The Rise and Enigma of Huo Xunzhou

In the prestigious city of Haicheng, the Huo family reigned supreme as one of the foremost aristocratic clans. Tragedy struck when Huo Xunzhou lost both his parents to a fatal car accident on the eve of his eighteenth birthday. Although Huo's Enterprises was founded by his late parents, the numerous members of the Huo family were eager to carve out a piece of the pie for themselves.

At that tender age, Huo Xunzhou, still a student, found himself powerless against his voracious relatives. In a bid to escape their clutches, he chose to pursue his studies abroad. Many knew this as his exile.

Yet, four years later, upon his return, Huo Xunzhou accomplished a remarkable feat within a year: he completely transformed the ownership of Huo's Enterprises. He ascended to the throne as its sole ruler, systematically suppressing his relatives with various tactics until they were incarcerated one by one.

These revelations were imparted to Nan Wan by Uncle Zhang, Huo Xunzhou's chauffeur in her past life. Uncle Zhang hoped that knowing about Huo Xunzhou's youthful hardships would evoke more compassion in her heart.

But she did not. She detested Huo Xunzhou to the utmost extent.

The misfortunes of one's youth could not justify their future misdeeds.

Nan Wan followed behind Huo Xunzhou, struggling to keep pace with his long strides. Anxiety gnawed at her: why had he insisted on bringing her to the company? This was unrecorded in her diary, which chronicled the purest sentiments of a young girl.

Uncle Zhang, still serving as Huo Xunzhou's chauffeur, was an amiable middle-aged man of few words but deep trust. As they settled into the car, Uncle Zhang inquired with a smile, "Is Miss coming to the company today too?" Nan Wan, agitated, merely nodded.

She seated herself as far away from Huo Xunzhou as possible, but the confined space made his presence oppressive. She felt the need to breathe more deeply, her palms damp with sweat as she gazed out the window.

The sensation of being watched by Huo Xunzhou was overpowering. Nan Wan stiffened, sitting upright like a diligent pupil in class. In contrast, Huo Xunzhou lounged casually, observing her for an extended period before curling his lips into an enigmatic smile, his eyes stormy yet concealed.

The atmosphere was thick with tension and silence, even Uncle Zhang noticed the discord between them, wisely choosing to remain silent. Mere honesty alone could never earn the trust of a man like Huo Xunzhou.

Upon reaching the company, Huo Xunzhou preceded Nan Wan, who felt an increasing urge to retreat. As the distance between them widened, her steps slowed, only to halt when Huo Xunzhou did the same.

Turning to face her, his smile barely masking his lack of warmth, he extended his hand, "Come." Nan Wan quickly obeyed, rushing to his side. He held her hand, openly displaying their relationship.

"Are you afraid?" he asked.

Nan Wan nodded uncomfortably.

He gently stroked her hair, his voice tinged with pity, "You'll get used to it eventually." Nan Wan remained silent.

His hands were perpetually cool, making her uncomfortable with such intimate contact. She felt uneasy when he touched her hair, yet it seemed a gesture he relished.

Huo's Enterprises occupied an entire building in Haicheng's busiest commercial district. Nan Wan, introverted and unused to attention, found such scrutiny a new normal since associating with Huo Xunzhou. She could not refuse.

Hand in hand, they traversed the hall, the silence only punctuated by greetings from his subordinates. Nan Wan subtly pulled away but was held tighter, her head bowed. Moments later, he compelled her to look up, gripping her shoulders, "You're my girlfriend; what's there to fear?" Her fears went beyond mere anxiety; she did not want their relationship to entangle her further.

She dreaded the whispers after their breakup, speculating about her past as his lover. They might mock her as a modern-day Cinderella, envious of her fortune while conjecturing about her prowess in bed, ultimately wondering how long their relationship would last. She had experienced the malice of humanity all too well in her past life.

Reaching the top floor, Nan Wan exhaled a sigh of relief, realizing she had clung to Huo Xunzhou's hand throughout. From initial resistance to unconscious dependency, isolation made her cling to him as her sole support. Startled, she quickly let go.

Huo Xunzhou regarded her with a half-smile, his tone cool, "So, you're bridge-burning now?" Embarrassed, she lowered her gaze.

He did not press further, occupied as he was with his duties as the company's CEO. While he worked, Nan Wan sat primly on the sofa, avoiding her phone and his gaze, staring blankly at the potted plant on the table.

A secretary brought in two cups of coffee. Nan Wan thanked her and took a sip, her face screwing up in distaste at the bitterness. She did not want another sip, despite coffee's supposed invigorating effects; instead, it made her drowsy.

Looking up, she met Huo Xunzhou's eyes, glistening with a mysterious light. After she fell asleep, he gently carried her to the rest room, caressing her cheek. Even in slumber, she instinctively frowned, prompting a thought in his mind: how heartless, wanting to sever ties with him while thinking she hid it well—naively so.

Bending down, his lips brushed hers gently, like a petal landing on water without a ripple. Why was she always so disobedient, forcing him to resort to such means? He did not proceed further, merely gazing at her, stroking her hair, his expression tender and devoted.

When Nan Wan awoke in the afternoon, her stomach growled. Rubbing her eyes, she recalled feeling sleepy after drinking the coffee. Despite the sunshine outside, she felt a chill, goosebumps rising on her arms as she guessed what had happened.

That pervert, Huo Xunzhou! She took a deep breath, tamping down her anger. She needed to go home—now!

