The ancient return was exposed by his sister's live stream.

Less than an hour later, the assistant replied with a document. Fan Hai opened it and glanced at it, his smile deepening.

Song Xinxue, 30 years old, unmarried, no boyfriend, graduated from Pengcheng University, previously worked as a salesperson at the Baotiancheng real estate sales office, later transferred to the property management department. Her parents live in her hometown and are ordinary wage earners. Her resume is as clean as a blank sheet of paper.

He put down his phone, leaned back on the sofa, and stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray. A college beauty who climbed her way up from the bottom, and a "diamond bachelor" worth billions—he knew this script all too well.

Shanghai, the headquarters of Viya Group, a listed cosmetics company.

The atmosphere in the rooftop conference room was heavy. Forty-year-old female CEO Yao Wei sat in the main seat, her gaze sweeping over the dozen or so middle-level managers present.

She wore a sharp-tailored black suit, her short hair was neat, and her makeup was exquisite. Her aura was so overwhelming that the people in the audience dared not even breathe.

"The general manager of the Pengcheng branch has resigned." Yao Wei's voice wasn't loud, but every word was clear. "Everyone knows the reason."

"Our performance has declined for three consecutive years, and our market share has been almost completely eroded by competitors. Now this position is vacant. Who among you is willing to revitalize Pengcheng's business? Is there anyone willing to step forward?"

The conference room was so quiet you could hear the hum of the central air conditioning. Everyone was looking down at the table; no one dared to look up.

As soon as the words were spoken, the conference room fell into dead silence. The executives below looked at each other, all with their heads down, pretending to organize documents or look at their notebooks. No one dared to speak, and no one dared to volunteer.

Are you kidding me? The Pengcheng branch is a complete mess right now. The business is in terrible shape. Turning things around is an impossible task. And this is a lateral transfer with no promotion or raise. If you don't do well there, you'll not only lose face, but you might also be held accountable by the company. Who would be stupid enough to take on this mess?

Everyone was secretly plotting their own agendas, heads bowed, praying that Yao Wei wouldn't call their names. The atmosphere in the meeting room grew increasingly oppressive.

Yao Wei glanced at the crowd below, avoiding her like the plague, a hint of disappointment flashing in her eyes. She had expected this outcome; everyone was afraid to get involved in the mess at the Pengcheng branch. She spoke slowly, her tone tinged with helplessness, preparing to call on someone: "Since no one is volunteering, then I will..."

Just as Yao Wei was about to call out names, a voice rang out from the corner: "President Yao, I'll go."

Everyone turned their heads.

Cai Jingwen sat at the far end of the conference table, wearing a white shirt and a light gray suit skirt, her long hair tied in a low ponytail, looking neat and tidy. Her expression was calm, but there was an indescribable determination in her eyes.

Yao Wei was taken aback: "Jingwen? Are you sure?" Cai Jingwen was a subordinate she had high hopes for; she was highly capable and had a steady work style. She had originally planned to promote her to vice president of the East China region next year. Going to Pengcheng, euphemistically called a lateral transfer, was really like being exiled to the frontier. That wasn't their group's home turf.

"OK." Cai Jingwen nodded.

Only she knew in her heart that her volunteering to go to Pengcheng was not for the so-called performance and future prospects, but for that mysterious and powerful man in Pengcheng—Chen Hao.

Ever since she witnessed Chen Hao's extraordinary abilities by chance in Shenzhen, was saved by him, and personally saw his superhuman powers, Cai Jingwen has been unable to let go of him.

That man, calm, mysterious, and omnipotent, was like a ray of light that shone into her heart, making her unable to forget him and always wanting to see him again and get closer to him.

When she heard that the Pengcheng branch needed people, she was immediately interested. This was her best chance to go to Pengcheng openly and legitimately and get closer to him, even if there was a mess ahead, she was determined to go.

Seeing her resolute expression, Yao Wei knew her mind was made up, so she stopped trying to dissuade her. A relieved smile appeared on her face, and she nodded: "Good, you have ambition! I knew I hadn't misjudged you. Now that you're willing to go, I'm relieved."

"The company will fully support you. You can choose one or two capable subordinates to go to Shenzhen with you. If you have any needs, report to me at any time. I'm waiting for your good news. You know the situation in Shenzhen. I won't make empty promises. Just do your best."

"Thank you, Mr. Yao. I won't let you down," Cai Jingwen said respectfully, bowing slightly.

After the meeting, Cai Jingwen returned to her workstation, picked up her phone, and sent a message to Li Li: "Lili, where are you?"

"The break room, what's wrong?"

Cai Jingwen walked over. Li Li was making coffee, wearing a loose sweatshirt, her hair casually tied up. Her face was rounder than when she was in northern Xinjiang, and her complexion was much better. After dealing with the divorce, she felt completely relaxed.

"Lili, I'm going to Shenzhen." Cai Jingwen got straight to the point.

Li Li paused for a moment in her coffee cup: "Going to Shenzhen? On a business trip?"

"No, it's a transfer. General Manager of the Pengcheng Branch."

Li Li froze for several seconds, then put down her coffee cup and stared at Cai Jingwen's face for a long time. Cai Jingwen felt a little uncomfortable under her gaze: "What are you doing?"

Li Li suddenly laughed, a meaningful laugh: "You went there for Master Chen, didn't you?"

Cai Jingwen's face flushed red instantly: "Don't talk nonsense."

"I'm talking nonsense? Your face is all red!" Li Li leaned closer to her and lowered her voice, "Jingwen, you haven't let go of that person since you came back from the Northern Frontier. Don't think I can't tell, your phone wallpaper is still his profile standing by the Jade Pool."

Cai Jingwen opened her mouth, but couldn't say a word. Li Li sighed, her tone softening: "Jingwen, have you thought this through? Going to Pengcheng is no small matter. The performance there is so poor; you might end up taking the blame."

"I've thought it through." Cai Jingwen's voice was soft but firm. "It's not entirely because of him. I also want to try to see if I can stand on my own. I've been at headquarters for three years, doing everything in a routine, and it's getting a bit boring."

Li Li looked at her, and after a while, suddenly smiled: "Okay, I'll go with you."

Cai Jingwen was taken aback: "You're willing to go?"

Seeing her shy expression, Li Li couldn't help but laugh, patted her shoulder, and said casually.

"Of course! For my best friend, and for that mysterious Master Chen, I'll go with you! Anyway, I'm divorced now, no ties, completely free. The world is my oyster, Shenzhen it is, let's go and explore together!"

Li Li shrugged. "Besides, the climate in Shenzhen is great, perfect for retirement. Who knows, I might even meet a handsome guy and start a second spring in my life."

Cai Jingwen was amused by her: "You!"

The two smiled at each other.

One week later, Shenzhen Bao'an Airport.

Cai Jingwen and Li Li dragged their suitcases out, and a wave of humid heat hit them. Shenzhen at the end of September was much hotter than Shanghai; the sun was blindingly bright, making it hard to open one's eyes.

"It's so hot!" Li Li fanned herself with her hand. "It's much hotter than in Shanghai."