The invitation lingered on Su Ruoyan's desk long after dusk, its golden Mo Group emblem shimmering under the soft glow of her desk lamp, casting a spell of nostalgia for a world she had deliberately left behind. Her fingers brushed over its elegant surface, repeating the motion as if to unravel the tight knot twisting painfully in her chest.
Mo Zhenyan.
Just the mere thought of his name ignited a torrent of buried memories. She could almost hear his gentle laughter echoing in her ears, picture their moments spent beneath blooming cherry blossoms, remember the study sessions filled with hushed whispers and stolen glances, and feel the warmth of his gaze that had once made her heart race.
With a heavy sigh, she leaned back in her chair, the air thick with unspoken recollections.
A gentle knock broke the silence.
"Come in," she called out, her voice steady, yet tinged with exhaustion.
Her eldest brother, Su Chengyuan, stepped into the room, his tailored suit a testament to his composed nature. "Still awake at this hour?" he remarked lightly, yet concern edged his tone.
Ruoyan gestured toward the invitation, its presence familiar yet foreign. "Mo Group wants to collaborate on the Gu Foundation project."
Chengyuan picked up the envelope, brow furrowing as he traced the embossed logo. He placed it down with a contemplative air. "The Mo family has always been linked with the Gu Foundation. It's not surprising, but the fact that it's addressed to you personally? That's unusual."
Lowering her gaze, a faint smile tugged at her lips. "Zhenyan was once an old friend of mine."
Chengyuan's expression softened with understanding. "If he's reaching out now, it means he's aware of everything and wants to help."
Ruoyan shook her head slowly, determination sharpening her features. "That's just it. I am not looking for pity, especially not from him. What I need is something genuine, not sympathy."
Chengyuan placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, helping to ground her. "You've never needed pity, Ah Yan. However, always remember that having allies can be a powerful tool for your rise. Besides, the Mo family values discretion, and if this meeting could benefit you, why not seize the opportunity?"
Her gaze met her brother's, a tempest of gratitude and defiance swirling within her. "You sound just like Father."
He flashed a soft smile, his eyes reflecting a brotherly warmth. "He raised us to know when to stand our ground."
As he left, Ruoyan remained in her chair, caught in a tangled web of past and present.
Two days later, the morning dawned bright and crisp, the silhouette of the capital gleaming beyond her dressing room's French windows.
Shen Yuxin appeared in the doorway, a steaming cup of ginseng tea in hand. "Ah Yan, are you sure about attending this charity event?"
Ruoyan glanced at her reflection in the mirror, dressed in a pale blue silk gown adorned with delicate earrings, her hair swept into an elegant updo.
"It's time for me to reclaim my place in this world on my own terms, Mother," she replied, her voice filled with resolve.
Her mother's expression softened, with a mix of pride and concern. "You resemble your grandmother so much. She was a strong and fierce woman in her time, and I pray for her to grant you her strength in the days ahead."
Ruoyan smiled, the corners of her mouth lifting. "Thank you, Mother. I hope I do not disappoint Grandma in heaven."
The charity event unfolded at the lavish Capital Grand Pavilion, a breathtaking hall overlooking sprawling gardens. Luxury cars lined the entrance, while reporters eagerly captured images of the prominent guests as they arrived.
Stepping out of her car, Ruoyan exuded calm confidence, the Su family crest discreetly embroidered on her clutch, a subtle declaration of strength recognisable only to a few.
As she navigated through the crowded lobby, she offered polite nods to familiar faces. Inside the grand ballroom, light cascaded from crystal chandeliers, and the gentle strains of classical music floated through the air.
At the registration table, Qi Meilin greeted her with a knowing smile. "You made the right choice coming here," she whispered. "The Mo Group is positioning itself, and this event is as much about forging alliances as it is about charity."
"I'm not here for alliances, Meilin," Ruoyan countered, her gaze scanning the room. "I'm just here to observe."
Meilin's expression turned playful. "Well, observation often opens the door to opportunity, you know."
Ruoyan rolled her eyes, but couldn't help the small smile forming at the corner of her lips.
At that moment, a tall figure in a tailored black suit turned, seemingly pulled toward her by an invisible thread.
I froze. It's Mo Zhenyan.
Even from a distance, he commanded attention with his broad-shouldered and sharp-featured appearance, radiating an air of authority that was both intimidating and inviting. When his gaze swept over the crowd and locked onto mine, the world around me faded into a distant murmur.
Ruoyan's breath hitched, memories rushing back like a tidal wave from their last encounter years ago, time before she had chosen a different path. Back then, his gaze had been thick with unspoken emotions, but now it bore the weight of experience, strong and steady.
She quickly turned to Meilin, urgency flickering in her voice. "Let's find our seats," she urged, her heart pounding a rhythm against her ribs.
"Absolutely, let's go," Meilin replied with an air of nonchalance, though the knowing look in her eyes revealed she had sensed the charged shift between them.
As they settled into a cosy corner of the sprawling ballroom, Ruoyan's eyes roamed over the mingling crowd. She had intended to remain an observer, blending into the background, but her resolve slipped when the emcee's voice sliced through the murmur of conversation.
"Please welcome Mr Mo Zhenyan, CEO of Mo Group, to the stage."
A wave of applause erupted through the hall as he emerged into the spotlight, adjusting the microphone with a seamless ease that captivated the room. His voice sounded rich and smooth, naturally commanding attention.
"Good afternoon, everyone. Today isn't just about business, it's a commitment to give back, a chance to build a brighter future together, rooted in the belief of second chances."
Ruoyan leaned forward, anticipation twisting in her stomach, her heart racing. This day was more than just an event for her; it was a doorway to new beginnings, a chance to rewrite the script of her life.