The office door opened with a soft knock, and He Zhenyu stepped inside, a file tucked under his arm. His usual composure never wavered, but the faint lines under his eyes betrayed the long nights he had endured.
"President Qin, this is the latest report," he said, placing the file on the desk before glancing at Qin Haoyu with concern. "About the emergency meeting tonight… allow me to attend in your stead. You should rest. I can handle it."
He Zhenyu wasn't merely a secretary. He had been Qin Haoyu's closest friend since their university days. When Qin Haoyu, impressed by his sharp instincts, had invited him to stand by his side, the two of them had pushed the Qin Corporation into heights many thought unreachable. In the company's corridors, everyone knew one truth: He Zhenyu's voice carried the same weight as Qin Haoyu's.
Qin Haoyu's gaze softened. Trusting He Zhenyu came as naturally as breathing. Yet he knew the man was carrying burdens as heavy as his own, if not more. For every night Qin Haoyu stayed awake over the crisis, He Zhenyu was right there, reviewing data, drafting strategies, and quietly standing guard against mistakes.
But Qin Haoyu shook his head faintly. "You've been awake as long as I have. Don't think I haven't noticed." His voice, though calm, was edged with quiet authority. "You need rest just as much."
Secretary He's lips pressed into a thin line. He wanted to argue, but Qin Yichen cut in before the exchange could spiral.
"Enough." Qin Yichen rose from the couch, his shoulders firm with resolve. "I'll go. You both should rest. I can handle this meeting."
Both men turned toward him, surprise flickering in Secretary He's tired eyes, but Qin Haoyu frowned, already about to protest.
But Qin Yichen's tone left no room for argument. "Big brother, if you collapse, who will carry this company? Leave it to me for tonight."
He shot his elder brother a look and then turned to He Zhenyu. "Secretary He, go make the arrangements. I'll attend the meeting in his place."
He Zhenyu hesitated, caught between duty and hesitation. As a secretary, his loyalty bound him to Qin Haoyu. But as a friend, he could not ignore the exhaustion carved into the elder brother's face.
Slowly, he inclined his head. "Yes, Second Young Master." With that, he gathered the files once again and slipped out to prepare, leaving the two brothers in the heavy silence of the office.
Qin Haoyu leaned back in his chair, his hand rubbing at his temple. "Yichen, you don't have to take this burden. You've already sacrificed enough. Your life was meant to be lived on the track, not trapped in boardrooms."
Qin Yichen's lips curled into a faint, stubborn smile. "And yet here I am. Don't look at me like I've lost something, big brother. If it's for you, then this is where I want to be." He chuckled, though his laughter didn't reach his eyes. "Besides, don't think you can throw me out now. I'm going to give you a tough time. One day, I might even beat you at your own game."
Qin Haoyu's stern expression softened, and the corners of his mouth lifted ever so slightly. The faintest ghost of a smile broke through the weariness. "You really haven't changed."
Qin Yichen shrugged as if it were nothing, then straightened and walked toward the door. "Rest, Haoyu. I'll handle the meeting tonight. Consider it repayment for all the times you've carried me."
He was almost at the door when his brother's voice stopped him.
"Yichen…"
Qin Yichen turned, hand on the knob.
"When this crisis is over," Qin Haoyu said, his voice low but resolute, "you should return to the track. Your future doesn't belong to these boardrooms."
For a heartbeat, Qin Yichen stilled. A flicker of sadness crossed his eyes, but it vanished beneath a crooked grin. "Big brother, you worry too much. Being here with you is enough. And besides—someone has to keep you in check. Who better than your bratty little brother?"
For the first time that day, Qin Haoyu's lips curved, a faint but genuine smile tugging at his face. "We'll see."
Qin Yichen gave a mock salute and left, his footsteps fading down the hall. But just as the door shut, Qin Haoyu leaned back in his chair, whispering to the empty room.
"Once this storm passes, Yichen… I promise, your sacrifice won't be in vain. I'll see you return to the racetrack where you belong, with all the glory you deserve. I won't let this place steal your destiny forever."
The words dissolved into the silence of the office.