's unfair! Where's the gender equality? Why do the girls get all the exclusive perks?"
Right then, Chen's phone buzzed. She glanced at it — then read the message:
"Purely hypothetical, but if a guy is willing to do a light makeover and maybe wear a wig... would he be eligible? Asking for a friend."
Chen burst out laughing then shook her head mid-laugh.
"No, Tian. Sorry — I don't think that'll work."
Zhou pointed at them, wounded. "See? Bullies. All of you. We're boys — of course unfairness is bound to happen to us," he said, letting out a long, sad sigh like a tragic hero from an old drama.
He looked around, then declared, "But at least we've got one lady on our side — Qian Ru. No matter what, she won't sign up. She's different from you glitter-chasing girls."
Qian Ru didn't even blink.
"Who said I won't?" she said calmly.
Zhou clutched his chest. "Qian! I thought you were different..."
He looked genuinely wounded, as if she'd just switched teams mid-battle.
Qian Ru gave him a look.
If it were for Mr. Yifan alone, I definitely would've taken your side. But with a package like this? Only an idiot would skip it.
"The rewards are good — it's a great chance to move up to a higher position."
As soon as he stopped, someone whispered, "Did he say we'll be paired with Wang Yifan?"
"Oh my god, seriously? Imagine standing next to him onstage..."
"I'd sign up just for that."
"I'm entering — no matter what it takes."
A ripple of giggles spread through the department. A few of the girls leaned in, whispering like a secret pact was being formed — eyes sparkling, already picturing banquet gowns and Weibo-worthy moments.
Chen pressed her hands to her chest, practically sparkling. "I really hope one of us gets picked. If it's any of us three, I swear — I'll call in a favor from that designer friend of mine. I'll make her pull strings with Liang Yuan and get us a custom dress. Big moment, big name — it has to match."
Ling worked on, not bothering to look up.. "The reward is solid. But whoever's chosen will have to do more than just look good. They need to know the project inside out — features, milestones, even the behind-the-scenes deals.If a VIP asks something at the banquet, they can't afford to fumble—they'll need the confidence to step onto that stage, surrounded by high-level guests and company leadership. It's not just about appearances — they'll be carrying the company's image on their back."
Wei Xiao shifted uncomfortably in her chair. "Then I'm definitely out."
Chen turned toward her, raising an eyebrow. "What? Why's that?"
She adjusted her glasses. Honestly, I get nervous speaking up in front of more than ten people. And at a banquet? It's not just ten or twenty — it's thousands of eyes on you… just imagining it gives me chills. I'm afraid I'll panic, blurt something out… or maybe just freeze.
Chen tilted his head, voice softening. "Xiao… you can't always be like this. Sooner or later, you're gonna have to face a crowd — maybe not now, but eventually. You've got talent. People should see it."
Ling finally looked up, gave a slow nod, and said, "Better to freeze now and warm up later than never try at all."
Wei Xiao rubbed the back of her neck and gave a small, tight smile. "Or maybe just not freeze at all and stay far away from the stage."
Chen tilted her head. "You're overthinking this, Xiao."
Wei Xiao gave a small smile. "No… I'm just not a spotlight person. Never have been."
Chen held her gaze a moment longer before exhaling. "Alright. I get it. No point pushing someone who's not ready."
The meeting wrapped up soon after.
***
By lunchtime, the cafeteria was buzzing — not from the food, but one thing—the event and the pairing.
At one table near the windows, a few girls leaned in close, barely touching their food.
"I heard the Wáng family holds their banquets at the Azure Pavilion," one said, voice low with interest. "Top floor, private access — skyline views wrapped in gold lighting. The kind of atmosphere that makes everything else in China feel second-rate."
The other nodded, almost in awe. "It's not just a venue; it's a world they've built around themselves. Once you step inside, it stops feeling like real life. Everything's hushed, precise… like time moves differently. No one rushes. No one needs to speak loudly. It's all quiet glances and polished smiles — like everyone already knows their place at the top. You won't see anyone taking selfies. Not because it's banned — because it would ruin the magic."
