Lin Yu picked up the pen, its tip glinting coldly under the light, resembling a drawn sword, yet also like an old friend accompanying her in the battles of the business world.
She took a deep breath, as if exhaling all her stress while inhaling every ounce of determination.
With a swift motion, she let the pen dance across the contract, gliding smoothly like a dancer on stage or a swordsman striking down foes on the battlefield.
Finally, on the last blank page, she signed her name. Each stroke was filled with power, each curve marked by decisiveness.
As Lin Yu completed her signature, she let out a long sigh of relief, akin to finishing a grueling marathon. Her body felt light, as if she had shed an immense burden. "Done!" She lifted her head, a radiant smile blossoming on her face like a sunflower basking in the sun, full of life.
With a playful twinkle in her eye, she turned to Jiang Chen, her tone laced with a hint of pride and satisfaction, much like a kitten that had just stolen a fish or a triumphant general returning from battle.
Jiang Chen looked at her; his usually nonchalant expression transformed into one of rare seriousness and warmth.
The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, forming an attractive arc reminiscent of a crescent moon casting gentle silver light.
His gaze was filled with admiration and tenderness, like the warm sunlight on a winter day, enveloping Lin Yu in comfort and security, making all her fatigue and pressure dissipate in that moment.
"Congratulations, President Lin," he said, his voice deep and magnetic, carrying an almost imperceptible tremor along with genuine congratulations, like an old friend sincerely happy for her success.
"Congratulations to you too, President Jiang," Lin Yu replied playfully with a wink, reminiscent of a lively little bird hopping on branches or a mischievous sprite frolicking in the forest.
Her mood at that moment was as bright and warm as the most radiant sunshine of spring.
With the cooperation agreement signed, Lin Yu's company had finally emerged from crisis, like a phoenix reborn from flames—having undergone fiery trials and now revitalized and soaring high.
The news spread rapidly through every corner of the company; every employee felt as if they had heard the call to arms—blood boiling with excitement and anticipation.
The employees cheered joyfully, like a flock of happy birds chattering about the company's future. Their eyes sparkled with hope and dreams as if they could already envision a bright tomorrow for the company.
In the office, cheers, applause, and laughter intertwined like a joyful symphony or a vibrant painting.
Some employees embraced each other excitedly; others jumped for joy; some even shed tears of happiness. The entire company was immersed in a sea of joy, each person genuinely thrilled for their company's rebirth.
Lin Yu watched all this unfold with deep emotion in her heart, akin to a loving mother witnessing her children grow strong—filled with pride and contentment.
She knew that all of this was hard-earned, the result of everyone's collective efforts, the outcome of every Employee's diligent work.
Walking to the window, she gazed at the bustling city outside, a surge of ambition rising within her.
She believed that in the days to come, her company would thrive like this vibrant city, full of energy and hope, continually growing and expanding.
"Inverse Light, we did it!" Lin Yu silently declared to the System, her tone filled with excitement and joy, like a child receiving a beloved toy, brimming with exhilaration, or a warrior celebrating a hard-won victory with great pride.
Her voice echoed in her mind, tinged with a slight tremor, a hint of pride, and a glimmer of anticipation for the future.
"Congratulations, Host. Task completed!" The System's voice of Inverse Light was equally excited, like a loyal companion sharing in its master's joy; its mechanical tone sounded particularly pleasant at that moment.
After the celebration, as the noise faded away and the crowd gradually quieted down, it felt like a beach returning to calm after the tide had receded. Lin Yu and Jiang Chen entered the office and closed the door, shutting out the outside clamor. The atmosphere suddenly became somewhat delicate, like a tightly drawn string that could snap at any moment or the oppressive stillness before a storm.
"Lin Yu, actually..." Jiang Chen hesitated, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes like an unfathomable deep lake, elusive and mysterious, shrouded in fog that obscured his heart and direction.
Lin Yu looked at Jiang Chen; his usually playful face was now etched with seriousness and turmoil.
A sense of unease crept into her heart, like a vigilant little rabbit perking up its ears or a seabird sensing an impending storm in the air.
"What do you mean?" she asked, her tone laced with curiosity as if probing for something just out of reach.
Jiang Chen took a deep breath as if summoning courage or making an important decision.
"Actually, I approached you with an agenda from the start." His voice was low and hoarse, reminiscent of confession or revelation; each word seemed to emerge from deep within him, heavy and tinged with helplessness.
Lin Yu's heart sank like a stone dropped into water, sending ripples across her emotions; it felt as though she had been struck by a heavy blow—painful and dull.
"What agenda?" she forced herself to ask calmly, though her voice trembled slightly like leaves quaking in an autumn breeze or a candle flickering in the wind—ready to extinguish at any moment.
Jiang Chen looked at Lin Yu, his gaze filled with guilt and regret, like a child who had done something wrong awaiting parental punishment.
"I... I initially intended to use you to obtain your company's trade secrets." His voice grew softer, almost inaudible like a mosquito buzzing nearby; it was as if he had thrown a pebble into still waters, creating ripples that spread outward.
Lin Yu's face instantly turned pale, like a blank sheet of paper, devoid of any color, as if all her strength had been drained away, leaving her weak and powerless.
