The Chill Supporting Character on the CEO's Mind

Chapter One: Meeting Again

"Miss Shen, the reporters are already outside. Should we arrange for you to attend?" The secretary knocked on the door, asking cautiously.

I was lying on the sofa, leisurely sipping my tea, and didn’t even bother to lift my eyelids at her words. Reporters again—just here to chase after the gossip between Lu Ciyuan and Lin Ruolan. They acted like I was deeply invested in their love life. Too bad I’m the zen supporting character here, with not a shred of curiosity about their drama.

"Let them be. I’m not joining the commotion," I waved my hand, signaling the secretary to drop the subject.

Truth be told, ever since I got transported into this ridiculous novel titled The CEO’s Beloved Darling, I found myself repeating the same mantra every day: "I don’t care." While other transmigrators busied themselves playing the original character or stealing the heroine’s spotlight, I, Shen Zhiyou, just wanted to lie low and stay far away from the chaos. Ironically, the more I avoided the drama, the more it inexplicably pulled me in.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed. I glanced at the caller ID—Lu Ciyuan.

I stared at the name for a few seconds, sighed deeply, and hesitated. Should I answer? Finally, I relented and took the call.

"Where are you?" Lu Ciyuan’s low voice came through the phone, commanding and unyielding.

"At the office," I replied evenly, trying to keep my tone neutral.

"There’s a banquet tonight. Seven o’clock. I’ll pick you up."

"I don’t—" I instinctively started to refuse, but before I could finish, the call ended abruptly.

I let out a cold laugh and silently cursed. Typical domineering CEO behavior—no respect for personal wishes.

At 6:30 PM, before I even had a chance to change clothes, my phone rang again. This time, it wasn’t Lu Ciyuan but Lin Ruolan.

"Zhiyou, are you going to the banquet tonight? I heard Lu is attending too." Her voice was sweet, with a hint of nervousness.

What’s that supposed to mean? Worried I’ll compete with her for Lu Ciyuan? Don’t flatter yourself. I’d be delighted if the two of you could hurry up and be together so I could retire from this drama and enjoy my zen life.

"Yeah, I guess I’ll go," I replied casually.

Lin Ruolan audibly exhaled in relief. "That’s great! I’m so glad I’ll get to see you. We can chat."

"Sure," I said, hanging up the call. I had a feeling tonight wasn’t going to be simple.

7:00 PM, at the Banquet Hall

As soon as I stepped into the banquet hall, I was hit by an overwhelming sense of extravagance. Crystal chandeliers sparkled from the ceiling, and the golden, opulent decor framed the guests, who moved with elegance, each person seemingly a walking advertisement for high society.

I scanned the crowd, relieved not to spot Lu Ciyuan. Hopefully, he’d arrive late or not at all. All I wanted was to lay low, complete my "mission," and leave this war zone as soon as possible.

Just as I was about to find a quiet corner to hide in, a tall figure appeared in my line of sight. Lu Ciyuan. Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, he strode into the room. His arrival seemed to hush the lively atmosphere slightly.

I froze. His gaze landed on me almost immediately, his piercing eyes carrying a hint of something that unsettled me.

"Shen Zhiyou," he said, his voice low and magnetic as he approached.

"Hm?" I feigned calmness, responding nonchalantly.

He didn’t say much else, grabbing my arm and leading me toward the crowd. I struggled for a moment but quickly gave up—arguing with him was a waste of energy.

At the heart of the banquet, Lin Ruolan stood surrounded by wealthy businessmen and socialites, like a flower in full bloom. When she saw us approaching, her face lit up with a sweet smile, though her gaze flickered nervously between me and Lu Ciyuan.

"Lu, Zhiyou, you’re here," she said softly, her tone laced with undisguised delight.

I raised an eyebrow, amused. You want to put on a show? Count me out. Smiling lightly, I nodded. "Yes, we’re here."

Lu Ciyuan cast her a brief glance, his expression indifferent, showing no interest in engaging with her. This caused a fleeting stiffness in her smile, though she quickly regained her composure.

"Zhiyou, could you join me for a walk in the garden?" Lin Ruolan asked, her eyes brimming with anticipation.

My heart sank, and I instinctively glanced at Lu Ciyuan. His face remained impassive, as though this was none of his business.

"Sure, let’s go," I said with an easy smile. Whatever she wanted, it didn’t matter—I was just here to make an appearance anyway.

I followed Lin Ruolan out to the garden, where the air was filled with the fragrance of flowers and the cool night breeze rustled the trees.

"Zhiyou, there’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about," Lin Ruolan’s voice softened.

I immediately grew wary. "Oh? What is it?"

"It’s about Lu..." she began, her eyes carrying a mix of innocence and helplessness.

Ah, of course. Everything leads back to Lu Ciyuan. I sighed internally. "Ruolan, you know my engagement with Lu Ciyuan is just a business arrangement. There’s no emotional connection. You don’t need to worry—I don’t care about him."

