On the first day of her new job, Xiao Mei woke up before the sunrise. She wasn't usually an early riser, but today felt different. There was a strange combination of anxiety and anticipation swirling inside her chest. She stood in front of her wardrobe longer than usual, carefully choosing her outfit. It had to be professional yet not overly formal, confident but not arrogant. In the end, she settled for a crisp white blouse tucked into a high-waisted skirt, complemented by her signature simple necklace—a reminder of her father's support for her dreams.
Once ready, she slipped into her car and turned on soft instrumental music to soothe her nerves. The city outside was just waking up, the streets gradually filling with people hurrying toward their destinations. As she drove, her mind kept rehearsing possible conversations and imagining the day ahead. The closer she got to the building, the faster her heart pounded.
Upon arrival at Lu Zeyan's company, she was greeted warmly by the receptionists, who now recognized her. Their polite smiles made her feel slightly at ease. Mrs. Tang appeared moments later, surprisingly cheerful, and escorted her to her assigned workspace—a small yet elegant office just a few doors down from Lu Zeyan's.
The office was decorated modestly but tastefully. A sleek desk sat in front of a large window overlooking the city, and a shelf behind it was stocked with various publications—perhaps a subtle message to inspire her. Shortly after settling in, she was introduced to a small editorial team dedicated to the "Voices of the City" project. Each of them had their roles, but Xiao Mei's stood out: she was to write a weekly series titled "Business Leaders and Their True Faces," with Lu Zeyan himself featured in the very first article.
After a round of handshakes and brief introductions, Xiao Mei was summoned to Lu Zeyan's office. As she stepped inside, her breath caught for a moment. The office was grand, lined with tall windows and modern furnishings. It felt like entering the command center of a powerful empire. Lu Zeyan looked up from his desk, his expression unreadable, and gestured for her to sit.
"So," he said, with a small smirk, "are you ready to write about me?"
His tone was somewhere between amused and challenging. Xiao Mei met his gaze calmly. "I'll write what I observe and what I discover—not just what I'm told."
Lu Zeyan leaned back in his chair, studying her. "Good," he said. "Then follow me for the week. Attend every meeting, observe every detail. If you want to write the truth, you should see the truth."
She agreed without hesitation. This was the kind of opportunity most journalists could only dream of.
Before she left his office, he handed her a slim, sealed folder. "This," he said, "is something you won't find online. Consider it a head start."
Curious and slightly cautious, Xiao Mei took the folder back to her office. Once alone, she opened it and began to examine the contents. Her eyes widened. The documents inside outlined an unresolved business scandal involving a rival company, financial cover-ups, and several anonymous testimonies. There were even photographs—some grainy, some crystal clear.
As she flipped through the pages, questions filled her mind. Why would Lu Zeyan willingly hand her such sensitive information? Was this a trap? Or a test? Did he expect her to write about it? Or to stay silent?
Her phone buzzed just before the workday ended. It was a message from Lu Zeyan: "The truth isn't meant for everyone. If you truly want it, be ready to lose something."
She stared at the screen, her brows furrowed in thought. The weight of his words sank into her chest. Was he warning her? Or daring her?
Quietly, she whispered to herself, "I won't back down. If there's a truth hidden behind that mask, I will find it."
The sun dipped beyond the skyline as she gazed out the window of her new office. Her journey had just begun, and she already knew: this wasn't just about an article. It was about unraveling something—or someone—far more complex than she had ever anticipated.