Unfinished Business

A Challenge from the CEO

The next morning, Jiang Li arrived at Lu Corporation earlier than usual, determined to maintain her reputation as a rising star in finance. However, the moment she stepped into the office, she sensed something was off.

Her colleagues cast nervous glances at her before quickly turning away. Some whispered amongst themselves, while others busied themselves with their work as if afraid to be caught in the crossfire.

Just as she settled at her desk, her assistant, Zhao Rui, approached hesitantly.

"Miss Jiang, the CEO has called for a meeting," Rui informed her.

Li's eyebrows arched. She had expected Lu Zeyan to be hard on her, but calling for a meeting first thing in the morning? That was fast.

With measured steps, she made her way to the executive floor, where Lu Zeyan's office stood like a fortress. The doors were sleek and intimidating, much like the man himself.

She knocked once before stepping inside.

"You're early," Zeyan said, looking up from his desk, his voice calm but edged with amusement.

"You called for me," she responded, keeping her tone neutral.

Zeyan leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze never leaving hers. "I looked over your report last night." He slid the document across the table. "It was thorough, but not enough to impress me."

Li clenched her jaw. She had worked tirelessly on that report. "What was missing?"

Zeyan smirked. "You'll have to figure that out yourself. I want a revised version by tonight. If you can't handle it, maybe Lu Corporation isn't the place for you."

A test.

She met his gaze head-on. "I'll have it on your desk before the day ends."

His smirk deepened, as if he had expected her response. "Good. Don't disappoint me."

The Rival Appears

As soon as she left Zeyan's office, Li pulled out her laptop and got straight to work. But her focus was soon interrupted when another deep, familiar voice called her name.

"Jiang Li?"

She turned to see a tall, well-groomed man with warm brown eyes and a confident smile walking toward her.

Shen Yiming.

He was one of the youngest and most sought-after financial strategists in China—and also Lu Zeyan's greatest rival.

"Shen Yiming," she greeted, surprised. "What brings you here?"

He chuckled. "Business, of course. But I didn't expect to see you here. Last I heard, you were working overseas."

Li nodded. "I came back recently. And now I'm working under Lu Zeyan."

Yiming's expression shifted, his smile dimming slightly. "Be careful around him, Li. He isn't the same person he used to be."

Her chest tightened at his words. She already knew that.

But before she could respond, she felt a presence behind her. A familiar, cold presence.

"Shen Yiming," Zeyan's voice was smooth yet laced with warning. "Flirting with my employees during business hours?"

Yiming smirked but didn't back down. "Just catching up with an old friend. Or is that not allowed at Lu Corporation?"

Zeyan's expression remained unreadable, but his eyes darkened. "Jiang Li has work to do. She doesn't have time for distractions."

Li could sense the silent tension crackling between them.

Yiming gave her one last glance before stepping back. "I'll see you around, Li."

As soon as he left, Zeyan turned to her. "Stay away from him."

Li frowned. "I can decide who I associate with."

Zeyan stepped closer, his voice dropping. "Shen Yiming isn't as charming as he seems. If you don't want to get caught in a dangerous game, keep your distance."

Li refused to be intimidated. "I don't need your warnings, CEO Lu. I know how to handle myself."

For a moment, Zeyan just stared at her, something unreadable flashing in his eyes. Then, he let out a low chuckle.

"Let's see how long that confidence lasts," he murmured before walking away, leaving Li with a storm of emotions she wasn't ready to face.

The battle had only just begun.