Days passed. Then weeks.
Ailin almost forgot about the contract. The president hadn't called her, hadn't even glanced her way. Slowly, her heartbeat began to settle.
That evening, she and Ninglan walked out of Huaxing together, the city lights flickering to life around them.
"Finally, Friday" Ninglan groaned. "I swear, if I stare at one more spreadsheet, I'll go blind."
Ailin laughed softly. "You and me both. All I want is food and sleep."
As they crossed the parking lot, Ailin's phone buzzed. She glanced down and froze.
President Yichen.
Her heart lurched painfully.
"Ailin?" Ninglan asked, noticing her pale face. "Who's that?"
Ailin quickly locked her phone, forcing a smile. "I… forgot something upstairs. You go ahead, I'll catch up."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, go on." Her voice came out too quickly.
Ninglan frowned but nodded. "Alright. Don't take too long."
As soon as Ninglan turned away, Ailin hurried back inside.
Her hands were clammy as she stepped into the elevator and answered the call. "H-Hello?"
A low, steady voice came through. "Come to my office."
The line went dead.
Ailin's stomach twisted. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the rush of nerves as the elevator climbed.
When the doors opened, the top floor felt even colder than usual. She forced her trembling legs forward, knocking lightly on his door.
"Come in" Yichen's voice called from inside.
She stepped in. He was seated at his desk, eyes on a file, expression unreadable.
"President Yichen," she began, her voice cautious. "You asked to see me"
"Come closer" he said, still not looking up.
Ailin hesitated, then took a few tentative steps forward. "Is… something wrong?"
Before she could finish, Yichen reached out suddenly, his fingers wrapping around her wrist.
She gasped as he pulled her forward straight into his lap.
"P-President" she stammered, her hands braced against his chest.
"Don't move" he murmured, his breath brushing her ear.
Her body went rigid. She could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her palms. The heat of his closeness sent a shiver down her spine.
He leaned closer, his voice low. "What perfume do you wear?"
Ailin's lips parted. "V-Vanilla rose."
Yichen's gaze flicked to her neck. "It suits you."
Before she could respond, he stood lifting her effortlessly into his arms.
"Wait! What are you—"
"Quiet" he said softly.
He carried her to the sofa and set her down with surprising gentleness. Ailin blinked up at him, confused and breathless.
Then, to her utter shock, Yichen lay beside her, one arm draped loosely over her waist.
"Stay still" he murmured, eyes closing.
Ailin froze, her pulse racing. She wanted to speak, to ask why, but the sight of his face relaxed, unguarded stopped her.
He looked different like this. The coldness was gone. His features, sharp and defined in the daylight, now seemed softer under the warm office lights.
Her chest tightened. Why does he look human when he's asleep?
Somewhere between that thought and the comforting warmth of his arm, sleep slowly claimed her too.
Minutes later, Yichen's eyes opened again. He turned his head, studying her sleeping face. For a long moment, he said nothing then a faint, unreadable smile crossed his lips.
He reached for a blanket from the cabinet, draped it over her, and brushed a strand of hair from her face.
Then he leaned back, closing his eyes once more.
The office door creaked open quietly.
Yize stepped in, carrying a large box and froze. His gaze landed on the sofa, where his boss and the new employee slept side by side.
A slow, knowing smile curved his mouth.
Without a word, he set the box down carefully and slipped out, closing the door behind him.
Ailin stirred awake, her head felt heavy, her thoughts foggy. She blinked, realizing she was wrapped in a warm blanket.
Did he… cover me?
Her gaze darted to the sofa beside her empty.
Before she could gather her thoughts, the office door opened.
Yichen stepped in, crisp and composed as always, not a trace of sleep on his face.
"Put on your shoes" he said coldly.
Ailin blinked. "My… shoes? Why? Where are we going?"
He adjusted his cufflinks, not even glancing at her. "There's a business party tonight. You'll accompany me as my partner."
Her eyes widened. "Partner? I—"
Ailin stared at him, stunned. "Why me?" she murmured under her breath.
Yichen's sharp gaze snapped to her. "Do you want me to repeat myself?"
She straightened instantly. "N-no, sir."
Without another word, he took her by the wrist and led her through the hallway.
The few employees still working looked up as they passed. Eyes widened. Whispers started.
Ailin's cheeks burned under the curious stares. Yichen didn't slow down. Didn't even glance their way.
The president of Huaxing never let anyone near him. And now she was walking beside him.
~~~
The car ride was suffocatingly quiet.
Ailin sat stiffly, clutching her bag as the city blurred by outside the tinted window. Beside her, Yichen leaned back, eyes closed.
She sneaked a glance at him. Why does he look even more intimidating when he's not saying anything?
The car slowed to a stop. Ailin looked up to see a glowing sign above a glass-fronted boutique: AIGUO Haute Couture.
Her eyes widened. Aiguo? Country J's top designer?
Yichen stepped out and said simply, "Come."
Inside, the boutique shimmered with elegance soft lights, silk drapes, and the faint scent of perfume and luxury.
A tall man with silver hair and a charming grin approached them immediately. "Well, if it isn't President Li" he drawled. "And who's this lovely lady?"
Ailin flushed.
Yichen shot him a cold glare. "Stop talking nonsense. Is it ready?"
Aiguo laughed, holding up his hands. "Of course. Follow me."
