• The sharp clicks of polished shoes echoed down the hallway, cutting cleanly through the sterile air.
"Yes. Transfer the file to my office—I'll review it later. I have a meeting to attend now," he said coolly into his phone, not breaking stride.
His presence was commanding, magnetic in a cold, calculated way. The tailored black suit draped over his shoulders like armour, the coat flaring slightly behind him with each step. A small entourage of two or three assistants followed in silence, careful to match his pace.
He glanced down at his phone screen briefly, confirming the time. Right on schedule. The door handle turned, then with a swift motion, the door swung open. Footsteps echoed across the room. executives straightened their posture as soon as he entered,
In walked "Mr Xie Lu, the formidable CEO of Lu Corporation"
His presence hit like a cold wind — sharp, composed, and impossible to ignore.
Naturally imposing yet elegantly built, with broad and squared shoulders tapering down to a noticeably slim waist, creating a classic V-shape. It features firm, sculpted pectorals with lean muscles, 181cm tall, "perfect" in one word. He excelled at everything before the age of 25, enough to become CEO. Now, at 29, he was married and known for his exceptional work ethic. Though he is Cool, confident, and collected, he is idolized by everyone
"Alright, good morning, everyone," Xie Lu said, gesturing for them to sit down. The room was filled with a tense atmosphere, which he quickly assessed by glancing around at those present. The people in the meeting room paused to hold their breath as they waited for it to come.
He spoke, "Relax, everyone. Share your ideas; I want genuine suggestions," he urged, encouraging them to speak up. While talking about the matter of suturing things for the upcoming project plan, one of the executives raised an objection, saying, "I don't think we should take this risk. If it doesn't go well, we could face significant losses.
Xie Lu shot him a piercing glance. Everyone turned to look at the speaker, who was none other than Executive Jin Lu, Xie Lu's older brother, who is 4 years older than Xie Lu. Only Jin can put a negative spin on his brother's ideas. Xie had always excelled in everything compared to his brother, on other hand Jin Lu he possessed neither talent nor grace, his behaviour unruly and his demeanor lacking restraint — a striking contrast to Xie Lu, the beloved child who stood effortlessly in their parents' favour since childhood and had been given the CEO position at their father's company, while Jin held an executive position. Their relationship had never been particularly strong — from the beginning, he harboured quiet jealousy toward his own brother. Jin Lu always had a grudge against his own younger brother.
Xie Lu replied, "Executive Jin Lu, do you think I'm unaware of the risks? I take calculated risks— and that's my style. Let me clarify: I have full confidence that we'll succeed." In the room while the executive gave stares only.
Despite the embarrassment burning in his chest, he still spoke through clenched teeth.
"What's so great about being confident, huh? Anyone can fall—no one's invincible.
Luck won't always bail you out, so don't get too full of yourself, Mr. Xie."
Xie smirked and said, "Hm, really? Executive, no one is as foolish as you. Everyone in this place is aware of these points. I'm also aware of that, but you're the ignorant one who spoke up out of nowhere and embarrassed yourself here. So, whose loss is it, Executive Jin Lu? And if I shared your cautious mindset, Father would've never given me the CEO"
Jin Lu—
"You.. Xie lu!" Later, he didn't speak any further,
Xie completely ignored the matter and spoke, "Okay, thank you all for your input today. If things settle here, then let's end our discussion." Everyone nodded and stepped away from the head of the table, moving towards the door. One of the executives asked, "Aren't you coming, Mr. Xie?" Xie Lu replied, "You guys can go; I will be leaving in a few moments." With that, he turned his attention back to the papers he was reviewing. But suddenly, before leaving, Jin Lu spoke in a threatening tone.
"You'll pay for everything soon… and when you do, you'll be the one begging for help. Just wait and watch, Xie."
With that, he turned on his heel and walked away. Xie stood there, listening quietly, unfazed. What kind of big deal could it really be? he thought… His older brother always had some scheme up his sleeve, but it was rarely anything worth losing sleep over. Whatever it was, he could handle it—he always did.
