When Hearts Collide: From Ashes to Love

At lunchtime, Product Manager Liang Meiqi carried her tray over and plunked it down across from Marian. Smiling broadly, she said, "Marian, I heard you went to YuTou Group with Mr. Zhou yesterday?"

Liang was two years younger than Marian, a graduate of a top UK finance school. She'd joined Xinruan Technology right after graduation, becoming a product manager earlier this year. Her last project had been in partnership with Marian.

Marian nodded. "Yes."

Liang's eyes sparkled. "Then you saw Aaron in person? They say he's unbelievably handsome. True or false?"

Marian's lip twitched. "He's good-looking, sure, but not as extreme as you're making it sound. 'So handsome it's falling apart'? He's not a piece of tofu."

Liang grew even more animated. "It's rare to hear you praise any man's looks, so Aaron must really live up to the hype!"

Marian: …

Poking at her bowl of rice, Marian asked calmly, "Weren't you crushing on Mr. Zhou? Why are you suddenly interested in another man?"

"You…???" Liang's eyes went wide with shock. She glanced around nervously, then bent her head, speaking in a hushed tone. "You figured that out?"

Marian offered a faint smile. In truth, everyone on the project team had noticed.

Hanging her head, Liang spoke listlessly. "I used to really like Mr. Zhou. He's got a great family background, looks decent, and he's also studied abroad just like me. But…"

Marian picked up a bite of food. "But what?"

Liang set her chopsticks aside and said earnestly, "But women admire strength, you see. Now that someone stronger—Aaron—is in the picture, I'd be doing myself a disservice if I didn't go after him."

She began counting on her fingers. "Aaron has top-tier looks, top-tier aura, top-tier family background, top-tier wealth. Four top-tiers. Why settle for someone who's just 'okay'? You'd pick Aaron, too, wouldn't you?"

Marian set down her chopsticks. "No. That's just an excuse because you're not that into Mr. Zhou."

Liang wagged a finger. "Nuh-uh. Fine, between Mr. Zhou and Aaron, who would you pick?"

"Neither," Marian answered, then got up and left the cafeteria.

Liang found it odd. She'd never seen Marian fancy anyone. Could she… prefer women? Liang shook off a wave of goosebumps and shoveled a few more bites of rice before leaving.

On the day of the project kick-off, it was once again dreary and raining in Xicheng. Marian and Liang rode in Julian's car to YuTou Group, with the technical team following in another vehicle.

Liang clasped her hands in excitement, full of anticipation. "Marian, in a bit we'll finally get to see Aaron, right? Aaah, I'm so nervous! Pinch my arm so I know I'm not dreaming."

Marian obliged with a hard pinch, making Liang yelp, "Ow, ow, ow!"

Before stepping into the elevator, Marian couldn't resist dampening her hopes. "It's the project kick-off. Aaron won't be attending."

Liang looked dumbfounded. "What?!"

Moments later, her eyes brimmed with tears. "Even seeing him from a distance would've been enough for me."

Marian was utterly speechless. What was Aaron, a magic potion that bewitched girls so completely?

Her heart gave a jolt. She sighed inwardly. In college, hadn't she been under the same spell—bringing him breakfast, saving him a seat in class? That wasn't even a secret crush anymore; it was a blatant, open-hearted infatuation. Ugh, looking back, she wished she could bury herself in a hole.

This project kick-off was on the 25th floor. The YuTou Fund Company manager, project manager, and Tech Department manager were all present.

Midway through the meeting, as they paused for a short break, Marian took in the conference room's décor. Unlike the top floor, this room felt noticeably cozier, though also not quite as upscale.

She stepped out to the restroom, and when she returned, she saw Aaron seated at the head of the conference table.