Lin Ruolan blinked, surprised by my bluntness. "But...he’s still your fiancé. I don’t want to ruin things between you two."

"Ruin? Ha," I laughed. "You’re overestimating how much I value this engagement. Honestly, I’d be thrilled if you two got together."

Lin Ruolan was stunned, her expression becoming complicated as though struggling with something unsaid.

Just then, my phone buzzed again. It was a message from Chu Xiao.

Chu Xiao: Miss Shen, are you free tonight? I’d like to invite you for coffee.

Not him again. Ever since we were paired together for a business negotiation, he had taken too much interest in me. And all I felt toward him was—trouble.

I ignored the message and put my phone away.

"Zhiyou, about Chu Xiao..." Lin Ruolan started again, hesitant.

I raised an eyebrow. "There’s nothing to say about him. He’s just Lu Ciyuan’s rival and is only interested in me because of my connection to Lu."

"Oh..." she nodded, looking puzzled as if she couldn’t quite grasp my indifference.

Before our conversation could go further, a low voice interrupted us.

"What are you two talking about?" Lu Ciyuan’s cold voice came from behind, startling us. When had he gotten here?

I turned to face him. His expression was as calm and distant as always, but his eyes carried a dangerous edge. Instinctively, I stepped back, feeling the sudden pressure in the air.

"Nothing important, just chatting," I said casually.

He didn’t respond, his gaze sharp and unwavering. Then he turned to Lin Ruolan. "The banquet’s ending. You should head back."

Lin Ruolan looked surprised by his abrupt dismissal, her face briefly shadowed by disappointment. But she quickly nodded and walked away.

Left alone, I was already thinking of excuses to leave when Lu Ciyuan suddenly grabbed my wrist—not harshly, but firmly, with a strength that left no room for refusal.

"Come with me," he commanded, dragging me toward another part of the garden.

I rolled my eyes but didn’t resist.

We walked in silence until we reached a gazebo at the edge of the garden. There, he finally let go of my wrist, turning to face me with eyes so intense they seemed to pierce through me.

"What did you and Lin Ruolan talk about?" he demanded, his tone cold.

I was speechless. "Lu Ciyuan, could you stop being so paranoid? We were just talking about you two."

"Me and her?" His brows furrowed, clearly displeased.

"Yes," I said with exasperation. "She likes you. I know that, and I have no intention of competing. Relax. I’m not going to get in your way."

His gaze turned icy, his expression tightening as if my words had provoked him. Suddenly, he took a step closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous low. "Shen Zhiyou, what are you really thinking?"

"What am I thinking? Nothing. I just want to end this engagement as soon as possible and stay far away from you all." I dropped the pretense, my tone turning cold.

He stared at me for a moment, his eyes flickering with a complex emotion I couldn’t decipher.

"You really don’t care?" he asked quietly.

"I don’t," I said firmly.

For a moment, he stood there silently. Then, suddenly, he laughed—a cold, unsettling sound. "If that’s the case, let’s see how far you can go."

I frowned, confused by his cryptic words. But before I could respond, he turned and walked away.

Watching his retreating figure, a mix of frustration and unease settled in my chest. Just what kind of person was Lu Ciyuan? Was his relationship with Lin Ruolan really as straightforward as it seemed? And was there more to this engagement than I’d been led to believe?

I had thought I could remain detached, watching from the sidelines. But now, I was beginning to sense that things were far more complicated than I had imagined.

Chapter Two: An Unexpected Collaboration

A few afternoons later, I was at home enjoying a rare moment of peace. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, and I curled up on the sofa with a novel in hand, completely relaxed.

Then my phone buzzed again. Too lazy to get up, I reached for it, only to see it was Chu Xiao.

"Miss Shen, are you free tonight? There’s something I’d like to discuss with you," his text read. As succinct as ever, but I knew there was no way it would be a simple matter.

I frowned, mentally weighing my options. Ever since my unexpected collaboration with Chu Xiao during a business negotiation, he had been reaching out to me more frequently. What I knew about him was limited: he was Lu Ciyuan’s business rival, a man of unrestrained personality but ruthless tactics in the business world. Even Lu Ciyuan steered clear of him.

Instinctively, I didn’t want to get involved with these people. But on second thought, perhaps Chu Xiao’s intentions could help me break free from this engagement faster. So, I decided to meet him.

8:00 PM, at a Café

"Miss Shen, as punctual as ever," Chu Xiao’s lazy voice greeted me from a corner as soon as I stepped in. He was sitting by the window, resting his chin on one hand, his eyes sparkling with amusement as if he’d known I would come.

"Cut the nonsense. What do you want?" I walked over and sat down, not in the mood for pleasantries.

He chuckled softly. "You’re different from the others. Straightforward."

I rolled my eyes. Flattery wasn’t going to work on me. "Get to the point."

"I want to collaborate with you," Chu Xiao said, his tone turning serious.

"Collaborate? On what?" I frowned, wary of whatever he was planning.