With that thought, he turned and walked out of the meeting room, calm and composed, making his way back to his own office.
"But then again… good days were never meant to last….."
As he worked through a stack of documents in his office, the stress of work suddenly made him feel fatigued. He released a silent exhalation as he rubbed his temple before leaning in his chair while the burden of the day lay heavily upon his shoulders.
A knock broke the silence.
He straightened slightly, voice low and tired.
"Who is it?"
The worker called out from beyond the door.
"Sir, someone's here to speak with you.
He responded with a slight grimace and muttered
"Alright… let in"
"The moment the door creaked open, a wave of instant regret washed over him. His expression shifted sharply, darkening with recognition — standing there was none other than his arch-nemesis."
"Zhi Ran, the CEO of Zhi Corporation"
At just 25 years old, he stands at an impressive 186 cm tall, already commanding the top seat of the company as its sole heir and only child. With broad shoulders, a well-defined muscular frame, and powerful calves that reflect balance and discipline, Zhi Ran exudes a natural authority. His presence is magnetic — a blend of bright confidence, poised dominance, and undeniable charisma.
His expression turned stern the moment he saw him; the sight alone was enough to sour his mood.
Xie Lu narrowed his eyes, his voice laced with cold hostility and spoke
"What brings you to my doorstep so suddenly? CEO of Zhi Corporation Mr. Zhi Ran..."
His glare was sharp, almost threatening — the kind only reserved for a long-standing rival. Due to political tensions — and the fact that both Xie Lu and Zhi Ran were exceptionally outstanding in their fields, they couldn't help but compete with one another.
Zhi Ran flashed a mischievous smile, his eyes glinting with playful challenge.
and spoke, "Ah, Mr. Xie, can't I even pay a visit to my nemesis?"
He said, his words a subtle jab, indirectly referencing Xie while carrying a hint of teasing defiance, with a casual, almost effortless movement, he sank into the sofa in his room, settling in with an air of quiet confidence.
At that moment,
Xie Lu gritted his teeth, his patience wearing thin. After a beat, he spoke, his voice icy and cutting. Xie Lu said, "If you don't have any real business here, other than stirring up trouble, then leave like a gentleman. Or would you rather be escorted out by security?"
His words were sharp, a clear warning veiled beneath a cold mask of civility.
He smirked, his voice dripping with mockery as he replied, "Mr. Xie, you shouldn't be so rude to a guest. Can't you even offer a simple cup of black coffee?" The challenge in his tone was unmistakable, as if daring Xie to respond in kind. He didn't gave him any response, rather being silent,
He stood up slowly, his movements deliberate as he approached Xie Lu's desk, leaning in until they were eye to eye. His voice was low, but laced with a venomous edge.
"Mr. Xie-ge, I truly want to..." He paused, the words hanging in the air with a dangerous weight — "...devour you, destroy you, make you beg for mercy." His expression darkened with displeasure, the threat palpable.
But then, with a smooth shift in tone,
He continued, "Sadly, I'm in a hurry." He straightened, his gaze unwavering. "I came here to give you a warning — don't mess with the clients of my company."He locked eyes with Xie Lu, the stare cold and unrelenting. "I would love to have a one-on-one argument right now, but unfortunately, time isn't on my side."
Xie Lu replied, his expression flat, as if he couldn't care less, "If you can't keep your clients on a leash, Mr. Zhi, it's only a matter of time before they get stolen."
And as for that argument... "I'd have you kicked out of my room before you even get the chance to speak." His expression hardened, a flicker of rage flashing in his eyes.
Zhi Ran spoke, barely fazed, and his tone was calm.
"Mr Xie-ge, you're losing your temper." He paused, his tone cold. "I won't bother you further — I've got a business trip for three months."He straightened his back, he added, "But if you mess with my clients, you'll face the consequences," giving a death stare
With that, he turned and walked out, his posture firm and confident. he spoke
"Cya later, Mr. Xie."
Zhi said with a teasing tone as he opened the door and stepped out.
Xie Lu muttered under his breath, "Later— my ass."
His voice dripped with irritation as the door clicked shut behind him.