"I heard the selected girl gets styled by Yan Qi, right?" a third chimed in. "Actual Yan Qi — the one who designs for A-list celebs. Even actresses in Hollywood are on waiting lists to wear his designs. They say he customizes the gown himself and sends his personal team to style everything from head to toe."
"I don't even care if I won't get picked," the first girl said dreamily. "I just want to see Wang Yifan. Just once."
"Same," the second girl sighed. "All we know are rumors. No photos, no videos. Just... whispers."
"Apparently the media's already talking about Wang Yifan's appearance at the banquet," the third said. "But no images, no interviews — just speculation. As usual."
The first girl chimed in again, eyes wide. "Honestly, even when Tengxin launches a game or an app, it's always on the front page. They don't just lead China — Tengxin's one of the top companies in the world. Everything they do turns into news."
At a corner table sat Chen, Ling, and Wei xiao.
While they ate, Chen's phone kept buzzing nonstop, flooding her screen with notifications. Chen glanced at her phone, a soft sigh escaping her lips.
"Huff, my screen's drowning in gossip — girl groups, chat threads, and every online page I follow," she chuckled, "ever since the banquet was announced, it's been nonstop."
Wei Xiao glanced around the bustling cafeteria.
"Everyone's really hyped up for this banquet," she said.
Chen looked up from her phone, a sly smile playing on her lips.
"Let's be real — most of the hype is because of Wang Yìfan."
She slid her phone onto the table, eyes bright.
"It's the full fantasy — like something out of a novel. Spotlight on you, the lights dimming as you enter, everyone watching… and the most talked-about man in China standing next to you."
Ling picked at her food with chopsticks, eyes half on the table. "I heard closing time is by 8."
Wei Xiao picked up her cup and took a sip. "You two should go register before it closes."
Chen raised an eyebrow. "You sure you're not coming?"
She shrugged. "I'm not signing up. But I'll come with you guys."
Ling raised her cup. "Let's go later. It's packed right now."
Chen nodded. "Yeah, good call."
Ling let out a soft laugh.
"At this point, if they announced his favorite noodle brand, half the office would switch lunches."
She shook her head. "Good thing he hasn't. Cafeteria's chaotic enough."
The three of them smiled together — the only ones laughing in the whole cafeteria. A few nearby tables glanced over, curious. They tried to hold it in... but ended up laughing again.
***
The corridor was quiet, sunlight pooling through the glass as Chen, Ling, and Wei Xiao made their way toward the lobby.
Wei Xiao walked half a step behind, arms folded, lazily observing the hallway like it had nothing to do with her.
They reached the lobby — the low murmur of voices weaving through the sharp clack of heels on polished floors.
A few girls lounged across the sofas like they owned the place — dresses sleek, hair glossy, lips a perfect swipe of color. Not just pretty — polished. Like they had walked out of a brand campaign, not the subway. Their perfume hung in the air — expensive, cold, unforgettable.
They barely spoke above a whisper, but their laughter had bite. Eyes flicked over newcomers with casual cruelty, weighing outfits, posture, confidence. Everything.
For a moment, Wei Xiao stared.
Not because she cared — but because they looked like they belonged to another level entirely.
Another tier. Another world.
That's when three other women entered — Creative R&D's most visible trio, each with a presence hard to ignore.
On the left was Xia Rui — known for her glossy weekends, champagne brunches, and ever-growing presence on social media.
On the right, Mei Shanshan — same team, different energy. If a rooftop bar had opened last night, she'd already tagged it. And rated the cocktails.
And at the center of it all…
Then there was Sun Yujin. She had a quiet kind of fame — the kind that didn't need effort. Somehow, her name always came up in conversations. More than a few people in the office had gone through a phase of liking her, whether they admitted it or not.
The space seemed to shift as they walked in — like even the light rearranged itself around them.
Yujin didn't just walk. She arrived.
Her gaze swept the room — and landed on them.
A soft curve of her lips. Cool. Amused.
The other two slowed with her, their smiles tilting just enough to sting.
Yujin's lips curved when she saw them. Eyes cool, amused.
The other two slowed with her.
Mei Shanshan's voice rang out first, laced with smugness. "Well, well. Look who's here."
Her gaze swept over them, a smirk curling her lips. Then, she tilted her head with mock curiosity. "You guys heading for registration too?"
