Xu Xinxin stood by the window in the reception room, overlooking the central park of the Marching Ant Company. It was her first time visiting the company—one of the most iconic tech giants in the country—and she couldn't help but feel impressed. The emergence of the seismograph alone had solidified Marching Ant's legendary status.
A man younger than her by a year had built this empire from scratch, and in such a short time. Countless companies now looked up to him.
Chen Mo's success already felt like a story no one else could replicate.
What made it all the more compelling was the mystery surrounding him. She didn't know much about him—not even his personal preferences—but that unfamiliarity only deepened her curiosity.
Especially after last night.
That moment when Chen Mo had pulled her into his arms and shielded her from danger kept replaying in her mind. The sense of security he gave her was something she'd never experienced before.
At first, her father had asked her to approach Chen Mo. But now... she was starting to want to do it of her own accord.
"How long until your boss comes out?" Xu Xinxin asked the reception robot, glancing at her watch.
She'd been waiting for half an hour after arriving, only to be told that Chen Mo was in the lab and couldn't be disturbed.
"Miss Xu, Mr. Chen is still in the laboratory," the robot replied politely. "No one is allowed to interrupt his research. If you're in a hurry, you may return another time. Otherwise, you will have to wait until Mr. Chen comes out."
"Then I'll wait," she said, sitting back down.
From the moment she entered Marching Ant's headquarters, she had been assisted entirely by intelligent robots. The company's advanced tech far exceeded her expectations. No wonder her father had wanted to collaborate with them on smart buildings.
Just then, Xiao Yu entered the reception room and spotted her. Xu Xinxin—the daughter of real estate magnate Xu Jialin—was exactly who she expected to see.
Chen Mo had told her about what happened at the party last night, and she had already guessed that Xu Xinxin would come looking for him. She just didn't think it would be this soon.
"Miss Xu, the boss is available now," Xiao Yu said with a gentle smile.
"Thank you."
Xu Xinxin stood and followed her out of the room.
Several employees along the hallway paused and exchanged glances. When the two women entered the elevator, quiet whispers broke out.
"Wait, what's going on? Assistant He just took Xu Xinxin to see the boss. That's kind of a big deal. Are we about to witness a showdown between the ex and the current?"
"Ex your head. Didn't you see the boss arrive with Assistant He today? Miss He looks great and is clearly in a good mood. All those rumors online are just noise. But saving Xu Xinxin from danger? That was impressive. Never thought the boss was so badass."
"You better stop gossiping unless you want to get written up. You know what happens when HR catches you talking about the boss."
That last comment worked like a charm—everyone instantly fell silent. Gossiping about Chen Mo during work hours was a violation serious enough to get someone fired.
Inside the elevator, Xu Xinxin turned to Xiao Yu. "Miss He, are you Mr. Chen Mo's assistant?"
"I'm his executive assistant and also his personal assistant," Xiao Yu said with a smile.
Xu Xinxin's expression shifted slightly. Holding both positions? That wasn't because Marching Ant lacked qualified candidates. It had to mean this woman was special.
"What university did you attend? What did you study?" she asked curiously.
"Binhai University, economics and management," Xiao Yu replied casually.
Xu Xinxin blinked. Binhai was a fairly average university in China. And yet, a graduate from such a school was now both Chen Mo's executive and personal assistant. Even the best graduates often struggled to get a fraction of that trust.
"Then you must have a lot of responsibilities. Doesn't Mr. Chen employ a secretary or another assistant?" Xu Xinxin asked.
"You'd have to ask the boss about that," Xiao Yu replied, just as the elevator dinged open. "We're here."
They stepped out and walked through the executive corridor. Wang Hai and a security guard standing nearby greeted Xiao Yu respectfully as she pressed her fingerprint on the door scanner and led Xu Xinxin into Chen Mo's office suite.
The office was large and minimalistic, containing several labs and a rest area. There were no extravagant decorations—just functionality and focus. Most of the lab doors were locked, and what lay behind them was unknown to anyone but Chen Mo.
"Boss, Miss Xu is here," Xiao Yu said as she stepped inside and gave Chen Mo a subtle wink.
Chen Mo sighed inwardly and stood up, walking over to the sofa.
"Please, have a seat, Miss Xu."
"We're friends now. Just call me Xinxin," she said with a smile as she sat across from him. "It's really hard to see you."
She subtly examined the office décor. A person's environment often revealed their personality.
On the back wall was a large plaque with the inscription "Great Wisdom." Beside it was a shelf filled with scientific texts and reference books. His desk held a pen holder, two smart speakers, and four computer monitors. Everything was clean, practical, and unpretentious.
"Just came out of the lab," Chen Mo said.
To be honest, even he was surprised she showed up—though Xiao Yu had predicted it. And she had come much faster than expected.
"Well, no wonder you're so successful," Xu Xinxin said.
"You waited a long time. What did you come for?" Chen Mo asked directly.
"I came to thank you for saving me last night," she said sincerely. "Do you have time for dinner tonight? It's just a small token of gratitude."
"I appreciate the thought, but it really wasn't a big deal," Chen Mo replied. "There's no need for dinner. I'm afraid I'll have to decline."
Xu Xinxin paused, momentarily stunned.
This was the first time she'd ever been turned down after personally inviting someone. She'd always been the one turning people down—not the other way around.
"You're really turning down a beautiful woman's invitation?" she asked, smiling playfully, though a bit stiffly.
"I'm truly sorry," Chen Mo said politely. "Zhao Min is away on business, and I have a lot on my plate lately."
To him, what happened last night was just a brief interlude. Getting involved beyond that would only create more complications. He had no interest in romantic entanglements—especially when he already had Xiao Yu. There was no need to invite unnecessary trouble.
"But at least let me treat you to a cup of coffee today as thanks," Chen Mo added. He walked over to the coffee machine and poured a cup for her.
At that moment, Xu Jialin sat at home reading the newspaper. The headlines were buzzing with stories about Chen Mo and his daughter, Xu Xinxin.
His expression was unreadable.
When Xu Xinxin returned home, he looked up and asked, "So? Did you see him?"
"Yes," she replied with a pout. "He rejected my invitation."
It was rare for her to feel this frustrated. It was even rarer to meet someone who both intrigued her and matched her in status. Yet here she was, being brushed off.
"Don't rush it," Xu Jialin said. "These things take time. You know it's not going to happen overnight."
"We'll see…" she murmured, heading upstairs and disappearing into her room.
Xu Jialin frowned, clearly displeased. He knew his daughter's worth—beauty, intellect, and capability. And even she got rejected?
What kind of woman did Chen Mo want—a goddess?
Just then, his phone buzzed.
"Boss," came a cautious voice. "There's a gap in the information we pulled on Chen Mo. According to new data, he's already registered for marriage."
Xu Jialin's eyes narrowed. "Who's the woman?"
"It's He Xiaoyu—the executive assistant at Marching Ant."