"Dad, please. I want out," Wang Xia pleaded to the other person on the phone, precisely her father, as she walked out of Tang Corp. Her voice trembled, though she tried to steady it. "I have tried to hold up because of our promise but I just... can't."
The other person on the line stayed silent for a short moment before replying, "How about you come home. Let's talk about it, alright?"
Wang Xia closed her eyes and took a deep breath, feeling the weariness sink deeper into her bones. "Dad, that's more than an hour drive. I'm so tired today."
Luckily for her, the following day was Saturday. But her father's voice came again, "I already sent my driver to pick you up. He's already there."
Wang Xia hummed in resignation, knowing she could not fight his arrangements. Still, something clicked in her mind and she blurted, "Dad, so you know that man has been making me work overtime and you still said nothing?"
Her father went silent for a short while, almost as though he had not expected her to ask. Then he spoke, "He's only doing it for your own good. Handling a company is not a joke, princess. And you'll be in a similar position as him in the future. Just come home and we'll talk about it, alright?"
Wang Xia almost felt like crying as she hung up. The only person she thought would at least help her, was now in cahoots with her boss. She pressed her lips tightly, fighting the sting at the corners of her eyes.
When she stepped outside, she indeed found a driver waiting for her, standing near the car respectfully. She got into the back seat and greeted her father's driver softly, "Hello, Mr. Chen."
The middle-aged man looked at her through the rearview mirror and replied with a small smile, "Hello, Young Miss."
As soon as Wang Xia settled, the car sped off to the highway. She leaned the side of her head against the window and closed her eyes. Just then, memories came crashing in without warning.
Flashback: Three Years Ago
Eighteen-year-old Wang Xia entered the University, satisfaction plastered on her lips. Finally, she had gotten into the place she had mostly desired. She had on a yellow dress, a light sweater, and a matching yellow bag hanging at her side. Her steps were almost floating with excitement.
She rushed in, trying to find the administration office. In no time, she did and was handed the necessary forms to fill in, which she was supposed to return before the end of the day.
Wang Xia left the office, her hands clutching the papers close to her chest. Now she searched for the library, thinking that at least in there, she could fill out the forms without much noise. Having only a few friends, she was not the sociable type, and she preferred quiet corners.
Holding the form tightly, she walked fast, her mind focused on where she was going. She was so immersed in her own thoughts that she did not see the group of young men walking toward her. Actually, the one leading them had his back turned and was walking backwards, laughing and speaking to the others.
In no time, the two collided hard. Wang Xia's form flew from her hands and scattered across the ground, and she fell backwards, landing hard on her butt.
"Ouch!" Wang Xia hissed in pain. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment, but she quickly scrambled to pick up her scattered papers. She gathered each one carefully, brushing off the dust, then stood up, now coming face-to-back with the person she had bumped into.
She bowed slightly and apologised quickly, "I'm sorry I wasn't looking where I was going and bumped into you."
Still with her head bowed, she waited for the other person to reply. But when no response came, she slowly raised her head, only to meet dark eyes glaring daggers at her.
Even with that cold, angry, and threatening gaze, Wang Xia could not deny that the man was quite attractive. His sharp jawline, broad shoulders, and commanding presence made her chest tighten for a brief moment. If she did not already like someone else, then maybe, just maybe, she might have already fallen for this handsome senior.
She cleared her throat nervously and added, "I'm sorry."
Even after her second apology, the young man did not reply. He only continued to stare at her with those piercing eyes, as though reading straight into her thoughts.
Wang Xia blinked, her lashes trembling lightly, then stepped aside and said, "Please excuse me."
She was ready to walk away, but suddenly, her wrist was caught after two steps. She looked down in surprise at the hand holding her, then back up at the person. It was the same young man.
Wang Xia frowned faintly, but she did not act rashly, knowing it was her fault earlier. So she asked politely, "Is there something I can help you with..." Her voice trailed off because she did not even know his name. Calling him "senior" without being sure of his identity felt disrespectful.
But before she could say anything more, the young man pulled her strongly, forcing her to stand right in front of him again. His grip on her wrist was tight that it almost crushed her little hand.
Without letting go, the man whispered in a voice low and sharp, "Acting innocent won't get you anywhere. What is it you want?"
Wang Xia frowned deeper, confusion sweeping across her face.
"Huh?" That was all that came out of her mouth.
The young man leaned closer, his lips curling into a cold smirk now. Then, without warning, he turned Wang Xia around and pulled her back against him, making her body press tightly against his chest.
Wang Xia's heart thudded heavily in her chest. Her brain struggled to register what was happening, but instinctively, she tried to wriggle out of his arm. Yet she was not strong enough to push him away.
Her face turned red with anger, and her voice burst out, "Let me go!" She breathed heavily, struggling against his hold.
The young man chuckled. The vibration of his laughter traveled into her body, making her freeze for a split second. He leaned closer, his cheek deliberately brushing against hers, and whispered, "Is this not enough to gain you attention? Look, everyone is watching. Or... should I... kiss you to make it..."
He was yet to complete his statement when Wang Xia sank her teeth into his hand with all the strength she had.
"Ah..." The man flinched and immediately let her go.
The moment she was free, Wang Xia turned around, her palm rising. She slapped his face hard with her eyes still burning with fury. Then, without waiting, she turned and ran as fast as her legs could carry her, her yellow dress fluttering as if even the fabric wanted to escape.
Flashback End
"Young Miss," Mr. Chen called for the third time, his voice breaking through the fog of memory. "We are here."
Wang Xia opened her eyes slowly, blinking away the heaviness. She looked outside and saw that they had already arrived.
"Thank you, Mr. Chen," she said softly.
With that, she got out of the car, discreetly wiping away the tears forming at the corners of her eyes.
"Memories never fade away, so it seems," she whispered to herself.