A Mint-Flavored Crush

For Qiao Xiyin, her high school years were the darkest time of her life.

Back then, all her life consisted of was her overweight, ungainly body, her classmates' mocking stares, her perpetually mediocre grades, and a chaotic family.

Then one day, she got dizzy from low blood sugar. As no one paid her any attention, someone offered her a mint.

The young man stood against the wind, confident and carefree. Zou Zhuo spoke lazily, his clear eyes free of prejudice and full of candor. "Your name has a lovely ring to it. It means 'encountered by heaven, a sound as clear as a chime.'"

Qiao Xiyin stared blankly at the candy wrapper in her hand.

The mint was cool and refreshing on her tongue, cutting through the oppressive gloom of her world.

Qiao Xiyin knew perfectly well that he had said those words without thinking and would soon forget them. She also knew that once the college entrance exams were over, she'd never have another chance to cross paths with him. And yet, she kept him etched in her memory for years.

*

Later, Qiao Xiyin sheds the youthful awkwardness and gloom of her younger years, becoming a leader who has the final say.

While stationed in Country T as an executive of a major multinational corporation, opening up the market, she receives a message from home: help the military undercover operative in the area complete an operation to wipe out the enemy.

The mission abroad is arduous. Her fellow countryman deserves her help.

Her tailored suit accentuates her slender, curvaceous waist. Qiao Xiyin walks into the reception room in high heels, where the man who's been waiting for her takes off his military uniform.

He's tall and straight-backed, with handsome features. Compared to the carefree, brash young man he'd been, he now has a soldier's steely resolve and composure.

Zou Zhuo looks down at her and gives her a polite smile. "Hello. Zou Zhuo, China Armed Police Special Operations Team."

She falls silent for a few seconds, then smiles back. "Qiao Xiyin, Vuclan Group."

Blurb written on 2024.03.17

Theme: You will shine in the end