The morning sun broke through the clouds, casting its golden rays over the buildings of Star Sea City, dispersing the remnants of last night's gloom. Su Wan was awakened by a soft knock on the door. When she opened it, she saw a woman in a neat professional outfit, her smile warm. "Good morning, Miss Su. I'm Qin Yue, Mr. Ling's assistant. I've been sent to take you to the company and deliver a few things."
Su Wan opened the door, and Qin Yue handed her several delicate gift boxes. "These are some commuter clothes, skincare products, and a few everyday items Mr. Ling prepared for you. He specifically chose everything based on your size and preferences. You can try them out and see if they suit you."
Su Wan hesitated as she glanced at the luxury brand logos on the boxes. She had never been accustomed to such expensive things. She instinctively wanted to refuse, but then she remembered Ling Yao's gentle promise from the night before. She swallowed her words. "Thank you, Assistant Qin," she said softly, accepting the boxes.
Qin Yue seemed to understand her unease and smiled, "Miss Su, please don't be too modest. Mr. Ling said that you are the most important person to him now, and you deserve only the best. Besides, these items are for work. As Mr. Ling's exclusive assistant, you need to maintain an appropriate image."
Su Wan nodded, no longer protesting. After quickly freshening up, she selected a light apricot-colored dress from the boxes and changed into it. The fabric was soft and comfortable, and the cut fit her figure perfectly, accentuating her slender waist and fair skin. Qin Yue, standing nearby, couldn't help but compliment her. "Miss Su, you look beautiful in this dress. Mr. Ling really has great taste."
The car was already waiting downstairs. Qin Yue led Su Wan to it. The interior of the car was spacious and comfortable, with warm milk and sandwiches thoughtfully prepared. "Mr. Ling mentioned that you prefer simple breakfasts, so the kitchen prepared these for you. Please enjoy them while they're warm."
Su Wan took the breakfast, feeling a wave of warmth in her heart. The sandwich was soft, with a rich filling, and the taste was unlike anything she had ever had before. As the car smoothly drove toward Yao Shi Group, the scenery outside passed by quickly. Su Wan couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and nervousness. She knew that from today on, both her work and life would be completely different.
The car entered the underground parking lot of Yao Shi Group, and Qin Yue escorted Su Wan into the exclusive elevator that took them straight to the top floor. As the elevator doors opened, Su Wan immediately sensed the difference in the atmosphere. The colleagues who had once looked at her with disdain or condescension now greeted her with respect and even initiated small talk.
Su Wan was caught off guard by this sudden change and instinctively quickened her pace to keep up with Qin Yue. Qin Yue leaned in slightly and explained in a low voice, "Mr. Ling has already made it clear within the company that you are now personally mentored by him. No one will dare to trouble you anymore."
The door to the CEO's office was slightly ajar. Qin Yue knocked lightly and called out, "Mr. Ling, Miss Su has arrived."
"Come in," Ling Yao's voice responded from inside—still deep and magnetic, but with a faint undertone of warmth.
Su Wan pushed the door open and entered. Ling Yao was seated behind his desk, handling documents. Today, he wore a dark gray suit, his silver-gray hair neatly combed, and his deep purple eyes focused on the paperwork. The side profile of his face, bathed in sunlight, appeared particularly sharp. Hearing the sound of the door, he looked up, and his gaze softened instantly when it landed on Su Wan.
"You're here?" He stood up and walked toward her, his eyes filled with admiration. "This dress looks perfect on you."
Su Wan felt a little embarrassed under his gaze. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she lowered her head, softly saying, "Thank you for the dress. It's really beautiful."
Ling Yao reached out and gently brushed his hand through her hair, his touch as soft as if handling a rare treasure. "I'm glad you like it. Did you have breakfast?"
"I did. Assistant Qin prepared it for me." Su Wan nodded, then looked up at him. "And you? Did you have breakfast?"
