Chapter 6: Introduction

I deliberately emphasized the pronunciation of the word "I."

Is this... a wall slam?

Just a moment ago, I thought this person was straightforward and not dangerous, but now I’ve been proven wrong. Behind me is a cold glass wall. I didn’t even bother to dodge and simply tilted my head up slightly. “What are you doing?”

My voice was quite indifferent.

The only reason I came to Asia Innovations was because the company was large, its system sound, benefits comprehensive, and the salary slightly higher than elsewhere. I didn’t have to work here necessarily, so I wasn’t afraid of offending anyone.

The office had good soundproofing, but even so, the whispers of the employees outside managed to seep in a bit.

What was this? I hadn’t even started working yet, and I was already public enemy number one, being pointed at from behind?

I frowned, feeling a bit irritated.

In contrast, the man in front of me looked much calmer. He deliberately opened the blinds and confidently pinned me against the glass. He even wore a stern expression, as if someone owed him money, coldly lowering his head to look at me.

There was quite a height difference between us. His tall frame was bent over like that, shirt cuffs buttoned tightly, exuding an austere and chilly aura.

Yet his strong arm was propped above my head, firmly enclosing me within his space.

After a long moment, his sharply defined cheek lowered slowly, drawing close to my ear and pausing as if sharing an intimate conversation between lovers. His large hand gently brushed my hair.

Inside, my thoughts were a jumble of chaotic curses. I felt the warm breath brush against my earlobe, stirring an urge to bristle.

After all, I was still a young girl. Watching my pale earlobe gradually turn pink, he twitched his fingers before straightening up.

One hand casually slipped into his pocket, leaving an exit space for me. “Go to the front desk to register your work ID. You start on Monday.”

...

When I left the Asia Innovations building, my expression was still sour, feeling pent-up and frustrated—this was the first time I felt so stifled.

I hadn’t really noticed that Su Xingzhi was face-blind before. I’d only met him a few times, and every time he’d been so cold that I couldn’t tell if he recognized me.

This time I happened to notice, mainly because the interview questions had been so strange, and from the sidelines, I understood the situation more clearly.

As the newly appointed CEO, Su Xingzhi certainly wouldn’t want Asia Innovations’ employees or executives to discover this flaw. Although he usually recognized people by their clothing and hairstyle, unforeseen situations could arise. The best solution was to have someone always nearby to remind him when necessary.

That person should ideally be a newcomer with little involvement in the workplace, skilled at recognizing faces, and able to keep secrets.

Moreover, this person needed a sufficiently confusing identity—being just a secretary wouldn’t suffice. What kind of secretary could be that close to the boss? Unless... their relationship was abnormal.

Rather than leaving it to speculation later, it was better to clarify things upfront and avoid many complications.

Waiting for the bus, I pieced together the cause and effect and instantly felt tricked, grinding my molars.

Yet if I missed this chance, would I find another satisfactory job? Certainly not easily. I am usually very rational, and after weighing the pros and cons, I decided to work at Asia Innovations.

...

That evening, when I returned to the dormitory, Huang Zhi was lying on the top bunk watching a show as usual. She suddenly jumped up, excitement written all over her face. “So, how was it? How was it?”

Over the past few days, I felt our friendship had blossomed rapidly. I just smiled and said, “Yeah, I start work next Monday.”

“That’s great!” Huang Zhi exclaimed, covering her mouth like she had discovered a new world. “Hey, this is the first time I’ve seen you smile.”

I was a bit puzzled. Was I really that cold before? I was just too busy to talk to anyone.

But when you’re utterly exhausted, how could you smile? Now, finally having resolved the work issue, I felt a bit lighter.

A moment later, Huang Zhi added, “Now that you’ve found a job, you’ll have to move out soon, right? Too bad we can’t live together anymore.”

I thought about it—it was true.

Once employed, there would inevitably be overtime. The dorm wouldn’t be suitable anymore, so finding a place to live became urgent.

...

City Z, as a first-tier metropolis, had very high housing prices, and correspondingly expensive rents, especially in the city center.

A few years ago, after renovations, group rentals and basement leases were banned. There were basically no cheap places left, and I didn’t want to live too far away either, so I had to raise my budget.

The next day, I followed an agent to see several places, but I was never satisfied. Only one house near a slated-for-demolition old neighborhood looked decent. The landlord was a woman in her fifties.

When she opened the door, the place was filled with dust and clearly hadn’t been cleaned much. Yet she still insisted that visitors wear shoe covers, her expression quite haughty.

I followed behind the agent and looked around. Aside from the poor hygiene, the house was well-ventilated, one bedroom and one living room—just right for me.

Time was running out, so I thought I might as well decide now and asked about the rent.

