The morning light filtered softly into the room through sheer curtains. Qin Yue stirred awake on the plush guest bed, blinking in confusion at the unfamiliar surroundings. For a moment, she wondered if it had been a dream—that stormy night, Li Feng's unexpected concern, his quiet presence beside her. But the scent lingering faintly on the pillow—a mix of cedarwood and something uniquely him—told her otherwise.
This was real.
She sat up, clutching the blanket, her mind a whirlwind of questions. Why had he, of all people, shown such gentleness? The same man who ordered her around with cold commands, who treated her like a tool… had carried her into his home when she collapsed?
Qin Yue pressed her lips together, shaking her head. No matter what kindness he displayed, she couldn't forget the reality: Li Feng was her boss, her employer, a man who existed in a world entirely separate from hers.
Still, her heart betrayed her. It beat far too fast whenever she thought of his steady gaze, the way his voice softened in those rare, fleeting moments.
She stood, washed quickly in the attached bathroom, and tried to make herself presentable before stepping out. The hallway stretched wide and elegant, decorated with modern art pieces that probably cost more than her yearly income. Everything here screamed of wealth and distance.
Downstairs, she found him at the dining table. Li Feng, immaculate in a crisp shirt, was already reading the morning paper, a cup of black coffee steaming beside him. His eyes lifted as soon as she appeared.
"You're awake." His tone was calm, almost casual, yet it carried that same authority he never seemed to lose.
"Yes…" Qin Yue lowered her gaze. "Thank you for… last night. I'm sorry for the trouble."
"It wasn't trouble." His reply was simple, but it made her chest tighten. He folded the paper neatly, setting it aside. "Sit. Eat."
On the table, a breakfast spread awaited—fresh bread, eggs, fruit, and neatly arranged dishes that looked like they belonged in a five-star hotel.
Her stomach growled before she could stop it, betraying her hunger. Her cheeks warmed, but Li Feng's lips quirked, just slightly, as if he'd heard.
"Eat," he repeated, softer this time.
She obeyed, picking up a fork and tasting the food. It was warm, delicious, far beyond anything she usually had time or money for. She tried to eat quietly, stealing glances at him now and then.
"Miss Qin," he said suddenly.
She almost dropped her fork. "Y-yes?"
His gaze pinned her, sharp but unreadable. "Why do you work so hard?"
The question caught her off guard. "Because… I have to. To survive. To support myself."
"That's not what I meant." His eyes narrowed, studying her as if she were a puzzle. "Most people with your background would have given up long ago. Yet you keep pushing forward. Why?"
Her throat tightened. Memories flickered—her childhood, the sacrifices her mother made, the nights she spent studying under a dim light while others her age enjoyed carefree days. She clenched her fists under the table.
"Because I don't want to be pitied," she whispered. "I don't want to be looked down on. I want… to stand on my own feet."
For a long moment, silence stretched between them. Then, unexpectedly, he gave a small nod. Approval.
"You're stronger than you think," he said quietly.
Her heart skipped. Coming from him, those words carried a weight she couldn't explain.
---
Later, when they arrived at the office, Qin Yue noticed something had changed. People looked at her differently—curious, even suspicious. Whispers followed her as she walked down the corridor.
She overheard snippets:
"Why did the boss personally drive her to work?"
"Didn't she stay at his place last night?"
"There must be something going on…"
Her cheeks flamed. Panic surged. She wanted to defend herself, to shout that it wasn't what they thought—but she knew it would only fuel the rumors.
At her desk, she tried to focus on her tasks, but the murmurs wouldn't stop. It felt suffocating, like invisible eyes were constantly on her.
Finally, during a break, she slipped into the stairwell, needing air. She pressed a hand to her chest, trying to steady her breathing.
Was this what it meant to work so close to someone like Li Feng? His world was filled with scrutiny, with people ready to twist every action into scandal. She didn't belong here.
"Running away?"
The familiar voice startled her. She spun around to see Li Feng leaning against the railing, his presence commanding even in such an ordinary space.
"N-no…" she stammered. "I just needed a moment."
He studied her silently, his gaze unreadable. Then, with a small sigh, he stepped closer.
"Do you care about what they say?"
Her lips trembled. "Of course I do. They think— they think I'm—"
"Mine?" His interruption was smooth, deliberate.
She froze. Her heart lurched violently. "T-that's not—"
"Let them think what they want." His voice was low, carrying an undercurrent of power that made it impossible to argue. "As long as you know the truth, nothing else matters."
Her breath hitched. She wanted to believe that, but… could she?
Seeing her turmoil, he added, more softly, "If you let every whisper shake you, you'll never survive in this world. Stand firm, Qin Yue. Or people will crush you."
Something in his tone—protective, almost—wrapped around her like a shield. She swallowed hard and nodded.
"I'll try."
His eyes lingered on her for a moment longer, and she thought she saw the faintest flicker of warmth before he turned and walked away.
---
That evening, Qin Yue stayed late, finishing reports. The office was nearly empty when Li Feng reappeared, loosening his tie as he entered.
"You're still here?"
She looked up, startled. "I had work to finish—"
"Come with me." His tone left no room for refusal.
She followed him to his office, where he handed her a folder. Inside was a document—neatly typed, stamped with the Feng Corporation seal.
"What is this?" she asked, scanning the first page.
"A contract," he said calmly. "An employment extension. With additional terms."
Her brows knitted. "Terms?"
He leaned back in his chair, watching her with that piercing gaze. "You'll be my assistant exclusively. Twenty-four hours, if necessary. No transfers, no replacements. You'll be compensated accordingly."
Her eyes widened. "Twenty-four hours? That's… that's not an assistant, that's—"
"A personal assistant," he corrected smoothly. "It means you'll be with me. Always."
Her heartbeat thundered. Always? Did he realize what that implied?
"But… why me?" she whispered. "You could have anyone. Someone better, more qualified—"
"I don't want anyone else." The quiet conviction in his voice silenced her. "I want you."
Qin Yue's breath caught. She searched his face, but it was unreadable, his expression as composed as ever. Yet beneath those words, something deeper stirred.
This wasn't just about work.
Her