Can't let it go

The next morning, Lu Xiao stood in front of the gleaming glass doors of H&L Corporation. Her palms were damp, and her heart raced as she stared at her reflection. The woman staring back at her looked composed, but she knew better. Beneath the neat bun and modest blouse, she was a bundle of nerves.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside. The lobby was vast and bustling, with employees moving swiftly, their heels clicking against the polished floors. A receptionist greeted her with a polite smile.

"Miss Lu Xiao?"

"Yes," she replied, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach.

"Mr. Lei is expecting you. Please take the elevator to the 15th floor."

Lu Xiao nodded, clutching her worn leather bag tightly as she stepped into the elevator. Each passing floor heightened her anxiety. By the time the doors opened, her knees felt weak.

Lei Han's office was at the end of a long, elegant hallway. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of Chongqing's skyline, but Lu Xiao barely noticed. She was too focused on the imposing double doors ahead of her.

"Miss Lu?"

She turned to see a smartly dressed woman approaching her. "Mr. Lei is ready for you," the woman said, gesturing toward the doors.

Lu Xiao nodded, forcing her feet to move. As she entered the office, the air seemed to shift. The space was vast yet minimalistic, with sleek furniture and an aura of authority. Behind a large desk sat Lei Han, his sharp features illuminated by the morning sun streaming through the windows.

He looked up, his piercing gaze meeting hers. For a moment, neither of them spoke.

"Miss Lu," he said finally, his tone calm but firm. "Please, have a seat."

She sat across from him, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Lei Han leaned back in his chair, studying her.

"You look better than the last time we met," he said, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Heat rushed to her cheeks. "I owe that to you," she replied softly.

"I didn't do much," he said, waving off her gratitude. "Now, tell me—why are you here?"

Lu Xiao hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I… I need a job," she said. "I'm willing to work hard, and I can learn quickly. I just need a chance."

Lei Han's expression remained unreadable as he considered her. "Do you have any experience in administration or corporate work?"

"I've worked part-time jobs," she admitted. "Mostly retail and food service. But I'm organized and dependable. I won't disappoint you."

He raised an eyebrow. "You're asking for a lot of trust, Miss Lu."

"I know," she said, meeting his gaze. "But I don't have the luxury of pride or time. I have three siblings who depend on me. I'll do whatever it takes to prove myself."

For a moment, silence filled the room. Then Lei Han nodded. "Very well," he said. "You'll start as my personal assistant. It's not an easy job, and I expect nothing less than excellence. Can you handle that?"

"Yes," she said firmly, relief washing over her.

"Good," he said, rising from his chair. "You can start tomorrow. My current assistant will brief you on your responsibilities."

As she stood to leave, Lei Han added, "One more thing, Miss Lu."

She turned back, her heart skipping a beat.

"This isn't charity," he said, his voice low but steady. "I'm giving you an opportunity, but you'll need to earn your place here. Understood?"

"Yes, Mr. Lei," she said, her voice steady despite the weight of his words.

As she left his office, her mind raced. She had secured the job, but the real challenge was just beginning.

---

Later That Day

Lu Xiao returned home to the sound of her siblings laughing. Xiao Wei was chasing Mei Hua around the small living room, while Mei Ling was busy helping with homework. The sight warmed her heart, reminding her why she had taken the leap of faith.

"How did it go, Jie?" Mei Ling asked, looking up eagerly.

"I got the job," Lu Xiao said, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Her siblings erupted into cheers, their joy infectious. For the first time in weeks, Lu Xiao allowed herself to believe that things might be turning around.

But as she lay in bed that night, her mind wandered back to Lei Han. His intense gaze, his measured words—they lingered in her thoughts like a melody she couldn't shake.

She didn't know what the future held, but one thing was certain: working for Lei Han would change her life in ways she couldn't yet imagine.