Chapter Thirty: Commissioned Under Peril
When Lu Chen pushed open the frosted-glass door—thick and substantial, yet exuding a discreet air of modern elegance—that marked the pinnacle of female power within Feichi Group, and stepped into Shen Ruyi's private office, he could distinctly feel his very blood…accelerating its flow!
It was a sensation unlike the "hunt" thrill he'd felt in Jiang Wanxing's presence—intense, dangerous, and utterly seductive—and likewise unlike the innocent sweetness of flirting with Xu Tingxia. Instead, it was more akin to facing a worthy opponent: two masters of the same chessboard, feeling mutual respect…and hidden anticipation.
Shen Ruyi's office stood in stark contrast to Jiang Wanxing's coldly luxurious, dominion-evoking "queen's palace." Here, there were no ostentatious decorations, no deliberately oppressive atmosphere. The space was defined by minimalist off-white and sophisticated greys, punctuated by vibrant green plants and artful metal sculptures. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the glittering CBD panorama of Star City, yet no grand desk of authority sat before them—instead, a supple off-white leather sofa and a chic glass coffee table occupied the center.
Sunlight streamed through the vast windows, bathing every corner in a warm, translucent glow that felt both invigorating and…serenely comforting. Were it not for the faint, intoxicating aroma of top-grade coffee beans, interwoven with an elusive, subtly alluring feminine scent, Lu Chen might have questioned whether he'd stumbled into some private retreat crafted by a white-collar elite rather than an executive's office.
At the heart of this elegantly restrained yet intellectually refined space lounged the "Ice Queen" herself—Shen Ruyi—usually as cool and untouchable as a glacier, her expression unyielding as she presided over the lion's share of Feichi Group's sales empire. Today, however, she reclined languidly on the off-white leather sofa.
She wore a perfectly tailored white silk blouse, its top two buttons left undone—neither prudish nor scandalous, but just right—revealing her sculpted clavicles, as pristine and flawless as the finest jade. The shirt's generous cut hinted at the gentle curve of her snow-white décolletage, stirring one's heartbeat.
Her pencil-thick, knee-length black skirt hugged her hips, the hem barely kissing the bend of her knees. Beneath, her long, shapely legs—wrapped in the sheerest black hosiery—crossed with an elegance that radiated both lethal sensuality and ascetic restraint.
Chestnut waves, as full and luxurious as seaweed in a moonlit tide, were swept back with an ebony hairpin of striking design, unveiling her smooth, high forehead and the graceful curve of a swan-like neck. Her makeup was subtle—far from Jiang Wanxing's aggressive, commanding palette—yet still accentuated a face capable of turning heads. Most arresting of all were her narrow, phoenix-like eyes, now glistening with a barely perceptible film of emotion: intelligence…curiosity…questioning.
She held a steaming cup of Blue Mountain coffee between slender fingers, gently swirling it as she gazed through the window at the city sprawling beneath her—and at the man who had just entered, expression calm, eyes deep and guarded, as though guarding untold secrets.
"Lu Chen. Sit," Shen Ruyi's voice sounded, as tranquil and unruffled as a still lake, yet carrying an undeniable authority—and a hint of curiosity she barely acknowledged herself.
Lu Chen inclined his head, unperturbed, and took the single-chair sofa opposite her with measured composure.
He could almost "hear" her heart, beneath that icy façade: thoughts of scrutiny…inquiry…an undercurrent of excitement…and possessive stirrings!
This man…truly nothing like the rumors…
Facing me, he remains so…calm…so…collected…
Those eyes…so fathomless…they seem to see right through me…
What mysteries does he conceal?
Could he indeed become the key blade capable of shifting the entire board in my hand?
Lu Chen's lips curled into a smile—icy as millennia-old frost, yet edged with the wicked sharpness of a demon's grin. He knew that in his "Heart-Hunting Ledger," Shen Ruyi had long been marked as an "SS-level ultimate quarry," the Ice Queen herself…now intrigued by her unexpected guest.
And he did not mind, before claiming her as the most dangerously alluring blossom in his own "Peach-Blossom Ledger," to indulge in a…game…of psychological conquest.
