Chapter 11: The Secret Admirer

"From the moment Lan Nian stepped into the opulent conference room of Shangyin Group, she felt an oppressive sense of unreality.

Her eyes locked onto the iridescent glass chandeliers resembling flowing clouds of brocade, their intricate carvings casting kaleidoscopic patterns across the walls. She froze mid-step, overwhelmed by the breathtaking fusion of artistry and luxury—an effect amplified by the ethereal grace of Shangyin's female representative, whose presence seemed to weave time itself into a tapestry of timeless serenity."

"Ms. Shang, I must say I'm pleasantly surprised by Shangyin's lavish hospitality for this preliminary discussion with Xinzi," Xin Wen remarked, his graceful smile paired with smoothly delivered gratitude.

"Mr. Xin, both Shangyin and Xinzi are titans in the agency industry," she replied, her tone polished. "Our collaboration will inject renewed vitality into the sector—a win-win scenario for all stakeholders."

"Shang Kexin's voice was as gentle and composed as her demeanor, her expressive eyes sparkling with unspoken emotion as they settled on the man she had pined for and searched… for three long years. This partnership had cost her dearly—she'd invested considerable effort in convincing each board member and overcoming her own father's deep-seated prejudices against Xinzi."

"Countless sacrifices, all to reappear before him in a renewed guise as swiftly as possible… yet the sting of realization hit—he seemed to have long forgotten her.

Shang Kexin's eyes dimmed imperceptibly as her fingers tightened around her teacup, her carefully cultivated poise fraying at the edges.

"As her gaze finally shifted from Xin Wen to the silent figure of Lan Nian waiting to the side, Shang Kexin's heart skipped a beat. There was an effortless grace of drifting clouds about this girl, and her chill beauty felt hauntingly familiar…

"Shang Kexin sifted through fragmented memories, her eyes widening imperceptibly as recognition dawned. She bit back a gasp, her polished exterior fraying at the edges.

Surely not. Could fate be this cruel? The thought mingled with resignation as she stared at Lan Nian's coolly composed face. Was some things truly predestined?

"Her smile suddenly took on a tinge of bitterness.

"Ms. Shang, these are the documents prepared by Xinzi for your review," Xin Wen said, noting her distracted state. His brow furrowed imperceptibly as he slid the folder across the table.

"Ah…" Shang Kexin snapped back to the present, her eyes skimming the document briefly before she scrawled her signature with a flourish. Under Lan Nian's startled gaze, she slid the folder toward Xin Wen with a warm smile. "I trust Xinzi implicitly—and I admire your capabilities and vision, Mr. Xin."

"Xin Wen's lips quirked faintly, unsurprised. He returned Shang Kexin's smile with a polite dip of his head. "Thank you," he said smoothly.

Geez. Lan Nian suppressed an eye roll as she observed the charged interplay—a lingering gaze here, a softening tone there. This partnership felt less like a business deal and more like an arranged marriage.

"Lan Nian took a deep breath, amusement flickering in her chest alongside an unexpected restlessness that left her unsettled.

A multi-million-dollar partnership, hammered out with such ease after a single, brief meeting? It was unsettlingly surreal."

"Xin Wen's stride was light and triumphant as he approached the car, Lan Nian noted with silent amusement.

"Congratulations, Mr. Xin," she said coolly, her tone perfunctory as she held the door open.

"That's it?" he asked, unable to mask his disappointment. I thought she'd acknowledge the win.

"Mr. Xin, do you expect me to praise your pretty-boy tactics?" Lan Nian raised an eyebrow, her tone hovering between jest and sincerity.

"Pretty-boy tactics?" He leaned back, feigning innocence. "Is being handsome a crime now?"

Xin Wen let out a laugh that bordered on incredulity, shaking his head with a wry smile.

"Good looks aren't a crime," Lan Nian replied sharply, her eyes narrowing as she recalled Shang Kexin's vulnerable demeanor. "But using them to prey on innocent girls? That's a different story."

Xin Wen's laughter was hollow. "Innocent?" he echoed, his tone edged with irony. "Shang Kexin's been grooming this partnership for years. She's no damsel in distress—she's a strategist."

"Does that include you?" Xin Wen leaned closer, his heated breath grazing Lan Nian's neck in a deliberate caress. His voice held a playful edge—a calculated mix of provocation and warmth that shouldn't have worked, yet somehow did.

Her cheeks flushed involuntarily, betraying her composure. Before she could retort, her gaze abruptly sharpened, fixating on something over his shoulder.

"Hmm." Xin Wen reined in his audacity, a cryptic smile flickering in his eyes before dissipating like smoke.

"Mr. Xin, may I have a word in private?" Shang Kexin's melodious voice, soft as spring water, rippled through the air.

She's finally going to cut through the charade. Xin Wen stifled a silent sigh, already calculating his response.