The elevator glided upward with a whisper. The mirrored walls reflected Su Ning's calm profile — porcelain skin, long dark hair tumbling in waves, and eyes that seemed to hold their own gravity. Beside her, Zhou Meng stood in silence, her heartbeat a little too fast.
She'd worked in the capital for years, dealt with investors, celebrities, and high-ranking officials — but never had she felt this kind of pressure. The girl beside her was young — too young, perhaps yet every movement radiated something chillingly mature, like a predator resting between hunts.
When the elevator doors opened with a soft chime, the fragrance of amberwood and white peony drifted through the air.
The executive floor of Luminous Beauty Spa Headquarters gleamed — with seamless crystal composite floors, pale and luminous, catching light from the soft-gold fixtures above. The walls were layered with textured ivory panels that shimmered faintly, giving the illusion of water ripples.
Every step they took echoed softly, commanding attention.
As they entered Zhou Meng's grand office, floor-to-ceiling onyx-tinted windows framed the sprawling skyline of the capital, silver towers and distant clouds reflected in glass and light.
Zhou Meng gestured with both hands, respectful but cautious.
"President Su, please have a seat."
Su Ning didn't move immediately. She walked toward the panoramic window instead, gazing out at the city below. From this height, the cars looked like moving stars and the people like scattered dust.
"This city," she murmured, voice barely above a whisper, "is beautiful from far away… until you look closer."
Zhou Meng blinked, unsure how to respond. "You're right. The closer you look, the more flaws you see."
Su Ning turned slightly, her gaze sharp and assessing. "Then you already understand what I expect from Luminous."
"I—I do, President Su," Zhou Meng stammered, straightening. "But if I may be honest… every member of the boardroom is still a little shocked. You're—"
"Young?" Su Ning finished for her, an amused smile ghosting her lips. "You can say it."
Zhou Meng hesitated, then nodded cautiously. "Yes. And the spa's former owner was… well, let's say, very different."
"Chaotic," Su Ning supplied smoothly, turning and finally taking a seat. "He ran this place like a trophy, not a business."
Zhou Meng exhaled, relieved by her straightforwardness. "That's… exactly it."
Su Ning's tone turned silken, yet carried a quiet bite. "Then tell me, Zhou Meng — are you loyal to the spa or to its owner?"
Zhou Meng froze. The air between them thickened.
"I…" she started, then met Su Ning's eyes — those calm, unblinking eyes that seemed to see straight through her. "I'm loyal to my work — to what Luminous stands for."
Su Ning leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on the desk. "Good answer. But not good enough."
Zhou Meng's breath caught.
Su Ning's voice dropped to a whisper — smooth, cold, dangerously soft.
"Luminous doesn't just stand for beauty. It stands for power disguised as elegance. The kind that never needs to shout. And now… I own that power."
A shiver ran down Zhou Meng's spine. She swallowed hard. "Understood, President Su."
"Relax," Su Ning said suddenly, sitting back with a faint chuckle. "I'm not here to bite. I'm here to make sure this empire doesn't crumble from within."
Her tone lightened, but her eyes didn't.
Zhou Meng gathered her courage and began briefing Su Ning about operations — the VIP clientele, the partnership contracts, and recent scandals that had been smoothed over.
Su Ning listened in silence, crossing her legs elegantly. Every now and then, her gaze flicked toward Zhou Meng like a scalpel.
Then, Zhou Meng mentioned something about the Capital Elite Beauty Gala, a major annual event where top brands competed for prestige.
Su Ning's lips curved faintly. "So, the rich gather to brag about their treatments?"
Zhou Meng gave a nervous laugh. "That's… one way to put it."
"Are we attending?"
"Of course. Luminous has always been one of the main sponsors."
"Good," Su Ning said, eyes glinting with amusement. "This year, we won't just attend. We'll own it."
Zhou Meng looked confused. "Own it?"
Su Ning tilted her head slightly. "If I recall, the former sponsor head was one of our competitors — Radiant Dew Spa?"
"Yes, they're the biggest rival."
"Not for long." Su Ning's tone was calm, but the certainty in her voice sent goosebumps across Zhou Meng's skin.
After a moment of silence, Su Ning decided to initiate a contract with Zhou Meng directly.
"System," she said inwardly, her mind connecting instantly, "initiate a Master and Subordinate Contract with Zhou Meng. Silent execution."
Although the system had promised a perfect memory erasure for whoever she brings into the space, it was safer to just initiate the contract directly. She couldn't afford any accidental discovery of her space.
A soft hum vibrated through her consciousness.
'System: Confirmed.
Contract binding initiated.
Memory erasure protocol engaged.
Bond established successfully.'
The air in the office stilled.
A thin ripple of invisible energy passed between them, unseen, unfelt by most but Su Ning sensed it. Her aura, faintly golden, brushed against Zhou Meng's spirit like a silken thread tightening into a mark of allegiance.
Zhou Meng blinked once, her pupils dilating slightly, her shoulders relaxing. Her breathing slowed, her earlier nervousness melting into calm reverence.
"President Su," she said softly, "I'll devote myself fully to your directives. You can trust me completely."
