By the time the office lights began dimming one floor at a time, Xinyue's eyes were starting to blur.
Her two new friends, Lina and Jiawen stood by her desk, already slipping on their coats.
"You're really staying?" Lina asked, peeking at the towering stack of documents on Xinyue's desk.
Xinyue sighed dramatically. "My boss gave me this task like it was a casual favor. I think he secretly wants to test my soul."
Jiawen patted her shoulder. "Brave warrior. We'll light incense for you on the way home."
"Go," Xinyue laughed. "Before I start crying and guilt-trip you into staying."
They waved and disappeared into the elevators, leaving the office wrapped in late-night silence. The hum of printers and the faint glow of desk lamps became her only companions.
Hours passed.
By the time she finally hit "send" on the last file, her phone read 11:03 p.m.
She stretched, arms aching, and packed her bag.
"Freedom," she whispered.
As she stepped into the hallway, a sudden clatter echoed from down the corridor.
She froze.
Something had fallen.
Her heart jumped into her throat.
"…Hello?" she called softly.
The sound came from the CEO's office.
Xinyue crept closer, every step cautious. The glass doors were slightly ajar. She peeked inside.
Nothing looked out of place.
Then—
She saw it.
A cat.
A beautiful, sleek black-and-silver cat perched right on Zhenwei's desk, tail swishing lazily, eyes glowing like tiny moons in the dark office.
Xinyue gasped.
"Oh my gosh," she whispered. "You're adorable."
The cat blinked slowly.
Inside the cat's head, chaos erupted.
This is undignified. This is unacceptable. This is—
Xinyue scooped him up.
"—TREASON,"
Zhenwei mentally finished.
Out loud, all that came out was: "Meow."
Xinyue melted.
"AWWWWWWW," she squealed softly, pressing him against her chest. "What are you doing here, huh? You're way too cute to be hanging out in a scary CEO office."
Zhenwei stared at her from her arms, deeply offended by how comfortable she was being with his immortal dignity.
Put me down. I command you.
"Meow."
She giggled. "You sound so polite."
She glanced around the empty office. "Wait… did my boss already leave? How come I didn't see him?"
Zhenwei's ears twitched.
Because I am currently trapped in your tiny human arms, urgh this curse will be the death of me...
She adjusted her grip and started walking toward the elevator.
"Well, little guy," she said softly, "I guess it's just you and me now. You can't stay here all alone. This place is way too cold for something as warm as you."
The elevator doors slid open.
Linghu, invisible and floating upside-down near the ceiling, was shaking with silent laughter.
Oh, this is priceless.
Xinyue stepped inside, still talking.
"My boss is really pitiful, you know," she confided to the cat. "He stays late, talks to himself, and probably forgets to eat dinner. Maybe he needs a friend."
Zhenwei internally choked.
i do not talk to myself.
"Meow."
She nodded seriously. "That's what I thought. You understand."
The elevator descended.
"I think I'll adopt you," she continued. "I already have a plant named Minmin, so you'll fit right in. I'll name you something cool. Like… Midnight. Or Shadow. Or—"
Absolutely not.
"Meow."
She beamed. "You like Shadow? Me too."
The doors opened to the lobby.
Linghu nearly fell out of the air laughing.
Xinyue walked out into the cool night breeze, hugging the cat closer.
"Don't worry," she whispered. "You're safe now. I'll take care of you."
Zhenwei closed his eyes.
Five centuries of battle, blood, and destiny.
And this—
This was how he was defeated.
By a girl with tired eyes, a soft voice..
From the invisible air behind them, Linghu muttered,
"Our great and terrifying war god… adopted."
Iwill end you if you don't shut up this instant
"Meow."
And just like that…
The CEO went home in Xinyue's arms.