Games of Heart Tangled fates

Morning - Qin An's Hotel Room

Qin An's apartment is quiet, with soft morning light filtering through the windows. She wakes up in the bed, slightly disoriented, her mind still foggy from the events of the night. She slowly reaches for her phone on the bedside table. A screen full of missed calls from her roommate flashes—12 missed calls.

(Qin An sits up slowly, rubbing her temples, still processing the whirlwind of last night.)

Qin An

(internally) What happened last night? It’s all a blur... the dinner, the investor... and then Jiang Wei. The guy who just had to step in and play hero.

(She sighs, looking at the phone screen with 12 missed calls.)

Qin An

I knew she'd be worried, but I couldn't exactly call her in the middle of all that. Seriously though... Jiang Wei. It’s strange. Why did he even care?

(She swipes through the messages from her roommate.)

Qin An

Okay, I should call her back. She’s going to have a meltdown when she hears this. But what should I even say?

(She taps the phone and dials her roommate’s number. The phone rings a few times before her roommate picks up.)

Chen Mei

(on the phone, frantic) Qin An! Where the hell were you?! I’ve been calling all night, worried sick about you! Are you okay?

Qin An

(groaning, holding her head) I’m fine, just a little... exhausted. I stayed the night at the hotel. Long story. Sorry for worrying you.

Chen Mei

(incredulously) The hotel?! What happened? Where were you? What’s going on?

Qin An

(Pausing, trying to gather her thoughts) It’s... complicated. I was at this business dinner, and one of the investors tried to pressure me into drinking. But Jiang Wei—he showed up out of nowhere and stepped in.

Chen Mei

(loudly) Wait. Wait. You’re telling me Jiang Wei, as in the CEO of Bluejay Investment, showed up at a dinner where you were? And then he just... stepped in?

Qin An

(exasperated) Yes, that’s exactly what happened. It was crazy.

Chen Mei

(teasing) Crazy? Girl, that’s an understatement. Did he, like, swoop in and carry you out in a dramatic rescue or something?

Qin An

(rolling her eyes but smiling slightly) No, nothing like that. It wasn’t dramatic. But yeah, he took me out of a bad situation. Then I was too drunk to go home, so I just stayed the night at the hotel.

Chen Mei

(chuckling) Wait, so you’re telling me this rich, brooding businessman just happens to save you from some sleazy investor and then you stay at the hotel... and that’s it?

Qin An

(half-laughing, half-frustrated) Yes, that’s all. It’s not like that. I don’t need rescuing.

Chen Mei

(mocking) Sure, sure. Look at you, denying it. But seriously, girl, Jiang Wei? He’s not just any investor. He’s... Jiang Wei.

Qin An

(with a hint of sarcasm) I’m well aware of who he is. He’s just... a businessman. He didn’t do anything special. Let’s just say I don’t need him, or anyone, saving me.

Chen Mei

(playfully) Uh-huh, okay. You’re right. Nothing special at all.

Qin An

(laughing lightly) Don’t start. Let me just shower and get dressed, and we’ll talk more later.

Chen Mei

(still teasing) Alright, but you’re not getting off that easy. I expect full details later!

(Qin An hangs up, letting out a deep breath as she looks at her phone screen. She rubs her face and reflects on the night.)

Qin An

(internally) Well, that’s that. I don’t need him... I’ve got my own company to focus on. But still, that guy’s hard to read. And the way he just... showed up for me? What’s his deal?

(She exhales and gets up, preparing for the day. She pauses before the mirror and touches her hair, thinking about what’s next. The complications of last night are only just starting to sink in.)

Paparazzi photos from the previous night flood online media. Jiang Wei’s face is clear, but Qin An’s remains obscured by strategic angles. The captions fuel curiosity:

“Bluejay’s CEO Spotted with Mystery Woman—Romance Rumors Fly!” “Jiang Wei’s Secret Night Out: Who is She?”

(Cut to Jiang Wei’s office. He sits at the breakfast table, scrolling through the news on his phone. His expression is unreadable.)

Alan

(entering) It’s all over the news again. The “mystery woman” has the tabloids going wild.

Jiang Wei

(setting his phone down, nonchalantly) People really need hobbies.

Alan

(Grinning) Well, your investors are curious. Some of them think it’s a PR stunt.

Jiang Wei

(raising an eyebrow) I don’t do stunts.

Alan

So... what are you going to do?

Jiang Wei

(standing, adjusting his sleeves) I’ll handle it. Let’s pay a visit to PhoenixTech.

