Part 1: The Grand Entrance and Suppressed Whispers
There was an unusual stir at the main gate of the Yan Fashion Empire today. At exactly 10 a.m., a luxurious Mercedes-Maybach came to a halt at the gates. The security guards swiftly opened the door, and out stepped—Mei Wei.
She was clad in an "Embolded Green" silk suit, purchased from the most expensive boutique in Paris. Her high heels clicked against the marble floor, the sound echoing throughout the hall. She had arrived to assume the position of Assistant Manager (PR & Corporate Communications).
In the reception area, Anya, Huan Jing, and Zia stood holding bouquets, ready to welcome her.
Zia (whispering softly):
"Oh my God! She looks like a living goddess. Jing, did you hear? She's the boss's childhood friend."
Huan Jing (tightening her lips):
"A friend of the family, maybe. Look at that attitude… as if she owns all of Shenzhen."
Anya remained silent, yet a strange turmoil stirred within her. She observed Mei Wei's flawless face and regal demeanor.
Anya (internally):
"If he had such a beautiful and capable friend, then why did that monster marry me? Am I merely a pawn? In her presence, I am nothing."
Part 2: The Market of Rumors and Anya's Resolve
As Mei Wei walked through the hall, whispers erupted among the office staff:
"Look, that must be Mrs. Yan. The boss probably mentioned that K-drama nonsense in yesterday's interview just to distract us. Do you really think Zain Yan would marry a simple girl who watches K-dramas? Look at her—this is real class!"
Huan Jing gripped Anya's hand tightly.
Huan Jing: "Anya, I don't like her attitude. Look—she keeps staring at you. She's not here to work; she's here to cause chaos."
Anya met Mei Wei's gaze. In those eyes, she saw a blend of pride and hatred. Leaning close to Jing, she whispered:
Anya: "Don't worry, Jing. Whether she's a Parisian goddess or angel, it doesn't matter. You don't know me yet—I can handle her. If I can endure Zain Yan's temper, I can certainly deal with this artificial doll."
The two friends exchanged a determined smile. Mei Wei noticed their exchange from afar, a frown forming on her forehead.
Part 3: "I Miss You, My Zain"
At that moment, the VIP elevator doors opened, and Zain Yan emerged. His face, as always, was carved in stone. The moment Mei Wei saw him, she waved and ran toward him.
The entire staff watched in stunned silence as Mei Wei hugged Zain in full view of everyone.
Mei Wei (voice trembling, artificially soft):
"Zain! I missed you so much! Do you have any idea how lonely I was in Paris without you? My Zain… everything has changed."
Anya's fists clenched. "Your Zain?" she thought. "Since when did he become yours?" Her face flushed with anger, her glasses sliding slightly down her nose. A sharp wave of jealousy surged through her chest.
Zain did not return Mei Wei's embrace. His gaze locked on Anya standing in the crowd. He noticed the jealousy and frustration painted on her face. A faint, subtle smile curved his lips, a smile only he could feel. He enjoyed seeing Anya's envy.
Part 4: Zain's Stern Reprimand
Zain gently but firmly released Mei Wei. His voice was cold and authoritative.
Zain:
"Mei Wei, remember your boundaries. This is my office, not a café in Paris. And as for claiming any 'ownership'… I am married now. Maintain your dignity."
The office seemed to freeze. Mei Wei's face paled instantly. Her eyes darted to Anya, who felt a small sense of relief yet remained simmering with anger. Mei Wei realized that Zain's declaration of being married was because of the very girl she had deemed insignificant.
Zain (looking around):
"Spectacle's over. Everyone, return to your work! Mei Wei, your desk in the PR department is ready. Go handle your responsibilities."
Humiliated, Mei Wei hid her defeat behind a practiced smile, a product of training under Lu Kang.
Zain:
"Kian! Come to my cabin—now!"
