THE CEO'S SURPRISE

Mei Lin's day at the busy workplace started with the usual flurry of activity. She addressed her job with an unrelenting determination as a committed, athletic, and enthusiastic worker. Her workstation was a hotspot for cordial engagement with her employees, with each day interrupted by enthusiastic greets and light-hearted banter. Mei Lin's kind demeanor had formed relationships inside the workplace, making her an indispensable member of the close-knit team.

Mei Lin couldn't help but sneak a few glances at the towering conference room as the morning light shed its warm warmth through the office windows. The impending bidding meeting hung in the balance, an event that would influence not just her career but also the company's future course.

Lunchtime arrived, providing a nice break in her preparations. Mei Lin entered the workplace toilet, a private haven where she could gather her thoughts and restore her calm. She stood in front of the mirror, an image of resolve, and silently practiced her presentation, aware of the importance of the day ahead.

Mei Lin returned from the lavatory to rejoin her coworkers, who were blissfully oblivious of the forthcoming struggle. The familiarity and friendliness of their exchanges offered a soothing backdrop to the mounting anxiety.

The much-awaited moment approached. The clock resumed its methodical approach towards the bidding deadline. Mei Lin returned to her workstation, her pulse pounding with excitement and determination. She went through her perfectly crafted proposal again, reassured by her thoroughness.

Finally, the hour arrived. The entire office was abuzz with activity as Mei Lin, along with her colleagues, moved purposefully toward the meeting room. There, an expansive conference table awaited, executives from various companies already gathered. Unexpectedly, Ryuujin, a figure of striking confidence, stood at the head of the table, an unforeseen twist in the proceedings.

The bidding process was about to begin. Mei Lin was upbeat because of her sporty attitude and nice ties with her coworkers. She prepared for the challenge, her thoughts concentrated on the task at hand, even as her pulse raced at the sight of Ryuujin, whose presence brought a distinct element of interest to this vital moment.The bidding chamber was a quiet fight, the air humming with excitement. Workers from diverse companies filed in one by one, each with their own goals and dreams. It was a high-stakes game where careers were built or ruined, and Mei Lin was well aware of the gravity of the situation as her turn neared.

With a bright smile that betrayed none of the nervous energy coursing through her, Mei Lin entered the room. The atmosphere was charged with the collective tension of all present. As she stepped up to the podium, her optimism served as a beacon, cutting through the uncertainty of the occasion.

With unwavering confidence, Mei Lin began her presentation. Her words flowed smoothly, carrying with them the essence of her team's hard work and dedication. She painted a vivid picture of the opportunity at hand, her voice resonating with conviction.

As she spoke, her gaze swept across the room, landing on the faces of the executives and decision-makers gathered there. Amidst the sea of strangers, she caught sight of a familiar countenance. It was a face that stirred a memory within her, but its origin remained elusive.

Pushing aside the distraction, Mei Lin forged ahead with her presentation. Questions soon followed, probing and insightful. Mei Lin welcomed them with poise, her preparation evident as she fielded each query with ease. The knowledge she had acquired the night before served as an invaluable resource, allowing her to address the inquiries comprehensively and confidently.

The room buzzed with anticipation as Mei Lin's presentation neared its conclusion. Her optimism remained undimmed, her heart buoyed by the resilience she had demonstrated. As she stepped away from the podium, the applause from her team resonated in her ears, a testament to their collective effort.

Little did Mei Lin know that beyond the confines of the bidding room, a web of intricate events was unfolding, one that would soon intertwine her path with that of a certain enigmatic figure who had unexpectedly materialized in her life. As the bidding session concluded, the room began to empty. Mei Lin, like the others, gathered her belongings, ready to depart and reflect on the outcome of the day's proceedings. However, just as she was about to make her exit, a commanding voice resonated through the room, halting her in her tracks.

"Wait behind."

Startled, Mei Lin glanced around, trying to discern the source of the authoritative command. Her gaze eventually settled on a man who had singled her out with a pointed finger. Her curiosity piqued, she complied and stayed behind, her heart quickening with anticipation.

The man who had beckoned her approached, his presence exuding an air of authority and confidence. He looked at her intently, as if searching her face for a flicker of recognition.

"Do you recognize my face?" he inquired.

Mei Lin studied the man before her, but his identity remained elusive. She shook her head, her eyes revealing her genuine lack of recognition.

The man extended his hand in introduction. "I am Ryuujin, the new director of this company. We've recently acquired a significant share."

Mei Lin's astonishment was evident. This chance meeting had just taken an intriguing turn. Ryuujin, a new name to her, had emerged as an important character in her professional life. As she shook his hand, she had no idea that their meeting would put in motion a chain of circumstances that would interweave their destiny in ways neither could have predicted.

Mei Lin's mind raced back in time until something clicked. She remembered their chance meeting in New York's Central Park, the intriguing guy who had stood out in the rain, and the unexplainable connection she had felt. Shyness swept over her as she realized what had happened.

Ryuujin, however, seemed undeterred by the awkwardness of the situation. Without hesitation, he looked deep into Mei Lin's eyes and uttered those three simple but profound words: "I love you."