(Alan follows him out, a knowing smirk on his face.)

Morning Confrontation at Qin An’s Office

Qin An’s office, a vibrant and efficient space buzzing with activity. Qin An walks in wearing a casual plaid jacket over a white blouse, paired with fitted jeans and comfortable loafers. Her sharp yet approachable style reflects her pragmatic personality. Across the city, Jiang Wei is leaving his car, dressed in a cream polo and tailored black trousers. He strides confidently into PhoenixTech’s building, drawing curious stares from staff.

Qin An enters her office, brushing off the stares of her employees. She’s in no mood for distractions. Her assistant rushes to her, looking nervous.

Assistant

Miss Qin, there’s someone here to see you.

Qin An

(not looking up) If it’s about the design revisions, tell them to send an email.

Assistant

(hesitant) It’s... Mr Jiang Wei.

(Qin An freezes mid-step, her grip tightening on her tablet. She exhales, composing herself before replying.)

Qin An

Send him in.

(Moments later, Jiang Wei walks in, his cream polo and polished demeanor effortlessly commanding the room. Staff glance his way, whispering in awe.)

Qin An

(coldly, standing behind her desk) Mr. Jiang. To what do I owe the honor of this unexpected visit?

Jiang Wei

(smirking slightly, leaning casually against the doorframe) Honor? That’s generous. Let’s call it... damage control.

Qin An

(raising an eyebrow) Damage control?

Jiang Wei

(walking closer, hands in his pockets) The photos from last night. They’ve caused quite a stir. My reputation has taken a hit, and I’m here to settle the matter.

Qin An

(folding her arms) Settle the matter? How exactly?

Jiang Wei

(nonchalantly) I estimate the losses at around 10 million. You can pay me directly, or we can discuss other arrangements.

Qin An

(scoffs, incredulous) 10 million? Are you serious?

Jiang Wei

(shrugging) Completely. My time and reputation aren’t cheap.

Qin An

(leaning forward, narrowing her eyes) Let me get this straight. You show up uninvited, stir up unnecessary drama, and now you’re demanding I compensate you?

Jiang Wei

That about sums it up.

Qin An

(smirking faintly) You have an interesting sense of humor, Mr. Jiang. Unfortunately, I’m not in the market for jokes—or demands.

Jiang Wei

(leaning slightly on her desk, lowering his voice) Then what are you in the market for? An investor, perhaps?

(Qin An stiffens momentarily but quickly recovers.)

Qin An

If I were looking for investors, you wouldn’t be my first call.

Jiang Wei

(smirking) Good thing I made the call for you.

Qin An

(Rolling her eyes) If this is your attempt at negotiating, I’m afraid you’ve picked the wrong target. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.

Jiang Wei

(straightening, his smirk lingering) Work hard, Miss Qin. You’ll need it.

(He turns to leave, his calm confidence unnerving. Qin An watches him go, exhaling in frustration as whispers fill the office once more.)

Jiang Wei exits the building, Alan waiting by the car.

Alan

That looked... productive.

Jiang Wei

(getting into the car, smirking) She’s not easily rattled. I like that.

Alan

(laughing) You have an odd way of showing it. What’s next?

Jiang Wei

(leaning back) Stay close. Let’s see how Miss Qin handles the pressure.

(The car drives away, Jiang Wei’s expression thoughtful yet amused.)

Nighttime Fashion Show - A Twist of Fate

An elegant outdoor nighttime fashion show, with lights strung above a runway and soft music playing in the background. The event is hosted by Chen Mei, Qin An’s roommate and best friend. Guests are mingling around the venue, sipping on champagne and admiring the setup. Qin An, dressed in a sleek black pantsuit with a delicate chain belt, looks out of place but effortlessly chic. Chen Mei is dazzling in an emerald green evening gown as the show’s host.

Coincidentally, Jiang Wei and his best friend, Dr. Li Sheng, arrive at the event. Jiang Wei wears a fitted black blazer over a dark shirt and matching trousers, exuding sophistication. Li Sheng, more casual, dons a white button-up with rolled sleeves and gray slacks. Li Sheng is the one who invited Jiang Wei, teasing him about needing to “unwind.”

Qin An stands near the backstage area, holding a drink as Chen Mei excitedly chats with her about the turnout.

Chen Mei

“Look at this crowd! This is going to be the talk of the season. Aren’t you glad I dragged you here?”

Qin An

(smirking) “Dragged is an understatement. I should’ve just stayed home.”

Chen Mei

(playfully nudges her) “Come on, you need to loosen up! Who knows, maybe you’ll meet someone interesting tonight.”

