Research assistant x business magnate
Timid, earnest ordinary girl vs. powerful high-ranking man
-
Xia Linglan is timid, sensitive, and terrified of strangers. Fresh out of college, she joins a key laboratory on her professor's recommendation.
The lab has a simple work environment, and just as she's getting used to it, her team leader gives her an assignment:
She is to show an important visitor around the lab. Apparently, the lab's discussions with this influential figure have gone well, and a contract looks likely.
She feels as if she's been struck by lightning, but doesn't dare refuse.
Cen Qianze is a hugely influential business figure in the capital, with deep connections and a low-key manner.
During the tour, Xia Linglan tries her best to compose herself, but her voice is still barely audible and trembling. His gaze on her nearly brings her to tears.
Unsurprisingly, she botches the whole thing.
Just when she's in despair, Cen Qianze unexpectedly approves the contract on the spot.
Under the shocked gazes of everyone present, the pampered gentleman smiles faintly.
"Xia, your professor asked me to check whether you've settled into the job."
Everyone at the lab knows that Cen Qianze is an exceptionally kind and loyal man.
Because of a friend's request, he takes especially good care of Xia Linglan.
He checks in on her, stands up for her, worries that she'll be excluded, and even arranges afternoon tea for the whole lab...
But Xia Linglan doesn't see it that way. As Cen Qianze's concern grows, her replies become increasingly perfunctory. All she hopes is that this important man will soon forget all about her.
Until one day, Cen Qianze calmly makes a phone call and resolves the situation she thought would bring her world crashing down. In a daze, she blurts out:
"Thank you, Daddy..."
Xia Linglan falls abruptly silent, and the atmosphere turns eerily quiet.
She looks up timidly, about to make an excuse, when the usually refined and gentlemanly man's face turns darker and colder than she has ever seen.
She is so frightened that her legs give way, and she collapses to the floor.
The sound of dress shoes striking the floor is heavy. The office is brightly lit, but his tall figure blocks out the light.
Xia Linglan's mind goes blank as she stares at the toe of his shoe pressed against her knee.
Ever since the first time she saw Cen Qianhe, he has appeared in every one of her dreams.
From yearning for the attention of a powerful, older man to something gradually twisting out of shape... She doesn't know why this is happening. She's always been timid and well-behaved.
A large hand appears before her. Relieved, she raises her trembling lashes and reaches to take it.
The next moment, her pupils contract.
That large, elegant hand has passed over hers and clamped firmly around her chin.
The force makes her tilt her head back, but his movements show no tenderness.
She sees the scrutiny in his eyes clearly, too.
"Linglan, you are a bad girl."
Reading Guide:
1. Both leads are each other's first and only.
2. The main characters have flaws.
[The story is expected to launch at the end of November. If you're interested, please add it to your collection!]
Theme: Even an ordinary life deserves to be lived with gusto.
