Chapter 1: Lee Chen

The room was silent except for the faint hum of the air conditioner. A cold, sharp man sat in the high-backed chair of his spacious office, his piercing gaze fixed on a stack of documents spread out before him. Lee Chen, the man whose name had become synonymous with power and precision in the business world, exuded an aura of control. His tailored navy suit hugged his broad shoulders, and his perfectly styled black hair reflected his meticulous nature.

This office was a testament to his success. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city skyline, a view that most people could only dream of. The minimalist décor, with its clean lines and muted tones, spoke of sophistication and focus. Yet, none of it distracted Lee from the papers in his hand. These documents were the newly assigned papers he needed to sign.

Lee Chen’s story was one of grit, determination, and an unyielding refusal to accept failure. Born into a modest family, he grew up in a small town where opportunities were scarce. His grandfather ran a struggling grocery store, and his mother worked tirelessly as a seamstress to make ends meet. From an early age, Lee understood the value of hard work and the cost of dreams. He lost his father at the age of 11 with a heart disease.

Unlike other children his age, who spent their afternoons playing in the streets, Lee was often found at the back of his father’s shop, poring over numbers and trying to find ways to improve their family’s income. He would later attribute his sharp analytical skills to these early days of balancing the shop’s meager accounts.

Despite their financial struggles, Lee’s parents emphasized the importance of education. They scraped together whatever they could to send him to a good school. Lee, in turn, made a promise to himself: he would not waste their sacrifices.

Lee’s entrepreneurial journey began during his college years. While pursuing a degree in business administration, he noticed a gap in the market for affordable yet stylish clothing. Using the small savings he had managed to accumulate and a loan from a friend, Lee launched his first venture: a small online clothing store.

The store was an instant hit among students. Lee’s keen eye for trends and his ability to negotiate with suppliers allowed him to offer products that were both high-quality and reasonably priced. Within a year, his modest startup had grown into a profitable business.

However, Lee was not content with small successes. He had bigger dreams—dreams that extended far beyond the confines of a college dorm room.

After graduating, Lee sold his online store for a substantial profit and used the proceeds to launch his first major venture: a tech startup focused on e-commerce solutions. This was during the early days of the digital revolution, and Lee had correctly predicted the shift toward online shopping.

The journey was anything but smooth. Lee worked tirelessly, often sleeping only a few hours a night as he juggled meetings with investors, product development, and marketing. He faced numerous setbacks, including a failed product launch that nearly bankrupted the company. But each failure only strengthened his resolve.

Lee’s breakthrough came when he secured a partnership with a forgien major retailer. This deal catapulted his startup into the spotlight, attracting more clients and investors. Over the next five years, Lee expanded his operations globally, diversifying into multiple industries, including real estate, technology, and finance.

By the time he turned 27, Lee Chen had become a billionaire and one of the most influential figures in the business world and the youngest of them all. His company, lee Enterprises, was a conglomerate with interests spanning the globe.

Despite his fame and fortune, Lee remained an enigma. He rarely gave interviews, and his personal life was shrouded in mystery. Those who worked closely with him described him as a perfectionist with an uncanny ability to anticipate market trends.

Lee was known for his cold demeanor, a trait that had earned him both respect and fear. In the boardroom, his sharp wit and no-nonsense approach often left his competitors scrambling. Yet, behind this icy exterior lay a man driven by a singular goal: to create a legacy that would outlast him.

As Lee reviewed the documents in his office, his mind was already racing ahead to the next challenge. The papers detailed a potential acquisition that could further solidify his company’s dominance in the tech industry. Lee had spent weeks analyzing every aspect of the deal, leaving no stone unturned.

A soft knock at the door broke his concentration.

“Come in,” Lee said without looking up.

His assistant, zhan, entered the room carrying a tablet. He had been with him for five years and was one of the few people who could match his work ethic.

“Mr. Chen, the board meeting is scheduled to start in fifteen minutes,” zhan informed him.

Lee nodded, his expression unreadable. “Cancel my other appointments for the day. I want to focus on this acquisition.”

“Yes, sir,” zhan replied before leaving the room.

As the door closed behind him, Lee leaned back in his chair and allowed himself a rare moment of introspection. He thought about how far he had come and the sacrifices he had made along the way. There were nights when he questioned whether it was all worth it—the long hours, the endless meetings, the isolation.

But then he would remind himself of his promise. He had vowed to build something extraordinary, and he had done just that. Yet, Lee knew that success was a double-edged sword. The higher he climbed, the more precarious his position became.

Lee’s phone buzzed, pulling him out of his thoughts. It was a notification from the stock market. Lee's Enterprises’ shares had hit an all-time high, further cementing his status as a titan of industry.

But Lee didn’t smile. For him, this was just another milestone—a step toward an even greater vision.

