An Offer She Can’t Refuse

Her stomach dropped.

She was already struggling to find work. If what he said was true, she'd never get hired anywhere decent again.

Yichen watched her hesitation with a faint smirk. "So? What will it be, Miss Xia?"

Ruolan clenched her fists. Every fiber of her being screamed at her to reject him. To walk away from this arrogant, self-absorbed CEO who thought he could control people with money.

But she couldn't.

Her mother's medical bills. Her tuition fees. Her rent.

If she said no, she'd be drowning in debt by next month.

Taking a slow, unsteady breath, she lifted her chin. "Fine," she said through gritted teeth. "I'll work for you."

The corner of Yichen's lips lifted slightly, as if he had expected nothing less.

"Good," he said smoothly. "Then follow me."

Without another word, he turned and walked away.

Ruolan blinked.

Wait… what? Now?

For a moment, she stood frozen, unsure whether to actually follow. Her instincts screamed that this was a mistake.

"Are you deaf?" His voice cut through her thoughts like a blade. "I don't like to repeat myself."

Ruolan felt her blood boil. This man…!

Taking a deep breath, she forced her feet to move.

The guests parted as Yichen strode through the ballroom, his powerful aura making it clear he was untouchable.

Ruolan hurried after him, trying not to trip over her heels.

She could feel the weight of a hundred stares on her back—judging her.

The whispers followed.

"She's actually following him?"

"What kind of job is he offering her…?"

"Lucky girl. If I spilled wine on Li Yichen, I'd be dead by now."

Ruolan's cheeks burned. She didn't want to follow him, but it was too late to back out now.

Inside the VIP Lounge,

The moment they entered the private VIP lounge, Ruolan's breath hitched.

The room was massive—floor-to-ceiling windows showcased the city skyline, while a sleek marble bar gleamed under golden lighting. It was the kind of place only the top 1% had access to.

A man in a black suit stood by the door, holding a leather briefcase.

Yichen took off his stained suit jacket and tossed it aside, barely sparing it a glance. "Xu Tian."

The man stepped forward. "Yes, President Li."

"Prepare a contract," Yichen ordered. "Effective immediately."

Ruolan's stomach twisted.

A… contract?

Xu Tian gave a slight nod, setting the briefcase on the glass table. With smooth efficiency, he pulled out a thick stack of papers.

Ruolan's eyes widened. That's the contract?

"Wait," she blurted, panic creeping into her voice. "Shouldn't we talk about the details first?"

Yichen raised a brow. "Do you think I have time for pointless discussions?"

Ruolan bristled. "You're asking me to sign a contract without even explaining what I'll be doing?"

His gaze darkened slightly, as if he were losing patience.

"You will be my personal assistant," he said flatly.

Ruolan stiffened.

Personal… assistant?

"That's—" She swallowed. "That's not what I signed up for."

"You signed up to compensate me," Yichen corrected, crossing his legs lazily. "And I've decided this is how you'll do it."

Ruolan's hands curled into fists.

Her initial assumption had been bad, but this? This was worse.

A personal assistant meant being at his beck and call 24/7.

She'd heard stories about how ruthless he was with his employees—one mistake, and they were done.

She wouldn't last a week.

"I can't do this," she muttered, taking a step back.

"Then leave."

Ruolan froze.

She looked up, meeting Yichen's cold gaze.

His expression was unreadable, but there was a challenging glint in his eyes.

"If you can walk out of this room," he said smoothly, "then do it."

Ruolan's heart pounded.

She could leave. Right now.

But if she did…

No job. No money. No way to pay for her mother's treatment.

Her throat tightened.

Yichen leaned back in his chair, waiting. "Make your choice."

Ruolan hated him.

Hated that he was forcing her into this corner.

But most of all, she hated that he was right.

Her hands trembled.

With gritted teeth, she stepped forward and snatched the pen off the table.

"I hope you regret this," she snapped.

Yichen's lips curled into a slow, knowing smirk.

Ruolan ignored him and signed her name.

______

Ruolan regretted everything within the first hour.

"6 AM," Yichen's assistant, Xu Tian, said briskly, handing her a schedule. "Your day starts at exactly 6 AM every morning."

Ruolan's eyes widened. "What?! That's—"

"You will handle his meetings, schedules, and personal requests," Xu Tian continued, ignoring her protest. "Failure to comply will result in consequences."

Ruolan swallowed. What kind of consequences?

Yichen's deep voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Do you always complain this much?"

Ruolan turned, glaring at him. "Only when I'm treated unfairly."

Yichen's gaze flickered with amusement.

"Then you should get used to it," he said lazily. "Because I don't tolerate mistakes."

Ruolan's fists clenched.

What did I just get myself into?