October 2018, Beijing – Jiugong Beili Residential Complex
The first rays of dawn peeked over the horizon, soft as silk, bathing the room in a faint golden glow.
"Knock, knock, knock—"
The light wooden bathroom door was pounded on vigorously.
“Hey! Can you hurry up? You’ve been in there for twenty minutes!”
“Almost done! Just wiping up now!”
“I’m giving you two more minutes. Any later, and the subway will be twice as crowded. I am not squeezing into that ss.”
“Alright, alright.”
"Whoosh—" The sound of the toilet flushing echoed.
The wooden door swung open, and Sun Simin erged, scrunching her nose at Wen Ruan while grumbling under her breath.
As she hurriedly gathered her things, Wen Ruan chuckled.
A few minutes later, the two descended the sowhat worn staircase and stepped outside.
A crisp autumn breeze greeted them, carrying a slight chill—but not enough to bite.
The scent of fallen leaves and damp earth mingled in the air.
As they walked through the residential complex, golden ginkgo leaves fluttered down, drifting onto the pavent at their feet.
Looking up, the sky stretched vast and boundless.
Wen Ruan took a deep breath, savoring the charm of a Beijing autumn.
At 7:30 AM, they smoothly boarded the Yizhuang Line, transferred to Line 10 at Songjiazhuang, and finally arrived at Liangmaqiao Station.
Stopping by a street vendor, they bought jianbing guozi—crispy Chinese pancakes stuffed with fried dough sticks.
Munching on their breakfast, they chatted and strolled toward their office.
“Ruan Ruan, did you notice those two guys at Gate 11 on the Yizhuang Line? They were totally staring at you when you got on.”
“Heh, what can I say? I just radiate irresistible charm.”
“I’m serious though—so many guys at work are into you. Ever thought about dating? I think Liu Yang is a great choice. He’s even a Beijing local.”
Wen Ruan raised an eyebrow, grinning confidently. “I’m about to get promoted and a raise. My career cos first! n would only slow down my sword-drawing speed.”
This was her third year at Xingyun International.
Ever since Tang Zong Entertainnt had soared to prominence earlier this year, they had acquired even more shares in Xingyun and began restructuring the company on a massive scale.
As a top graduate with stellar work performance, she had already received a formal notice—next month, she would be transferred to the Digital Marketing Departnt as a Social dia Operations Supervisor, with a 40% salary increase.
Sun Simin tilted her head curiously. “Alright then, what kind of guy would you go for once you’ve made it big?”
Wen Ruan leaned in mischievously, whispering, “Hmm… soone so hot they make weak in the knees. Ideally, a young, handso little wolf pup—one who provides emotional value and ets my… other needs.”
“Ugh! You’re so shaless!” Sun Simin’s face turned red, but she whispered back, “But honestly… that does sound kinda exciting.”
Giggling, the two stepped into the office building and clipped on their work badges.
"Ding—"
The elevator stopped on the eighth floor.
After clocking in, Wen Ruan grabbed her water cup and headed toward the break room.
On the way, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the glass walls.
A radiant smile spread across her face.
At 25, she was in the pri of her life—career on the rise, future brimming with possibilities.
She was young, full of energy, standing tall with confidence, clear in her goals, and brimming with optimism.
She believed she would carve out a place for herself in Beijing.
She believed her future would shine brilliantly.
—
“Wen Ruan, Director Mai isn’t in today. You’ve been given OA system access—please handle the approvals.”
“Got it, Liu-ge.”
“Wen Ruan, are you free tonight? Su Yu’s new movie just hit theaters, and the reviews are insane. I scored two fantastic seats—wanna go?”
“Sorry, Siwen. I have to work overti tonight. Rain check?”
—
Then, a sudden announcent in the company’s work group chat sent the entire office into a frenzy.
Su Yu was coming to their company!
As the forr lead singer of the girl group Echo, Su Yu had been famous for years.
