The night in Shenzhen had fully come alive.
Under the glow of neon lights, the city looked like a colorful dream.
Far away from the cold, heavy world of Z.Y. Empire, Anya Lu was celebrating the biggest victory of her life tonight.
Inside a famous Chinese bistro, the atmosphere was warm and cheerful.
The air was filled with the rich aroma of Peking Duck and spicy seasonings.
🍻 Celebration Time
"Cheers!"
Four glasses clinked together.
Anya, her best friend Huan Jing, their friend Kaya, and Kaya's husband Nan Pan were seated around a round table.
Anya's face was glowing like a blooming rose.
"I still can't believe it… I'm really going to be part of that company! Tomorrow morning at 8 a.m… my new life begins."
Huan Jing picked up a dumpling with her chopsticks and teased her,
"A new life is fine, but what about that hot CEO? If you see Zain Yan up close, don't faint!"
Kaya laughed and held Nan Pan's hand.
"Oh please, our Zain Yan is made of stone. I've heard he doesn't even know how to smile. Anya, just focus on your work— not his looks."
Nan Pan took a sip of his Tsingtao beer and said loudly,
"Forget all that! Today is about Anya's success. Waiter! Bring one more bottle of Baijiu!"
🥢 Food & Drinks
The table was filled with delicious Chinese dishes—
steaming Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, and piles of spring rolls.
Anya, who usually drank very little, was completely in the mood tonight.
"No work talk today!" she said in a slightly slurred voice as she refilled her glass.
Baijiu was strong.
Very soon, Anya's eyes grew heavy and her cheeks turned bright red.
Laughing drunkenly, she kissed the Jungkook photo on the back of her phone.
"Look, Kookie… your Anya has become a big person now! I'll come to South Korea to see you!"
Huan Jing and Kaya burst into laughter.
"She's a true ARMY! Even when drunk, she remembers her idol!"
🌑 A Shadow Watching
Outside the restaurant, a black SUV with tinted windows was parked.
Inside, the driver was reporting on the phone.
"Sir, Miss Lu is still at the bistro with her friends. She seems drunk."
From the other side came Zain Yan's cold, deep voice:
"Keep watching her until she reaches home safely. I don't want my prey getting into trouble before coming to the office tomorrow."
🏠 Time to Leave
It was 11 p.m.
Anya was completely drunk now.
Nan Pan and Kaya supported her and brought her to a taxi.
"Remember— 8 a.m. tomorrow!" Huan Jing shouted while helping her inside.
Anya waved from the window.
"Eight o'clock… Zain Yan… I'm coming… Mr. Stone Heart!"
As the taxi disappeared into the dark roads, Anya rested her head against the window.
A soft, innocent smile curved her lips.
She had no idea that when she woke up the next morning, she wouldn't be stepping into a beautiful dream—
but into the most dangerous web of her life.
🚗 A Wrong Turn
Cold wind blew outside the restaurant.
Anya's steps were unsteady as Huan Jing walked her toward the taxi stand.
"Jing… my slipper… I think I left it there," Anya mumbled and turned back.
"Anya! Stop!" Huan Jing ran after her, but the crowd swallowed Anya whole.
In a dark corner stood a luxurious black Rolls Royce Phantom, its windows completely tinted.
Inside, Zain Yan was seated in the back, reading files—
when he suddenly felt the rear door open.
❌ Wrong Entry
Without looking, without thinking, Anya dropped herself onto the back seat.
"Brother… Shenzhen Housing Society… and drive a little faster. I'm really sleepy,"
she mumbled, tossing her bag straight onto Zain's lap and closing her eyes.
The temperature inside the car dropped instantly.
Zain Yan froze.
Slowly, he turned his head.
Beside him sat a girl with messy hair, reeking of Baijiu and spicy food.
The driver, Qian, stared wide-eyed from the front seat.
"S-Sir… it's her… Anya Lu."
❄️ Zain's Anger vs Anya's Innocence
Zain's eyes burned with fury.
This car was his private sanctuary— no one was allowed inside.
In a cold voice, he said,
"Get out."
Anya opened one eye and looked at Zain's sharp, sculpted face through blurry vision.
She reached out and patted his cheek.
"Oh! Brother… you're such a handsome driver. You should act in dramas!
But why are you so angry? Smile a little!"
Zain clenched his fist.
No one had ever dared to call him driver.
No one had ever dared to touch him.
He shoved her hand away.
Zain (low, terrifying voice):
"Qian… throw her out. Now."
🌀 Drunken Madness
But Anya wasn't stopping.
She leaned forward, grabbed Zain's tie, and pulled him closer.
Their faces were only inches apart.
Zain could feel her warm breath against his skin.
"Driver brother… you're so grumpy.
Just like that Zain Yan… I've heard he's a monster who eats people,"
she whispered, then rested her head on his coat.
"Just… take me home… please."
Qian looked back, convinced Zain was about to kill her.
But Zain remained silent.
His eyes were fixed on Anya's face.
That face…
The same nose…
Just like that night, 17 years ago.
Zain slowly raised his hand.
Qian thought he would strike her—
but instead, Zain gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face.
A cold wave of revenge passed through his eyes.
Zain:
"Qian… drive. Take her home."
Qian was shocked.
"But sir… your meeting?"
Zain:
"Drive. If she dies on the way, who will pay for my revenge?"
The entire ride, Zain sat like a stone statue,
while Anya slept against his shoulder.
When they reached her house, Qian helped her out.
The next morning—
Anya woke up with a splitting headache.
"Oh God… how did I even get home last night?"
She checked the clock.
7:45 a.m.
"8 o'clock! Office!"
She rushed to get ready.
She had no idea that the driver she insulted last night—
was the man who would be her boss today.