Across the venue, Jiang Wei and Li Sheng enter, drawing attention from some of the attendees. Jiang Wei’s commanding presence contrasts with Li Sheng’s more approachable demeanor.

Li Sheng

(grinning) “See? A little socializing never hurt anyone.”

Jiang Wei

(scanning the crowd, uninterested) “Let’s just get this over with.”

His gaze lands momentarily on Qin An, but she doesn’t notice him. His eyes narrow slightly, recognizing her from the incident at her office.

As the balloon floats dangerously close to the lights, tension grips the audience. Chen Mei’s panic spreads, and murmurs ripple through the crowd. Qin An wastes no time, handing her drink to Chen Mei and stepping onto the stage.

Chen Mei

(grabbing her arm) “An An, don’t! Let the staff handle it!”

Qin An

(determined) “There’s no time. If this causes a fire, your show’s over. Just trust me!”

Chen Mei reluctantly lets go, biting her lip as Qin An heads toward the ladder. Jiang Wei, standing further back with his arms crossed, watches her intently, his brow furrowing as she climbs higher.

Li Sheng

(noticing Jiang’s concern) “You’re watching her pretty closely. Something I should know?”

Jiang Wei

(nonchalant) “She’s reckless, that’s all.”

The ladder wobbles as Qin An stretches toward the balloon, her fingertips brushing against it. The audience holds its collective breath.

Chen Mei

(shouting) “Be careful, An An!”

Finally, Qin An grabs the balloon, but the movement shifts her balance. She slips, her arms flailing as she starts to fall.

Without hesitation, Jiang Wei acts. He strides toward a nearby lighting rig, pulling down a light cable. Wrapping it securely around his arm, he swings out, catching her just as she begins to plummet.

Qin An

(startled, clutching his shoulders) “What the—?!”

Jiang Wei

(gritting his teeth) “Hold on!”

They swing back to the stage, landing with a thud. Jiang Wei steadies her as the crowd erupts into applause. Qin An looks up at him, momentarily speechless.

Chen Mei

(running up) “An An! Are you okay?”

Qin An

(brushing herself off, avoiding Jiang Wei’s gaze) “I’m fine. Thanks to him, I guess.”

Jiang Wei raises an eyebrow at her half-hearted gratitude but says nothing as Li Sheng approaches to check her over.

Backstage, Qin An sits on a small chair as Dr. Li Sheng kneels in front of her, holding her wrist to check her pulse. Jiang Wei stands a few feet away, arms crossed, still annoyed by her recklessness.

Li Sheng

(smiling) “Your pulse is steady. No major injuries, but your adrenaline’s probably through the roof. Try to rest for a bit.”

Qin An

(pulling her hand away) “I’m fine, really. It was just a scare.”

Jiang Wei

(stepping closer, his tone sharp) “A scare? You call nearly falling from a ladder a scare?”

Qin An

(glaring at him) “I handled it.”

Jiang Wei

(dryly) “Right, because plummeting to the ground is handling it.”

Chen Mei interjects, trying to diffuse the tension.

Chen Mei

“Okay, okay, let’s all calm down. An An, he’s right—you could’ve been seriously hurt.”

Qin An

(standing up, facing Jiang Wei) “I didn’t ask for his opinion, or his help.”

Jiang Wei

(mocking) “Of course not. You’re far too independent for that. But next time, maybe think about how much your recklessness might cost others.”

Qin An

(crossing her arms) “Ah yes, the money. You never miss a chance to bring that up, do you?”

Li Sheng

(amused, looking between them) “Wow, the tension here is thicker than the runway carpet.”

Jiang Wei

(ignoring him, to Qin An) “I’ll drive you home. It’s safer.”

Qin An

(pointedly) “I’ll pass. Thanks for the heroic act, but I can manage.”

Jiang Wei

(challenging) “Are you sure? Because you’re limping.”

Qin An

(faltering for a moment but regaining composure) “I said no. And I mean it.”

Jiang Wei smirks, clearly amused by her stubbornness, but steps back.

As Jiang Wei and Li Sheng leave the venue, the tension from the incident lingers. Jiang Wei seems lost in thought as they walk toward his car.

Li Sheng

(teasing) “Admit it, you’ve got a soft spot for her.”

Jiang Wei

(shooting him a look) “Don’t be ridiculous.”

Li Sheng

(grinning) “She’s bold, I’ll give her that. But seriously, who is she?”

Jiang Wei

(hesitating) “She’s… complicated.”

He glances back at the venue, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face.