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墨書 Inktalez
A year ago...
As the sky gradually darkened, the neon lights of the city flickered to life, resembling fallen stars scattered across the earth. The colorful reflections danced on the floor-to-ceiling windows of Lin's Tower, outlining the luxurious contours of the president's office at Yuexing Capital.
Lin Yue slammed a document onto her desk with a sharp clap. "This investment project has issues. I need your team to redo the due diligence!" she said coldly.
The project manager nodded nervously and hurriedly left the office, as if escaping.
Lu Chen looked at Lin Yue helplessly; this was already the fifth project she had rejected today. Lin Yue leaned back lazily in her chair, her sleek black bob framing her exquisitely sharp features. There was an air of cold elegance about her that made her seem unapproachable. Her dark eyes, which should have been bright and clear, held a hint of melancholy that tugged at one's heartstrings.
She absentmindedly toyed with a gilded fountain pen, her long fingers deftly twisting it as if, at that moment, this small object mattered more than anything else.
Lu Chen sat across from her, his tall figure exuding an elegant demeanor, silver-rimmed glasses perched on his prominent nose. He adjusted his glasses for the third time, the blue light from his computer screen reflecting coldly off the lenses.
"Lin Yue, are you in a bad mood today?" Lu Chen asked softly.
Lin Yue remained silent, not even lifting her head.
Having grown accustomed to her temperament, Lu Chen didn’t take offense. He turned his computer towards her. "Take a look at this."
He pointed to the "Starlight Entertainment Annual Plan" on the screen, his tone steady. "From the perspective of return cycles and influence, investing in the entertainment industry could be a good breakthrough for us and help expand our business landscape."
Lin Yue raised her eyes, her expression instantly turning serious as she focused on the screen. She slowly moved the mouse without saying a word. Within just a few minutes, she mentally deconstructed and reassembled the entire plan multiple times, identifying key business opportunities.
"What about risk assessment?" she asked decisively.
Lu Chen smiled slightly and pulled up another document he had prepared. "I've simulated three different scenarios; even in the worst case, we can still ensure an eight percent return."
Lin Yue nodded, a flicker of excitement passing through her eyes before it was quickly overshadowed by her usual pride. She lightly tapped her fingers on the desk in a steady rhythm, calculating the pros and cons in her mind.
"There's a charity auction gala tomorrow night; many people from the film industry will be there," Lu Chen suggested tentatively. "We could make an appearance; who knows, we might come across a suitable project?"
Lin Yue's expression darkened at once as images of a bustling crowd filled with insincere pleasantries and those prying, pitying gazes flashed through her mind. A dull ache throbbed at her temples; she furrowed her brow instantly as her fingers unconsciously quickened their tapping—a habit she had when anxious.
Seeing Lin Yue's reaction, Jiang Rou felt a pang in her heart. Having grown up together, she understood all too well the meanings behind those subtle gestures.
She rose from the custom-made Italian sofa, her enchanting face more stunning than any top star's. Her skin was as smooth as jade, almost translucent. Her captivating eyes sparkled with life, slightly upturned at the corners, adding to her allure.
"What's wrong, my little Lin?" Jiang Rou asked with a light laugh.
Her steps resembled a walk down the runway, more like a dance that stirred the heart than mere walking. The Eugene pearl earrings dangling from her earlobes swayed gently with her movements, shimmering brilliantly. Eugene was the brand of Lin Yue's mother, Shangguan Yun, who was a top jewelry designer globally and also Jiang Rou's godmother. Jiang Rou always wore Shangguan Yun's latest designs first, which made her immensely proud.
She approached Lin Yue and gently leaned down, wrapping her arms around Lin Yue's neck from the side of the office chair, resting her chin affectionately on her shoulder. Her flaxen hair cascaded down, the strands brushing against Lin Yue's neck, bringing with them a hint of iris fragrance.
"Don't want to go?" Jiang Rou asked with a smile, her voice sweet like thick honey.
Lin Yue tilted her head slightly to avoid the tickling sensation from Jiang Rou's hair and shifted her body away a bit.
"You know I don't like those kinds of occasions," Lin Yue replied coldly.
She wasn't fond of such clingy gestures, yet she had adapted to Jiang Rou's affectionate little actions. Her long legs crossed over each other as she absentmindedly turned the crown of her Patek Philippe watch, as if that could soothe her inner restlessness.
Jiang Rou straightened up, the plain ring on her middle finger glinting in the light. She took Lin Yue's hand, her fingers painted with vibrant red nail polish tracing circles on Lin Yue's hand.
"Just this once, come with us," Jiang Rou said in a lower voice, almost like an enchanting spell. "With your eye for detail, you might spot the next big hit right away."
She paused for a moment, her gaze softening further. "Besides, with me by your side, you won't feel uncomfortable."
"Yeah, Lin Yue," Lu Chen chimed in appropriately. "If you don't go, we won't have any confidence either. There are some new directors and actors in the industry lately who seem promising; without your discerning eye, we can't just invest blindly."
He paused again, concern evident in his eyes. "If you're really uncomfortable, we can leave anytime."
Lin Yue fell silent, torn inside. From a business perspective, this was a rare opportunity; however, she truly disliked crowded and lively occasions.
Jiang Rou pouted expectantly. "If you wear that burgundy velvet suit, all the women there will be jealous." She spoke in that sweet tone reserved just for Lin Yue, her voice gentle as if coaxing a child. "That’s a hidden gem from Milan Fashion Week; I specially had someone get it from the designer for you. Paired with my godmother's latest jewelry design, you'll definitely be the most beautiful one there."
Lin Yue rubbed her temples and ultimately succumbed to her business instincts, giving a slight nod.
Jiang Rou's eyes lit up instantly as she wrapped her arms around Lin Yue's neck and quickly planted a kiss on her cheek. "Great! I'll go prepare your outfit right now!"
Watching Jiang Rou joyfully leave, Lin Yue sighed.
"If you really don’t want to go, then don’t," Lu Chen said gently.
Lin Yue shook her head, her tone filled with compromise. "You're right; this is indeed a good opportunity for the company."
She glanced at her watch. "It's getting late; let's call it a day."
Lu Chen wanted to say more but held back when he saw the weariness in Lin Yue’s eyes. At that moment, she needed solitude rather than more chatter—even from those closest to her.
After Lu Chen left, Lin Yue gazed out the window. The city lights twinkled in the night like diamonds scattered on black velvet—brilliant yet out of reach.
She stared outside for a while before suddenly remembering something. She rummaged through her drawer and pulled out a small pill bottle, pouring out a white tablet and swallowing it directly.
The dryness as the pill went down made her frown. She hated taking medicine and despised feeling controlled by it; yet without it, she felt lost.
Lin Yue let out a soft sigh, secretly hoping that tomorrow's banquet would proceed without any unexpected incidents. Little did she know, fate had already begun to turn its gears. The person who would completely change her life was standing at the crossroads of destiny, waiting for their unexpected encounter.
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