Can't let it go

The second day at H&L Corporation began just as briskly as the first. Lu Xiao arrived early, determined to maintain the momentum she had built. The office was quieter in the early morning hours, the hum of the city outside a stark contrast to the stillness inside.

She settled at her desk, reviewing the tasks outlined for the day. Scheduling appointments, drafting emails, and preparing documents for Lei Han's meetings were now her responsibility. The thought of juggling it all was daunting, but she was determined not to falter.

---

A Morning Misstep

At precisely 8:30, Lei Han arrived. His presence filled the room as he strode past her desk, his tailored suit immaculate. Lu Xiao greeted him with a polite bow.

"Good morning, Mr. Lei."

"Good morning, Miss Lu," he replied, his voice clipped but not unkind.

Minutes later, a buzz on her phone summoned her into his office. Lu Xiao entered, balancing a tray with his usual black coffee. She set it on his desk, careful not to spill a drop.

"Miss Lu," he said, not looking up from his laptop. "What's the status of the partnership agreement with Guangmei Holdings?"

Lu Xiao's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't reviewed that file yet.

"I… I'll check on it immediately," she stammered.

Lei Han's gaze lifted, his eyes sharp. "Preparation is key, Miss Lu. You're here to make my work smoother, not create more obstacles."

Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I understand, Mr. Lei. It won't happen again."

"See that it doesn't," he said, his tone firm but not cruel.

---

A Teachable Moment

Determined to redeem herself, Lu Xiao dove into her tasks with renewed focus. She reviewed every document, cross-referenced schedules, and triple-checked her notes. Clara, who had stopped by briefly, offered a knowing smile.

"Don't take his criticism personally," Clara said. "He's hard on everyone, but it's because he values excellence."

By noon, Lu Xiao had completed the report on Guangmei Holdings and presented it to Lei Han. He scanned it quickly, nodding in approval.

"Much better," he said. "This is the level of efficiency I expect."

Her shoulders relaxed slightly, though she knew she couldn't afford to let her guard down.

---

An Unexpected Encounter

Later that afternoon, as Lu Xiao was filing documents, a knock at the office door startled her. A tall, elegant woman with striking features stepped inside, her confidence radiating.

"Is Lei in?" the woman asked, her voice smooth and commanding.

Lu Xiao hesitated. "Mr. Lei is in a meeting. May I help you?"

The woman smiled faintly. "I'm Loise Cheng. An old friend. I'll wait."

Loise's presence unsettled Lu Xiao, though she couldn't pinpoint why. The woman exuded sophistication, her designer outfit and expensive jewelry a stark contrast to Lu Xiao's simple attire.

When Lei Han returned, his expression shifted slightly upon seeing Loise.

"Loise," he said, his tone polite but distant. "What brings you here?"

"We need to talk," she said, her eyes flicking briefly to Lu Xiao.

"Miss Lu, take a break," Lei Han instructed, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Lu Xiao stepped out, her mind swirling with questions. Who was this woman? And why did she feel an inexplicable pang of unease?

---

Confronting Curiosity

By the time Loise left, her perfume lingering in the air, the atmosphere in the office had changed. Lei Han was more reserved, his usual sharpness dulled by something unspoken.

Lu Xiao considered asking him about it but thought better of it. Instead, she focused on completing her tasks. Still, her curiosity lingered.

As the day wound down, Lei Han called her into his office one last time.

"You've handled yourself well today," he said, his gaze steady. "Keep it up."

"Thank you, Mr. Lei," she replied, her voice steady despite her exhaustion.

As she left the office, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Lei Han than he let on. The weight of his words, the way he carried himself—it hinted at a depth she was only beginning to glimpse.

---

An Evening of Reflection

That evening, as Lu Xiao prepared dinner for her siblings, her thoughts kept returning to the events of the day. She replayed every interaction, every word, searching for meaning.

"Jie, are you okay?" Mei Hua asked, snapping her out of her reverie.

"I'm fine," Lu Xiao said with a small smile. "Just tired from work."

Her siblings didn't press further, but their concern was evident.

As she lay in bed later that night, staring at the cracked ceiling, Lu Xiao realized something. Lei Han's world was far removed from her own, but for some reason, their paths had crossed.

And whether it was fate or coincidence, she couldn't deny the pull she felt toward the enigmatic man who seemed both a mystery and a challenge.