He led them to a private fitting room lined with exquisite gowns. His assistant entered, handing Yichen a black box before slipping out.
Yichen disappeared into the changing room without a word.
Left alone, Ailin wandered among the racks, her eyes wide. The dresses shimmered like art, silk, velvet, lace each one more breathtaking than the last.
Aiguo picked out a crimson gown and handed it to her. "Try this. It'll look stunning on you."
"M-me?"
He smirked. "Do you see anyone else here? Go on, I promise it won't bite."
Nervously, she slipped into the dressing room.
When she stepped out, the room fell silent.
Aiguo blinked, actually blinked in awe. "Good heavens… You're incredible."
Ailin looked down at herself, flustered. "I-Is it okay?"
Before Aiguo could respond, Yichen emerged from his own fitting room.
He froze mid-step.
His gaze swept over her slow, deliberate. Then, clearing his throat, he turned slightly away.
The red silk gown hugged her curves perfectly. Her bare shoulders glowed under the soft lights, and the slit of the dress revealed just enough to make his jaw tighten.
Ailin turned to the mirror and gasped softly. "Is that… really me?"
Her reflection was stunning. Confident. Almost unrecognizable.
Aiguo leaned closer to Yichen, whispering, "President Li, if you ever get tired of her, I'll gladly make her my muse."
Yichen's cold stare was enough to silence him instantly.
Aiguo coughed. "R-right. Accessories." He handed Ailin a delicate red lace mask. "This completes the look. You'll outshine everyone tonight."
Ailin smiled shyly. "Thank you, Aiguo."
"My pleasure" he said with a wink.
When she turned, Yichen was already watching her. He was dressed in a black Armani tuxedo, perfectly tailored to his tall frame. The faint looseness of his collar, the sleek dark hair, it was unfair how effortlessly handsome he looked.
Her breath caught. He looks unreal.
Aiguo noticed her blush and grinned. "Oh? Someone's flustered."
"I-it's nothing" Ailin stammered, face heating.
Yichen's lips curved faintly. "Are you sure?"
She bit her lip, eyes darting away.
Aiguo chuckled, shaking his head. "You two look perfect together."
Yichen ignored him, checking his watch. "We're leaving."
He walked ahead. Ailin followed, her pulse quick and unsteady.
They left the boutique and slipped into the sleek black car waiting outside.
The silence was heavy, but Yichen broke it when he reached for a small box beside him and handed it over.
"Here" he said simply.
Ailin blinked, hesitating. "What is it?"
"Open it."
She lifted the lid slowly. Inside lay a small silver purse, its surface dusted with tiny diamonds.
Her lips parted. "It's… beautiful."
"For the party" Yichen said casually.
Ailin's chest warmed despite herself. "Thank you, President Li."
He gave a quiet hum in response, eyes already back on the window.
Ailin followed his gaze, her own reflection faint in the glass. She tried to steady the flutter in her chest.
The car soon pulled up in front of Jingxuan Beauty Atelier, one of the city's most exclusive salons, known for styling celebrities and socialites.
The moment they walked in, the air shifted. Conversations halted. Every woman in the room turned to look at Yichen.
Brushes froze midair, and whispers rippled through the space.
Yichen ignored them all, taking a seat in the waiting area and scrolling through his phone, completely detached from the attention he commanded.
Ailin sat before the mirror, trying not to roll her eyes at the women sneaking glances at him through the reflection.
The hairstylist approached with a bright, professional smile. "Miss, your hair color is gorgeous. Let's enhance it a bit, yes?"
Ailin nodded. "Alright."
Golden strands fell in soft curls as the stylist worked, the light catching every shade of her hair.
When her hair was done, the makeup artist a lively young man named Yuz bounced over, clapping his hands. "Now for the fun part! Light and elegant you've got the kind of face that shouldn't be hidden."
Ailin flushed faintly. "Thank you."
Yuz hummed as he worked, occasionally sneaking glances toward Yichen and whispering dramatically, "He's so stoic. If looks could freeze a room…"
Ailin tried not to laugh.
When he finally stepped back, Yuz gasped in satisfaction. "Perfect. You look absolutely stunning."
Ailin turned toward the mirror and froze.
The woman staring back at her was almost unrecognizable. Ethereal. Her features were softer, her blue eyes luminous beneath delicate lashes. Her golden curls framed her face like sunlight.
Yuz beamed. "You'll turn every head tonight."
Ailin smiled faintly. "Thank you."
Behind her, Yichen rose to his feet. His voice was calm but commanding.
"We're leaving."
Yuz waved dramatically. "Good luck, gorgeous! Don't let Mr. Iceberg here steal your spotlight."
Ailin couldn't help but laugh softly as she followed Yichen out.
The car was quiet again, the hum of the engine filling the space between them.
Ailin sat with her hands clasped in her lap, the purse resting beside her.
Yichen glanced at her briefly. "When we get to the party, don't wander off. Stay close to me."
She nodded. "Yes, President Li."
"And don't cause any trouble" he added, his tone edged with warning.
Ailin bit her lip, glancing at him sideways. "I wasn't planning to."
His mouth curved slightly not quite a smile, but close. "Good."
She turned back to the window, her reflection faint against the city lights flashing past. Her heart thudded softly in her chest.
Just get through tonight, she told herself. One night.