She felt a wave of dizziness, as if struck by lightning, her entire body limp, like a beautiful soap bubble that had been ruthlessly popped, vanishing into thin air.
She could hardly believe that Jiang Chen would treat her this way. She had once trusted him so deeply, considering him her closest companion, yet he had been deceiving her all along, using her like a sharp knife that deeply pierced her heart.
"Why?" Lin Yu's voice trembled, resembling an injured little bird making faint whimpers, each word laden with endless pain and disappointment.
Jiang Chen looked at Lin Yu's anguished expression, his heart filled with guilt and sorrow, as if being gnawed at by countless ants, the pain unbearable.
"I'm sorry, Lin Yu, I..." He wanted to explain but didn't know how to articulate it, feeling like a mute with a thousand words trapped inside him, or like a sinner confronted by the victim's questions, left speechless.
"Stop talking!" Lin Yu interrupted Jiang Chen. She didn't want to hear his explanations anymore; she just wanted to be alone for a while, like an injured little beast seeking refuge in a corner to lick its wounds.
"Just go. I don't want to see you again." Her voice was cold and resolute, like a sharp knife that pierced Jiang Chen's heart, creating an icy wall that completely separated them.
Jiang Chen gazed at Lin Yu. The face that once radiated sunshine and smiles was now etched with pain and disappointment.
His eyes were filled with anguish and helplessness; he knew he had completely lost Lin Yu's trust and could never regain it. He felt like a shattered vase that could never be restored.
"I'm sorry, Lin Yu." After saying this, he turned and left the office. His back was lonely and desolate, like a lost traveler or an abandoned child—isolated and helpless.
Lin Yu watched Jiang Chen's departing figure, her heart a tumult of emotions—like a spilled jar of mixed flavors—sour, sweet, bitter, spicy; various tastes surged within her. It was like a colorful palette where all the colors blended together, making it hard to discern what she truly felt.
She didn't know what to do; all she wanted was to be alone for a while to sort out her thoughts—like a lost lamb unable to find its way home.
"Inverse Light, what should I do?" Lin Yu asked the System in her heart, her tone filled with confusion and helplessness—like a lost child unable to find the way home or a drowning person grasping for a lifeline.
"Host, you are doing well. Don't be swayed by his sweet words," the System "Inverse Light" comforted her. "Remember, you are the best!" Its mechanical voice now resonated with strength and warmth, like a bright light illuminating Lin Yu's path forward.
"But..." Lin Yu wanted to say more but was interrupted by the System—like a child wanting to speak but being silenced by an adult.
"Host, what you need now is to calm down and think carefully about what to do next," the System "Inverse Light" advised. "Don't let your emotions control you; analyze the situation rationally." Its voice was firm and powerful, like a wise guide directing Lin Yu on her journey ahead.
Lin Yu took a deep breath, striving to calm herself, like a small tree swaying in a storm, trying to take root and maintain balance. She knew that the System was right; she could not be swayed by her emotions. She needed to analyze the problem rationally and find a solution, like a composed chess player strategizing on the board.
Suddenly, an idea struck Lin Yu, and a sly smile crept onto her lips, reminiscent of a kitten that had successfully stolen a treat, proud and cunning. "Inverse Light, what do you think would happen if I turned Jiang Chen into my Employee as well?" she mused playfully, her tone laced with mischief.
"Ah?" The System, Inverse Light, paused for a moment, clearly taken aback by Lin Yu's suggestion, like a student caught off guard by an unexpected question. "Host, do you mean…?" Its mechanical voice carried a hint of confusion and disbelief.
"Exactly," Lin Yu replied with a smile that resembled a blooming poppy—beautiful yet dangerous. "Since he initially intended to use me to obtain my company's trade secrets, why not turn the tables and make him work for me instead? That way, I can create value from him while also getting back at him—it's a win-win situation!" Her words brimmed with confidence and wisdom, akin to a queen orchestrating her kingdom.
"Host, this plan is brilliant!" Inverse Light exclaimed excitedly, like an explorer who had just discovered new lands. "Not only can this resolve the crisis, but it will also make him pay for his previous actions—it's truly killing two birds with one stone!"
Lin Yu nodded with a smile, her eyes filled with determination and confidence, resembling a general preparing for battle, her gaze fierce and unwavering.
"That's right; I want him to know that I, Lin Yu, am not someone to be trifled with. He will pay for his actions." Her voice was powerful and resonant, like a sword being drawn from its sheath, sharp and ready.
At that moment, the office door swung open abruptly as Jiang Chen returned like a gust of wind, reappearing before Lin Yu.
With a serious expression, he said to Lin Yu, "Actually, there's something I haven't told you..." His voice was deep and solemn, as if announcing an important decision or making a final confession.
Lin Yu raised an eyebrow and looked at him with an amused expression, like a queen surveying her subjects from on high. "Oh? What other secrets do you have?" She was curious to see what tricks this man had left up his sleeve.
Jiang Chen took a deep breath as if summoning great resolve before saying, "Actually... I lied to you. My intention in getting close to you wasn't for the business secrets..." His voice grew softer but every word clearly reached Lin Yu's ears like pebbles creating ripples in her calm heart.
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