Chapter 1
President, this is the contract with Xinya Group. Please have a look."
A slightly cool male voice sounded beside her ear. Feng Jin looked up, met those eyes, and paused briefly. She took the file he handed over and began flipping through it page by page. After a moment, she signed her name at the end and returned the document to him, speaking calmly, "I remember Liu Jia was in charge of this contract.""Yes," the man replied respectfully but without subservience. "Ms. Liu took the day off today, so she asked me to deliver it."
"Mm." Feng Jin nodded slightly. This new male secretary was impeccable in his work performance, but his striking demeanor drew too much attention. Even dressed in the company's standard uniform, he still didn't look like an ordinary employee. She usually didn't interfere in HR matters. The previous secretaries assigned to her had all resigned after falling ill due to the intense workload. This time, HR had assigned a male secretary.
She raised her hand to rub her temples, a trace of fatigue unintentionally appearing on her otherwise expressionless face. Under pressure from a rival company, several key clients had been lost, and she hadn't had a proper rest for more than half a month. Looking down at the documents in her hand, Feng Jin said, "Get me a cup of coffee."
"Yes, President." The man nodded and gently closed the door on his way out.
Leaving the president's office, Jiang Suliu took the documents to the department manager. After completing his tasks, he headed to the break room. A few employees were already there resting, so Jiang Suliu queued up behind them.
Standing nearly 1.9 meters tall, Jiang Suliu wore a standard office suit, yet his cool aura gave off an unapproachable vibe. Several young women who wanted to strike up a conversation hesitated, eventually backing off silently. Experience had taught them that talking to someone like that could crush one's self-confidence. Better to admire a flower on a high peak from afar.
A few male colleagues from the tech department stood up instinctively and greeted him. Jiang Suliu responded politely and with grace, his demeanor flawless.
After leaving the break room, the tech colleagues exchanged glances—this new secretary was clearly different from his predecessors. His strong presence almost matched the president's, making it hard to breathe around him. Yet, during conversation, he didn't seem aloof or condescending.
Immersed in his own thoughts, Jiang Suliu paid no attention to their reactions. Joining Sheng'an Group had gone more smoothly than expected, and seeing her again brought unexpected calm to his once restless heart. However, she didn't seem to remember him. Holding a freshly ground cup of coffee, Jiang Suliu headed back to the president's office. Remembering the upcoming business trip to City B and her current state, he involuntarily pressed his lips together and gently knocked on the door.
"Come in."
"President, your coffee." Jiang Suliu placed the cup within her easy reach.
"Thank you," Feng Jin said softly, sipping before resuming her work.
Jiang Suliu stood silently for a moment before Feng Jin looked up. "Is there anything else?"
"The flight is at 5 PM. You might want to get some rest beforehand." Jiang Suliu's voice was cool and devoid of emotion, yet it carried a subtle note of insistence.
Feng Jin looked at him again. The well-tailored uniform accentuated his tall and lean frame, and even with glasses slightly obscuring them, those rare and slightly enchanting eyes were striking.
If she wasn't mistaken, those glasses were non-prescription.
Thinking of the tasks ahead, Feng Jin declined, "I'll rest after finishing this." Since she took over the company two years ago, it had grown significantly without any major issues—until recently. After her broken engagement with the Chu family, several major companies terminated their contracts with Sheng'an. Rivals took advantage, luring away remaining clients with better offers. Feng Jin knew she had to take full responsibility.
She also needed to return to New York soon to visit her father. Dealing with the board of directors was draining. There was no room for relaxation.
Jiang Suliu nodded slightly without pressing further. He had a general understanding of Sheng'an's operations and knew this trip was crucial. If the cooperation with Concase Group failed, Sheng'an would be in real trouble. She had the skills for the negotiation.
But Concase was a top-tier Sino-American enterprise, and he had heard of the person in charge of its China expansion.
Suppressing the flicker in his eyes, Jiang Suliu exited the office.
In a quiet corner, he took out his phone and sent a message to a familiar number. Moments later, his phone vibrated, and he answered: "Hello."
"A new private club just opened in Dongcheng. A few of us are going to check it out tonight. You in?"
"Mm, sure."
"Wait—did I hear that right? You're actually coming?!" The other party sounded surprised.
Jiang Suliu glanced at the towering buildings outside the tempered glass window. "If there's nothing else, I'm hanging up."
"Alright, I'll send you the address."
After hanging up, he quickly received a text. Memorizing the address, he put his phone away and returned to his office to prepare for the business trip.
S City, XX Airport.
"Passengers on flight 711 to City B, please proceed to check-in."
The broadcast echoed through the terminal.
In the VIP lounge, Feng Jin opened her eyes from a light nap and saw someone standing in front of her.
"President, we can board now."
Feng Jin nodded and stood, carrying a simple, elegant business bag. Jiang Suliu followed, pulling a small black suitcase.
As usual, Liu Jia had booked first-class tickets a week in advance. A flight attendant led them to their seats.
Feng Jin settled into her seat. Her custom-tailored black suit outlined her figure, the long legs and sleek curves exuding restrained luxury. The gray-striped shirt with its top button undone added a touch of cool elegance.
Noticing her fatigue, the flight attendant asked gently, "Miss Feng, would you like a blanket?"
She nodded with a slight smile. "Thank you." Her features softened from their usual sternness, her smile momentarily stunning.
Jiang Suliu steadied himself and refused help with the luggage. After storing it, he sat beside her. His expression briefly flickered before he regained composure and opened his laptop to review the business trip itinerary.
Feng Jin focused on the Concase files, noting key points and strategizing for negotiations. Rubbing her brow, she took a deep breath.
The attendant returned with a blanket. Feng Jin took it and smiled. "Thank you. Could I also have a glass of warm water?" Then she turned to Jiang Suliu. "Secretary Jiang, would you like something to drink?"
"...Water, please. Thank you."
The flight attendant smiled. "Of course. Just a moment."
Feng Jin organized her files. Once this deal was secured, it would be time to deal with the Chu family. She had hidden the company's troubles from her father due to his health, but she hadn't forgiven the Chu family.
She checked the time—two hours to City B, a night of rest, and a tea house meeting the next day to finalize the contract. She couldn't afford to relax, but her eyes remained sharp with determination.
Jiang Suliu took the warm water offered by the flight attendant and handed one to Feng Jin.
"President."
She took the cup. "Thank you."
He stood, briefly gazing down at her. The angle revealed her delicate collarbones, and he quickly averted his eyes, returning to his seat.
She took a sip, relaxed slightly, and reclined with her eye mask on, turning toward him as she lay on her side.
It was the off-season, and they were the only first-class passengers.
As evening fell, the cabin lights dimmed. In the soft light, Jiang Suliu watched her breathe evenly. Hidden behind his glasses, his enchanting eyes were no longer cold, but rather stubborn.
Ten years had passed, and she was still the same—never losing her composure, never yielding.
Even when the world turned against her, she never showed weakness.
She had once seen him at his lowest.
But she didn't remember.
Ten years changed many things.
But she remained the same.
Feng Jin. He silently repeated her name, the curve of his lips lifting slightly, an inscrutable glint in the dim light.