Can't let it go

The morning dawned crisp and clear, but Lu Xiao's nerves were anything but steady. She smoothed her modest navy blouse and straightened her black skirt for the hundredth time before stepping out of her apartment. Her siblings had all woken early to wish her luck, their excitement contagious.

"You've got this, Jie!" Xiao Wei had said, his small hands clenched into fists of encouragement.

As she stood outside the towering H&L Corporation building once again, Lu Xiao took a deep breath. Her future depended on this job, and she was determined not to fail.

The receptionist greeted her warmly, guiding her to the assistant's office next to Lei Han's. Lu Xiao's predecessor, a poised woman named Clara, was waiting for her.

"Miss Lu?" Clara said, her tone brisk but not unkind. "Follow me. There's a lot to learn, and not much time."

---

The Assistant's Role

Clara led Lu Xiao through the intricacies of her new role, which seemed overwhelming at first. Scheduling meetings, drafting reports, managing correspondence—each task was explained with precision. Clara also outlined Lei Han's preferences.

"Mr. Lei is meticulous," Clara said as they walked through the office. "He values punctuality, clarity, and efficiency. If you're unsure about anything, ask before proceeding. Mistakes aren't tolerated lightly."

Lu Xiao nodded, absorbing every word. Though the workload was daunting, she was determined to rise to the challenge.

By mid-morning, Clara brought her to Lei Han's office. The door was open, and he sat at his desk, his attention fixed on his laptop. At the sound of their approach, he glanced up, his sharp eyes locking onto Lu Xiao.

"Good morning, Miss Lu," he said, his tone neutral.

"Good morning, Mr. Lei," she replied, bowing slightly.

Clara handed Lu Xiao a folder. "This is today's schedule. I'll shadow you for the first week, but after that, you're on your own."

Lei Han nodded. "I expect no less than your best, Miss Lu. Let's see how you handle the day."

---

The First Test

The hours that followed were a whirlwind. Lu Xiao meticulously organized files, arranged meetings, and ensured Lei Han's coffee was delivered precisely how he liked it—black, with a single sugar cube.

Just before lunch, Lei Han called her into his office.

"Miss Lu," he said, gesturing to a stack of papers on his desk. "Review these contracts and summarize the key points. I need the highlights before my meeting in an hour."

Lu Xiao's heart raced as she took the documents. The legal jargon was intimidating, but she refused to show her uncertainty. Instead, she focused, jotting down notes and cross-referencing terms she didn't understand.

When she presented her summary to Lei Han, he scanned it silently. The room was tense, her confidence wavering with each passing second. Finally, he nodded.

"Good work," he said, his tone approving. "You've saved me valuable time."

Relief flooded her, though she masked it with a polite nod. "Thank you, Mr. Lei."

---

Unexpected Moments

By mid-afternoon, Lu Xiao was beginning to find her rhythm. Clara offered occasional advice but mostly observed, her approval evident in subtle nods.

As Lu Xiao returned from delivering documents to another department, she found Lei Han standing by the window, his gaze distant. For the first time, he seemed less imposing, more human.

"Miss Lu," he said without turning. "Do you enjoy working here?"

Caught off guard, she hesitated. "It's challenging, but I appreciate the opportunity."

He turned to her, his expression unreadable. "Challenge builds character. Remember that."

Before she could respond, his phone buzzed, and he dismissed her with a wave.

---

A Long Day Ends

By the time the clock struck six, Lu Xiao was exhausted but proud. She had managed to keep up with the demanding pace, earning nods of approval from both Clara and Lei Han.

"You did well today," Clara said as she gathered her belongings. "Keep it up, and you'll do fine here."

"Thank you," Lu Xiao said, her voice filled with gratitude.

As she stepped out into the evening air, she allowed herself a small smile. The day had been long and grueling, but she had survived. More importantly, she had taken one step closer to securing a stable life for her siblings.

Yet as she walked home, her thoughts lingered on Lei Han. His sharp intelligence, his moments of unexpected kindness—they left her curious and unsettled.

What kind of man was he, really? And why did she feel as though their paths had crossed for a reason far greater than either of them could yet understand?

---