Swiftly opening the door, she found Huo Xunzhou still at work. Seeing her, he said, "You're awake." Nan Wan moistened her lips, summoning courage and anger to propose, "I'm hungry; I want to—" "Perfect, there's a dinner engagement tonight; you're coming with me," he interrupted, rising and approaching her with an air of authority.

Embarrassed by her cowardice, Nan Wan remained silent, her silence deemed consent. Huo Xunzhou led her out of the office. Nan Wan berated herself for her inability to stand up to him.

Uncle Zhang drove them to "The Elite," Haicheng's most exclusive entertainment venue, frequented by high-status individuals. Nan Wan's simple attire stood out in stark contrast to the ambiance, but no one dared to remark with Huo Xunzhou by her side.

They were escorted to a private room on the top floor. Inside, two men played dice, bottles of open liquor scattered on the table, accompanied by scantily clad women leaning seductively on them, their giggles filling the air.

Nan Wan frowned slightly; she recognized both men. Tonight, Cheng Yi's luck was exceptional, winning several rounds. "Zhuo Yan, your turn to drink," prompted Cheng Yi's opponent, who sighed in amazement at his streak of good fortune.

A cough at the doorway drew their attention. Both men stood up and greeted Huo Xunzhou's arrival. Huo Xunzhou entered with Nan Wan, drawing curious glances from the two women due to her contrasting attire.

Cheng Yi greeted Nan Wan with a playful smile, "Good evening, Little Sister-in-law." Nan Wan responded with a shallow smile, her eyes twinkling and teeth glistening under the lights. Her inherently sweet appearance made her smile enchanting, piercing straight into one's heart.

Covering his chest, Cheng Yi joked, "Don't smile at me, Little Sister-in-law; Brother Huo will kill me!" Nan Wan ceased smiling, adopting a serious demeanor.

Huo Xunzhou chuckled, acknowledging Cheng Yi's awareness of the consequences. Nan Wan had a favorable impression of Cheng Yi, who oversaw the Huo family's security and had secretly aided her in her past life. She wished to repay him but felt powerless to do so.

Noticing her fondness for Cheng Yi, Huo Xunzhou had threatened her, making her realize that ignoring him was the greatest favor she could give.

"Have you ordered food?" inquired Huo Xunzhou.

"Food? Come on, Brother Huo, the cards are ready," urged Cheng Yi, eager to test his improved skills.

"Wanwan is hungry," replied Huo Xunzhou calmly.

Zhuo Yan nudged Cheng Yi, "Let's eat first."

Oblivious to the underlying dynamics, Cheng Yi felt wronged, wondering when they had ever dined properly together.

Huo Xunzhou handed the menu to Nan Wan, "Order whatever you want."

After finally finishing dinner, Cheng Yi couldn't wait any longer.

Two of the female companions knew how to play cards, and Cheng Yi randomly pointed to one of them, completing the table. His enthusiasm was particularly high: "Don't worry, if you win, it's yours; if you lose, it's on me." The female companion immediately lit up with joy.

Huo Xunzhou offered his seat to Nan Wan: "You take it."

Nan Wan felt embarrassed: "I don't know how to play."

She had never played cards before.

"I'll teach you," Huo Xunzhou said, lifting his chin and gesturing for her to come over.

Nan Wan had no choice but to sit down.

Seeing this scene, Cheng Yi chuckled: "Zhou, are you here to give us money today?" Huo Xunzhou's voice was calm: "Who's giving money to whom is still uncertain."

Cheng Yi saw this as a good opportunity for himself. If he couldn't beat Zhou, couldn't he at least beat Nan Wan?

Nan Wan was literally pushed into the fray. This was her first time playing cards, and Huo Xunzhou was sitting beside her, close enough to touch.

He said he would guide her, but he hadn't said a word.

Nan Wan didn't want to ask him, so she braved it out and played her cards.

Nan Wan lost several rounds, and she watched as her chips dwindled. Although she didn't know exactly how much money she had lost, they always played for high stakes.

You could tell from the bright smiles on the faces of the other female companions.

The other three players were all sunny and cheerful, while Nan Wan was gloomy and worried.

With only a few chips left, Nan Wan had no choice but to turn to Huo Xunzhou for help.

Huo Xunzhou was very close to her, and when she turned her head, her lips almost brushed against his face.

Nan Wan quickly pulled back.

Huo Xunzhou's gaze turned a bit colder, but he made no move.

Remembering her purpose, Nan Wan lowered her voice, her eyes filled with anxiety, and her voice as soft as a mosquito's wings flapping: "What should I play now?" "What did you say? I didn't hear you," Huo Xunzhou said, his face expressionless.

Nan Wan bit her lip, turned her head back to look at her cards, and decided not to ask him anymore!

She played a card—

"Oh, I won!" Cheng Yi exclaimed with delight, his eyes sparkling. Tonight was truly satisfying.

Looking at the two remaining players, Nan Wan felt even more pressure.

It was her turn to play again, and Nan Wan felt extremely depressed.

She had no choice but to turn to Huo Xunzhou for help. She turned her head, hesitated, then leaned in a bit, her voice a bit anxious: "What should I play now?"

Her lowered voice had a special sweetness and softness, and her shallow breath brushed against his ear.

Huo Xunzhou could see the fine hairs on her neck, and she was trembling slightly, cute and fragile.

The corners of his mouth curled up in satisfaction.

This was her, taking the initiative to get close to him.