A Step Forward

The days following their kiss were a whirlwind of emotions and responsibilities. Hua found herself trying to balance the newfound dynamic between her and Ming while continuing to shoulder the heavy burden of her position as CEO. Every interaction between them felt charged with an unspoken tension, a tension that Hua both welcomed and feared.

At work, they maintained professionalism, though the occasional glance or subtle touch reminded Hua of what was brewing beneath the surface. Ming was respectful, never pushing or asking for more than Hua was ready to give. But Hua knew things had changed. Her heart had opened, just a little, and she wasn't sure how to proceed.

---

One afternoon, Hua was reviewing financial reports in her office when Ming knocked on the door. Without waiting for her reply, he stepped in, his usual calm demeanor replaced with something more serious.

"Can we talk?" he asked, his voice low.

Hua looked up from her desk, immediately sensing that this wasn't just about work. "Of course," she replied, setting her papers aside.

Ming closed the door behind him and took a seat across from her. He hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"I've been thinking a lot about us," he began, his eyes locked on hers. "About what happened that night. I don't want to rush you into anything, but I need to know where we stand."

Hua took a deep breath, her mind racing. She hadn't fully processed her own feelings yet, and now here Ming was, asking for answers she wasn't sure she had.

"I don't know," she admitted, her voice softer than she intended. "I'm still trying to figure it out. I like you, Ming, but I'm scared."

Ming frowned slightly, leaning forward. "Scared of what?"

"Of what this could mean," Hua replied, gesturing between them. "I'm already overwhelmed with the company, and I've never been good at letting people in. What if this—" she paused, searching for the right words, "—complicates everything?"

Ming looked at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he reached out, gently taking her hand in his.

"Hua, life is complicated. Love is complicated. But that doesn't mean it's not worth it," he said softly. "We've been through so much already. We can handle whatever comes our way, together."

Hua's heart raced at his words, the sincerity in his voice stirring something deep inside her. She wanted to believe him, wanted to believe that they could make it work. But the fear of vulnerability still loomed large.

"I just don't want to mess this up," she whispered.

"You won't," Ming assured her, squeezing her hand gently. "And even if we do hit bumps along the way, we'll figure it out. That's what relationships are about—figuring things out together."

Hua smiled despite herself, feeling the weight of her worries lighten just a little. Ming always had a way of making things seem simpler, more manageable. Maybe he was right—maybe they could make this work, no matter what challenges came their way.

"Okay," Hua said after a moment, her voice firmer now. "Let's take it slow. One step at a time."

Ming's face lit up with a smile, and he nodded. "One step at a time."

---

Over the next few days, Hua and Ming fell into a new rhythm. They didn't rush into anything, but they allowed themselves to enjoy the small moments of intimacy—a shared glance, a brief touch, a lingering conversation after hours.

At the same time, the company continued to demand their full attention. The merger was in its final stages, and Hua knew this was a critical moment. There was still opposition from certain board members, and every decision felt like walking a tightrope.

One evening, after a particularly grueling meeting, Hua found herself standing in front of the large windows in her office, looking out over the city. The weight of her responsibilities pressed down on her, and for a moment, she felt small in the face of it all.

But then she remembered Ming's words: *You won't mess this up.*

A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts, and she turned to see Ming standing there.

"Long day?" he asked, stepping inside.

Hua nodded, rubbing her temples. "You could say that."

Ming crossed the room and stood beside her, looking out at the city lights. "You're doing great, Hua. Don't let anyone make you think otherwise."

Hua sighed, leaning against the glass. "It's just… a lot. I don't know if I'm ready for all of this. I never expected to be here."

"None of us ever expect the big moments," Ming replied softly. "But you're here, and you're handling it better than anyone else could."

Hua glanced at him, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You always know what to say."

Ming chuckled. "It's part of my charm."

They stood in comfortable silence for a few moments, watching the city below. The quiet was comforting, and for the first time that day, Hua felt a sense of calm.

"Thanks for being here," she said softly, not looking at him. "I don't say it enough, but… I appreciate you."

Ming turned to face her, his expression gentle. "You don't have to say it, Hua. I'll always be here."

Hua felt her heart swell at his words, and without thinking, she leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. It wasn't planned, but it felt right, like the most natural thing in the world.

Ming responded, his hand gently cupping her face as he deepened the kiss. For a moment, the world outside faded away, and it was just the two of them, standing together in the quiet of the office.

When they finally pulled apart, Ming smiled down at her, his eyes filled with warmth. "One step at a time," he reminded her.

Hua nodded, her heart full. "One step at a time."