Collision in Spring: Encounter of Two Fates

The Dashing and Rascally CEO: CEO Li's Thirty - Six Stratagems for Courting His Wife

Chapter 1: The Spring Encounter and the Downtrodden Lady

In spring, Haicheng is bathed in warm sunlight, as if the entire city is draped in a glittering golden veil. The gentle breeze, carrying wisps of floral fragrance and the freshness of new greenery, sweeps gracefully through the streets and alleys, gently tousling people's hair and clothing.

At the heart of Haicheng, known far and wide as the "Oriental Magic City," Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is a hive of activity. Beneath the azure sky, resplendent and colorful giant billboards stand in an orderly array, vividly flaunting the latest trends in fashion and luxury. Each one serves as a dazzling portal to a world of fantasy, captivating passersby and coaxing them to pause and stare. The imposing rows of high - end shopping malls are akin to magnificent treasure troves, their doors flung wide open to welcome elegantly dressed customers. These patrons, clutching shopping bags emblazoned with renowned brand logos, wear expressions of contentment and pride, as if the bags contain not just merchandise, but also the insignia of their social standing in this bustling metropolis. Street performers, stationed at the roadside, strum lively tunes. The sprightly notes, like nimble sprites, dance merrily in the spring sunshine, luring a throng of young people to gather round, whooping and hollering, fueling the already exuberant springtime atmosphere and making it feel as if a perpetual carnival is in full swing.

Su Yao, once the glittering jewel of the affluent Su family in Haicheng, now resembles a fallen phoenix. The sudden downfall of her family was like a tempestuous storm, brutally sweeping her from the lofty heights and plunging her into a chasm of misfortune. Her status, once enviable, has taken a nosedive. Yet, the refined upbringing she received from a tender age, like an unyielding thread of silk, has been deeply woven into the fabric of her being, manifesting itself in the grace and elegance that subconsciously pervade her every move, even in the face of adversity.

Presently, she is attired in a meticulously tailored navy - blue business suit that could pass for a work of art. The impeccably cut suit jacket, like a devoted confidant, contours her slender yet tenacious waist with fluid lines. The delicate buttons, reminiscent of slumbering jewels, emit a subdued and warm glow, as if murmuring tales of her bygone days of opulence. Beneath it, a simple white silk blouse, with a texture as soft as a wispy cloud, clings to her skin. The collar, slightly ajar, forms an alluring small V - neck, deftly blending professional poise with a touch of feminine charm. The matching straight - leg trousers, as straight and sleek as a stately pine, have cuffs that are slightly turned up, like frolicking waves, revealing a glimpse of her dainty ankles. Paired with a pair of black patent - leather mid - heeled shoes, every step she takes, accompanied by the crisp click of the heels, reverberates like a battle drum, signaling her unwavering determination to rise above her current plight and reclaim her destiny. Her lustrous, jet - black hair, as smooth as a silken ribbon, is artfully coiled into an elaborate bun, with a few stray strands cascading down like delicate butterfly wings to rest on her neck. Her makeup, a delicate watercolor on her face, is understated yet meticulously applied. Her eyes, deep pools reflecting a blend of stubbornness and quiet desperation, betray the hardships she has endured recently, with a weariness lurking in their depths that she tries in vain to conceal.

She clutches her job - hunting resume tightly, encased in a black leather folder, as if it were her last glimmer of hope. Navigating through the bustling throng, her steps are hurried yet poised, a valiant attempt to blend into the vibrant chaos around her. But an inescapable air of solitude clings to her, like a persistent shadow, as she anxiously scans the facades of the buildings, searching for the one that might hold the key to her future, a modern - day pilgrim seeking a glimmer of salvation in this concrete jungle.

Li Yi, on the other hand, hails from the illustrious Li family of Haicheng, a name synonymous with business prowess and an empire that has withstood the test of time. The roots of the family's prosperity stretch back over a century. In those bygone days of upheaval, their ancestors, armed with an astute business acumen, spied an opportunity amid the chaos and embarked on a journey, starting small with the humble trades of silk and tea. Through sheer grit and successive generations of unwavering dedication, they expanded their dominion, branching out into shipping, mining, and other lucrative sectors, weathering the storms of history and laying a rock - solid foundation for the family's continued ascent.

In the present era, the Li family reigns supreme. In Haicheng alone, their business interests span nearly half of the city's economic landscape. The Li Group, the jewel in their crown, stands as a paragon in the corporate world. Its headquarters, a towering monument known as the Li Building, dominates the skyline of the city's most prosperous district. A sleek and imposing skyscraper crafted from glass and steel, it soars into the heavens, its facade glinting in the sunlight like a beacon of power and wealth, a symbol that commands respect and admiration.

The group's portfolio is a veritable cornucopia of industries, traversing the gamut of finance, real estate, technology, energy, and media. In the financial realm, Li's Bank is a titan, a leading light in the domestic financial arena. Backed by cutting - edge financial technology and a team of seasoned professionals, it wields significant influence, not only controlling vast rivers of capital that fuel the growth of countless enterprises but also carving out a prominent voice in the international financial agora. It has weathered multiple financial maelstroms with aplomb and remains a bastion of stability. In real estate, from sumptuous luxury residences to sprawling commercial complexes, every project by Li's Real Estate is a magnum opus, a seamless fusion of avant - garde design concepts and masterful craftsmanship. These edifices draw the elite and wealthy from all corners, eager to call them home or make astute investments. On the technology front, the group's research labs are a magnet for the world's brightest minds. Year after year, colossal sums are funneled into R & D, plumbing the depths of frontier fields like artificial intelligence and biotechnology. The fruits of these labors, in the form of groundbreaking innovations, have permeated every facet of industry, driving progress and transformation. In the energy sector, Li's Energy has forged strategic alliances with global energy behemoths, securing access to bountiful reserves of oil and gas, ensuring the nation's energy supply remains unwavering. Simultaneously, they are at the vanguard of exploring renewable energy solutions, championing a sustainable future. The media arm blankets a vast expanse, spanning film and television production, where blockbusters are routinely churned out; advertising, with pinpoint precision in reaching target audiences; and new media platforms, teeming with legions of followers, their influence radiating far and wide.

