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A year ago...
As the sky gradually darkened, the neon lights of the city began to illuminate, resembling stars that had fallen to the earth. The colorful reflections danced on the floor-to-ceiling windows of Lin's Tower, outlining the luxurious contours of the president's office at Yuexing Capital.
Lin Yue slammed a document onto her desk with a sharp sound. "This investment project has issues. I need your team to redo the due diligence!" she said coldly.
The project manager nodded nervously and hurriedly left the office as if escaping.
Lu Chen looked at Lin Yue helplessly; this was already the fifth project she had rejected today. Lin Yue leaned back lazily in her chair, her sleek black bob framing her exquisitely chiseled features, exuding an air of cold elegance that made her seem unapproachable. Her dark eyes, which should have been clear and bright, held a hint of melancholy that tugged at one's heartstrings.
Her fingers absentmindedly toyed with a gold-plated fountain pen, her long fingers skillfully twisting it as if, at this moment, this small object was more important than anything else.
Lu Chen sat across from her, tall and poised, with an elegant demeanor. Silver-rimmed glasses perched on his high nose. He adjusted his glasses for the third time, the blue light from his computer screen reflecting coldly off the lenses.
"Lin Yue, are you in a bad mood today?" Lu Chen asked softly.
Lin Yue remained silent, not lifting her head.
Having long since grown accustomed to her temperament, Lu Chen did not take offense. He turned his computer towards her. "Take a look at this."
He pointed to the Starlight Entertainment Annual Plan on the screen, his tone steady. "From the perspective of return cycles and impact, investing in the entertainment industry could be a good breakthrough for us and help expand our business territory."
Lin Yue raised her eyes, her expression instantly becoming serious as she focused on the screen. She slowly moved the mouse without saying a word. Within just a few minutes, she had mentally deconstructed and reassembled the entire plan multiple times, identifying key business opportunities.
"What about risk assessment?" she asked succinctly.
Lu Chen's lips curled slightly as he prepared another document. "I simulated three different scenarios; even in the worst case, we can maintain an eight percent return."
Lin Yue nodded, a flicker of excitement flashing in her eyes before it was quickly overshadowed by her usual pride. She lightly tapped her fingers on the desk in a steady rhythm, weighing the pros and cons in her mind.
"There's a charity auction gala tomorrow night; many people from the film industry will be there," Lu Chen suggested tentatively. "We could make an appearance; perhaps we’ll come across a suitable project?"
Lin Yue's expression darkened as images of a bustling scene filled with insincere pleasantries and those gossiping or pitying glances flashed through her mind. A dull ache throbbed at her temples; her brows furrowed instantly as she unconsciously quickened her tapping—a habit she had when anxious.
Seeing Lin Yue's reaction, Jiang Rou felt a pang in her heart. Having grown up together, she understood these subtle movements all too well.
She rose from the custom-made Italian sofa, her enchanting face more stunning than any top star's. Her skin was like jade, almost translucent. Her alluring eyes sparkled with life, slightly arched at the corners, adding to her charm.
"What’s wrong, my little President Lin?" Jiang Rou asked with a light laugh.
Her steps resembled a walk down the runway, not so much walking as stirring the hearts of those around her. The Eugene pearl earrings dangling from her earlobes swayed gently with her movements, sparkling brilliantly. Eugene was the brand of Lin Yue's mother, Shangguan Yun, who was a top jewelry designer in the world and also Jiang Rou's godmother. Jiang Rou was always the first to wear Shangguan Yun's latest jewelry designs, which made her very proud.
She approached Lin Yue, gently bending down, wrapping her arms around Lin Yue's neck from the side of the office chair, resting her chin affectionately on her shoulder. Her flaxen hair cascaded down, strands brushing against Lin Yue's neck, bringing with it a hint of iris fragrance.
"Don't want to go?" Jiang Rou asked with a smile, her voice sweet as thick honey.
Lin Yue tilted her head slightly, avoiding the tickling sensation from Jiang Rou's hair and shifting her body to the side.
"You know I don't like those kinds of occasions," Lin Yue replied coldly.
She wasn't fond of such overly affectionate gestures but had adapted to Jiang Rou's little displays of intimacy. Her long legs crossed over one another as she unconsciously twisted the crown of her Patek Philippe watch, as if that could soothe her inner turmoil.
Jiang Rou straightened up, the plain ring on her middle finger glinting under the light. She took Lin Yue's hand, her brightly painted red nails drawing circles on Lin Yue's wrist.
"Just this once, come with us," Jiang Rou urged in a lower voice, enchanting like a spell. "With your eye for detail, you might spot the next big hit right away."
She paused for a moment, her gaze softening further. "Besides, with me by your side, you won't feel uncomfortable."
"Yeah, Lin Yue," Lu Chen chimed in appropriately. "If you don’t go, we won’t feel confident either. There are some new directors and actors in the industry lately who seem promising; without your discerning eye, we wouldn’t dare invest casually."
He paused again, concern evident in his eyes. "If you really feel uneasy, we can leave anytime."
Lin Yue fell silent, torn inside. From a business perspective, this was a rare opportunity; however, she truly disliked crowded and lively events.
Jiang Rou pouted expectantly. "If you wear that burgundy velvet suit, all the women there will be green with envy." She spoke in that sweet tone reserved just for Lin Yue, her voice gentle as if coaxing a child. "That’s a hidden gem from Milan Fashion Week; I specially had someone get it from the designer for you. Paired with my godmother's latest jewelry design, you'll definitely be the most beautiful one there."
Lin Yue rubbed her temples and ultimately surrendered to her business instincts with a slight nod.
Jiang Rou's eyes lit up instantly as she wrapped her arms around Lin Yue's neck and quickly planted a kiss on her cheek. "Great! I’ll go prepare your outfit right away!"
Watching Jiang Rou’s cheerful departure, Lin Yue sighed.
"If you really don’t want to go, then don’t," Lu Chen said gently.
Lin Yue shook her head, her tone carrying a hint of compromise. "You're right; this is indeed a good opportunity for the company."
She glanced at her watch. "It’s getting late; let’s call it a day."
Lu Chen wanted to say more but held back upon seeing Lin Yue’s weary expression. At that moment, she needed solitude rather than more chatter—even from those closest to her.
After Lu Chen left, Lin Yue gazed out the window. The city lights twinkled in the night like diamonds scattered across black velvet—brilliant yet out of reach.
She stared blankly outside for a while before suddenly recalling something. She rummaged through her drawer and pulled out a small pill bottle, pouring out a white tablet and swallowing it directly.
The dryness as the pill went down made her frown. She hated taking medication and despised the feeling of being controlled by drugs; yet she knew she couldn’t do without them.
Lin Yue let out a soft sigh, secretly hoping that tomorrow's banquet would proceed without any unexpected incidents. Little did she know, fate had already begun to turn its gears. The person who would completely change her life was standing at the crossroads of destiny, waiting for their unexpected encounter.
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