He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as though sharing a secret. "I know you want to cut ties with Lu Ciyuan. And coincidentally, I want to see him face some setbacks in the business world."

I raised an eyebrow. While I wasn’t keen on staying entangled with Lu Ciyuan, that didn’t mean I was eager to conspire with his enemy.

"I’m not interested in business matters," I said flatly, rising to leave.

"Don’t be so quick to reject me," Chu Xiao said, his confidence unwavering as he leaned back in his chair. "Lu Ciyuan is watching your every move. If you keep going like this, he won’t let you go easily. On the other hand, if we work together, you could break free faster."

His words gave me pause. There was an undeniable logic to what he was saying. I had witnessed Lu Ciyuan’s controlling tendencies firsthand. If I kept up this passive, zen-like avoidance, he might really cling to me indefinitely.

"What’s the plan?" I asked, suppressing my doubts for now.

"It’s simple," Chu Xiao said with a sly smile. "You help me obtain some key information on a major project of Lu Ciyuan’s. I’ll use it at the right time to deal a blow to him. In return, I’ll help you leave the Lu family."

"You want me to betray Lu Ciyuan?" I sneered. This man had some nerve.

"You could also see it as a win-win," Chu Xiao said, his tone light.

"I’m not that kind of person." I rejected him without hesitation and stood up to leave.

But as I turned, his voice turned cold behind me. "Shen Zhiyou, do you really think you can stay on the sidelines forever? Lu Ciyuan is already watching you. Leaving him won’t be as easy as you think."

I stopped in my tracks and turned back to face him. His eyes were sharp now, carrying a hint of menace.

"If you help me, you’ll be free sooner. If you don’t, you might sink even deeper," he warned, his tone devoid of its earlier warmth.

I narrowed my eyes, feeling a twinge of uncertainty. "I’ll think about it," I said before walking out of the café.

The night breeze was chilly as I walked home, pulling my coat tighter around me. Chu Xiao’s words echoed in my mind. He was right—I couldn’t stay zen forever. Sooner or later, I’d get dragged into even bigger trouble. But helping him take down Lu Ciyuan? That was far too dangerous a path.

A Few Days Later, at Lu Ciyuan’s Office

I thought I could coast through the next few days quietly, but Lu Ciyuan suddenly summoned me.

"You’ve been spending a lot of time with Chu Xiao lately," he said coldly as soon as I entered, his gaze sharp and scrutinizing.

I froze, alarm bells ringing in my head. Of course, this man had noticed my interactions with Chu Xiao.

"I just happened to run into him," I said calmly, feigning indifference.

Lu Ciyuan didn’t press further, but his deep, penetrating eyes remained fixed on me, as though trying to uncover some hidden truth.

"Shen Zhiyou," he suddenly stepped closer, his voice dropping to a cold whisper, "if you betray me, you won’t be able to bear the consequences."

I lifted my head to meet his gaze, a chill running through me. His tone was calm, but the threat in his words was unmistakable.

"What do you think I care about, Lu Ciyuan? All I want is to leave you," I snapped, unable to hold back.

His expression darkened, and for the first time, his anger seemed barely contained. Suddenly, he grabbed my wrist, his grip tighter than ever, making me wince in pain.

"Do you really think leaving me will be that easy?" His voice was low, simmering with suppressed rage.

I stared up at him, a resolve hardening in my chest. I couldn’t keep being so passive. If Chu Xiao was right, I’d soon find myself caught in an even deeper whirlpool. The only solution was to take control.

"Lu Ciyuan, ours is just a business marriage. Why are you so obsessed? I couldn’t care less about you and Lin Ruolan," I said, taking a deep breath to steady myself.

He was silent for a few seconds before letting go of my wrist. Turning away, his back to me, he seemed to be restraining some hidden emotion.

"You’ll never understand what I’m thinking," he said coldly, his voice low and final.

I watched his back with a sense of helplessness. What was this man’s problem? Why were his emotions always so hard to read? No matter what, I had to break free from this tangled mess.

One Month Later, at a Business Banquet

Time flew, and a month had passed. Chu Xiao’s messages became more frequent, and under Lu Ciyuan’s arrangements, I attended various business events.

Tonight’s banquet was hosted by a major business tycoon, drawing nearly all the top figures in the industry. The grand hall was brightly lit, filled with elegantly dressed guests clinking glasses.

I stood in a corner with a glass of champagne, observing the scene. Lu Ciyuan was not far away, deep in conversation with a group of business elites. Chu Xiao, on the other hand, was across the room, occasionally glancing my way.

Just as I wondered how to navigate tonight, a familiar voice sounded beside me.

"Miss Shen, you don’t seem to be in a great mood tonight."

I turned to see Chu Xiao standing next to me, holding a glass of wine and looking amused.

"Do you need something?" I asked, frowning, not wanting to draw attention.

He smiled. "Don’t be so tense. I’m just here to give you a little heads-up. Tonight might be... eventful."