Within the family, a rigorous and comprehensive educational regimen was designed for Li Yi from an early age. He was dispatched to the world's most prestigious institutions, where he sat at the feet of academic luminaries and business maestros, absorbing knowledge across a spectrum of disciplines including business management, financial investment, and international relations. Fluent in multiple languages, he is like a cosmopolitan envoy, effortlessly traversing cultural boundaries. His command of business and financial acumen is second to none, akin to a virtuoso swordsman who can wield his knowledge with deadly precision in the cutthroat business arena. Yet, beneath his polished exterior lies a rebellious spirit. He chafes at the shackles of convention, his behavior tinged with a devil - may - care attitude that recalls the legendary Wei Xiaobao. In the thick of corporate battles, he can conjure up ingenious solutions at the eleventh hour, a deus ex machina, emerging victorious time and again and carving out a reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

Fresh from clinching a grueling business deal in the penthouse conference room of the Haicheng International Financial Center, a battle royale that played out without the smoke of war but was no less intense, Li Yi is riding high on a wave of euphoria. He feels like a caged bird set free, shrugging off his chauffeur and opting to meander through the streets, savoring this rare moment of respite. Dressed in a trendy white short - sleeve T - shirt with a bold and flamboyant pattern, paired with ripped jeans whose frayed edges flutter like wild grass in the wind, and sporting a pair of limited - edition white sneakers, every step he takes pulses with confidence. His chiseled features, beneath arched eyebrows and piercing eyes, are softened by a roguish smile that plays about his lips, as if the spring sun itself has taken up residence there. Wherever he treads, an invisible aura seems to precede him, parting the crowds like the Red Sea, as people instinctively make way for him.

The wheels of fate, silent and inscrutable, begin to turn. On this sun - drenched spring day, without so much as a whisper of warning, the paths of Su Yao and Li Yi, two lives hitherto running on parallel tracks, suddenly collide. Su Yao, in a frantic rush, takes a misstep while rounding a corner, as if ensnared by the cruel hand of fate. The resume she holds so dear, like a startled butterfly, is scattered by the wind. At the same moment, Li Yi, coffee cup in hand, is in the midst of gracefully sidestepping a child dashing by like a bolt of lightning. In a heartbeat, like celestial bodies hurtling towards each other, Su Yao crashes into Li Yi's arms, and the latte in her hand erupts like a geyser, drenching both of them in a coffee - colored blotch that spreads ominously.

Su Yao, like a deer caught in headlights, is thrown into a panic. She immediately drops to her knees to retrieve the scattered papers, her eyes wide with helplessness and a glimmer of defiance that tugs at the heartstrings. Li Yi, drawn by an inexplicable impulse, follows suit and crouches down to help. Snatching up a sheet, his eyes alight with mischief as he spies the name. "Yo, Su Yao," he drawls, "looks like the pampered princess of the Su family is slumming it as a job seeker. This getup almost has me fooled. What, the high - flying heiress learning to get her hands dirty?" Su Yao, her head bowed, snaps back, "Who do you think you are? Stop poking fun at me! I'm just trying to make a living. What's it to you?" Li Yi throws back his head and laughs, a twinkle in his eye. "Me? I'm your future boss. And who knows, you might have to face my moods every day. Scared yet?" At this moment, Su Yao, her cheeks burning, is convinced he's nothing but a street hooligan out to taunt her. In her eyes, the streets of Haicheng are a chaotic mix, and this guy, with his flashy clothes and brash demeanor, hardly looks the part of a legitimate employer. She hugs the resume tighter, her face flushed, whether from anger or embarrassment. "Humph, stop scaring me. You think you're so great? Even if you're a boss, I, Su Yao, rely on my own skills. I'm not afraid of the likes of you." Li Yi rises to his feet, slips his hands into his pockets, and surveys her with amused interest. "Skills? Well, I'm eager to see what a pampered rich kid like you can do besides living the high life." Su Yao stands up as well, brushes off the dust, and tries to compose herself, though her eyes can't help but flicker towards Li Yi. "Don't underestimate me. I've got plenty of professional knowledge, and I'm serious and responsible. Just wait and see!" Li Yi quirks an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Okay, then come to the Li Group for an interview tomorrow. I want to see how capable you are. But fair warning, if you don't make the cut, don't come crying." Su Yao's eyes widen in disbelief. "You... Are you serious?" Li Yi shrugs nonchalantly. "Of course. I always mean what I say. But whether you can seize the opportunity is up to you." With that, he strides off like a swashbuckling hero, leaving Su Yao rooted to the spot, her heart aflutter with a cocktail of anxiety and anticipation. This chance encounter, like a pebble tossed into a still pond, sends ripples that will irrevocably reshape the course of their lives.