Shadows of the Past

Li Xixi was slowly settling into her role at Shang Corporation, and her competence was beginning to earn the respect of her colleagues. However, Shang Cheng's attitude toward her remained cold, even hostile at times. She knew it was his way of punishing her for leaving without explanation five years ago, but she refused to back down. Instead, she chose to prove her worth through her actions.

One morning, as soon as she arrived at the office, Li Xixi was handed an urgent task. Shang Cheng demanded that she compile a detailed report on the company's latest project and prepare a speech—all within two hours. The deadline was tight, but Li Xixi didn't complain. She immediately got to work.

She sat at her desk, fingers flying across the keyboard, her eyes glued to the screen. Her focus was so intense that it drew the attention of her coworkers, but Li Xixi paid them no mind. She knew this was another test from Shang Cheng, and she couldn't afford to fail.

Two hours later, Li Xixi delivered the report and speech to Shang Cheng's office. He took the documents, flipping through them with a critical eye, his brow furrowing slightly.

"The key points aren't clear enough. Revise it," he said coldly.

Li Xixi hesitated for a moment but quickly nodded. "Understood. I'll make the changes right away."

She returned to her desk and reopened the file, carefully revising the content. As she worked, her mind kept drifting back to Shang Cheng's icy expression. She knew his resentment toward her wouldn't disappear overnight, but she believed that if she persevered, he would eventually understand her intentions.

By noon, Li Xixi had finished the revisions. She brought the updated report to Shang Cheng's office, and he took it without a word, scanning through it more carefully this time. His expression softened slightly.

"This is better," he said flatly.

Li Xixi let out a quiet breath of relief, but her reprieve was short-lived. Shang Cheng's next words caught her off guard. "There's a business dinner tonight. You'll accompany me."

"A dinner?" Li Xixi blinked, surprised. "Do I need to prepare anything?"

"No. Just be ready on time," Shang Cheng replied curtly before turning back to his work.

Li Xixi returned to her desk, her emotions in turmoil. She knew this dinner wouldn't be simple, but she had no choice. She would have to face it head-on.

At seven that evening, Li Xixi found herself seated at an upscale restaurant, across from one of the company's most important clients. Throughout the dinner, she maintained her composure, skillfully navigating the conversation and even stepping in to deflect some of the alcohol aimed at Shang Cheng. By the end of the night, her cheeks were flushed, and she felt a slight buzz from the wine.

As they left the restaurant, Shang Cheng opened the car door for her. The drive back was quiet, the only sound the hum of the engine. Li Xixi leaned against the seat, her head spinning slightly.

"Are you all right?" Shang Cheng asked suddenly, his voice low.

Li Xixi nodded. "I'm fine. Just a little tired."

Shang Cheng didn't respond, but she noticed the car slowing down. When they reached her apartment, Li Xixi stepped out and turned to him. "Thank you, Mr. Shang. Drive safely."

Shang Cheng gave a brief nod, watching as she walked into the building before driving off into the night.