"What do you mean?" I asked, suddenly on guard.

He didn’t answer directly but clinked his glass against mine lightly. "You’ll see soon enough."

A sense of foreboding gripped me. Before I could press him further, a commotion erupted in the crowd.

I turned to see Lu Ciyuan standing among a group of business moguls, his face dark as thunder. Several reporters suddenly rushed in, cameras flashing wildly, as if they had stumbled upon a major scoop.

My heart sank. Something was definitely wrong.

Chu Xiao leaned in and whispered, "One of Lu Ciyuan’s key projects hit a snag. Tonight’s banquet might get interesting. You can choose to stand by him or... walk away."

I turned to glare at him, realizing this was the opportunity he had been waiting for. He had orchestrated everything to strike at Lu Ciyuan tonight. And I was caught in the middle of the storm.

As my heart raced, I knew I had to make a choice. If I stayed zen, I might emerge unscathed. But if I stood by Lu Ciyuan, I risked being dragged even deeper into chaos...

At that moment, Lu Ciyuan turned to look at me. In his deep eyes, there was a trace of vulnerability I had never seen before.

My heart clenched, and suddenly, the choice before me didn’t seem so simple anymore.

Chapter Three: The Cost of Choice

Standing amidst the bustling crowd at the banquet, my breathing grew uneven. The dazzling lights stung my eyes, while the reporters' camera flashes flickered incessantly. All the attention was fixed squarely on Lu Ciyuan. His face was as dark as a storm, his eyes sharp like blades piercing through the chaos, landing directly on me.

A sense of unease crept over me, as if no matter what choice I made, the outcome would not be favorable.

"Miss Shen, what are you hesitating for?" Chu Xiao’s voice whispered in my ear again. He stood beside me, his tone light but carrying an undeniable pressure.

I tightened my grip on the champagne glass, my mind a whirl of conflicting thoughts. Following Chu Xiao’s suggestion and using tonight as a chance to walk away seemed like the most in line with my zen nature. Yet, in Lu Ciyuan’s restrained gaze, I glimpsed a rare vulnerability. He wasn’t as invincible as I’d imagined.

"Shen Zhiyou." Chu Xiao spoke again, this time with a faint warning in his tone.

I knew his patience was wearing thin.

Shifting my gaze from Lu Ciyuan’s face, I looked at Chu Xiao. His expression remained composed, as though everything was unfolding precisely as he’d planned. Meanwhile, I was caught in the crossfire, a mere pawn without the power to sway the game or the means to escape it.

Just then, Lu Ciyuan began to walk toward me.

His steps were steady, deliberate, exuding an unyielding authority. The crowd and even the reporters seemed subdued by his icy presence, the noise gradually fading. I stood rooted to the spot, my heartbeat quickening.

"Shen Zhiyou." He stopped before me, his voice low and tinged with suppressed anger, but also with a vulnerability I’d never seen before. "Did you come with Chu Xiao tonight?"

"What do you think?" I countered, masking my inner turmoil with a cold indifference.

"Don’t play games with me," his gaze turned dangerously cold. "Do you even know what you’re doing?"

I hesitated for a few seconds, my mind a tangle of thoughts. Finally, I took a deep breath and met his eyes.

"Lu Ciyuan, I’ve never had any intention of betraying you or participating in any schemes against you. You know I couldn’t care less about these things," I said, enunciating every word.

He stared at me intently, as if trying to discern the truth in my words.

"But I want to leave you," I added firmly, my voice carrying a hint of weariness.

His expression hardened instantly, his jaw tightening and his fists clenching slightly. The tension in the air was almost palpable, making my heart race faster.

"Leave?" He suddenly let out a low, chilling laugh. "Do you think it’ll be that easy?"

"I’ve tried my best," I met his gaze, unwavering. "I’ve never sought to challenge you, nor interfered with your relationship with Lin Ruolan. But this marriage... to me, it’s a cage."

His eyes darkened at my words, as though they’d provoked him. In the next second, he stepped forward abruptly, grabbing my wrist with a grip so tight that it made me wince.

"You’ll never understand the significance of this marriage," he growled, his voice thick with suppressed anger.

I opened my mouth to retort but closed it again, realizing there was no point. This man—this cold, unfathomable man—was someone I had never truly understood. Our relationship had always been distorted and distant.

"Shen Zhiyou, if you dare betray me, you’ll regret it." His voice was so low it was almost inaudible, but the chilling threat was clear.

I looked up at him, my emotions a tumultuous mix of anger, confusion, and resignation. Perhaps he harbored some unspoken feelings for me, or maybe he simply saw me as a pawn. Either way, I couldn’t let myself remain under his control.

"You can’t control me forever," I said quietly, my tone resolute.

His expression shifted subtly, as though my words had struck a nerve. He let go of my wrist but continued to glare at me with a knife-like intensity.

"Don’t forget, everything you have now is because of me," he warned coldly.

