When Sophia returned home, it was already 11 PM.
Her life was normally strict and orderly—work, home, rest.Rarely did she ever stay out past ten. Work first, life later. That was her creed.
Yet these past two nights, she had gone out with Alex Lin.
Not only did she not feel tired, she… enjoyed herself.Her mood was light, her steps carried a bounce, and her heart felt oddly warm.
Their relationship had progressed quickly.They weren't lovers—at least not yet—but they had definitely crossed the line of ordinary friendship.
"Is this… dating?"Sophia felt her cheeks warm. She hardly recognized herself anymore.
She picked up her phone—several unread messages blinked on the screen.
Rachel Liu: Qing-gege, I'm planning to come back to see you. Be happy!Rachel Liu: Why no reply?Rachel Liu: Are you working again?Rachel Liu: How much work can a hospital even have?Rachel Liu: Answer me?
Sophia immediately typed back.
Sophia: I'm here.
The reply came instantly.
Rachel: Finally. I thought you disappeared again! Where have you been the last two days? Why replying so late?
Sophia: I've been out with a friend these past two nights.
Rachel: Friend? Besides me? And at night?Tell the truth—were you out with a man? Have you forgotten your loyal best friend already?
Sophia felt a headache forming. Rachel knew her too well.
Sophia: Stop talking nonsense. If you act childish again, I'm ignoring you.
Rachel: Fine. Just tell me who he is and I won't complain.
Silence.
Rachel: I'm only worried! You've never dated, you have zero experience. If some scumbag tricks you, what then?
Sophia: As if you're an expert? You haven't dated either.
Silence again.
Rachel: Maybe I haven't dated, but I've read hundreds of romance novels. My scumbag radar is top-tier. Tell me his name. I'll judge him for you.
Sophia sighed.
Sophia: Fine. His name is Alex Lin. He's twenty. We've only known each other two days. We're just friends, not dating.
Rachel: Alex Lin?Don't tell me your crush is that useless rich playboy from Lin Group—the one who wastes his life partying?
Sophia: …It's him. But he's not as bad as people say.
Rachel: Sophia, have you lost your mind?!That guy is the definition of a walking red flag! He's had enough girlfriends to circle the planet!
Sophia: He's not like that. He might be a bit frivolous, but he's responsible, caring, and gentle. I feel happy around him. I think… he might be the one I've been waiting for.
Rachel: You're completely bewitched!His tenderness is a trap! Once you fall for him, he'll show his true nature. Wake up! Protect yourself!
But no matter what Rachel said, Sophia held firm to her belief.
Sophia: Enough. I'll make my own choices. Going to sleep. Good night.
Thousands of miles away, in a luxurious apartment overseas, Rachel Liu threw herself on her bed in frustration.
"My best friend has been brainwashed by love. How could she fall for a scumbag? I must return and expose his true face!"
She tossed clothes into luggage—then her eyes swept past a nearly forgotten invitation card on her table.
Her expression shifted.
Two days passed quietly.
Alex visited Ethan Chen daily, enjoying the sight of him trapped in bed.Afterward, he picked up Sophia from the hospital, and they dined, strolled, talked, and smiled together.
Their bond grew more natural, more intimate—only one thin barrier remained between them.
Then, one afternoon, Alex's butler arrived with someone in tow.
"Young Master, the Master says you are not young anymore. It is time you participate in the company's affairs. This is the new secretary he arranged for you."
He gestured proudly.
"She holds a Master's degree in management from Harvard, and worked on Wall Street for two years. Her abilities are exceptional. Ask her anything you don't understand."
Alex looked up—his eyes narrowed slightly.
A new player had entered the stage.