Chapter 3

I stopped contacting Kaele and posted a few late-night emo captions on my social media. After crafting the persona of a wounded soul, I simply and decisively put him out of my mind.

Life back home followed its usual routine. I quickly adapted to the new company’s business and met the man my parents had arranged for me.

The programmer sitting across from me, already showing signs of baldness at 28, continued to ramble:

“I think women should focus on family after marriage. What I mean is, you shouldn’t work anymore after getting married. Don’t be too career-driven, take good care of the home. Behind every successful man, there should be a woman…”

He went on and on, while I smiled at the coffee cup in my hand, thinking I must resist the urge to throw it at this pig-headed man.

Finally, when he finished speaking, he glanced at me, “Did you hear what I said? Do you have anything to add?”

I maintained my smile, “No, but Mr. Wang, I think we might not be very suitable for each other. Perhaps it’s better not to continue seeing each other.”

Then, amidst his muttering about “women over 25 being worthless, picky old women…” I turned and left.

I’ve been back home for several days now, and my mom has introduced me to quite a few prospects, some of whom are actually quite decent.

However, after experiencing someone as exceptional as Kaele, I really can’t accept ordinary men anymore.

This feeling persisted until a work meeting. Everyone arrived early, sitting silently around the conference table, the atmosphere tense.

I quietly asked the vice president next to me, “What’s going on? Did something happen to the company?”

The vice president leaned in and whispered, “The old chairman’s son has parachuted in. It’s said he’s here to practice with our branch first, and later he’ll take over the entire group.”

“This GM is rumored to be a Harvard graduate, spent a few years at Goldman Sachs, then went on to make billions in finance overnight. If it weren’t for the old chairman’s constant pressure, he wouldn’t have returned. He’s a real tough guy, so be careful when talking to him!”

Soon, a young man in a black suit walked in, draped in a black wool coat. As he entered the office, someone respectfully took his coat, and the sound of his leather shoes came to a halt.

I looked up, and not just me, everyone’s gaze was instantly drawn to him.

The first thing that struck us was the aura of this man.

It was the aura of someone accustomed to being in power, to being in control. He didn’t have an overbearing demeanor, yet everyone present, including myself, felt an irresistible urge to lower our heads and avoid eye contact.

The second glance revealed his exceptionally bright eyes, black hair slicked back with gel, exposing his prominent brow.

Naturally, it was known that the chairman’s wife was French, and the elegance of blonde hair and blue eyes combined with the charm of Eastern aesthetics was perfectly embodied in him–a classic Western bone structure with Eastern features.

This man was very handsome, on par with Kaele, but his overwhelming aura made it hard to notice his looks at first glance.

“Sorry, the flight was delayed, I’m late.”

He first acknowledged his mistake, then sat at the head of the table and got straight to the point:

“My name is Silas, and from now on, I’m the general manager of the company. I’ve already reviewed the company’s basic information and financial reports. Now, starting with the vice president, each of you will give me a basic report on your work achievements over the past year and the tasks you’re currently handling.”

The heads of departments began reporting nervously, and this GM was indeed as rumored–a true elite, pinpointing every attempt to deceive him.

“I don’t like vague statements, nor do I like being fooled. I hope to communicate well with everyone, but if my communication doesn’t work, I’ll consider other methods.”

He didn’t scold or hit anyone, yet everyone felt a chill run down their spine.

Even when I stood up, my palms were slightly damp with sweat. Fortunately, I was well-prepared, and my achievements over the past year were quite impressive, allowing me to speak more confidently.

My education and career are my pride, the most important things in my life, and I never deceive myself in these areas.

Silas didn’t interrupt me, and I saw a hint of appreciation in his eyes.

A moment later, I stopped, indicating I was finished.

He nodded, “Elowen, right? Not bad.”

“From now on, everyone should report their work according to this standard.”

…

Since Silas arrived, everyone’s workload increased.

He cleared out a lot of redundant tasks and bad assets and negotiated many high-quality projects.

The overtime hours grew longer, but salaries increased accordingly.

Colleagues, especially the young female ones, showed a lot of interest in Silas.

Two new girls seemed to have taken a page from the novels about domineering CEOs falling for innocent flowers.

One openly argued with him in a meeting, and another spilled coffee on his three-thousand-dollar shirt, attempting to wipe it off with her hand.

The first was fired the next day.

The second was fired the same day.

Female colleagues became more cautious, but during breaks, they still gathered in the break room to gossip about him.

“I heard he’s never had a girlfriend before. Could he still be a virgin?”

“No way, you’ve watched too many dramas. With his qualifications, how many women must be eyeing him? There’s no way he’s still a virgin.”

“I’d spend a year’s bonus just to sleep with him for a night. He’s such a catch. Did you see him in those dress pants the other day? My God, he’s really packing!”

…

Listening in, I suddenly became interested.

Without Kaele, Silas seemed like a better choice.

This man, I want to give it a try.