"Is that so? What if I don’t want any of it?" I shot back, trying to maintain a calm front against his threat.

He didn’t respond immediately, his gaze locked on mine as though weighing my resolve. The atmosphere around us was suffocatingly tense, every eye in the room seemingly fixed on us.

Just as the tension reached its peak, Chu Xiao’s voice rang out behind me.

"President Lu, it seems you’ve stolen the spotlight tonight," he said with a smile, strolling over nonchalantly, unaffected by the heavy atmosphere.

I glanced at Chu Xiao, a wave of irritation washing over me. This man had been exploiting the animosity between us to his advantage, and I had unwittingly become a pawn in his game.

Lu Ciyuan cast him a frosty glance, said nothing, and turned to walk back into the crowd. His retreating figure held a trace of loneliness, but I had no time to dwell on its meaning.

"He’s starting to lose patience with you," Chu Xiao whispered beside me, his tone tinged with smugness.

I frowned, feeling a surge of disgust. Both these men seemed to see me as a tool, something to be controlled and manipulated for their own ends.

"Chu Xiao, I don’t need your advice," I said icily before turning and walking away from him.

A Few Days Later, at My Apartment

Back home, the suffocating weight of the past few days bore down on me. It seemed like every moment was filled with conflict and indecision. I knew I couldn’t continue like this, but escaping the entanglements of Chu Xiao and Lu Ciyuan was proving more difficult than I’d anticipated.

Just as I sat down to rest, the doorbell rang.

I walked over and opened the door, only to freeze in shock.

It was Lin Ruolan.

Dressed in a simple white dress, she stood in the doorway with an air of nervousness and unease.

"Zhiyou, can I come in?" she asked softly, her tone cautious.

I stared at her for a moment before stepping aside and letting her in.

She entered, standing awkwardly in the living room.

"What do you want to talk about?" I asked bluntly, unsure of her intentions.

She bit her lip, as though summoning her courage, and finally spoke. "Zhiyou, I... I want to talk to you about Lu Ciyuan."

An unexpected tension tightened my chest.

"Lu Ciyuan? There’s nothing to discuss," I said coldly, unwilling to entertain the topic.

She hesitated, her expression conflicted. "Zhiyou, I know you don’t care about him, but I do..."

Her voice trailed off into a whisper, barely audible.

I sighed, finally understanding her purpose. She was here to confront me, seeking confirmation about where I stood in this tangled web, or rather, whether I would continue to hold any claim on Lu Ciyuan’s heart.

"Lin Ruolan, you don’t need to worry. I’ve never thought of competing with you for Lu Ciyuan," I said flatly.

She looked up, surprise and doubt flickering in her eyes. "But... he seems to feel differently about you."

I chuckled softly. "His engagement to me is purely business. Beyond that, there’s nothing. He’ll choose you eventually."

Her gaze grew more conflicted, as though my words had unsettled her.

"But if he really chooses you, what will I do?" she murmured, her voice trembling with barely contained fear.

I suddenly felt exhausted. This emotional entanglement between her and Lu Ciyuan had veered so far from my own life, yet I kept getting dragged into their mess.

"Do you truly love him?" I asked suddenly, fixing her with a direct gaze.

She froze, caught off guard by the abrupt question.

"I... I don’t know," she stammered, her voice shaky and uncertain.

"If you’re unsure, don’t rush into a fight," I sighed. "Love isn’t something simple. Take the time to figure out what you truly want."

Lin Ruolan bit her lip, seemingly lost in thought.

As I watched her, a strange sense of relief washed over me.

Chapter Four: Underlying Currents

After Lin Ruolan left, I sat alone on the sofa, absently twirling a strand of my hair. The night outside was dark, the city’s neon lights streaming through the window, casting lonely shadows on me. I had thought that after everything, I could maintain my zen mindset and stay detached from the tangled emotions around me. But reality was proving otherwise—my plans were unraveling.

Lin Ruolan’s visit wasn’t just to seek answers. Beneath her words was a creeping sense of insecurity. She was likely beginning to doubt Lu Ciyuan’s feelings for me, and that doubt would keep her from making any decisive moves. Meanwhile, I had somehow been dragged into this emotional tug-of-war, even though it was the last thing I wanted.

My thoughts drifted. I recalled the icy, unreadable gaze of Lu Ciyuan and the smug, playful smile of Chu Xiao. Both men were using me, but their methods were different. One relied on emotional entanglement; the other leveraged power and coercion. And me? I seemed unable to escape either of them.

The Next Day, in the Office

The atmosphere in the conference room was tense as Lu Ciyuan gathered the company’s top executives for a meeting. Outside, the sun shone brightly, but inside, it felt as cold as a winter gale.

I sat in the last row, flipping through the meeting documents, though my mind was elsewhere, mulling over everything that had happened the previous night. When Lu Ciyuan entered the room, I instinctively looked up. His expression was as cold and stern as ever. As his sharp gaze swept over the group, everyone straightened their backs instinctively.

