The gentle early spring sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, filling the room with a bright, clear glow.
Bian You stood bathed in this light, her smile radiant and unclouded by any shadow.
Qi Zhi’e stared at her in silence, her gaze unwavering. Gradually, Bian You’s bright smile faded, replaced by a growing unease.
“W-what’s wrong?”
Though Qi Zhi’e was naturally taciturn, this prolonged, expressionless scrutiny made Bian You’s stomach twist uncomfortably.
This was beyond just being quiet—it was downright unnerving!
Qi Zhi’e finally averted her eyes and began tidying the signed contracts on the desk. Her voice was indifferent as she said, “I won’t see you out.”
Bian You choked back a retort, but faced with Qi Zhi’e’s aloof demeanor, she could only glare in frustration.
As she left the Qi Corporation, she once again bumped into Qi Youqun. His sinister gaze swept over her before he snorted and brushed past her.
Bian You: “…”
This guy must have issues. With so much space around, why did he have to walk so close to her?
Recalling the despicable things he had done to Qi Zhi’e in the novel, Bian You refused to regard him as her elder. Instead, she pondered how to expose his true nature to Qi Zhi’e and warn her to stay vigilant.
Yet, Bian You doubted Qi Zhi’e was unaware of Qi Youqun’s past betrayal—using her as a bargaining chip. So why was she still biding her time? What was she waiting for?
Lost in thought, Bian You suddenly felt a chill crawl up her spine as she stepped out of the Qi Corporation.
It was as if… something was watching her.
She hurried back to her car, the unsettling sensation lingering.
Unbidden, the original host’s words echoed in her mind—about always feeling watched. Was this it?
Her grip on the steering wheel tightened, her palms slick with cold sweat. The sensation was suffocating, like a giant hand squeezing her heart.
When she returned to the Bian Corporation, Assistant Zhou was startled by her pallor. “President Bian, are you alright? Did something happen?”
Bian You waved him off, too tense to speak. The weight in her chest was unbearable.
Noticing her state, Assistant Zhou swallowed his concern, poured her a glass of warm water, and quietly left.
Bian You took a sip, the warmth soothing her frayed nerves slightly.
Earlier, she had scanned her surroundings but found nothing suspicious. Though the eerie feeling of being watched had faded, she couldn’t shake the suspicion that the watcher had simply grown more adept at hiding.
What—or who—was fixated on this body?
With no leads or traces to follow, Bian You forced herself to suppress the creeping dread.
…
Her success in securing the P14 project had earned her newfound respect from the board and eased Bian Lian’s position.
So when Bian You proposed venturing into AI development, despite some hesitation, the board ultimately agreed.
Soon after, the smart systems division was assembled, staffed entirely by the talents she had handpicked—all under her direct management.
Although many of Bian You’s decisions still required Bian Lian’s approval, fortunately Bian Lian was gradually loosening control, allowing many of Bian You’s ideas to be implemented.
The concept of artificial intelligence didn’t exist yet, so when the Bian Group announced it as their strategic focus for the next five years, it caused quite a stir.
People were torn—excited about technological progress yet apprehensive about the potential risks it might pose to humanity.
Regardless, this novel concept drove the Bian Group’s stock prices up for several consecutive days, painting a bright future.
However, while planning her career, Bian You hadn’t forgotten her mission to win over Qi Zhi’e.
But how to go about it was another question entirely…
Slumped over her desk with a sigh, Bian You idly fiddled with a pen in front of her. When Assistant Zhou entered, she found her boss in this listless state. After hesitating for a moment, she approached.
“President Bian, Mi Tao’s engagement invitation has arrived. Will you be attending in person?”
Mi Tao was Mi Yue’s older brother, and since Mi Yue was close to Bian You, Assistant Zhou thought it worth asking.
“Engagement? To whom?” Bian You lifted her head to look at her assistant. Perhaps because Mi Tao wasn’t a key figure in the story, the system had provided only sparse information, leaving her largely in the dark.
“To Ou Ziqiong, the youngest daughter of the Ou family—Qi Zhi’e’s maternal relatives.”
At this, Bian You immediately perked up, her eyes gleaming. “Does that mean Qi Zhi’e will be there too?”
Her sudden enthusiasm caught Assistant Zhou off guard. After a pause, she replied uncertainly, “Probably…?”
After all, Qi Zhi’e was technically Ou Ziqiong’s cousin.
“I’ll go!” Bian You agreed instantly.