"Director Shen," he said, his voice clear and steady, yet laced with respectful understanding, "you didn't summon me here merely for coffee, did you?"
A flicker of something—surprise, perhaps—passed through Shen Ruyi's phoenix eyes. She set down her coffee, her crossed legs shifting ever so slightly, revealing just a teasing glimpse of perfection beneath the hem.
But Lu Chen's gaze remained unshaken, as if the most bewitching vision any man might lose himself to was, in his eyes, simply…a work of art to be admired.
The more composed he appeared, the more Shen Ruyi's heart—hardened by years of solitude and dominance—thudded wildly, betraying her. She realized she could no longer read this man, nearly a decade her junior.
The exhilarating uncertainty, the loss of control…it awakened in her a long-forgotten sense of danger…of challenge…and stirred deep within her a stronger desire: to conquer…and possess!
"Lu Chen, you're very…clever." Her crimson lips curved into a playful, probing smile. Her voice held a magnetic authority. "Very well. I won't beat around the bush."
Leaning forward, the looseness of her silk blouse shifted again, unveiling more of that pristine curve…more of that depth…inviting endless imagination. A richer, more intoxicating matured-woman scent washed over him like a tide—both gentle and commanding—completely engulfing Lu Chen.
"There is a critical strategic project underway at our company, codename 'Project Qihang'. Due to certain…'special circumstances', it has fallen into grave peril. It may even jeopardize our overall strategy and market share for the next three to five years."
"'Project Qihang'?" Lu Chen raised an eyebrow. The name was vaguely familiar—yes, it was the impossible assignment that scoundrel Wang Hai had once dumped on him: three hundred copies of glossy import-grade promotional materials for Project Qihang due by closing time.
Never would he have imagined this internal marketing campaign hid such weighty significance!
Lu Chen could almost hear Shen Ruyi's thoughts at the mention of "Project Qihang"—anxiety…helplessness…and a fierce loathing for some unseen saboteur in the shadows!
That damned Project Qihang!
If it weren't for that old bastard from the Zhang family meddling behind the scenes, blocking every move, how could the project have sunk to this dire state?!
Now the team's morale is shattered, core experts have defected under mysterious "accidents"… If this continues, before next month's board meeting, this campaign I pinned all my hopes on may be completely derailed!
No! I cannot allow this to happen. It's not just my position and future at stake, but my family's standing in the next power shuffle!
Lu Chen's eyes sparkled with understanding. The internal currents of Feichi Group ran even deeper than he'd imagined. And this woman, the Ice Queen in public splendor, was far from the effortless figure she appeared to be.
"Director Shen, forgive my frankness," he began, his tone calm yet laced with perceptive wisdom, "with your status and capabilities—and that unfathomable background of yours—surely a mere Project Qihang shouldn't have left you so…helpless?"
For the first time, genuine, bone-deep shock and horror flickered across Shen Ruyi's face. She…she realized that he could perceive her most secret, most authentic thoughts!
What kind of…monster…was this Lu Chen?!
She felt her soul gripped by an invisible hand, her breath catching—her heart, honed by years of boardroom battles into steel, now quivered uncontrollably at his seemingly casual, yet razor-sharp words!
It was the first time she had ever felt a pang of…fear…toward this young man. Yet, alongside it surged an even stronger…desire—to conquer!
"Lu Chen," she finally whispered, voice trembling yet regaining its measured ice, "you truly…have not disappointed me." Her pallor melted into a predatory, almost feverish excitement, her features regaining their usual calm authority.
"You're right. The predicament facing Project Qihang is…far more complex and perilous than you realize. But I believe that with your…special abilities, you can…work miracles and turn the tide!"
Her gaze, like twin X-rays, seemed intent on dissecting him utterly. "Lu Chen, I hereby appoint you—effective immediately—as the new project leader for Project Qihang!"
"I don't care what methods you employ or what price you pay. Within one month, I must see this project back on track…and producing results so undeniable that no one dares question it!"
She paused, that seductive, deadly smile curling at her lips. "Of course," she added, "should you succeed, everything you desire…shall be yours. Including…me!"