Morning sunlight reflected sharply against the tall glass walls of Zhen Group Tower, making the entire lobby shine like polished crystal. Employees moved quickly through the building, their footsteps echoing across the marble floor as another busy workday began.
Inside the executive office floor, Mei Lin sat at her desk organizing documents carefully.
She had been working here for a few weeks now, and although the environment was demanding, she was slowly getting used to the pace of the company. Every file had to be perfect. Every meeting schedule had to be precise.
Working for Liang Zhen was not easy.
The man was known throughout the entire company for being strict and cold.
Yet strangely, he had never treated her unfairly.
In fact, sometimes it felt like he trusted her more than the others.
Just then, the elevator doors opened.
A woman stepped out with confident, elegant steps.
Her high heels clicked against the floor as she walked toward the secretary area.
This was Liu Xinyi.
She wore a fitted white blouse and a dark pencil skirt, her long hair falling perfectly over her shoulders. Her appearance alone drew attention from nearby employees.
Liu Xinyi had worked in the company for years.
Everyone knew two things about her.
She was extremely capable.
And she was deeply interested in Liang Zhen.
As she approached the desk area, her eyes immediately landed on Mei Lin.
For a brief second, her polite smile froze.
"So," Liu Xinyi said smoothly, placing her bag on the desk, "you're the new secretary."
Mei Lin stood politely.
"Yes. My name is Mei Lin."
Liu Xinyi nodded slowly, studying her from head to toe.
The girl looked simple. Too simple for a place like this.
No expensive jewelry.
No designer clothes.
Just a neat outfit and a calm expression.
Yet somehow she had been assigned directly to assist the CEO.
That alone bothered Liu Xinyi.
"I heard President Liang personally approved your hiring," she said casually.
Mei Lin blinked slightly.
"I'm not sure about that," she replied honestly.
But Liu Xinyi had already formed her own conclusion.
Of course she would pretend not to know.
At that moment the office door opened.
Liang Zhen stepped out of his office, holding a file.
The atmosphere on the floor instantly changed.
Employees straightened their posture immediately.
"Mei Lin," Liang Zhen said calmly.
"Yes, President Liang?"
"Prepare the documents for the afternoon meeting and bring them to my office."
"Understood."
She gathered the files quickly and walked toward his office.
As she passed Liu Xinyi, she noticed the woman watching her carefully.
The door closed behind Mei Lin.
Inside the office, Liang Zhen sat behind his desk reviewing several reports.
"Here are the documents you asked for," Mei Lin said, placing them neatly on the table.
Liang Zhen glanced at them briefly before nodding.
"Good work."
His tone was simple, but it was enough to make Mei Lin feel relieved.
She turned to leave.
Outside the office, Liu Xinyi was still standing near the desk.
The moment Mei Lin stepped out, Liu Xinyi crossed her arms.
"You seem comfortable in the CEO's office," she said lightly.
Mei Lin paused.
"I'm just doing my job."
"Of course," Liu Xinyi replied with a faint smile that didn't reach her eyes.
But inside, irritation was building.
For years she had worked beside Liang Zhen.
She had stayed late nights finishing reports.
Handled countless important projects.
Yet he had never spoken to her with even a hint of warmth.
And now this new girl had arrived and was already being trusted with private meetings and important documents.
Something about it didn't feel right.
Liu Xinyi leaned slightly closer to Mei Lin.
"You should be careful," she said quietly.
Mei Lin frowned.
"Careful about what?"
"This company is not as simple as it looks."
Mei Lin didn't respond.
She simply returned to her desk and continued her work.
Watching her calm reaction only made Liu Xinyi more irritated.
She's pretending to be innocent.
Across the office floor, Zhang Ming, the CEO's assistant, had been observing the entire interaction.
He leaned slightly against the wall and whispered to himself with amusement.
"Well… this is going to be interesting."
Because everyone in the company knew one thing.
Liu Xinyi did not like competition.
And from today onward, she had decided something very clearly.
Mei Lin was no longer just the new employee.
She was now a rival.