The golden light of the afternoon sun streamed through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow across the otherwise cold, luxurious office. Behind the imposing mahogany desk sat Fang Yichen, his long fingers tapping absently on a document, rhythm steady, eyes unreadable.
The only thing that didn't match the austere atmosphere was the lively young woman sprawled across the leather couch.
Fang Yien, the youngest daughter of the Fang family, had just returned from studying in the U.S. and was practically bouncing with excitement. Her animated voice filled the space like a cheerful lark in spring.
"Bro! Bro! It's tomorrow! Can you believe it's finally tomorrow!" she nearly sprang up from the couch, her eyes sparkling as she stared at her indifferent older brother. "Sweet Journey is starting production! The leads are Zheng Nana and Lee Knox! I'm obsessed with them! I've rewatched their dramas like, a million times. Oh my god, bro, can I go to the set tomorrow? Please?"
She blinked those bright eyes at him, clearly attempting to melt the iceberg known as her brother.
Fang Yichen lifted his gaze from the document, giving her a faint, indifferent glance. He had long since given up resisting this spoiled, overindulged little sister. As long as it didn't cross any lines, he usually let her have her way.
"Go, if you want," he said flatly, keeping it short and to the point. "Stick with the crew. Don't wander off or interrupt the filming."
"Yes! You're the best!" Fang Yien cheered, her face lighting up with a radiant smile. "I knew I came to the right person! I can't believe XingYue Media is actually partnering with Global Pictures! And I get to see my Nana-Knox ship live and up close?! This is the best day of my life!"
Just then, Leo, the ever-efficient assistant who had been standing quietly to the side, glanced at the schedule on his tablet and spoke up at just the right moment.
"Mr. Fang, Miss Nan Zhi will also be attending. Will you be going in person?"
Fang Yichen's fingers paused mid-tap. He looked up slowly, his gaze sharp and unreadable. "This is our company's key project this year. Of course I'll attend. Why specifically mention Nan Zhi?"
Leo gave a quick, knowing smile, one that hinted at meanings only he understood, and nodded smoothly. "Of course, of course. I was just being talkative. Naturally, Mr. Fang always prioritizes business."
Fang Yien instantly picked up on the subtle undercurrent, her gossip radar lighting up like a siren. She turned her head with lightning speed, her eyes darting between her brother and his assistant, curiosity and excitement blooming on her face.
"Nan Zhi?" she tilted her head, repeating the name. Then her eyes lit up with recognition. "Oh—! I remember! Isn't she that insanely popular influencer under your company? She is super pretty. Wasn't she trending just a few days ago? Leo, why'd you bring her up all of a sudden, hmm?"
Her tone dragged mischievously, and she turned her teasing eyes on her brother. "Bro~ Something's going on, isn't it?"
Fang Yichen's expression didn't change in the slightest. Not even a flicker of a brow. His voice remained as calm as a weather report. "She's an employee of mine. I'm concerned about whether she can generate profit for the company. Is there a problem with that?"
"Yes, yes, of course," Leo nodded with mock sincerity, then added in a voice just low enough to be heard by both, "After all, there's nothing special between Mr. Fang and Miss Nan. Even though… Mr. Fang helped her resolve quite a major issue recently. I don't believe she ever formally thanked you, did she?"
His words were light, but they struck like a needle, sharp and precise.
Fang Yichen's tapping stopped completely.
The room seemed to still for a heartbeat.
He didn't say anything, didn't even shift his expression—but slowly, deliberately, he lifted his eyes. And in those deep, glacier-like eyes, something deadly cold flickered.
Leo instantly felt a chill race down his spine. He zipped his mouth shut with an imaginary motion and turned his gaze inward, pretending to be no more than part of the décor.
"Pfft—" Fang Yien couldn't hold back her laughter. Watching her always-composed brother get verbally owned with nothing but a look in return was just too good. Her face lit up with mischief, eyes gleaming with the thrill of discovery.
"Wow! There's actually a woman out there who made my brother help her and didn't even bother thanking him? And he's mad about it?" she giggled like a cat who'd just found a juicy secret. "Now I have to go tomorrow. Not just for my Nana-Knox CP—no no, I need to see what kind of woman this Nan Zhi is! The one who made Leo drop hints and managed to ruffle you, big bro…"
She didn't finish the sentence, because Fang Yichen's icy gaze sliced toward her, silencing her instantly.
But the curiosity in her eyes and the playful grin on her lips only grew stronger.
The opening ceremony of Sweet Journey was shaping up to be anything but ordinary.
Fang Yichen lowered his gaze back to the document in front of him, but somehow, his focus had begun to slip.
The face of that ungrateful little internet celebrity, the one who had simply said thank you before vanishing without another word, lingered in his mind—refusing to leave.