“There’s been a shift in the market landscape,” he began, his deep voice calm but commanding. “Particularly regarding our collaboration with the Chu Corporation. We need to reassess our strategies.”

At the mention of Chu Xiao, I smirked inwardly. As expected, that man wasn’t letting any opportunity slip by. Ever since the banquet, I had known that Chu Xiao was intensifying his efforts behind the scenes, seeking to capitalize on the current market turbulence to strike at Lu Ciyuan’s company.

Meanwhile, Lu Ciyuan remained as composed as ever, projecting an air of total control. But I knew things weren’t as straightforward as they seemed. Chu Xiao wasn’t the kind of man to back down easily, and this battle would undoubtedly drag on for some time.

The meeting proceeded swiftly—Lu Ciyuan’s style was always sharp and efficient. His instructions were concise, leaving no room for ambiguity. The executives listened attentively, not daring to show any sign of slackness. As the meeting concluded and everyone filed out, I prepared to slip away quietly.

“Shen Zhiyou, stay behind,” his voice called out from behind me.

I froze, silently cursing, then turned back toward the conference room. Lu Ciyuan stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his back to me, gazing out at the city skyline.

After a brief silence, he spoke. “You’ve been meeting with Chu Xiao quite often recently.”

My heart skipped a beat, though I kept my face calm. “It’s just coincidence.”

He turned around, his cold eyes locking onto mine. “Coincidence? Are you sure it’s not deliberate?”

I frowned, annoyed. “Lu Ciyuan, don’t you think you’re being overly paranoid? I’ve already told you—I have no interest in your conflict with Chu Xiao, and I don’t want to get involved.”

“But you’re already involved,” he said, his tone chilling and absolute. “From the moment you met him, you became part of the game.”

I sighed in frustration. “I never wanted to be anyone’s pawn.”

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “Do you really think you can escape? Chu Xiao isn’t harmless. You underestimate his ambition.”

Looking up at him, I suddenly realized that his wariness toward Chu Xiao ran far deeper than I’d thought. I had assumed he viewed Chu Xiao as just a business rival, but it seemed Chu Xiao’s covert actions had already crossed the line of ordinary competition.

“You must already know that Chu Xiao offered me a deal,” I said, deciding to probe how much he was aware of.

His eyes flickered slightly, as though surprised by my candidness.

“You didn’t accept it,” he stated firmly.

“Of course not. I have no desire to meddle in your feud.” My response was calm, my tone even.

He studied me silently for a few seconds, his gaze unreadable. “Shen Zhiyou, why?”

“Why what?”

“Why do you always keep this… distance?” His voice carried a rare trace of confusion.

I blinked, caught off guard by the question. His eyes, usually cold and unyielding, now seemed to search for something—an answer, perhaps.

I let out a soft laugh, shrugging lightly. “Lu Ciyuan, you’ve always misunderstood me. I’ve never wanted to fight for anything. I just want to live my own life.”

He didn’t respond, his gaze still fixed on me, as though trying to decipher the truth behind my words.

“If you think I’m like those other women, tangled up in your and Lin Ruolan’s drama, then you’re gravely mistaken,” I continued, my tone detached. “I’m not interested.”

For a moment, his eyes wavered, as though pondering my words.

I decided to end the conversation and turned to leave. But just as my hand touched the door handle, his voice stopped me, low and weighted with an unfamiliar emotion.

“Zhiyou, I want you to stay by my side.”

I froze, my heartbeat inexplicably quickening.

He rarely called me “Zhiyou,” and even less so with this kind of tone.

Turning back slowly, I saw his usual cold expression, but his deep eyes carried something I couldn’t quite grasp—something layered, like unsolved riddles.

“Stay by your side?” I asked, frowning, trying to understand his intent.

“Not as a tool for a business marriage,” he said quietly, his voice serious and undeniable.

A shiver ran through me as I stared at him, caught completely off guard.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

He stepped closer, so near that the distance between us was mere inches. His presence was overwhelming, his breath warm against my skin, heavy with unspoken meaning.

“Shen Zhiyou, you want to leave me, but have you really never felt my feelings for you?” His voice was husky, tinged with a restrained passion that seemed to have simmered for a long time.

My mind went blank, my heart racing, and my breathing grew shallow.

“Your feelings for me…?” I asked instinctively, my voice trembling slightly.

He didn’t answer with words. His intense gaze bored into mine, stripping away every barrier I had put up. The air between us grew stifling, and I felt like I was suffocating under its weight.

I tried to back away, but he caught my wrist, his grip firm yet not painful—an inescapable hold.

“Lu Ciyuan, you…” I started, but my words were cut short as he leaned in, his lips brushing my ear.

“You’ve never understood—I’ve already fallen for you,” he whispered, his voice barely audible yet undeniably clear.

In that moment, I froze completely.

My mind blanked out, and every ounce of rationality vanished. I had never imagined that Lu Ciyuan would say something like this to me.

