The next evening, Elena Li limped slightly as she unlocked her apartment door. Her knee still ached from the fall, and she sighed at the thought of reviewing another stack of reports.
Just as she set her bag down, a knock sounded. She opened the door to find Adrian Chen standing there, holding a neat pile of folders and a paper bag.
"You again?" she asked, half amused, half exasperated.
Adrian smiled politely. "The HR department asked me to deliver tomorrow's orientation files. And I thought you might need dinner too."
She blinked. "Dinner?"
He lifted the bag. "Noodles. I wasn't sure what you liked, so I bought three kinds. Consider it… assistant's precaution."
Elena laughed, shaking her head. "You're ridiculous."
Inside, Adrian placed the folders on her table. "These are the executive summaries for the new client proposals, the budget outlines for the quarterly review, and the HR guidelines for interns. I've highlighted the sections you'll need to prepare."
Elena flipped through the pages, impressed. "You're very thorough."
Adrian shrugged modestly. "It saves you time."
As she brewed tea, Adrian hovered nearby. "Do you prefer green tea or black?" he asked casually.
"Green," she replied, amused. "Why do you keep asking about my preferences?"
He grinned. "Assistants should know these things. It helps me serve you better."
She laughed. "You're taking this role too seriously."
When she sat down to review the documents, Adrian sprawled on her sofa, sighing dramatically. "This sofa is too firm. I think it's plotting against me."
Elena raised an eyebrow. "Are you complaining in my house?"
He grinned sheepishly. "Maybe I'm spoiled. But don't assistants deserve comfort too?"
She chuckled. "You're acting like a pampered child."
"Then treat me like one," he said lightly, stretching out as if he owned the place.
Elena rolled her eyes, but her lips curved into a smile.
Later, as she tried to focus on the budget outlines, Adrian leaned over, pointing at a section. "This part is tricky. If you don't highlight the expense breakdowns, the managers will think you missed it."
She glanced at him, surprised. "You know a lot for an assistant."
He coughed lightly, covering his slip. "I… read too many reports. Occupational hazard."
Just then, Adrian's phone buzzed. He stepped aside, answering quickly. Marcus Wu's voice hissed through the line. "Sir, this is madness. You're delivering files, buying noodles, lounging on her sofa. If she realizes you're the CEO, I'm finished."
Adrian chuckled softly. "Relax, Marcus. She suspects nothing. Just keep covering for me at the office."
Marcus groaned. "Do you know how terrifying it is to scold you in front of her? Every time I raise my voice, I think you'll fire me."
Adrian smirked. "You play the role well. Keep it up."
Elena noticed him whispering and frowned. "Is that another urgent matter?"
Adrian quickly ended the call and smiled. "Just a friend reminding me not to forget dinner. Assistants get hungry too."
She laughed, shaking her head. "You're hopeless."
Later, as they ate noodles together, Adrian slurped loudly, making exaggerated faces. "This one's too spicy. I think it's trying to kill me."
Elena burst out laughing, nearly spilling her tea. "You're unbelievable."
He grinned, pleased to hear her laughter. "At least I'm entertaining."
When she finally grew tired, Adrian gathered the folders neatly. "Rest. I'll sort tomorrow's files for you."
Elena watched him, her heart warming despite herself. He was strange, spoiled, and far too attentive… but kind.
As she draped a blanket over him when he dozed off on her sofa, she whispered, "You're too much, but… thank you."
Adrian stirred faintly, his lips curving into a smile even in sleep.
Just then, his phone buzzed loudly on the table. Elena picked it up, hesitating before answering. "Hello? Adrian's asleep right now."
On the other end, Marcus Wu froze. His heart raced — he had been about to discuss urgent company matters, but hearing Elena's voice sent panic through him.
"Oh! Miss Li," Marcus stammered, quickly changing his tone. "I… I was just checking if he delivered the files properly. Nothing important."
Elena frowned. "You sound nervous."
Marcus forced a laugh, his voice trembling. "Nervous? No, no. Just… careful. He's new at this assistant role, so I like to double‑check."
Elena smiled faintly. "Well, he's asleep now. He worked hard today."
Marcus swallowed, his heart pounding. He was scolding the CEO one moment, now speaking to the girl who must never know the truth. "Yes, yes. Please let him rest. Thank you for answering."
He hung up quickly, wiping sweat from his forehead. "I'm going to die of a heart attack before this charade ends," he muttered to himself.
Elena placed the phone back on the table, glancing at Adrian's sleeping face. His expression was peaceful, almost boyish, and for a moment her heart softened. She whispered, "You're strange… but maybe not so bad."