The glass doors slid open.
A tall man in a black coat stepped inside.
The entire lobby seemed to fall silent for a moment.
His presence alone commanded attention.
Sharp features. Calm, cold eyes. A naturally dominating aura that made people unconsciously straighten their posture. A subtle earring glinted under the light, adding a touch of rebellion to his otherwise perfect, composed image.
Lin Qingyao's breath stopped.
Her eyes widened.
Her fingers froze mid-air.
That face…
Her heart skipped violently.
Gu Zeyan.
Time seemed to slow.
In that single moment, memories flooded her mind like a storm—
Classroom laughter.
Shared glances.
Carefree days.
And then—
Snow falling softly…
A confession trembling in the cold air…
A kiss beneath the winter night.
Her chest tightened.
"Gu… Zeyan…" she whispered unconsciously.
Around her, whispers erupted.
"He's so handsome…"
"Is he really the new CEO?"
"My god…"
But Qingyao heard none of it.
Her entire world had narrowed to that one person.
The boy she once loved.
The boy she never forgot.
Now—
Standing here as her boss.
Gu Zeyan walked forward calmly, his expression unreadable.
Several senior executives quickly stepped forward to greet him.
"Welcome, President Gu."
"Good morning, sir."
He gave a slight nod.
His voice was low and steady. "Mm."
At that moment, another man walked in beside him.
Chen Hao.
He casually slung an arm over Zeyan's shoulder, grinning.
"Wow, still the same place… just fancier."
Zeyan glanced at him coldly. "You have too much time."
Chen Hao laughed. "Relax, boss."
Zeyan turned to the crowd.
"I believe everyone has work to do," he said calmly, yet firmly.
It wasn't loud.
But it carried authority.
Instantly, the murmurs died down.
Employees quickly returned to their positions.
Qingyao stood still.
Her mind was still spinning.
Why… is he here…?
Why is he the CEO…?
Why now…?
Before she could process further—
"Lin Qingyao."
She turned.
It was Xu Yuna.
"Come," Yuna said softly. "You need to greet the CEO."
Qingyao's heart dropped.
"…Now?"
"Yes. You're his assistant."
Her legs suddenly felt heavy.
But she nodded.
"…Okay."
Each step toward him felt unreal.
Her heartbeat grew louder.
Closer.
Closer.
Finally—
She stood in front of him.
Gu Zeyan looked at her.
Just one glance.
But in that glance—
Recognition flashed.
Gone in an instant.
His expression returned to calm indifference.
Chen Hao, however, nearly choked.
His eyes widened.
"Wait… isn't that—"
Zeyan shot him a warning look.
Chen Hao immediately shut his mouth, though his expression screamed shock.
Xu Yuna spoke professionally.
"President Gu, this is your assistant, Lin Qingyao."
Qingyao lowered her gaze slightly.
Her fingers clenched softly.
"…Good morning, Mr. Gu."
Her voice was calm.
Too calm.
As if she didn't know him at all.
As if they had never shared a past.
Zeyan watched her quietly.
Then nodded once.
"Mm."
No surprise.
No emotion.
Nothing.
Just like a stranger.
The surrounding employees exchanged glances.
"He's so cold…"
"So arrogant…"
"He didn't even react…"
"Return to your work," Zeyan said.
Everyone quickly dispersed.
Xu Yuna leaned slightly toward Qingyao.
"Go to the CEO's office later. He'll assign your tasks."
"…Okay."
Zeyan entered his office.
The door closed behind him.
Inside—
He walked calmly to his chair and sat down.
Chen Hao dropped into the chair opposite him dramatically.
"ARE YOU SERIOUS RIGHT NOW?!"
Zeyan didn't even look up.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Chen Hao leaned forward. "That was Lin Qingyao!"
Silence.
Zeyan's fingers paused briefly on the desk.
"…I don't know her."
Chen Hao stared at him.
Then laughed in disbelief.
"Wow. Cold. Very cold."
He leaned back.
"First shock—she's here."
"Second shock—she works in your company."
"Third shock—she's your assistant."
Zeyan's expression darkened slightly.
"If you continue talking, I'll have you removed from this office."
Chen Hao immediately raised his hands.
"Okay, okay! I'm silent."
Pause.
"…But seriously, this is interesting."
Zeyan shot him another look.
Chen Hao quickly stood up.
"Fine! I'll go to my department."
He walked toward the door, then turned with a mischievous grin.
"Enjoy working together."
Zeyan picked up a pen.
Chen Hao instantly ran out.
Outside—
Lin Qingyao stood in front of the CEO's office.
Her hand hovered near the door.
Her heart raced.
He's really Gu Zeyan…
What should I do…?
Pretend… like he did?
She took a deep breath.
Knock.
"Come in."
That voice.
Still the same.
She opened the door slowly.
Stepped inside.
Closed it gently behind her.
Zeyan sat at his desk, flipping through documents.
He didn't look up.
"…Speak."
Qingyao swallowed.
"Mr. Gu… I'm your assistant. Do you have any tasks for me?"
Her tone was formal.
Distant.
Zeyan finally looked up.
Their eyes met.
For a brief second—
The air froze.
Unspoken memories filled the silence.
Then—
Gone.
"I need files," he said calmly.
"What kind of files?"
"Company business reports. Financial statements. Marketing analysis. Project summaries."
Qingyao nodded quickly.
"Yes, sir. Where can I—"
He interrupted.
"You're asking me?"
She blinked.
"You're the assistant," he said coldly. "Or am I?"
Qingyao froze.
"…I understand."
Their eyes met again.
This time—
There was tension.
Something deeper beneath the surface.
Something neither of them said.
Qingyao turned to leave.
But her hand tightened slightly at her side.
So this is how it is…
We're strangers now…
Behind her—
Zeyan watched her back silently.
His gaze lingered.
Just for a moment.
Then he looked away.
Outside the office—
Qingyao leaned lightly against the wall.
Her heart was still racing.
"…Gu Zeyan."
She whispered his name softly.
Five years.
And now—
They were standing face to face again.
Not as lovers.
Not as friends.
But—
Boss and assistant.
Inside the office—
Zeyan leaned back in his chair.
His eyes closed briefly.
"…Lin Qingyao."
The name he tried to forget—
Had returned.
And this time—
Right in front of him.
End of Chapter 4...