The middle-aged woman lifted her chin. “Rent is twenty thousand a year, payable in full upfront. The deposit is fifteen thousand. These are all solid wood furniture. If you damage anything, you’ll have to compensate.”

She pointed to some shabby cabinets and tables inside.

I looked at her and said sincerely, “Auntie, why don’t you go rob someone on the street?”

Unsurprisingly, we parted on bad terms.

By now, it was after five in the afternoon, and with only one day left before starting at Asia Innovations, I still hadn’t secured a place. Feeling worn out, I sat down on a chair to rest and think.

These days, Xu Xudong left work early and hadn’t asked me to pick up the child, so I had plenty of free time, but the income stopped.

The pay for looking after Xu Lang was usually settled daily—work a day, get paid a day.

Suddenly, a call from an unknown number came in. I glanced at it and answered, “Hello?”

A man’s voice sounded distant, as if typing on a keyboard. Brief and to the point, he said, “Come cook porridge.”

I lowered my phone, looked at the number again, then put it back to my ear. “President Su?”

“Mm, come by after six.” The tone was firm, no room for negotiation.

I stayed seated on the chair. “President Su, as far as I know, my official start date is Monday.”

“The salary counts from today, plus extra for labor.”

“What kind of porridge would you like? Should I bring any additional ingredients?”

Seeing a bus approaching, I stood up instantly and hurried over.

That attitude shift was startlingly quick. On the other end, Su Xingzhi’s fingers paused, he raised an eyebrow, then casually hung up.

...

Carrying shopping bags to the villa door, I hesitated, thinking of the black kitten inside.

I was genuinely afraid of cats and couldn’t control myself. If I encountered it again, I’d probably run away.

But I had no choice—money had to be earned. I’d have to deal with it on the spot. I reached out and pressed the doorbell, then stepped back, staying alert.

After a moment, the door opened. As usual, no one was inside, and the kitten was nowhere to be seen. The living room on the first floor looked just as before—clean but cold and lifeless.

I bent down to change into slippers, took the bags to the kitchen counter, washed my hands, and started cooking immediately.

Last time, I’d made three flavors of porridge at once. Judging by his reaction, he’d liked it, so I prepared the same again, just without the plain porridge.

I took the rice from the bag, rinsed it clean, and put it in the pot to cook. Then I began preparing the meat and century eggs. The lean meat had to be marinated; otherwise, it would taste bland and have a fishy smell.

After cutting the meat into pieces and placing them in a small bowl, I sprinkled salt and cooking wine. I went to open the oyster sauce bottle, but no matter how I tried, I couldn’t get the lid off.

I wrapped a paper towel around the lid and twisted again, then glanced around and grabbed the kitchen knife, weighing it in my hand. I turned it around and tapped the lid like opening a wine bottle. After a couple of taps, the sound grew louder—“bam, bam.”

The water in the pot was boiling, and I grew a little impatient. Just as I was about to tap again, the back of the knife was suddenly held.

Someone had come in without me noticing? I turned around in surprise and saw Su Xingzhi standing there in casual home clothes, frowning slightly with displeasure.

He was still dressed entirely in black. Even in leisurewear, his tall, upright figure stood out. The top few buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing his collarbones on both sides. Combined with his long neck, the light cast natural shadows and highlights.

A man’s collarbones could actually be that attractive.

My gaze lingered for a few seconds before I handed over the knife and placed it properly back on the rack.

Seeing the oyster sauce bottle lying on the cutting board—nearly chopped by me—Su Xingzhi reached out, picked it up, and effortlessly twisted the lid open.

So why couldn’t I open it earlier? I tilted my head, just about to say “thank you,” but he didn’t even look at me and went straight upstairs.

Perhaps the noise startled him.

...

“What just happened? Are you renovating your place?” As soon as Su Xingzhi returned, Xu Xudong’s voice came from the phone on the table.

“No.” Su Xingzhi casually stacked the documents on the table and pulled out a chair to sit.

“Oh, so you’re feeling better? How’s your appetite?” Xu Xudong continued chatting, “Last time, Xiao Cen made porridge for you. You really liked it, right? Maybe I’ll ask her to come over again.”

“No need. She’s already here.” Leaning back in his chair, Su Xingzhi said lightly.

“She’s at your place? That’s great. Did you hire her?” Xu Xudong sounded pleased. “She’s a great girl—good character, brave, and most importantly, smart. Don’t worry, she’s definitely a talent.”

That was true. Thinking back to how boldly she had tested him before, Su Xingzhi twitched the corner of his mouth but didn’t deny it.

“Xiao Cen has been tutoring Xu Lang and knows me well. She’s a great cook. If you want home-cooked meals in the future, just let me know. I can ask her for you...”