After leaving her previous agency, she experienced a brief period of quiet—but then ca back stronger than ever, releasing one hit song after another.
Her movies smashed box office records, propelling her to A-list stardom.
At 10 AM, employees from every departnt abandoned their tasks and rushed to the ninth floor.
The once orderly and quiet office turned into a sea of excited chatter, cheers, and flashing caras.
Standing in the middle of the crowd, Wen Ruan kept her eyes fixed on the entrance, her face glowing with excitent.
She wasn’t a hardcore fan, but she loved music, drama, and film.
And seeing such a huge star in person? There was no way she’d miss that.
Not to ntion—Su Yu was now a shareholder of Tang Zong Entertainnt.
A true powerhouse woman.
The kind of career-driven woman Wen Ruan aspired to beco.
Then, a sudden wave of commotion rippled through the crowd.
“Su Yu is here!” Sun Simin grabbed Wen Ruan’s arm, lifting her phone high to record.
Excited gasps filled the air.
Swept up in the energy, Wen Ruan stood on tiptoes, craning her neck to see.
Finally, a graceful and dazzling figure erged, surrounded by an entourage of security, executives, managers, and assistants.
A true queen, radiant and untouchable.
As she stepped closer, Wen Ruan couldn’t hold back her awe. “She’s stunning. Even more beautiful in real life than on TV!”
Dressed in a pale blue fitted gown, she looked like a celestial being, an ethereal fairy descended to Earth.
Her features were exquisite—like an art piece co to life.
Her skin glowed like jade, her delicate collarbones accentuated her swan-like neck.
Her graceful silhouette was srizing.
As Su Yu walked, she waved elegantly at the crowd, her slender waist shifting slightly, the soft fabric of her dress rippling like ocean waves.
Her presence was magnetic, impossible to resist.
Watching this real-life goddess, Wen Ruan couldn’t help but smile brightly, shouting, “Su Yu, I love you!”
And then, as if hearing her voice, Su Yu’s gaze swept over the crowd.
Her deep, clear eyes sparkled like a lake under the sunlight.
Even a single glance sent the crowd into a frenzy—cheers, screams, and cara flashes exploding in response.
Wen Ruan stood frozen, watching Su Yu’s ethereal silhouette disappear down the hallway.
She had never seen anyone so breathtakingly beautiful in her life.
Like snow cascading over cherry blossoms, flawless beyond words.
She was utterly captivated.
—
At 11:40 AM, Sun Simin nudged Wen Ruan. “Let’s go! If we don’t hurry, the beef vermicelli soup shop will be packed.”
“Got it.” Wen Ruan quickly saved her docunt and shut her laptop.
The two stepped out of the building, soaking in the warm autumn sun as they walked along the sidewalk.
“I heard from managent that Su Yu isn’t just here for publicity—she’s representing Tang Zong Entertainnt for Xingyun’s next funding round.”
Wen Ruan blinked. “Already? Another round of funding?”
“Yup! Tang Zong is leading the investnt, but a few big dostic investors are joining in. The company is expanding into brand marketing, short video operations, and public transit advertising—so it’s a pretty big deal.”
“That’s great news!” Wen Ruan’s eyes lit up. “ans the company’s future is even brighter.”
Just then, Sun Simin suddenly stopped.
She nudged Wen Ruan’s arm. “Hey… isn’t that Su Yu’s agent?”
Wen Ruan looked up.
Not far away, a tall, elegant woman in a tailored gray suit stood with poised confidence.
Mo Xiangwan—Su Yu’s manager, and the Director of Talent Managent at Tang Zong Entertainnt.
A true industry powerhouse.
A woman of influence.
And in that brief mont, as a Maybach pulled up beside her, a mysterious figure inside caught Wen Ruan’s eye.
And just like that, a seed was planted.
A quiet, unnoticed spark.
A ripple in the future—waiting for the mont it would bloom.
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