Su Ning studied her for a moment. The new bond pulsed faintly in her mind — loyal, steady, warm. It was like sensing a heartbeat that wasn't hers but belonged to her.
Satisfied, she gave a small nod. "Good."
Zhou Meng didn't remember anything strange. She only felt as if a burden had been lifted, and her admiration for Su Ning, her elegance, her power had solidified into quiet devotion.
To her, it felt natural. To Su Ning, it was control.
Zhou Meng went on to give her report but this time, her voice carried a new tone. Less defensive. More… devoted. Every word seemed to unconsciously seek Su Ning's approval.
She detailed the spa's operations, the upcoming Capital Elite Beauty Gala, and the internal issues plaguing the staff. Su Ning listened, occasionally tapping her fingers lightly against the desk.
"So," Su Ning said after a while, "this Radiant Dew Spa holds the upper hand in publicity."
"Yes," Zhou Meng answered quickly, "but their brand is fragile. Their CEO is known for poor management. If you wish, President Su, we can take their entire client base within two months."
Su Ning tilted her head, eyes narrowing slightly. "Two months? Ambitious."
Zhou Meng flushed. "If you give the order, I'll make it happen."
Su Ning smiled faintly, a quiet, approving curve of her lips. The contract bond thrummed lightly in her consciousness, echoing Zhou Meng's determination and loyalty like a loyal flame feeding from her aura.
"Do it," Su Ning said finally. "But I don't want noise. I want silence. Success that makes people look twice and realize they've already lost."
"Yes, President Su," Zhou Meng replied, bowing her head again, voice almost reverent.
Suddenly, there was a loud knock on the door. Zhou Meng frowned, annoyed.
"I told them not to interrupt—"
Before she could finish, the door burst open and a man in a gray suit barged in. He looked furious.
"Director Zhou!" he snapped. "What's the meaning of firing my cousin without approval? She's worked here for five years!"
Zhou Meng stiffened. "Assistant Manager Ren, you can't just—"
"I don't care!" he shouted, turning to Su Ning. His tone was arrogant, dismissive — he hadn't even realized who she was. "Who's this? Another one of your new clients? You've lost your mind, Zhou Meng!"
The room went silent. Even the air conditioner seemed to stop.
Su Ning rose slowly from her chair, her expression unreadable.
"Your cousin," she said calmly, "was the head beautician who insulted a client."
"She was provoked!" he barked. "Do you have any idea who that client was? If she offended Miss Tang, it's the spa's reputation at stake!"
"Oh?" Su Ning's tone turned icy. "And who do you suggest we protect more — a VIP client or an arrogant employee who brings shame to Luminous?"
Ren snorted. "You talk big for someone who doesn't even know how this industry works. Who are you, anyway?"
Zhou Meng's eyes widened. "Mr Ren, stop—!"
But it was too late.
Su Ning's calm aura shifted. Her expression didn't change — but the air seemed to freeze. The subtle suppressing aura seeped out like a slow mist, chilling, invisible, suffocating.
Ren's words faltered in his throat. His legs felt heavy. Sweat prickled down his neck as he stared into Su Ning's unblinking eyes.
"Luminous belongs to me," Su Ning said softly. "So tell me, who do you think you are?"
The blood drained from his face. "Y-you're—"
"President Su," Zhou Meng said quickly, voice trembling slightly from the tension. "What are your orders?"
Ren stammered backward, face pale as paper. "I—I didn't know— I—"
Su Ning's gaze never softened. "Ignorance doesn't excuse arrogance. You have fifteen minutes to clear your desk. HR will handle the rest."
Ren opened his mouth to protest — but one look into her eyes silenced him completely. He turned and stumbled out of the office.
When the door shut, Su Ning sat down again, her tone calm as if nothing had happened. "Sometimes order requires thunder before peace."
Zhou Meng gathered herself and pulled out several files. "President Su, there's something you should see. We found irregularities in some VIP memberships — extensions and discounts given without approval."
"Who authorized them?" Su Ning asked.
Zhou Meng said seriously. "One of the previous senior managers and a few board members may have benefitted."
Su Ning's expression didn't change, but her eyes darkened. "Then it seems we'll need to trim the weeds."
Her voice carried the same casual rhythm one might use while discussing tea flavors — yet the meaning beneath it made Zhou Meng's pulse race.
Su Ning stood up again, walking toward the window, the city's glow outlining her figure in pale gold.
"Director Zhou," she said softly, "from now on, you'll answer directly to me. I don't care about their politics or titles. Anyone disloyal — remove them."
Zhou Meng bowed her head deeply. "Yes, President Su."
"Good. And one more thing…" Su Ning turned, her tone lighter now, almost playful. "Schedule a staff meeting next week. I want to meet them personally.
Zhou Meng managed a small smile. "Yes President."
When Su Ning finally left the office, every employee she passed instinctively stepped aside, lowering their gazes. Word had already spread: the new owner who was just a teenager had humiliated a rich heiress, fired a senior manager, and reshuffled the power hierarchy — all in one day.
And as she entered the elevator, her reflection caught in the polished steel doors, serene, cold, magnificent — she smiled faintly.