As he stood up and adjusted his tie, Lee Chen knew one thing for certain: his journey was far from over. The world might see him as a cold, calculating businessman, but in his heart, he was still the boy from a small town with big dreams.

And he would stop at nothing to achieve them.

Chapter 2: Introduction of Su Xiaoyan

Su Xiaoyan was the kind of woman who left an impression wherever she went. At 26 years old, she carried herself with the poise of someone who had endured life’s hardships yet refused to let them define her. Her beauty was undeniable—smooth, porcelain skin, almond-shaped eyes that held a spark of determination, and long, flowing black hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall. She was a vision of grace, and yet there was something more to her than just her outward appearance.

Born into poverty, Su Xiaoyan’s life had been anything but easy. Her family lived in a rundown neighborhood on the outskirts of the city, where opportunities were scarce, and dreams often faded under the weight of reality. Her father worked as a construction laborer, while her mother took odd jobs as a cleaner. Despite their struggles, they instilled in Xiaoyan a strong sense of perseverance and the belief that education was the key to a better future.

From a young age, Su Xiaoyan excelled academically. She was the top student in her class, often earning the admiration of her teachers and the envy of her peers. Her intelligence was matched only by her determination to rise above her circumstances. While other children spent their evenings playing or watching television, Xiaoyan could be found at the small desk in her cramped room, studying late into the night under the dim light of a flickering bulb.

Her hard work paid off when she earned a scholarship to one of the most prestigious universities in the country. For Xiaoyan, this was not just an opportunity; it was a lifeline. She vowed to make the most of it, knowing that failure was not an option.

At university, Xiaoyan’s brilliance shone even brighter. She majored in economics, a field dominated by students from wealthy backgrounds who often underestimated her. But Xiaoyan proved them wrong time and time again, topping her classes and earning the respect of her professors. By the time she graduated, she had achieved a first-class degree, a feat that cemented her reputation as one of the brightest minds of her generation.

Beyond her academic achievements, Su Xiaoyan was a woman of remarkable beauty. She had a natural elegance that drew people to her, yet she remained humble and grounded. Her soft smile could light up a room, and her kind demeanor made her approachable despite her striking appearance.

Men were often captivated by her, and many tried to win her heart. Wealthy heirs, successful businessmen, and even some of her university classmates had all attempted to court her. But Xiaoyan was not easily swayed. She had seen firsthand how fleeting material wealth could be and valued character and integrity above all else.

Xiaoyan’s journey was not without sacrifices. While other students enjoyed the luxuries of campus life, she juggled part-time jobs to support herself and send money back to her father and sister She worked as a tutor, often sacrificing sleep and leisure to make ends meet.

Despite the challenges, she never complained. Her struggles only fueled her determination to succeed. Xiaoyan knew that her family depended on her, and she carried that responsibility with pride.

What set Su Xiaoyan apart was not just her intelligence or beauty but her unwavering kindness despite been cold on the outside. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, whether it was tutoring a struggling classmate or volunteering at a local shelter during her free time. Her empathy for others stemmed from her own experiences of hardship, and she believed in giving back to the community that had shaped her.

Her best friend mei ling often marveled at her resilience. “Xiaoyan, how do you do it?” she would ask. “You’re juggling so much, yet you always have time for others.”

Xiaoyan would reply say, “I’ve been given opportunities that others can only dream of. The least I can do is make the most of them and help others along the way.”

Su Xiaoyan’s ambitions extended far beyond her academic achievements. She dreamed of building a career in finance, a field she had grown passionate about during her university years. But her ultimate goal was to work with the lee group which is the highest paying company in the country.

For those who were born into poverty but had the potential to achieve greatness if given the chance.

Her dream was work along side with the CEO whoms name had been heard of but never seen his face in public. She believed that education and the power of will was the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and was determined to make a difference.

As Su Xiaoyan walked into the towering office building where she now worked, heads turned. She had just gotten fired for defend a poor kid who was been bullied by a rich kid.

However some of her colleagues admired her for her sharp mind and unrelenting work ethic, but they were also drawn to her warm personality. Xiaoyan treated everyone with respect, from the senior executives to the janitorial staff, earning her the affection of everyone she worked with.

Yet, Xiaoyan knew that her journey was far from over. The corporate world was ruthless, and as a young woman from a humble background, she often found herself underestimated or dismissed. But Xiaoyan had faced adversity before and knew how to navigate it with grace and determination.

Her ultimate goal was to rise through the ranks and establish herself as a leader in the industry. She was determined to prove that success was not defined by one’s background but by one’s character and capabilities.

Despite the challenges she faced, Su Xiaoyan remained a beacon of hope for those around her. While online searching for work after two day of been fired she came across her dream company she wish to work for. As it said that the CEO was looking for a Sectary to aid his job. Without any hesitation. She got ready for the interview . As walked further to the company after coming down from a taxi She thought about her father, who had sacrificed so much to give her a better life, and her younger sister, who now looked up to her as a role model.

