The Pull and Push

Xia Yi entered the office the following morning with her customary poise. She had a formidable presence, wearing a crisp black suit and shoes that reverberated with every stride. But as soon as she was seated at her desk, He Shihan unexpectedly entered.

"Good morning, partner," he said, grinning mischievously.

With disbelief, Xia Yi looked up. "Do you have a habit of barging into people's offices?"

He leaned on her desk and murmured, "Only when they owe me a conversation," with ease.

"I thought last night covered that." She arched an eyebrow. "What else is left to discuss?"

His gaze never left hers as he drew in closer. "You. Me. as well as how we intend to manage this collaboration."

Xia Yi did not recoil. "Professionally."

He grinned. "Professional doesn't mean boring."

She shook her head and laughed a little. "You don't know when to quit, do you?"

"No," he stated in a quiet, thoughtful voice, "and you don't seem like the type who wants me to."

Her phone buzzed before she could answer. She gave the screen a quick look. We will meet in five minutes. I'll excuse myself.

"Of course." Still wearing his angry grin, he straightened up. "But this isn't over."

She whispered to herself, "It never is," as he walked away.

---

Xia Yi was seated across from He Shihan once more at the meeting. Their divergent approaches became apparent when the joint business venture discussions heated up.

"We need to streamline the budget," Xia Yi tapped while speaking. "Fewer risks, more stability."

His head tilted in response, "That's a safe move," He Shihan said. However, being safe won't help us advance. We must imagine broader and make a daring investment.

"And what happens if that 'bold' investment backfires?" She fired back.

"Then we adapt." He spoke in a stern yet calm tone. "The biggest risks bring the biggest rewards."

She retorted, "Or the biggest losses,"

The room fell silent as the executives exchanged anxious looks.

They both cleaned their throats. "Perhaps we could find a middle ground?"

Leaning back in his chair, He Shihan fixed Xia Yi with his gaze. "I think we'll agree… eventually."

She crossed her arms. "We'll see."

---

Xia Yi stayed at the window after the meeting, her thoughts racing. He Shihan's confidence was fascinating and infuriating, she had to admit. She was constantly on edge because of the way he pushed limits.

From behind her, a voice she recognized said, "You like to argue with me."

He Shihan was standing only a step away when Xia Yi turned around. "You wish."

He laughed. "I don't have to hope. It's clear."

She mumbled, "Arrogant," yet her eyes had a hint of humor.

"Determined," instead, he said. "And I think you like that."

Xia Yi's head cocked. "You assume too much."

He shrugged slightly. "I call it observation."

"Then you need better glasses," she shot back.

His eyes lingered on her for a minute longer than was necessary as he chuckled gently. "See you tomorrow, partner."

Xia Yi couldn't resist the little smile that pulled at her lips as he left.