Meanwhile—
A black car slowed to a stop in front of the building.
The door opened.
Mo Beichuan stepped out.
His suit was immaculate. His presence calm — not the loud kind of authority but the quiet kind, the kind that didn't need to announce itself. People simply moved aside without being asked.
His secretary fell into step immediately.
"President Mo. Mr. Huang and his associates are waiting in the lobby."
"Mm."
He walked inside. The lobby opened around him — marble floors, filtered light, the low murmur of a building in motion.
"President Mo." Mr. Huang approached with a wide smile, hand already extended. "About our previous deal — the distribution terms are nearly finalised, if you're agreeable we could move the signing to—"
Mo Beichuan answered evenly, tone measured. Not cold. Just distant, in the way he always was.
They moved toward the elevator.
The doors slid open.
And at that exact moment —
Qinran walked past in the corridor, offer letter folded in her hand, gaze forward, steps unhurried.
He stopped mid-sentence.
The words dissolved somewhere between his throat and the air.
Something tightened in his chest without warning.
He turned slightly.
Empty corridor.
A few strangers. A potted plant. Afternoon light falling through the far window.
Nothing.
Did he see an illusion?
"…President Mo?" Mr. Huang's voice was careful. "Is something wrong?"
Mo Beichuan looked a moment longer.
"No." His voice was even. "It's nothing."
The elevator doors closed.
The city moved below him as they rose, steady and indifferent.
But somewhere in his chest — quiet and shapeless and entirely without reason —
Something ached.
Like something important had just passed him by.
Or perhaps…
Something returning.
Somewhere else—
The apartment door opened.
Qinran stepped inside.
"He didn't cause trouble, did he?"
Nana didn't look up from the couch. "Nope. He's been good. Mostly coloring."
"Good."
"Thanks for taking care of him."
"No problem."
Qinran walked into the living room.
"Luoli?"
He looked up immediately, eyes bright.
She smiled faintly.
He stared at her face carefully.
Then—
"Did you actually find me a dad?"
Nana choked violently on her water.
Cough—cough—
"Oh my God—"
"Are you alright?" Qinran rushed over.
"Yes— I'm fine — I just—" Nana wheezed, trying not to laugh.
Luoli blinked innocently.
Qinran narrowed her eyes. "Why are you asking again?"
He crossed his arms seriously.
"…Different how?"
"Your eyes are shiny."
Nana stood up abruptly.
"Well! Since my work is done, I am leaving. Immediately. Goodbye."
She practically fled out the door, laughing the entire way down the hallway.
The apartment fell quiet.
Qinran looked at Luoli.
"…I got a job."
His eyes widened.
"Really?"
"Yes."
He thought for a moment.
"…So no dad?"
She stared at him.
"Luoli."
He grinned.
She sighed — but couldn't stop the smile tugging at her lips.
Outside, the evening settled softly.
Inside, something new had begun.