Seeing her so eager, Assistant Zhou knew exactly why. Though she had her answer, she didn’t leave immediately. Instead, she hesitated before asking, “President Bian, there’s something I’m not sure I should bring up…”
Noticing her reluctance, Bian You gave her a questioning look. “Go ahead.”
Though she suspected it wouldn’t be good news.
Sure enough…
“Have you… never been in a relationship before? Or never pursued anyone?” Assistant Zhou deliberately ignored Bian You’s past attempts to chase Qi Zhi’e.
In her eyes, that hadn’t been pursuit—more like aggressive harassment.
The question made Bian You fall silent. Her dark eyes fixed on Assistant Zhou with an unsettling intensity, making the latter’s skin crawl.
“Why do you ask?” Bian You murmured ominously.
Had her lifelong single status been exposed?
That chilly tone prompted Assistant Zhou to offer an appeasing smile before mustering the courage to say, “Pursuing someone isn’t done like this. I’m not saying you should pester them, but at least you should make your presence known occasionally.”
Take Bian You, for example—since signing the contract with Qi Zhi’e nearly half a month ago, she hadn’t seen her once.
Was she planning to win her over through sheer willpower?
Bian You’s face fell. “She won’t see me!”
It wasn’t that she didn’t want to make an impression—she just hadn’t had the chance! Even when she messaged Qi Zhi’e, she’d be lucky to get one reply out of ten.
Assistant Zhou scratched her head, “Do all your meetings have to be scheduled? Can’t you learn from others and show up at her office with a bouquet? Or create some chance encounters?”
Relying solely on scheduled meetings seemed too rigid. Back in school, those who used this approach usually failed miserably.
Because when you text to arrange a meeting, the other person might reply, “Sorry, I’m busy,” and that would be the end of the conversation.
Bian You’s eyes gradually lit up—yes! She could create opportunities to meet!
She immediately stood up and patted Assistant Zhou’s shoulder approvingly.
“Not bad, very creative. I’ll give you a special bonus this month!”
Watching Bian You stride out of the office, Assistant Zhou finally processed the mention of a bonus and couldn’t help but chuckle.
She would never have dared to say those things to Bian You before, given her previous demeanor. But recently, she’d noticed significant changes in Bian You, which gave her the courage to speak up.
Unexpectedly—heh—pleasant surprise!
Assistant Zhou felt like she’d stumbled upon a lucrative side gig! If she could help Bian You win over her crush, unimaginable wealth might come her way!
Bian You had no idea that her actions today would bring her such a perceptive ally. For now, she returned home and immediately headed to the kitchen.
The servants were startled by her sudden appearance, and their hearts nearly leaped out of their chests when they saw her preparing to cook. They feared this pampered young lady, who’d never lifted a finger for household chores, might set the kitchen on fire.
Bian You preferred to cook alone, so she shooed the servants out, amused by their worried expressions. “Relax, I won’t burn anything down.”
Her culinary skills weren’t exceptional, but they were decent enough for home cooking. During her independent days, she’d occasionally cook when she had the time and mood. She was far from the clueless person the servants imagined, unable to distinguish salt from sugar.
As for why she suddenly decided to cook—it was all thanks to Assistant Zhou’s suggestion to actively seek out Qi Zhi’e. However, she dismissed the idea of showing up with flowers, figuring Qi Zhi’e had probably received plenty over the years—nothing novel there.
Preparing lunch herself and delivering it would be both unique and thoughtful, showing concern for Qi Zhi’e’s meals. Perfect!
Plus, it would let Qi Zhi’e see her domestic side!
Humming a tune, Bian You busied herself in the kitchen. The servants, initially uneasy, lingered outside but eventually relaxed when they saw her chopping and prepping ingredients with practiced ease.
Still, they wondered when she’d acquired this skill.
In the end, Bian You prepared three dishes and a soup, packed them neatly into an insulated container, and headed out.
It was just past eleven—perfect timing to arrive at Qi Corporation for lunch. Maybe they could even eat together.
Bian You was quite pleased with her plan.
But her mood soured upon arriving at Qi Corporation.
Because someone else had beaten her to the punch, inviting Qi Zhi’e out to lunch…
Bian You’s gaze darkened as she watched a man, who clearly thought himself charming, present Qi Zhi’e with a bouquet of vibrant roses, oozing charisma.
Qi Zhi’e turned and noticed Bian You. Their eyes met, and for a moment, Qi Zhi’e was stunned.
Why did Bian You look… wronged? And that gaze—as if Qi Zhi’e were some heartless villain…
Her?
A heartless villain?