Part 5: Silence in the Cabin and the Pendant Secret
Zain strode to his cabin, shooting Anya a sharp, silent order to follow. As the crowd dispersed, Mei Wei lingered, her eyes fixed on Anya's retreating back.
Mei Wei (mentally):
"So this is the mouse Zain has elevated to lioness status? Wait, Anya Lu, the Parisian winds are about to wreak havoc in Shenzhen."
Inside the cabin, Zain removed his coat and turned to Anya.
Zain: "Were you jealous?"
Anya: "Not at all! I was just surprised that despite having 'goddesses' around you, you chose to become a 'villain.'"
Zain approached her, grasped her wrist, and pulled her close.
Zain: "She has no right to call me 'My Zain.' That right belongs to you… even if you call me a villain."
He retrieved a blue diamond pendant from his desk.
Zain: "Wear this. Mei Wei needs to know who Mrs. Yan is—though the world must wait."
In the midst of the office chaos, Anya was hurrying, balancing a stack of files. Suddenly, a Parisian-scented figure blocked her path. Mei Wei deliberately extended her foot.
Crash!
Anya lost her balance and collided with Mei Wei. Both stumbled onto the cold marble floor, Anya's files scattering like feathers. The entire office froze.
Mei Wei (shouting, feigning pain):
"My foot! You! Are you blind? Do you know the price of these clothes? Your entire life could never buy a single stitch!"
Anya's knees hurt, but she remained silent. Adjusting her glasses, she met Mei Wei's gaze with the same fierce determination that Zain's tyranny had forged in her—unyielding courage.
Part 6: Anya's Retort – The Strong Lead
Huan Jing rushed to Anya.
Huan Jing: "Anya! Are you okay?"
Anya grabbed her hand and stood up, brushing off her skirt. She looked at Mei Wei, still theatrically sprawled on the floor.
Anya (icy calm):
"Miss Mei Wei, high heels may add height, but not class. You intentionally blocked my path—CCTV will prove it. As for your clothes… stains can be washed, but stains on intent cannot be masked by Parisian perfume."
The office was stunned. No one had expected the usually quiet Anya to speak like this. Mei Wei's face turned crimson with fury.
Mei Wei: "How dare you—!"
Part 7: Zain's Arrival and the 'Whisper'
At that moment, heavy footsteps echoed in the corridor. Zain Yan had arrived. His mere presence lowered the temperature. Mei Wei expected him to scold Anya or even suspend her. Anya herself braced for a public reprimand.
Zain passed the scattered papers and the seated Mei Wei as if they were nothing. He stopped beside Anya, placing a supportive hand on her shoulder instead of her wrist.
He leaned close to her ear, his warm breath brushing her neck.
Zain (softly, audible only to Anya):
"You can walk to your desk yourself… or shall I carry you in front of everyone? The choice is yours, Mrs. Yan."
Anya blushed with a mix of embarrassment and surprise. She looked into Zain's eyes—there was no anger, only an unusual sense of protection.
Anya (whispering): "I… I can walk. No need for madness."
Zain straightened up, not sparing a glance at Mei Wei.
Zain: "Very well. Go to your desk. And Anya… you've wasted valuable office time. Come to my cabin—I must 'punish' you."
Part 8: Kian and Huan Jing's Secret Corner
As Zain and Anya headed toward the elevator, Mei Wei lingered, wearing a victorious smile. She assumed Anya would be punished or suspended.
In the office café area, Kian and Huan Jing were alone. Jing couldn't contain her laughter.
Huan Jing (laughing loudly): "Hahaha! Kian, did you see that? Anya tore that Parisian cat to shreds! 'If stains are on intent, perfume can't hide it'—man, that was amazing!"
Kian (panicking, covering her mouth): "Quiet! If Mei Wei hears you, she'll shred both of you alive. And you know the boss…"
Huan Jing (removing his hand):
"Don't be a coward! Just watch, today Anya proved she isn't a kitten but a lioness who makes everyone know their place."