"Let's go…" she murmured putting the safety belt on.
She had only just settled into the seat when her phone lit up, her brother's name flashing across the screen.
For a moment, Ruoxi hesitated, thumb hovering across the screen thinking if she needed to receive the call or not. Then, with a small sigh, she swiped to answer.
"Ge…"
"Why are you calling?"
"Song Ruoxi!" Her brother's cold, frustrated voice exploded through the speaker, making her instinctively pull the phone slightly away from her ear.
She frowned, irritation flickering across her delicate features, her eyes darkening, "What's the matter with you? Why are you shouting?"
"What are you up to? What exactly are you trying to do, mnnh?" His voice was sharp, almost accusing, "You had better resign immediately.... do you hear me? Quit that place before the sun rises!"
Ruoxi's brows knitted together, but her voice remained calm, almost languid. "Resign? And why should I do that? Since when do you get to dictate where I work, ge?"
"Don't play games with me, Ruoxi," he snapped, his anger barely contained. "Of all the companies in this city, you had to choose the Mo Conglomerate? What are you after? Exposure? Trouble? You know very well the stakes between our families. Quit before this spirals out of control."
She let out a soft laugh, low and dismissive, though her eyes darkened further, "Mind your own business, Yichen. This is my life, my decision. I don't need you breathing down my neck every time I take a step. I know what I'm doing!"
"Ruoxi...!"
She cut him off smoothly, her tone suddenly sharper. "You worry too much. I know exactly what I'm doing. If you can't trust me, then at least respect my choices."
There was silence on the other end, broken only by the sound of his uneven breathing.
Finally, he muttered, "You are walking into a fire pit. Don't say I didn't warn you."
The line went dead.
Ruoxi lowered the phone slowly, her lips curving into a faint, unreadable smile. She slipped it back into her bag and leaned against the leather seat, her gaze fixed on the glowing skyline outside.
"Fire…" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "Maybe that's exactly where I belong."
Her driver glanced at her through the mirror but wisely said nothing.
Ruoxi straightened, her expression returning to cool composure. "Head home first. I will need to change before dinner."
"Yes, Miss Song."
As the car surged forward into the glittering night, a strange anticipation coiled low in her chest. Whatever her brother feared, she would face it herself. And if tonight truly brought her face-to-face with President Mo, then the real game was only just beginning.
The city blurred past in streaks of gold and silver, skyscrapers towering like silent sentinels. Ruoxi leaned her head against the cool car window glass, her thoughts swirling, her heartbeat stubbornly refusing to settle.
She had dreamed of this moment countless times, dinners, chance encounters, brushing past him in crowded halls, but never had reality felt so tangible.
Tonight, there would be no distance of rumor, no whispers through corridors. Tonight, she would finally step into his orbit and see each other face to face!
The sedan turned off from the main highway, gliding into quieter, darker streets that wound toward the outskirts of the city.
Neon gave way to soft lamplight, and the noise of the metropolis faded into the hush of a secluded neighborhood where each estate sat hidden behind wrought-iron gates and manicured hedges.
Soon, the black gates of the Song estate loomed ahead, tall and imposing. As the car approached, their sensors were triggered, and the heavy gates swung open in smooth silence.
The vehicle rolled onto the long, tree-lined driveway, lanterns casting a golden glow along the path that stretched toward the sprawling mansion at its end.
The Song residence was a sight of power and wealth, three stories of ivory stone, columns rising proudly against the night sky, every window illuminated in a warm golden haze.
A fountain glittered at the center of the courtyard, its spray catching the moonlight like diamonds curving beautifully.
As the car drew to a stop, Ruoxi exhaled slowly. She schooled her features into calm elegance, masking the lingering echoes of her brother's warning and imaginations that were running rampant in her mind.
The butler, dressed immaculately in black, was already waiting at the steps leading into the expansive mansion. He stepped forward and bowed slightly as the driver opened the door for her.
"Welcome home, Miss Song."
Ruoxi gathered her clutch and stepped out, the cool night air brushing over her silk blouse and long skirt. Her heels clicked softly against the marble as she ascended the stairs with practiced grace.