She promised herself that she would continue to work hard, not just for her own success but for the future she wanted to create for her family and others like them.

While working into the company many men admired Su Xiaoyan, however she remained focused on her goals. She had no time for distractions and was wary of those who were more interested in her looks than her character. Xiaoyan knew her worth.

Her strength, intelligence, and beauty made her a woman every man desired, but it was her heart and determination that truly set her apart. Su Xiaoyan was not just a woman of remarkable beauty; she was a force to be reckoned with—a shining example of what it meant to rise above adversity and create a life of purpose and meaning.

The large reception area was buzzing with chatter. Dozens of young women, dressed in their best professional attire, filled the room, each one hoping to secure the coveted secretary position at Chen Enterprises. Some were nervously clutching their resumes, while others were more concerned about their appearance.

"If I get this job, my family will finally live comfortably," whispered one of the applicants, a petite girl with a hopeful expression.

A young woman with a bright smile and perfectly styled hair laughed softly. "I’m not here for the job," she said confidently. "I just want the CEO all to myself. I heard he’s only 27 and still single."

Her comment sparked a flurry of whispers and giggles among a group nearby.

"Do you really think you have a chance?" another applicant chimed in, her tone laced with skepticism. "They say he’s cold and impossible to impress."

"Well, someone has to try," the confident girl shot back with a smirk.

The door to the interview room opened, and a young woman emerged, tears streaming down her face. "He’s so cold," she muttered as she rushed past. "Just like the rumors said."

The atmosphere grew tense as the remaining applicants exchanged nervous glances.

"Next!" called a man standing at the doorway.

It was Su Xiaoyan’s turn. Taking a deep breath, she stood up and smoothed her skirt. Unlike the others, she wasn’t here to chase after the CEO’s attention. She needed this job for her family, and she wasn’t going to let nerves or rumors stand in her way.

As she entered the room, she was greeted by Zhan, the CEO’s assistant. "Please follow me," he said politely, leading her to the interview area.

The room was minimalistic and imposing, with sleek furniture and a large glass window that offered a panoramic view of the city. At the far end of the room sat a man, his chair turned away from her.

"Please sit," Zhan said, motioning to the chair across from the desk.

Su Xiaoyan nodded and took her seat, her back straight and her hands folded neatly in her lap.

The man in the chair, presumably the CEO, didn’t immediately acknowledge her presence. His attention was focused on a stack of documents in front of him.

For a moment, there was silence, broken only by the faint sound of papers being shuffled. Then, the chair slowly turned, and Su Xiaoyan found herself face-to-face with Lee Chen.

His expression was as cold as the rumors had described. His sharp features and piercing gaze made him look every bit the powerful businessman he was. There wasn’t a trace of warmth in his eyes, and his lips were set in a thin, unsmiling line.

Lee Chen’s eyes flickered briefly with surprise as he took in her appearance. Su Xiaoyan was beautiful, but unlike the other applicants, there was no trace of flirtation or desperation in her demeanor. She sat poised and calm, meeting his gaze with quiet confidence.

"You’re Su Xiaoyan?" he asked, his voice low and even.

"Yes, sir," she replied, her tone steady.

He glanced down at her resume, skimming through the details. "First-class graduate in economics," he noted aloud. "Impressive."

"Thank you," she said simply.

He looked up, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Why do you want this job?"

Su Xiaoyan hesitated for a moment, then spoke honestly. "I want to provide for my family. They’ve sacrificed a lot for me, and I want to give them a better life. I believe this position will allow me to do that while also giving me the opportunity to grow professionally."

This answer was satsitory to lee Chen as leaned back in his chair, studying her intently. "Many applicants have come through this door today, and most of them have been rejected. What makes you think you’re different?"

"I don’t know if I’m different," she admitted, her voice unwavering. "But I do know that I’m hardworking, dedicated, and capable. If given the chance."

For a moment, Lee Chen said nothing, his expression unreadable. Then, he asked, "Are you aware of the demands of this job? Being my secretary means long hours, high expectations, and no little room for error."

"I understand," Su Xiaoyan said firmly. "And I’m prepared to meet those expectations."

There was a brief silence as Lee Chen considered her response. Then, he leaned forward slightly, his cold gaze softening just enough to reveal a hint of curiosity.

"Most of the applicants came here for the wrong reasons," he explained. "Some wanted the job for the title, others for something else, and a few simply to try and get close to me. But you… you’re here for your family. That’s rare."

"Family is everything to me," she said, her voice tinged with emotion. "They’ve given me so much, and this is my way of giving back."

" Alright. Tomorrow at 8 am you resume you have been hired." Lee Chen said.

This made su Xiaoyan smile as she said " yes i did it. Thank you Mr lee.