I stared at him, my heartbeat so erratic it felt like it would burst from my chest.

“You… must be joking,” I stammered weakly, trying to mask my panic with indifference.

Straightening up, his expression was calm, but his deep eyes no longer carried their usual coldness. Instead, they were filled with an undeniable, inescapable emotion.

“I’ve never joked about this,” he said firmly before letting go of my wrist. He turned and walked out of the conference room, his footsteps steady and unhurried.

I stood there, my mind in turmoil, my heart still racing.

Lu Ciyuan… likes me?

The revelation hit me like a bolt from the blue. From the beginning, I had assumed our relationship was nothing more than a business arrangement, devoid of emotion. But now, he was telling me he had feelings for me?

I tried to steady my breathing, but it was impossible. My thoughts were a chaotic mess, and my composure had completely unraveled.

This game had just become infinitely more complicated.

That Evening, in My Apartment

Sitting on the sofa, I replayed Lu Ciyuan’s words over and over in my mind. That cold, calculating man had shown a side of himself I never thought existed. It left me utterly unprepared.

Just as my thoughts spiraled further, my phone rang suddenly.

I picked it up, the screen displaying Chu Xiao’s name.

Taking a deep breath, I answered.

“Miss Shen, I hear you’ve been spending quite a bit of time with Lu Ciyuan lately,” Chu Xiao’s voice carried its usual mocking tone.

I frowned. “What exactly are you trying to say?”

“I just wanted to remind you,” his voice turned cold, “Lu Ciyuan isn’t someone you can trust. He won’t let you go easily.”

“I know,” I replied curtly.

“Do you?” he sneered. “Shen Zhiyou, you think you can stay out of this game, but you’re already in too deep.”

I gripped the phone tightly, unease swelling within me.

“I can help you,” Chu Xiao said, his tone softening into something almost seductive. “If you’re willing, we can work together to completely sever Lu Ciyuan’s control over you.”

“I don’t need your help,” I said firmly, rejecting him.

There was a brief silence before he let out a low chuckle. “You’ll regret this, Miss Shen.”

The call ended, leaving me staring at the screen, the unease in my heart growing heavier by the second.

Chapter Five: The Collision of Emotions

I leaned back on the sofa, my head still buzzing with confusion. Chu Xiao’s call was like a warning bell, reminding me that the game had changed, and I—never a mere bystander from the start—was a pawn firmly placed in the middle.

My thoughts were tangled as I tried to piece together my situation, only to find myself sinking deeper into a mess. Chu Xiao’s ambition was undeniable—he wanted to pull me into his schemes. Meanwhile, Lu Ciyuan, the cold and domineering CEO, had unexpectedly expressed his feelings for me.

Two men: one indifferent, one dangerous. I had thought I could remain detached, avoiding their entanglements. But reality had slapped me hard, forcing me to face the truth: there was no escape.

The Next Morning, Outside the Office

As I arrived at the office entrance, my phone buzzed. Glancing at the screen, I felt a surge of annoyance at the name flashing on it—Lin Ruolan.

“Zhiyou, are you free today? Can we talk?” Her voice was as soft and sweet as ever, tinged with her characteristic innocence.

I sighed, wondering if this woman had grown used to her faux-friendly overtures to probe me. Our last conversation had probably left her even more confused.

“I’m busy. The company’s workload is heavy these days,” I replied bluntly, unwilling to entertain her.

There was a pause on the other end of the line, as though she were processing my cold response. Finally, she spoke in a low voice, “Oh… alright. But when will you have time? I really need to talk to you…”

Her voice carried a quiet sadness, as if she feared I might take something precious from her. The truth, however, was that I had no interest in Lu Ciyuan. She simply refused to believe me.

“Lin Ruolan, I’ve told you—I have no interest in Lu Ciyuan. You can rest assured, he’s yours, not mine,” I said firmly, wanting to end this pointless conversation.

“But… I’m not sure,” she murmured, her voice trembling slightly. The anxiety in her tone reached me across the line, like an invisible hand gripping my nerves.

I was officially fed up.

“If you don’t believe me, that’s your problem,” I said coldly before hanging up.

Standing at the office entrance, I took a deep breath, suppressing the emotions that surged like a tidal wave. Everyone seemed to want to control, doubt, or use me. All I wanted was to escape it all and reclaim my life.

But deep down, I knew that wouldn’t be easy.

After Work

As I exited the office building, I spotted Lu Ciyuan’s car parked nearby.

He leaned against the vehicle, impeccably dressed in a suit, his demeanor as imposing and unapproachable as ever. His gaze landed on me, carrying an unmistakable possessiveness, as though I were already his.

“Get in,” he said calmly, though his tone brooked no refusal.

I stood my ground, suddenly weary of this unchanging dynamic. Every encounter followed the same script—his dominance, his control. And I, it seemed, was forever left without a choice.

“I don’t want to,” I replied flatly, meeting his gaze with indifference.

His brows furrowed slightly, displeased by my defiance. “Where are you going?” he demanded.

