The Prelude to Reunion

Li Xixi stood in the bustling airport terminal, her suitcase beside her, and took a deep breath. Five years had passed since she had last set foot in this familiar land. Five years ago, she had left abruptly, without explanation, for the United States, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and unresolved emotions. Now, she had returned, weary but with a glimmer of hope, to the city that had once broken her heart.

She pulled out her phone and dialed her best friend, Lin Xiao.

"Xiao, I'm here."

"Xixi! You're finally back! I'm waiting at the exit, come out!" Lin Xiao's excited voice came through the phone.

Li Xixi smiled, hung up, and pushed her suitcase toward the exit. Lin Xiao was already there, waiting eagerly. As soon as she saw Xixi, she rushed forward and enveloped her in a tight hug.

"Welcome back, Xixi!"

"Thank you, Xiao," Li Xixi replied, returning the hug, a warm feeling spreading through her chest.

They got into the car, and as Lin Xiao drove, she asked, "So, what's the plan now? Have you found a job yet?"

Li Xixi shook her head. "Not yet. I just got back. I thought I'd take a few days to settle in before starting to look."

Lin Xiao nodded. "That makes sense. No rush. But I heard that Shang Corporation is hiring for an executive assistant. Maybe you should give it a shot?"

At the mention of "Shang Corporation," Li Xixi's heart skipped a beat. Shang Corporation—that was Shang Cheng's company. Five years ago, when she left, Shang Cheng was just a department manager at Shang Corporation. Now, he was the CEO.

"Shang Corporation..." Li Xixi repeated softly, her emotions a tangled mess.

Lin Xiao glanced at her, hesitating before asking, "Do you... still think about him?"

Li Xixi forced a bitter smile. "I don't know. It's been five years. So much has changed."

Lin Xiao sighed. "Well, Shang Cheng has been single all these years. Rumor has it he's been waiting for you."

Li Xixi didn't respond, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window, her thoughts a whirlwind.

After arriving home, Li Xixi unpacked her suitcase and turned on her laptop to browse job listings. The advertisement for Shang Corporation's executive assistant position stood out. The requirements were high, but her qualifications matched perfectly.

She hesitated for a moment, then clicked "Submit Resume."

A few days later, Li Xixi received an interview invitation from Shang Corporation. She took a deep breath, dressed in a professional suit, and headed to the company's headquarters.

Shang Corporation's headquarters was located in the heart of the city's busiest district, its towering skyscraper a testament to the company's success. Li Xixi stood in front of the building, her heart pounding. She didn't know if she would run into Shang Cheng during the interview, nor did she know how she would face him if she did.

Entering the building, she was greeted by a friendly receptionist who escorted her to the interview room.

The interviewer was a middle-aged woman, sharp and professional. She asked Li Xixi a series of questions, which Li Xixi answered with ease and confidence.

"Miss Li, your resume is impressive. We're very pleased," the interviewer said with a smile. "However, the executive assistant position requires direct reporting to the CEO. The pressure can be intense. Are you sure you can handle it?"

Li Xixi nodded. "I believe I can."

The interviewer nodded. "Good. We'll notify you of the results within a week."

Li Xixi stood up to thank her and was about to leave when the door to the conference room suddenly opened.

A tall figure walked in, and Li Xixi froze.

It was Shang Cheng.

Five years had passed, and he had grown even more mature and commanding. His presence was undeniable, his sharp features now edged with a coldness that hadn't been there before. He wore a tailored black suit, exuding an air of authority.

Shang Cheng's eyes fell on Li Xixi, and for a moment, he seemed startled. But his expression quickly returned to its usual calm.

"Miss Li?" he said, his voice low and cool.

Li Xixi forced herself to remain composed and nodded. "Mr. Shang, hello."

Shang Cheng glanced at her, his gaze unreadable, then looked away.

"Is the interview over?" he asked the interviewer.

"Yes, Mr. Shang," the interviewer replied respectfully.

Shang Cheng nodded and left the room without another word, as if Li Xixi were a stranger.

Li Xixi stood there, her emotions in turmoil. She hadn't expected their reunion after five years to be so... cold.

s she walked out of Shang Corporation's building, Li Xixi took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. She knew the days ahead would be more challenging than she had anticipated.

But she was ready.

No matter what obstacles lay ahead, she would face them head-on.

Because she knew that some things could only be resolved by confronting them directly.