Aanya and Huan Jing's house isn't big, but it is very clean, warm, and comforting.
The living room walls are painted a soft pastel yellow, creating a peaceful, positive atmosphere.
Fresh sunlight enters through the window, making tiny dust particles float in the air like glitter.
A wooden dining table stands in the corner, decorated with a small flower bouquet.
The whole place represents the simple, happy life of two hardworking friends.
Aanya looks at Huan Jing with affection on her face.
Aanya: "You must be tired from the journey. That's why… today, I'll cook lunch. And yes—starting tomorrow, we go back to our routine, okay?"
Huan Jing, tiredly sitting on the sofa, suddenly straightens up and salutes like a soldier.
Huan Jing: "Yes, ma'am!"
Aanya laughs and lightly touches her shoulder, speaking dramatically like an old-movie heroine.
Aanya: "Yes, my good student!"
Both burst out laughing.
Aanya walks to the kitchen to prepare lunch, satisfaction shining in her expression—because she loves taking care of her friend.
---
Zain Yan's Mansion
The exterior of the mansion is made of white Italian marble, grand and cold—showing wealth and power.
Tall black iron gates guard the entrance, and inside, a huge fountain sparkles under the sunlight.
The greenery around is perfectly trimmed.
This entire mansion looks like a symbol of authority… and loneliness.
A luxury car slows down at the main entrance.
Zain Yan steps out.
His walk is slow, controlled, powerful.
As soon as he gets out, guards and servants rush forward and bow deeply, fear and obedience visible on their faces.
Servants (bowing): "Welcome, Young Master Zain Yan."
Zain's face tightens for a moment at those words.
His eyes suddenly fill with cold anger.
He replies in a sharp, icy voice:
Zain: "Don't call me 'Young Master.' Call me Zain Sir."
All the servants flinch.
Servants: "O-Okay… not Master… Zain Sir."
He is no longer the scared 11-year-old Jiarui.
His expressions, his posture, the lifeless sharpness in his eyes—all show that he has become cold and heartless.
Zain enters the main door.
A huge hall opens up in front of him—expensive chandeliers, ancient artworks, everything dazzling.
He sees his stepmother, Xuyan, standing there.
She is dressed in a flashy luxury top, diamond jewelry—her entire look nothing but show-off wealth.
Trying to act loving, and still struggling with English, she forces a smile and says:
Xuyan (in broken English): "L-loong time no see… Welcome to dear son, Zain."
Zain doesn't even look at her.
He completely ignores her and walks straight to his room without saying a single word.
Xuyan's face turns red with anger.
In a low whisper, meant only for the maid beside her, she mutters:
Xuyan: "Look at his attitude. Just like his father—father like son."
The maid tries to hide her laughter, and Xuyan shoots her a sharp glare.
Xuyan: "Don't you have anything to do? Go prepare lunch."
---
Zain Yan's Room
Zain's room no longer looks like the old Jiarui's room.
All the furniture has changed, even the wall colors.
It is modern, minimal, expensive… but lifeless.
He doesn't care.
He stands in front of the huge window overlooking the city.
He removes his cap and tosses it carelessly onto the sofa.
Wind enters through the slightly open window, brushing through his thick black hair.
His sharp, sculpted face becomes fully visible.
In a cold, emotionless tone, he murmurs to himself:
Zain: "I am back now. I will take revenge on you, Miss Lu."
He closes his eyes and remembers the new face of "Miss Lu,"
and the flame of revenge flickers clearly in his expression.
---
Aanya & Huan Jing — Lunchtime
Aanya and Huan Jing sit at the dining table, enjoying lunch together.
Aanya: "You know something? I heard our ZY Empire's new CEO is coming. And he's only 26. They say he's a heartless wolf."
Huan Jing, with food in her mouth, widens her eyes.
Huan Jing: "That dangerous?"
Aanya nods.
Aanya: "Yes! And you're lucky."
Huan Jing: "How?"
Aanya's face turns worried.
She grabs her pocket phone and dramatically counts rules on her fingers.
Aanya: "Before even arriving, that ruthless man set these rules:
1. No mistakes allowed.
2. 1–2 minutes late → serious offense. Red mark, salary cut, and CEO's cold glare.
3. No gossip in the office. Strictly banned.
4. No personal calls.
5. No entering CEO's cabin without knocking = death wish.
6. No romantic relationships between employees.
7. Elevator rule: If CEO is inside, no one else enters. Everyone uses another elevator.
8. More than 2 leaves → next day resignation in your hand."
Huan Jing swallows her bite and frowns deeply.
Huan Jing: "So many strict rules!? I'll die!"
Aanya: "You're not alone. Me too! Honestly, these rules are stricter than school. Our first boss was much better—he never made such rules."
Suddenly Huan Jing remembers something.
Huan Jing: "Oh yes… any news about your brother?"
Aanya's expression immediately falls.
Her eyes turn moist.
Aanya: "No… he's been missing for 2 years. No trace… nothing."
Huan Jing gets up, hugs Aanya, gently pats her back.
Huan Jing: "He'll come back. Don't worry."
Aanya steps out of the hug, taking a deep breath.
Hope and sadness mix on her face.
Aanya: "I know… but when?"
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