When Hearts Collide: From Ashes to Love

Early the next morning, Marian arrived at the 23rd floor, set down her bag, and then took the elevator to Yutou's top floor.

She hadn't accounted for one thing: her access card didn't work for the top floor. Left with no choice, she asked the receptionist there to hand the umbrella to Aaron for her.

The young receptionist, unfamiliar with Marian, hesitated. "You can contact Mr. Fu directly. He's coming to the office today."

Marian pursed her lips, debating whether to send him a message. The last chat in their conversation history was her overly polite and hollow greeting.

While she hesitated, Yi Ming walked out of the office and gave her a polite nod. "Good morning, Ms. Lin. Are you looking for Mr. Fu?"

Marian immediately raised the long-handled umbrella in her hand. "Good morning, Assistant Yi. Could I trouble you to give this umbrella to Mr. Fu? Thank you."

Yi Ming's curious eyes darted between Marian and the umbrella, a spark of gossip alight.

Did the boss personally drive Ms. Lin home? What exactly is the relationship between this aloof boss and Ms. Lin?

Marian, remembering Yi Ming hadn't attended the project kick-off dinner, decided to explain. "Last week, after the project kick-off meeting, it suddenly started raining when we finished dinner. Mr. Fu saw me stranded and kindly offered me a ride home, and I forgot to return his umbrella."

"Oh, by the way, Mr. Fu and I were classmates in undergrad. He's always been like this—overflowing with kindness and empathy."

Her words painted a flattering picture of Aaron's character.

Suddenly, Yi Ming straightened up, his demeanor turning respectful. "Good morning, Mr. Fu."

Marian stiffened, turning slowly. Forcing a smile, she bent forward in a 90-degree bow. "Good morning, Mr. Fu." Out of sight, her cheeks burned with embarrassment.

Did he hear all that just now?

Even if he did, it shouldn't matter. After all, they were compliments, not insults.

Aaron's expression darkened, his mind stuck on her words: "Mr. Fu saw me stranded and pitied me."

Pity her? How imaginative.

His tensed jaw hinted at the storm brewing beneath his calm exterior. Yi Ming, though relatively new, had already developed a keen sense of his boss's mood swings. Internally, he sighed. First thing in the morning, and the boss is already upset. Must be an unlucky day.

"By the way, Mr. Fu, Ms. Lin said she was here to return your umbrella…"

Marian, quick to follow, extended the umbrella toward Aaron. The handle, still warm from her grip, brushed against his hand.

Aaron accepted it, his long eyelashes lowering briefly. As Marian pressed the elevator button, Aaron said coldly, "Marian, I didn't drive you home because I pitied you. And in college, I wasn't someone who overflowed with empathy."

Marian's back stiffened. Fortunately, the elevator arrived just then, and without looking back, she stepped in.

Yi Ming followed Aaron into his office and handed him a printed document. "Mr. Fu, here's the personal information on He Bing that you requested."

Aaron leaned back in his leather chair, his long legs crossed. Glancing quickly over the document, he commented dismissively, "Very ordinary."

Yi Ming silently thought, You're the one who wanted this report. Why call him ordinary now?

Still, he nodded in agreement. "You're right, Mr. Fu. He does seem quite average. But I've heard his coding skills are impressive—HR specifically poached him from a major tech company."

"Hmm. Have HR schedule a one-on-one with him. I'll meet him personally."

Aaron skimmed his calendar and added, "I'm free during lunch today."

Yi Ming nodded and immediately stepped out to contact HR.

"Schedule a meeting with He Bing for a one-on-one with Mr. Fu during lunch. Yes, it's short notice, but it's a good thing—it means leadership values him."

Back at her desk, Marian received a message from He Bing. The night before, He Bing had re-added her on WhatsApp, and she had accepted.

His first messages were filled with complaints about how she had deleted his contact in the first place.

Marian sighed and explained, "My phone ran out of storage, so I had to delete some contacts."

Given her frugal reputation, the excuse was surprisingly convincing.

In truth, Marian simply felt there was no need to keep contacts with whom she no longer communicated. She wasn't planning to start an online business, after all.

He Bing then messaged, "I can't show you around during lunch anymore. The big boss suddenly asked me to prepare a presentation, and I've been scrambling to make a PPT." He even sent her a screenshot of his work, as if to prove he wasn't lying.

There was no need for such proof. Even if he'd simply said he was busy, Marian would have been relieved.

She typed back, "Got it," and silently hoped he'd stay busy enough not to bother her again.

Unfortunately, He Bing was persistent. For the next few days, he repeatedly showed up at the employee cafeteria to find her. Thankfully, Marian was often accompanied by Liang Meiqi, which gave her an excuse to decline politely.

During one lunch break, Marian invited Liang to join her in the cafeteria. But Liang shook her head. "Not going. I'm heading to the café on the first floor for some light snacks."

Marian gave her a once-over. "You're dieting again?"

"No," Liang replied, leaning in conspiratorially. "I've noticed that Aaron likes to visit the café downstairs. I'm planning to bump into him."

Marian laughed but said nothing, heading to B1 to grab a quick lunch to bring back to her desk.

Liang spent all noon waiting, and just as she was about to give up, she caught a glimpse of Aaron entering the café.

Dressed in a tailored suit from a world-renowned brand, his broad shoulders and slim waist made him stand out.

Seizing the moment, Liang approached him with a feigned look of surprise. "Oh, Mr. Fu! What a coincidence running into you here!"

Aaron raised an eyebrow, recognizing her but not particularly favoring her. "Hmm." He nodded curtly, clearly uninterested in continuing the conversation.

Liang, however, was determined not to let the opportunity slip away.

"Mr. Fu, do you like this café too? Their Spanish lattes are amazing—just like the ones I've had abroad!"

Aaron gave a noncommittal hum, not engaging further. Liang felt awkward but persisted, thinking this slow approach would eventually win him over.

Sensing a change in Aaron's demeanor when she mentioned work, Liang decided to switch tactics.

"Mr. Fu, our project development is going quite smoothly. I've already outlined the framework for the requirements. If you need an update, I'd be happy to present it to you."

Aaron straightened slightly, his expression thoughtful. "Alright. Let Marian schedule a time to report to me next week."

Liang froze. Wait, what? I said I'd present. Why is he asking Marian to do it?

As she opened her mouth to protest, Aaron shot her a cold glance. "It's already past 1. Shouldn't you be back at work?"

Defeated, Liang trudged back upstairs, grumbling internally.