The scent of grilled pork and smoky spices drifted through the narrow alleyway, enveloping the small Chuan Jie restaurant in a mouthwatering aroma that no passerby could ignore. Inside, laughter and sizzling sounds filled the air as skewers crackled over the open flame. It was a familiar scene that repeated everyday.
Ning An darted between tables with the practiced ease of someone who'd grown up in the heart of it all. Her long black hair was tied into a quick ponytail, a smudge of sauce on her cheek that she hadn't noticed, and an apron that had seen better days,all part of her charm.
"Ning An! Table four is ready!" her father's voice called from the back, deep and steady as always.
"Coming!" she called back, scooping up the tray of pork skewers and weaving through the tables. With a practiced smile, she set the tray down.
"Want to try something new? We have golden needle mushrooms wrapped in bacon."
The customers nodded eagerly, charmed as always by her genuine energy. She winked, already calling out the additional order before heading toward the kitchen.
Moments later, she was out the door, climbing onto her well-worn electric scooter with a delivery bag slung over her shoulder. Her destination: a tall glass building in the heart of the city. It was unusual for her to deliver this far out, but something about this order felt oddly personal.
***
Meanwhile, high above the city's chaos on the 51st floor of Velquor Chain headquarters.
Wei Chen stood at the head of the conference room, his black suit impeccable, his gaze even sharper.
"With numbers declining this severely, you still dare propose expansion without proper oversight?" His tone was cool and calculated. The file in his hand hit the table with a thud that made everyone flinch.
"We don't deal in speculation here. Only results."
With a final glance of cold authority, he turned to leave. But just before stepping out:
"If anyone can't handle the pressure, the door is wide open."
***
In his private office minutes later, Wei Chen entered with his usual quiet composure. Sitting gracefully on his sofa was Shen Shen, his most trusted advisor—and something more, though no one dared to ask.
"Meeting without me this time?" she asked lightly, her eyes scanning a slim file.
"Your presence wasn't required," he replied, flipping through reports without pause.
She approached, studying him for a moment. "You're quieter than usual. Skipped lunch again?"
He didn't answer immediately. When he did, his voice carried a note of weariness. "I'm tired of dealing with superficial thinking."
Her lips curved into a faint smile. "Then let's eat something uncomplicated."
Without another word, they left the office together.
***
Just as the elevator carried Wei Chen and Shen Shen downward, Ning An arrived at the building. She barely had time to remove her helmet before a security guard approached.
"Miss, delivery vehicles should be parked on the right side, not in front of the entrance."
"Understood, sir. Sorry about that."
As she maneuvered her scooter to the designated area, the glass doors revolved behind her. Out walked a man and a woman—Wei Chen and Shen Shen. She didn't glance back, too busy muttering to herself.
"Velquor Chain Company? Sounds too fancy for skewers eating"
She checked the receipt again, noting the 51st floor.
"Probably not an executive. People like that can't handle spicy food."
She grinned to herself and entered the building.
Fate, however, had already begun its work.
Little did Ning An know that the man she'd just missed would soon turn her world upside down.