Seeing the concern in her eyes, Ling Yao felt a warmth in his chest. He took her hand, the heat from his fingertips grounding her. "Don't worry. I've already eaten. This morning, I have a board meeting to attend. I'll be busy clearing out some of Ling Lie's people in the company. It might take a while. You can stay in the office. If you need anything, just give me a call. Qin Yue will help you with any work-related matters, so feel free to ask her if you're unsure about anything."
Su Wan could feel the warmth of his hand, and her anxiety began to dissipate. She nodded. "I understand. Don't worry about me. I'll stay here and won't cause you any trouble."
Ling Yao smiled at her obediently calm demeanor and couldn't resist leaning down to place a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Good girl. I'll be back soon."
Once Ling Yao left, Qin Yue quickly came to the office to help Su Wan settle in. She assigned Su Wan some simple tasks, like sorting files and answering important calls. Qin Yue was patient, teaching Su Wan step by step, and Su Wan picked it up quickly. Although she had no prior experience as an assistant, she was sharp and a quick learner.
The time passed quickly as they worked, and before long, it was noon. Ling Yao's meeting still hadn't ended, and Su Wan couldn't help but worry about whether he had eaten. Remembering that Ling Yao liked his coffee at 65 degrees, she decided to prepare some coffee and lunch for him in the tea room.
The tea room was empty, and Su Wan carefully brewed the coffee, making sure the temperature was just right. As she focused on adjusting the coffee, a familiar voice broke the silence, tinged with mockery. "Well, well, if it isn't Miss Su. Looks like you've really risen up the ranks now, huh? You're even in the tea room on the top floor."
Su Wan turned around to find Zhang Heng, Ling Lie's assistant, standing at the door with a smug smile. He had often instigated trouble when Lin Wei made things difficult for Su Wan before.
Su Wan frowned but ignored him, continuing to adjust the coffee. She knew that she couldn't afford to cause any trouble now; she didn't want to bring more problems to Ling Yao.
Zhang Heng, frustrated by her disregard, took a few steps forward and deliberately bumped into Su Wan's arm. The coffee splashed everywhere, spilling onto Su Wan's hand and her dress.
The scalding coffee caused Su Wan to wince in pain, her fingers turning red. Zhang Heng didn't seem to care at all. He even smirked and said, "Oops, my bad. But Miss Su, you're being so careless. You managed to spill Mr. Ling's coffee, huh? I guess you're not such a great assistant after all."
Su Wan gritted her teeth, trying to hold back the pain, but she raised her head and looked at Zhang Heng with a firm gaze. "Assistant Zhang, I'd like an apology."
"Apology?" Zhang Heng scoffed. "Why should I apologize to you? You bumped into me yourself. Besides, you're just a woman who climbed her way to the top by attaching yourself to Mr. Ling. What right do you have for me to apologize?"
Just as things were about to escalate, a cold voice rang out from the doorway. "Who gave you the courage to bully my people here?"
Zhang Heng's face turned pale. He whipped around to see Ling Yao standing in the doorway, his eyes as cold as ice, and a powerful aura radiating from him. Several board members followed behind him, their expressions equally grim. It was clear that they had witnessed the entire scene.
"Mr. Ling..." Zhang Heng stammered, his voice trembling. "I didn't mean to, it was Miss Su who..."
"Shut up." Ling Yao interrupted him sharply, walking toward Su Wan and noticing the redness of her fingers and the coffee stains on her dress. His gaze grew even colder. He picked up a tissue from the desk and gently began wiping the coffee stains off her hand, his movements tender and careful. "Does it hurt?"
Su Wan shook her head, but her eyes were slightly red. It wasn't because of the pain, but because of how Ling Yao stood up for her. She whispered, "I'm fine."
Ling Yao looked up, his gaze turning icy as he fixed it on Zhang Heng. "Zhang Heng, you're fired. Also, for the harm you caused Miss Su, I will make you pay for it."
Zhang Heng's face drained of color as he collapsed onto the floor. "Mr. Ling, please, I beg you, give me one more chance. I won't do it again..."
Ling Yao ignored him, signaling the security to drag him out. He turned to the board members, his voice authoritative. "I'm sure you've all seen what just happened. Ling Lie has planted many such people in the company. Not only are they incompetent, but they also dare