Jiang City.
Wanxing Group.
"Hey, have you heard? A new CEO has been parachuted in from the board of directors."
"Is that why we're having this meeting?"
"It seems so. And have you noticed that the former CEO, Mr. Wang, hasn't been around for quite some time? I've heard…"
At this point, the person fell silent, seemingly hesitant to continue. Firstly, the information was second-hand and unverifiable; secondly, even if it were true, discussing it openly might not be appropriate. After all, the workplace is like a battlefield, fraught with danger.
However, as the saying goes, a half-told story is like a child without a name.
"Come on, just say it!"
After a moment's thought, the individual bent down and gestured for those around to lean in closer.
He whispered, "I've heard that Mr. Wang has embezzled a significant amount of money and allegedly sold confidential company documents. A few days ago, he was taken away by the police."
His words sent a wave of shock through the room.
If the board was bringing in a new CEO, it was clear that something serious had transpired within the company. Yet, no one could have anticipated the magnitude of the situation.
As he spoke, he lowered his voice further, glancing around with a serious expression.
Everyone noticed his demeanor and realized he had even more shocking news regarding Mr. Wang's arrest.
"And I must tell you, the new CEO is not to be underestimated; you all should be cautious."
"Who is it?" Tension filled the air.
"A woman." As he said this, he made a slashing gesture across his throat, "You get it?"
Being adults, everyone understood immediately that this woman likely possessed a formidable background and ruthless methods.
Amidst the murmurs, Qin Ze found himself in a corner, resting his head on the table and stifling yawns.
The gossip about arrests and new appointments held no significance for him.
He was there to earn a living, to perform his duties diligently and secure his monthly paycheck without causing trouble for the company or his superiors. Who the CEO was mattered little to him.
What truly mattered…
Qin Ze glanced at his watch and yawned once more.
What mattered was that it was lunchtime, and holding a meeting during this time was hardly considerate.
However, Qin Ze chose not to complain.
As he continued to yawn, the new CEO still hadn't arrived, and eventually, he drifted into sleep.
At that moment, the grand doors of the conference room swung open, and two men in suits entered, causing the room's chatter to cease abruptly as all eyes turned toward the entrance.
It was evident—the newly appointed CEO had arrived.
With the sound of clicking high heels drawing closer, a woman in formal attire stepped into the conference room.
She was tall and alluring, her exquisite face framed by a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, behind which gleamed cold, piercing eyes that sparkled with a hint of danger;
dressed in a black suit with a dark grey patterned blouse beneath, the ensemble added a touch of wildness and ferocity to her otherwise stern appearance, perfectly echoing previous descriptions of her as someone with a formidable ruthlessness.
In summary, she was an extraordinarily beautiful woman but undoubtedly a perilous figure.
The conference room was eerily quiet, the tension palpable.
As the woman approached the podium, she surveyed the room and frowned slightly.
She was searching for someone—a man who seemed to be absent.
Upon reconsideration, she recalled having investigated him, knowing he would be present in this company.
Thus, she coldly scanned the room again, ultimately spotting someone in the far corner who appeared to be sleeping.
The others followed her gaze and, upon seeing Qin Ze asleep, some couldn't help but think that he was surely in trouble; after all, new leadership often brings a swift reckoning.
Colleagues from the same department were initially oblivious to Qin Ze's slumber, but upon noticing him peacefully sleeping, they were taken aback, then contemplated waking him up discreetly.
Unfortunately, the woman noticed and shot a piercing glance at one of the colleagues, who froze in fear and did not dare to move.
Seeing the employee remain still, she finally averted her gaze.
Turning to address the room, she stated in a deep voice, "Hello everyone, I am Yu Yan, and I will be serving as the CEO of Wanxing Group from today onward."
After a brief pause, she continued, "This meeting is adjourned."
With those words, confusion washed over the room.
Everyone looked at Yu Yan in bewilderment.
She showed no intention of elaborating further, her cold gaze fixated on the corner where Qin Ze continued to sleep.
As the stunned crowd slowly came to terms with the reality that the meeting had indeed concluded—despite the brevity of the content—they began to rise, recognizing that Yu Yan likely had other matters to attend to.
Before long, the once bustling conference room was left with only Yu Yan and Qin Ze, creating an atmosphere that felt oddly desolate.
Yu Yan stepped down from the podium, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor as she approached Qin Ze.
She sat gracefully beside him, silent.
After an hour, Qin Ze awoke.
"Awake?" Yu Yan said softly.
Though she hadn't glanced at him, she seemed to know he was awake, indicating her thoughts had remained focused on him.
Still half asleep, Qin Ze paused at the sound of her voice.
That voice… it felt strangely familiar.
He shook his head, trying to dismiss any impossible notions from his mind.
How could it possibly be her?
When he finally raised his head and saw her, specifically her crimson lips, his pupils dilated in shock, and his mind buzzed with disbelief, leaving him momentarily disoriented.
At that moment, Yu Yan turned her head, a wicked smile curling at the corners of her mouth.
"It's been a long time," Yu Yan said.
Qin Ze stared at her, his eyes trembling in disbelief.
Yet, he quickly composed himself.
"Do we know each other?" Qin Ze forced a smile.
With that, he stood up and walked away, not daring to look back.
Yu Yan watched his hasty retreat in silence.
Furrowing his brow and clenching his fists, Qin Ze strode away. Even seeing her with his own eyes, he struggled to believe she was indeed Yu Yan—the woman who had vanished for five years.
Three days.
Ten months and three days.
Five years, ten months, and three days.
How had she returned?