The soft morning sunlight filtered through the sleek glass walls of the penthouse. Zain Yan stood on the balcony, a cup of black coffee in his hand, his eyes fixed on the city spread out below. His expression was emotionless—ice-cold, calculating every move.
Quietly, the door behind him opened, and Kian stepped inside. The lines of worry were clearly etched on his forehead.
"Sir," Kian said in a low voice, "the news is confirmed. Uncle Lu Kang has left the city. He's trying to reconnect with his old 'Dragon' network."
A wave of hatred surged through Zain's eyes. He slammed the coffee cup onto the table, sending drops of black coffee scattering across the marble surface.
"He ran… and left his niece like prey," Zain said in a cold voice.
"If the hunter cannot reach the prey, he will strike at what is dearest. And she… will be the bait."
Anya's Morning Rush
Meanwhile, Anya was rushing around her small apartment. Her wardrobe stood open, and a large poster of Jungkook from BTS was pinned to the wall. Whenever she felt anxious or troubled, that familiar face brought her comfort.
"Are you seeing this, JK?" she muttered, glancing at the poster.
"Another day, another meeting… and that grumpy Zain Yan doesn't know what's coming for him."
Grabbing her files, she ran out of the apartment and barely caught the bus on time.
ZY Empire Headquarters: The Calm Before the Storm
That morning, the ZY Empire headquarters looked like a battlefield. Usually serene, the office was now filled with whispers and tension. Zain had called an emergency meeting, summoning every department head—from modeling to logistics. Everyone wondered: what could be so urgent?
Inside the massive glass-walled conference hall, the city stretched endlessly outside, but the atmosphere inside felt as heavy as stone. People sat around the oval table, their faces tense.
Quiet murmurs began spreading:
"Why such a massive meeting?"
Vice President Mr. Wang leaned toward a colleague, whispering nervously:
"Something big is coming. Zain Yan never calls a full assembly without reason."
His gaze unconsciously drifted to Anya's empty chair, a hint of jealousy surfacing in his eyes.
The Entrance of Authority
The heavy doors swung open with a loud thud. Instantly, silence fell.
Zain Yan walked in, clad in a dark navy three-piece suit that accentuated his strict and commanding presence. Kian followed closely behind, alert and formal as always.
Zain's face remained expressionless, his eyes icy. It was as if the air in the room had frozen.
He took his seat at the head of the table, and every gaze in the room fixed on him.
Anya's Simplicity
A few minutes into the meeting, Anya entered. While the others were dressed in tailored corporate suits or gowns, she wore a light cream-colored loose sweater and comfortable pants. Her straight hair fell to her shoulders, partially covering her face. Large-framed glasses perched on her nose, and she clutched her files firmly—a strange mix of confidence and nervousness.
Zain's gaze landed on her, but he revealed nothing.
"Project Phoenix has succeeded," his voice cut through the room.
"And all credit goes to Miss Anya Lu."
Silence fell across the room. Mr. Wang's face turned pale—he was completely unprepared for this praise.
Huan Jing, Anya's best friend and the project's creative head, rose from her seat. Her curly hair bounced over her shoulders as she wore a vibrant red fitted dress. Clapping enthusiastically, she said:
"Absolutely, sir! Anya's vision and hard work brought this project to life. Her imagination breathed soul into the wedding dress!"
Xiaa, in charge of the modeling department, nodded in agreement.
"Anya, your design isn't just fabric—it's an experience."
Kian, standing silently in the corner, glanced at Huan Jing with unspoken admiration. The tension between them was palpable.
Zain's Poisoned Gift
Zain stood and leaned slightly toward Anya. She instinctively adjusted her glasses.
"Mr. Wang, would you like to say something?" Zain's tone was sharp.
Stammering, the vice president replied:
"S-sir… Anya is new… giving her so much credit… might make others feel overlooked…"
"The rest of the team didn't create what Anya did," Zain interrupted coldly.
