Two Hours Later
After a swift journey, they finally arrived in China. Awaiting President Li Longwei was his team of sharp, disciplined bodyguards. Instead of heading back to the villa, Longwei made his way to his sleek, modern flat—a cozy two-bedroom apartment not far from his company. He preferred it that way close to work, quiet, detached.
He waved off his bodyguards, who bowed in unison before leaving. Inside, the apartment was spotless. The faint scent of jasmine drifted through the air.his servant had clearly been there earlier, ensuring not even a speck of dust remained.
Longwei shrugged off his coat and tossed it over the sofa. He wasn't hungry, not really. What he needed was rest. With a weary exhale, he walked into his bedroom, loosened his tie, and collapsed onto the bed. Within minutes, the world blurred into sleep.
The Next Day
Bai Muzi sat nervously across from President Longwei, his palms damp despite the cool air-conditioning. Few people could stay calm in front of such a man composed, unreadable, and commanding.
"President Li, I've signed the contract" Bai Muzi said finally, forcing a smile.
Longwei gave a small nod. "Good. You'll be assigned to the childcare project with Unit B." His voice was deep, even leaving no room for negotiation.
The news spread through the company like wildfire. Unit B buzzed with whispers some excited, others anxious. Having someone handpicked by the president himself was both an honor and a warning.
Taking a steadying breath, Bai Muzi made his way to Unit B, ready to prove himself.
Back in the office, only Longwei and Secretary Shen remained. The air felt heavier without the chatter.
"President Li" Shen began carefully, adjusting his glasses, "all preparations are complete."
Longwei didn't respond immediately. His gaze lingered on the city skyline outside the window—its lights reflecting like shards on the glass. "Good," he said at last, voice low.
Secretary Shen had been with him for years, yet understanding Longwei's thoughts was like trying to read a storm.
Meanwhile, at the Manor
"Miss Su Fengxi, the Master has returned" said Simon Dan, the ever-composed butler, his tone warm.
A bright spark lit up Su Fengxi's eyes. After days of waiting, she finally had the chance to thank him to face him properly this time. She'd felt restless, knowing he'd been away and unreachable.
"Thank you, Butler Dan" she said, her smile soft but sincere.
Simon's lips twitched upward. "It's good to see that look on your face again, Miss Su." There was a knowing glint in his eyes, as if he already foresaw how interesting things were about to become.
Back at the Company
Gu Suzuki, the head of Unit B, looked up from his desk with a welcoming grin. "Ah, you must be Bai Muzi. It's good to have some new energy in the department."
At nearly fifty, Gu Suzuki had dedicated over a decade to the company. His steady leadership and reliability had earned even President Li's quiet respect a rare honor.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Team Leader Gu" Bai Muzi said earnestly. "I'll be relying on your guidance."
Gu Suzuki chuckled, clapping his shoulder. "Guidance goes both ways. Come, let me introduce you to the rest of the team."
As Bai Muzi followed him through the busy floor, anticipation stirred in his chest. A new beginning, a chance to prove himself not just to the team, but to the man whose approval carried more weight than anyone else's.
At Midnight
A gentle knock broke the silence of the office. Li Longwei glanced at the door, fatigue barely shadowing his sharp gaze.
"Come in" he said.
Secretary Shen entered, a trace of concern in his expression. "President Li, it's already midnight. You haven't had dinner."
He arched a brow, following Shen's glance toward the clock. Indeed, the hands pointed to twelve. He had lost himself in work again. With a soft sigh, he stood, retrieving his coat from the back of the chair.
Understanding immediately, Shen moved to open the door, allowing him to pass. Neither man needed to exchange unnecessary words.
Half an Hour Later
When Li Longwei arrived at the manor, the grand house lay under the hush of sleep. Only the faint glow of the hallway lamps remained. The servants had long gone to bed, and even Butler Dan was nowhere in sight. A faint frown touched his brow; the quiet felt unusually heavy.
He moved toward the kitchen, intent on finding something to eat. Then, a soft voice called from behind him gentle, uncertain, yet carrying warmth.
"Mr. Li… I was just getting a glass of water. Are you hungry?"
He turned.
Su Fengxi stood near the stairway, dressed simply, the dim light tracing the soft outline of her figure. There was an ease in her expression that hadn't been there before a quiet strength, the kind that comes with healing and resolve.
For a moment, Li Longwei didn't reply. Her sudden concern caught him off guard. He had expected formality, perhaps distance not this gentle familiarity.
"I'm fine" he said finally, though his voice had lost some of its usual chill.
Her smile deepened slightly. " I will prepare tea for you "
He studied her for a long moment, the faint steam from her cup curling between them. She looked different brighter, steadier. The fragile woman he had once saved seemed to be fading, replaced by someone quietly resilient.
For reasons he couldn't quite name, something inside him eased.
"Very well" he said at last. "Tea will do."
Su Fengxi glided into the kitchen, the soft light casting her silhouette in an enchanting glow as she prepared a cup of tea.
Moments later, she returned, holding a steaming cup which she offered to him. Their fingers brushed lightly, and the brief touch ignited an unspoken tension that filled the air.
Li Longwei took a deliberate sip, the warmth grounding him. As he looked down at Su Fengxi, he felt her faint presence comforting.