Liu Xin stood at the base of the towering glass building, its sharp edges slicing into the dawn sky. The morning light reflected off the surface like blades, making the structure appear even colder, more unforgiving. Her reflection stared back at her—crisp white blouse tucked into a navy skirt, her long black hair tied in a low ponytail, and a leather tote gripped tightly in one hand.
It was her first day at Jinhai International, one of the most powerful conglomerates in the country. She had clawed her way through countless interviews and evaluation rounds to land a position here as an assistant in the Strategy Department.
Or rather—Wu Jian's department.
Her fingers tightened around her bag. The name alone sent a jolt through her nerves. Wu Jian, the infamous CEO who was as brilliant as he was ruthless. Everyone had warned her about him. The media painted him as a genius who built his empire with a mind like steel and a heart like stone. Colleagues whispered about his cold stares and brutal expectations.
Liu Xin wasn't afraid.
Mostly.
She exhaled and pushed through the rotating glass doors.
The lobby was marble and metal, a silent monument to money and efficiency. A sleek receptionist with perfect eyeliner smiled at her and pointed her toward the private elevators reserved for executive floors.
The elevator swished open without a sound.
As Liu Xin stepped in, she whispered to herself, "Just act like you belong here."
She didn't expect the elevator to stop three floors up. And she definitely didn't expect him to step in.
Wu Jian didn't speak. He didn't even glance at her. But she recognized him instantly—the chiseled features, perfectly tailored black suit, and the quiet, commanding presence that seemed to lower the temperature in the small space.
Liu Xin stood ramrod straight.
Don't say anything. Don't even breathe too loud.
She side-eyed him from the corner of her vision. His face was unreadable, his jaw sharp, and his eyes focused on the floor numbers as though contemplating war strategy. He was taller than she thought, and way colder in person.
Her brain, the traitor, decided to entertain thoughts she shouldn't have had.
He looks like the kind of man who could make a room full of executives cry and then calmly sip tea afterward.
The elevator chimed again. They had reached the top floor.
He stepped out without a word. Liu Xin followed.
"Miss Liu," someone called. A smartly dressed woman with a headset appeared from around the corner. "You're being onboarded directly by the CEO's office. Please follow me."
Liu Xin blinked. "Directly by…?"
"Yes. CEO Wu personally approved your transfer to his department. You'll be working as his executive assistant."
Wait. What?
She had applied for the Strategy Department—not to be some cold, arrogant CEO's right hand! Before she could protest, the woman had already opened a heavy glass door to reveal an ultra-minimalist office. Black, white, chrome. Stark and powerful, like its owner.
Wu Jian sat behind the desk, flipping through a document.
He didn't look up as the assistant gestured for Liu Xin to step in. "Miss Liu Xin, reporting for duty," the assistant announced cheerfully and vanished like smoke.
Liu Xin stood awkwardly in the silence, unsure whether to sit or salute.
"Your resume is impressive." His voice was calm, deep, and cut through the air like a blade.
"Thank you, CEO Wu."
"I selected you because your thesis on strategic growth in digital markets aligned with our Q3 initiative." His eyes finally lifted to meet hers. "I expect punctuality, discretion, and initiative."
Liu Xin's heart thudded. His gaze was sharp. Clinical. As if he could see through every bluff she'd ever made in life.
"I understand."
"You'll be shadowing me for the next two weeks. After that, you'll be evaluated."
Like a science experiment, she thought.
He returned to his papers. "You may begin by preparing a report comparing our domestic sales metrics with last quarter's data."
"I—Yes. Right away."
"Also," he added, without looking up, "don't wear perfume again."
She paused, halfway to the door. "Excuse me?"
"I don't tolerate distractions in my office. That includes unnecessary scents."
Liu Xin stared at him for two seconds too long.
Wow. First day and he's already policing my smell. Delightful.
"Of course, CEO Wu."
She left the office with her pride slightly dented and her curiosity piqued.
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Back at her assigned workstation—a glass cubicle directly outside Wu Jian's office—Liu Xin exhaled and let her inner voice run free.
Congratulations, Liu Xin. You just entered the lion's den and he doesn't like your shampoo.
Her fingers flew across the keyboard. She was not going to let this smug icicle get the better of her. She would learn fast, work harder, and if she was going to be evaluated, she'd give him results he couldn't ignore.
But as she glanced through the tinted glass into the office where Wu Jian sat, immovable and unreadable, something tightened in her chest.
It wasn't fear.
It was challenge.
And Liu Xin had never walked away from one in her life.
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