"I'm finally done...."
Song Ruoxi was clearing her desk after completing her task that she was assigned to, as one of the new interns walked over getting closer to her, "Ruoxi, they have said we have a simple party tonight, are you going to attend?"
Song Ruoxi glanced up at the girl who was chatting with her; they weren't that close to each other, as this was her third day working in that office since she joined this company.
She gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear before she slid the last file into the cabinet and gently dusted her hands.
"A party?" she echoed lightly, her lips curving into a faint, sweet smile. "I haven't heard of that. How come I didn't receive any email or text message informing me of something like that happening?"
Song Ruoxi picked up her mobile phone that was sitting on the desk and checked if a message came through while she was busy and since she had turned her mobile phone silent.
The intern leaned a little closer, her voice dropping as if she was sharing a secret, "It's just something casual, like a ritual. A welcome dinner for the newcomers. But… I think a few of the senior managers might be there too. It could be good for… connections and protection in here, it isn't easy to get permanent employment here..."
Ruoxi's smile didn't falter, but her gaze sharpened almost imperceptibly. In the business world, the only thing that mattered was connections. That word always carried weight in each company for promotions and job stability.
She closed her drawer with a soft click and stood up elegantly, slipping her bag over her shoulder. "I will see if I have the time to attend!" she replied calmly.
The intern hesitated, eyes searching Ruoxi's face as if hoping for a firmer answer and not that of dilly-dallying. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that rarely came up.
Then, as though remembering something, she leaned in even closer. "Honestly, everyone's saying President Mo might show up tonight. You know how rare that is. You don't want to miss the chance to see him right up close, right?"
Ruoxi's fingers paused mid-motion on her phone. For a heartbeat, the usual composed façade in her expression flickered. But then she merely chuckled softly, as though amused.
"We will see," she responded, before walking toward the door with measured grace but behind her, the intern called out, "I will save a seat for you! Make sure you show up."
Ruoxi didn't reply, but as she entered the hallway, her steps slowed slightly. If President Mo was attending… this 'simple party' might not be so simple after all.
The soft hum of the office lights followed her as she walked down the corridor, heels clicking in an even rhythm. Song Ruoxi's expression was calm, but her thoughts were anything but.
President Mo.
She has been fantasizing about this man for ages, and hadn't actually seen him since the day she joined the company. Nothing would make her happier than to see him, even from a distance.
Her fingers tightened around the strap of her bag.
President Mo...
She had admired him for years, ever since her university days when she had first glimpsed him presiding over mock trials and court debates with calm authority and effortless charm.
Her chest tightened slightly at the thought. President Mo…
In the three days since she joined, she had only caught fragments of his presence while his name whispered in hushed corridors, glimpses of black cars sweeping out of the underground garage, and the occasional stern email forwarded down from the top. Yet his reputation preceded him, larger than life.
He was ruthless, brilliant, and untouchable.
And still, despite herself, Ruoxi had imagined him countless times—his voice, his gaze, the weight of his aura. She wondered if reality would match the legend she had built in her mind.
The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, pulling her back to the present. She stepped inside, the mirrored walls reflecting her poised figure.
She touched her reflection briefly, adjusting her collar, then let her hand fall with a faint laugh.
"Don't be absurd, Ruoxi," she whispered to herself. "It's only dinner."
Yet even as the words left her lips, she knew she didn't believe them.
By the time she stepped into the cool evening air, the city was already alight, neon and street lamps shimmering against the fading dusk.
Across the street, a sleek black sedan waited for her at the curb.
She drew in a steadying breath, heels clicking softly as she crossed over. The driver stepped forward, inclining his head respectfully. "Miss Song."
Ruoxi gave a faint nod before reaching for the handle. The door opened with a muted click, and she slipped inside, the scent of leather and faint cologne wrapping around her.