By now, Luo Zheng had grown accustomed to a pace of life that most people would find completely overwhelming. Managing two intense encounters in a single day no longer felt unusual to him—if anything, he was already pushing toward three or four rounds as if it were just another milestone to surpass.
If anyone was truly suffering from this rhythm, it was Liu Yan.
Her responsibilities had quietly expanded far beyond what a "personal secretary" should reasonably handle. Not only did she have to coordinate Luo Zheng's constantly shifting schedule with precision, she also had to prepare multiple sets of identical clothing in advance. Every detail had to be accounted for—fabric, scent, freshness.
The goal was simple: no matter where Luo Zheng went or who he met, he had to appear flawless. No traces, no lingering signs, no overlapping scents.
Except, of course… her own.
That unspoken exception lingered in her mind more often than she cared to admit.
After two days of this exhausting routine, Luo Zheng finally felt his mental pressure ease. The constant juggling of people, plans, and desires had reached a temporary balance. And with that clarity came a reminder—he still had work to do.
The collaboration with Huayi Brothers.
As if on cue, a message arrived from Chen Guofu. Preparations for the Getting Home production team were nearly complete. Once the actors were finalized, filming could begin immediately.
Luo Zheng's expression shifted almost instantly. The relaxed, indulgent man from moments ago was replaced by someone focused and sharp.
But before stepping fully into work mode…
He still had one appointment left.
—
In Beijing's Nanluoguxiang stood a courtyard house that had only recently been renovated. It wasn't extravagant in the modern sense, but it carried a quiet, understated elegance—wooden beams, stone paths, and a layout that reflected old-world symmetry.
This property was one of Luo Zheng's earliest purchases after receiving the system's massive financial reward.
Truthfully, he didn't feel particularly attached to traditional courtyards. He preferred modern villas, high-rises, and sleek architecture. But investment was a different matter entirely.
These properties would only grow more valuable with time.
For someone who understood the future, it wasn't just a purchase—it was a certainty.
And today, this very courtyard served as the setting for his meeting.
—
On the west side of the yard, Luo Zheng lounged comfortably in a reclining chair, a newspaper spread casually in his hands. The afternoon air was mild, carrying a hint of early summer.
Beside him stood Liu Yan, dressed in a fitted qipao, gently fanning him with a cattail leaf fan.
The temperature didn't really demand it.
But Luo Zheng wasn't chasing comfort—he was chasing atmosphere.
A sense of indulgence.
A performance.
Knock. Knock.
The sound at the door broke the quiet rhythm.
Liu Yan lowered her gaze slightly, her expression shifting into a composed calm. She walked to the entrance with practiced elegance, opening the door like a maid from another era.
It was, in truth, just one of Luo Zheng's whims.
Standing outside was Fan Bingbing.
She smiled as the door opened, her presence immediately drawing attention even in the understated courtyard.
"Miss Fan, please come in," Liu Yan said politely.
She recognized her at once. Not just from television or magazines—but from far more revealing images she had once seen on Luo Zheng's computer.
"Thank you," Fan Bingbing replied with a soft nod.
Guided inside, she passed through the gate and into the courtyard proper. The moment she stepped in, her expression shifted ever so slightly.
The space was larger than she expected.
And the location—so close to the Forbidden City—meant this wasn't just expensive. It was rare.
Even now, courtyard houses weren't something ordinary people could casually afford. Maintenance alone was a heavy burden, not to mention the cost of renovation to make them livable.
"It seems you like it here," Luo Zheng's voice came from within the courtyard.
Fan Bingbing snapped back to attention.
"President Luo, it's beautiful," she said honestly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm sorry—I got a bit distracted."
Her tone was composed, even slightly shy.
A stark contrast to the playful, teasing voice she had used on the phone before.
Luo Zheng noticed immediately.
Women really were unpredictable.
"It's fine. Come inside," he said with a faint smile.
—
Inside the main hall, the atmosphere shifted again.
Tea was served. Silence settled.
They studied each other.
Luo Zheng's gaze was direct, almost unapologetic.
Fan Bingbing's, at first, was cautious—but gradually, curiosity overcame restraint.
At this stage in her life, she still carried a youthful softness. Her features were delicate, her figure graceful, dressed in a white off-shoulder dress that accentuated her natural lines.
She wasn't yet the commanding presence she would later become.
But the potential was unmistakable.
"President Luo… this courtyard must have cost quite a bit," she said, breaking the silence.
"Not too much," Luo Zheng replied casually. "A little over three million, excluding renovation."
Fan Bingbing's breath caught.
Three million.
For her, that number wasn't just large—it was almost unreachable.
Even as a leading actress in television dramas, her earnings were limited. By her own calculation, she would need years—decades even—to afford something like this.
The disparity hit her harder than expected.
Her thoughts drifted.
"What are you thinking about?" Luo Zheng's voice came again, much closer this time.
She looked up—startled.
He was standing right in front of her.
"Nothing, I just—"
"Thinking about drooling again?" he interrupted lightly, lifting her chin with a teasing gesture.
Her breath stopped for a moment.
The boldness of the gesture caught her completely off guard.
Her lashes fluttered, lips parting slightly as she struggled to respond.
She had always been bold in conversation—playful, provocative even.
But in reality…
She hesitated.
The gap between words and presence was suddenly very real.
Outside, Liu Yan stood near the window, watching quietly.
She had seen this scene before.
The same gesture. The same approach.
The same moment where resistance wavered.
Inside, Fan Bingbing steadied herself.
She understood why she had come.
She knew what she wanted.
And more importantly… she knew what it would cost.
For a brief moment, doubt flickered.
But it didn't last.
Because beneath that hesitation, something stronger was already growing.
Ambition.
Not the shallow kind—but the kind that demanded transformation.
The kind that refused to settle.
Her gaze changed.
What had been uncertainty slowly sharpened into resolve.
Luo Zheng noticed immediately.
And in that instant, he understood.
This wasn't someone who wanted to play small.
She wasn't here to drift.
She was here to rise.
And she was willing to pay the price for it.