The office buzzed with quiet energy.
Everyone from L&X and AR Entertainment was preparing for a big meeting — Adrian Wei, the investor, was coming to hear the final pitch for L&X's European expansion.
Lia entered the meeting room first, holding her laptop and a few lipstick shade samples. She wore a simple cream blouse, her hair tied up, light pink on her lips. She looked calm. Sharp. Focused.
Five minutes later, Ryan strolled in with his usual iced Americano and that playful smile that hadn't changed in years.
> Ryan (teasing):
"Wow, you beat me here? Did the world end and no one told me?"
> Lia (rolling her eyes):
"Maybe I just take this seriously."
> Ryan (mock shocked):
"Oh no. Not Serious Lia. She's terrifying."
She chuckled and shook her head.
> Lia:
"You're annoying."
> Ryan:
"And yet, I'm still your favorite."
> Lia:
"You wish."
They both laughed — the kind of laugh that comes easily between two people who've known each other too long to pretend.
Just like the old days.
Just like best friends.
---
The door opened, and Adrian Wei walked in — tall, quiet, confident.
He had already met Lia before in a private business meeting. But this was the first time he saw her working in a group. The way she moved, the way she gave instructions, the way people listened — it was different. Strong. Impressive.
They sat down around the large table. Lia stood up and began presenting — calm voice, clear words, beautiful slides.
Ryan leaned back in his chair, watching her proudly.
Adrian, though — he watched her closely.
Not in a rude way. Not in a romantic way, not yet.
Just… interested.
Like he was trying to understand her beyond numbers and business talk.
> Adrian (after a slide):
"This 'Velvet Blaze' theme — who came up with that?"
> Lia (smiling):
"Me. After a very long, very emotional day."
> Ryan:
"That was the day she nearly cried in front of her whole team. So we gave her a pen and she created a brand instead."
> Adrian (genuinely impressed):
"You turn feelings into ideas. That's rare."
The presentation ended. People stood, shook hands, and packed up.
Adrian walked over to Lia while Ryan was distracted talking to a staff member.
> Adrian:
"I'll be in the city next week. Would you be open to dinner? Just you and me — to talk long-term goals."
> Lia (nodding politely):
"Sure. Just send the time and place to my assistant."
> Adrian (slight smile):
"Looking forward to it."
He left with his usual quiet grace.
---
Ryan finally turned back and noticed Adrian was gone.
> Ryan:
"He left already?"
> Lia (gathering her notes):
"Yep. Said he'd reach out for a follow-up dinner next week."
> Ryan (casual):
"A dinner meeting, huh?"
> Lia (teasing):
"Relax. It's work."
> Ryan:
"Right. Work with candles and wine."
> Lia:
"Are you jealous or just bored?"
> Ryan (laughing):
"Jealous? Of Mr. Grey Suit? Never."
But his smile was a little slower than usual.
And as she walked past him toward the exit, something in his chest… felt off.
He didn't understand it.
But suddenly, he hated the idea of Lia sitting across from Adrian in a soft-lit restaurant.