Chen gave a shrug, unimpressed."Why? Only you three get to sign up now?"
Yujin's smile barely touched her lips. "Of course you can."
But.. her gaze shifted to Wei Xiao, scanning her — from the collar of her dress to the plain shoes at her feet — slow, deliberate, judging.But don't you think…" she said lightly,
"whoever gets picked would at least look like she fits the picture next to Wáng Yìfán."
Her tone was soft. Her words weren't.
Then her eyes shifted to Ling. That smile of hers turned glassy-sharp.
Or, y'know… someone who at least looks like a girl."
The other two laughed. Not loud. Just enough to echo.
A soft laugh escaped Xia Rui. She looked Wei Xiao, then made a face.
"That dress..." she said, dragging out the words,
"Kinda looks like a delivery uniform."
Wei Xiao glanced at her outfit — a pale blue shirt, loose gray pants, and plain black sneakers. Simple. Comfortable. Nothing fancy.
She gave a small, almost amused smile.
"Yeah, maybe. That's exactly what I bought it for
Chen laughed
Then Chen stepped forward and said, her voice sweet as syrup:
"Wow, Xia rui. That dress looks amazing on you."
Xia rui gave a modest little smile, brushing a hand over the fabric. "Thanks. It's from the limited release of Lysandre's fall collection. Just came out overseas."
Chen tilted her head, still smiling. "Oh… that explains it."
A beat. Then, casually—
"Funny, though. The original has hand-sewn crystal beading." Her gaze drifted down. "Yours looks more like… printed glitter."
Xia's smile stiffened. "It's authentic."
Chen's voice stayed light, almost amused. "Mm. Probably one of those inspired-by versions. My family's been in fashion exports for years. That brand?" She leaned in just slightly. "We know the actual designer."
Xia Rui scowled. "You—"
That's when Ling stepped forward. Her voice came cool, even — but it cut clean.
"You think this is about being ladylike or looking the part?"
Her gaze snapped to Yujin.
"It's about responsibility. And we all know how good you are at that."
Yujin's smirk flickered.
Ling didn't wait.
"Should I remind you," she continued,
"that your shared folder on the company drive was set to public last month?"
Yujin's expression cracked — a flicker of panic behind her force-held calm.
"Wait… how did you even know about that?"
Her voice was smaller now.
"You're talking nonsense!" she snapped, louder this time — fear bleeding into fury.
Ling's smile was mild. Almost amused.
"Let's just say I have my ways."
Yujin looked at her two friends. Whatever she was thinking, she didn't say it. But her glare said plenty.
"Let's go. No point wasting time on nobodies."
Their heels clicked sharply as they turned and strode off — fast, rigid.
Chen let out a quiet scoff, brushing an invisible thread off her sleeve.
"Bye, girls. Try not to trip on your egos."
Ling adjusted her badge without looking back.
"They're lucky I'm not bored today."
The echo of their heels faded, but the ripple they left behind lingered — sharp, silent, heavy.
Chen exhaled.
"They're such bullies." She shook her head, lips pressed tight.
"Never mind them. Let's go."
Ling didn't reply — just started walking.
They reached the check-in kiosk near the front of the lobby. A slim machine, half-hidden beside a potted plant, flickered faintly with a waiting prompt.
One by one, names were tapped in, cards scanned.
Chen stepped up, eyes flicking toward the far end of the room.
Wei Xiao was there — half-slouched on the sofa, her face dimly lit by the pale glow of her phone screen. Calm. Detached.
As if this whole thing had nothing to do with her.
Chen's gaze lingered a second longer than necessary.
Then, without a word, she turned back to the kiosk.
Her hand moved — quiet, smooth, almost too smooth.
Beep.
A soft chime.
No one noticed. No one looked.
Chen stepped aside, her expression unchanged.
But something in the air had shifted — faint, unspoken.
Ling joined her a moment later and tapped her badge, the soft chime blending into the quiet murmur.
They walked over, and Wei Xiao finally looked up as Chen approached.
Chen gave her a small, knowing smile before settling down beside her.
Soft whispers floated through the air as the screen flickered faintly, holding its silence like a secret.