Chapter 2: An Unexpected Invitation
Several days had passed since that tense encounter between Xiao Mei and Lu Zeyan. Though the city buzzed with life outside her apartment window, Xiao Mei found herself unusually quiet. Sitting in front of her laptop in the cramped but cozy living space, she tried to focus on the article she was commissioned to write. The cursor blinked on the blank screen, almost as if mocking her inability to concentrate.
No matter how hard she tried to push it away, Lu Zeyan's sharp words and cold demeanor kept replaying in her mind.
Why do I even care? she thought, frustrated. He's just another arrogant CEO who thinks the world revolves around him. But the truth was harder to ignore—his presence had left an impression. His confidence, his intensity… and the way he challenged her. Xiao Mei didn't like it, but she couldn't forget it either.
Meanwhile, in the sleek office atop one of the tallest buildings in the city, Lu Zeyan sat in silence. His usually focused gaze wandered toward the large glass windows. The view of the bustling city did little to distract him from the image of a particular woman—Xiao Mei.
She had stood up to him.
Not many people dared to speak their minds in front of Lu Zeyan, let alone challenge his decisions openly. Yet she did, and without hesitation. Something about her directness intrigued him. She wasn't trying to please anyone, not even him.
"Mrs. Tang," he called out to his assistant without turning from the window.
"Yes, Mr. Lu?" the middle-aged woman responded as she stepped in.
"Find me everything you can about Xiao Mei," he instructed.
Mrs. Tang blinked in surprise. "Is she a candidate for the Voices of the City project?"
Lu Zeyan didn't answer. Instead, he offered a faint smile and waved his hand, signaling the end of the conversation. Mrs. Tang bowed slightly and left the room, a puzzled look on her face.
Later that evening, Xiao Mei was jolted from her thoughts by a ding from her inbox. An email from Lu Zeyan's company. Her eyes widened as she read:
We would like to invite you for a follow-up discussion regarding a potential collaboration. Kindly confirm your availability.
She reread the message three times. A follow-up? After what happened last time? Why would they want to meet her again—especially after how she had boldly confronted their CEO?
Xiao Mei paced the small apartment, torn between suspicion and curiosity.
Is this a trap? Or is it a genuine offer?
Despite her doubts, she couldn't ignore the possibility. Opportunities like this didn't come often, and she had learned that in this city, hesitation could cost her more than just pride.
With a deep breath, she made her decision. Not because she wanted to please them—but because she wanted answers. She wasn't going to let someone like Lu Zeyan intimidate her.
Standing before her mirror, Xiao Mei tied her hair neatly and applied a touch of lip balm. She dressed modestly, yet with confidence.
Before stepping out, she looked at her reflection and whispered,
"If he thinks I'm going to bow down, he's dead wrong."