"Therefore, I am announcing a grand celebration. The main guest… will be Anya Lu. That night, Project Phoenix's wedding dress will be unveiled to the world."
A moment of silence fell. Then Zain's next words struck like lightning:
"This dress will now be considered ZY Empire's most valuable legacy. And Anya… do not come in your cheap office clothes. I will select a gown for you."
Anya's eyes widened.
"Me? But sir… I'm just a designer…"
"This is my order," Zain said, his voice icy.
Aftermath of the Meeting
The meeting ended, but the tension still lingered in the air. Huan Jing rushed to Anya and hugged her tightly.
"Anya! You're going to be a star!"
Anya whispered uneasily,
"Jing… something feels off. Zain Yan's eyes… there was more than just praise in them."
From across the room, Zain watched silently. A cruel smile played on his lips. He knew how much Uncle Lu loved his niece. When Lu Kang finally saw Anya in Zain's hands, he would have no choice but to face the truth.
Kian approached.
"The preparations for the party have begun, sir."
"Good," Zain said, gazing out the window.
"Select a gown that will make her shine. I want the world—and Lu Kang—to see that tonight she is mine."
ZY Empire HQ → Café Lunch
A few hours later… or "in the soft afternoon sunlight…"
After the meeting, the entire team gathered for lunch at the office café. Glasses of fresh juice were placed on the table. Jiya, Huan Jing, Fengning, and Xiaa (teasingly called "Manager Li" by everyone) surrounded Anya.
Huan Jing raised her glass:
"Cheers! To the success of Project Phoenix and to our Anya's Gala Night!"
All clinked their glasses. The conversation began, and naturally, it turned to their 'favorite types of boys.'
Xiaa: "By the way, Anya, now that you're a star, tell me—what kind of guy do you like? I personally love strict, commanding types like Mr. Zain."
Jiya: "Oh! Xiaa has a crush on the boss! Fengning, what about you? What type of guy do you like?"
Fengning (blushing, thinking of Lu Wei):
"I… I like guys who are a little tough but pure-hearted. Strict on the outside, caring on the inside. Just like Lu Wei!"
Anya: (laughing) "Brother-like? Poor Fengning, you'll have a lot to put up with!"
Huan Jing: "I want someone calm and sensible… like Kian."
Anya's 'Kang Tae Moo' Avatar
All eyes now turned to Anya. She put her juice glass down, removed her glasses, and stood up, striking a dramatic film-like pose. She slightly deepened her voice and began imitating Kang Tae Moo from the K-Drama Business Proposal.
Anya: (arms spread with attitude)
"Listen, girls! I want the guy who comes to me, slams his gold credit card on the table, and says—'Don't ask me about my love, my money, or my card limit… because I have so much money, you'll get tired spending it, but my limit will never run out!'"
Anya winked and burst into laughter.
Anya: "Just imagine! How cool would that be? I could buy all the chocolate cakes in the world and every single Jungkook merch, and the limit would still never end! Hahaha!"
Zain and Kian's Reaction
At that moment, silence fell at the café doors. Anya had no idea that Zain and Kian were standing right behind her. Kian covered his mouth to stop laughing, tears of amusement streaming from his eyes.
Kian: (whispering to Zain)
"Sir… looks like your credit card limit is in danger today!"
Zain looked at Anya. His usual sternness had softened slightly. Anya's childish and funny antics stirred something inside his stone-like heart. Hearing her 'no limit' demand, he smiled inwardly.
Zain: (clearing his throat)
"If the chocolate cake and credit card talk is over, can we get back to work?"
Anya's laughter faded. She turned slightly, and as soon as she saw Zain, her glasses slipped down her nose.
Anya: (stammering)
"S-sir! You? That… I was just… acting."
Zain: (approaching Anya, in a low voice)
"My credit card limit… is far beyond what you imagine, Miss Anya."
Saying that, Zain walked away, leaving behind a stunned Anya and her laughing friends.