Chen Yuxi barely had time to breathe before chaos hit.
The office doors swung open with authority, and Yue Xinyan—the CEO's fiancée, polished, sharp, and exuding superiority—stalked in like she owned the room.
"Lin Guo," she said, voice icy, "I need the merger report now. Don't think of hiding anything from me."
Lin Guo's lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smirk. She thinks she has control. Cute.
Chen Yuxi, standing nearby, clenched her fists. She had heard the rumors: Yue Xinyan was manipulative, scheming, and ruthless, a woman who would stop at nothing to humiliate anyone she considered a threat.
Perfect, Yuxi thought, mentally activating her system: System, record every word she says. Flag her manipulations.
Lin Guo's dark eyes flicked toward her, and for a split second, a subtle smirk touched his lips—as if he knew exactly what she was thinking. She felt an odd shiver of fear and thrill.
Yue Xinyan noticed nothing, striding confidently toward Yuxi. "And you… who are you again?" she sneered. "Lin Guo's assistant? You should remember your place."
Chen Yuxi's temper flared instantly. Place? You think you can order me around? she thought furiously.
"Excuse me," Yuxi said aloud, her voice calm but sharp. Mentally, she spat: This woman is ridiculous.
Lin Guo's eyes darkened ever so slightly. He leaned forward, resting his hand on the desk, his presence magnetic and slightly intimidating. She thinks you're untouchable? Not anymore.
Before Yuxi could react, Yue Xinyan reached forward to snatch the documents from her hands. In one swift motion, Chen Yuxi slapped her across the face, hard enough to make the office go silent.
"You don't touch me!" Yuxi snapped, chest heaving, heat rising to her cheeks.
The slap stunned everyone—especially Yue Xinyan, who stood frozen, one hand still on her cheek, eyes wide in shock and fury.
Lin Guo's lips quirked into a dangerous smile. Interesting, he thought. She's bold. Fiery. Exactly what I need close to me.
Yuxi, still trembling from adrenaline, shot him a quick glance. She didn't know why, but his calm gaze made her heart skip. He's… unnerving. And yet somehow… reassuring.
Yue Xinyan, recovering, hissed: "You'll regret this, assistant. Don't think I'll forget."
Chen Yuxi smirked faintly, mental system alert: Every word, every threat—recorded. You're nothing but noise.
Lin Guo finally spoke aloud, voice low and commanding: "Yuxi, you'll work directly under me on this project. You're my assistant. And that includes handling… unexpected challenges."
The words made Yuxi's heart race. She didn't know he already knew every thought she'd had about Yue Xinyan, how she mentally insulted and admired him in the same breath, or how she was beginning to admire his intelligence and ruthlessness.
He didn't reveal his secret. Not yet. But the game was heating up, and he was already three steps ahead.