“Where I go is none of your business,” I said coolly, turning to leave.

Before I could take a step, his arm reached out, grabbing my wrist—not forcefully, but with an unyielding grip.

“You’re avoiding me,” he said, his voice low and cold, his eyes flickering with complicated emotions.

A wave of exhaustion washed over me as I looked up at him. “Lu Ciyuan, what do you want from me?”

He was silent for a few seconds, his piercing gaze seeming to search for something within me.

“I want you to stay by my side,” he said softly, his tone so quiet it was almost a whisper, yet filled with an unshakable determination.

My heart skipped a beat, unease flickering in my eyes.

“I told you, I don’t want to play your games,” I said, striving to keep calm and rational.

But he took a step closer, his voice dropping even lower as he said, “This isn’t a game. At least, not for me.”

I froze. The earnestness and emotion in his eyes stripped away my defenses. Never had I imagined that this cold, domineering man could harbor such deep feelings for me.

“But I don’t want to be controlled by you,” I blurted, almost involuntarily.

His expression shifted, a flicker of pain and disappointment crossing his face before his usual composure returned.

“You’ll never escape me,” he said calmly, his words laced with an undercurrent of threat.

A sense of helplessness settled over me. Escape? I had been trying to escape from the beginning, yet every step only drew me deeper into the vortex. I had thought I could stay on the sidelines, untouched by their emotions. But now I realized feelings weren’t something that could be controlled by logic.

Just as the tension between us reached its peak, a voice broke the stalemate.

“Miss Shen, I hope I’m not interrupting?” Chu Xiao’s voice called out from a short distance away.

Startled, I turned to see him approaching leisurely, his signature lazy smile plastered across his face, as though everything was going exactly as planned.

Lu Ciyuan’s expression darkened instantly, his eyes blazing with anger.

“What are you doing here?” he demanded icily, his voice dripping with hostility.

Chu Xiao shrugged, his smile unfazed. “Relax, President Lu. I’m just here to talk to Miss Shen. I didn’t mean to intrude.”

“You have no right to talk to her,” Lu Ciyuan said, his tone as cold as frost, his gaze warning.

Chu Xiao, however, remained unfazed, his smile deepening. “President Lu, you can’t be so overbearing. Miss Shen has the right to decide who she speaks to, doesn’t she?”

Standing between the two men, I suddenly felt like a pawn in their power struggle.

Tired of the pointless drama, I gently pulled my wrist free from Lu Ciyuan’s grip and turned to Chu Xiao. “What do you want?”

His smile didn’t waver. “Miss Shen, I’d like to invite you for a cup of coffee to discuss what you plan to do next.”

I frowned, wary of his motives, yet there was an inexplicable sincerity in his tone. I knew that no matter what, I needed a way out for myself. Continuing to run would only make things more complicated.

“Alright,” I said with a nod.

Behind me, I could feel Lu Ciyuan’s simmering displeasure, his silent fury like a storm in the air. I didn’t look back. Instead, I followed Chu Xiao and walked away.

At the Café

In a quiet corner of the café, Chu Xiao stirred his coffee leisurely, his gaze fixed on me, waiting for me to speak first.

I met his gaze. “What new proposal do you have this time?”

He chuckled softly, setting his cup down. “Miss Shen, I know you’re clever. You must realize that Lu Ciyuan isn’t as simple as he seems. His desire for control is far stronger than you think.”

“What are you trying to say?” I asked coldly, already guessing his intentions.

“I’m saying you can’t escape,” Chu Xiao said, his tone suddenly serious, his voice low and heavy with intensity. “Lu Ciyuan won’t let you go easily. If you stay by his side, you’ll only sink deeper.”

“And what? You want to use me?” I shot back, meeting his eyes without flinching.

Chu Xiao’s smile deepened, his gaze shimmering with an unreadable light. “Miss Shen, I won’t deny I have my motives. But unlike Lu Ciyuan, I respect you more. At the very least, I’ll give you the right to choose.”

I hesitated, his words striking a chord.

The right to choose?

For so long, I had been swept into one situation after another, with no control over my own fate. Chu Xiao’s offer touched a nerve deep within me.

“I can help you break free from him,” Chu Xiao said, his voice low and tinged with temptation. “If you’re willing to work with me.”

I gripped my coffee cup tightly, my thoughts in turmoil. I knew Chu Xiao was far from harmless—he had his own ambitions. Yet his words weren’t without merit.

Lu Ciyuan was a dangerous man, and his need for control exceeded anything I had anticipated. If this continued, I might never escape his grasp. Chu Xiao, for all his faults, might be my only way out.

“Can you really help me break free?” I asked softly, my voice betraying my hesitation.

Chu Xiao nodded with confidence, a glimmer of triumph in his eyes. “Of course. Together, we can make it happen.”

I hesitated for a moment longer before making my decision.

“Alright. I’ll work with you,” I said quietly.

Chu Xiao’s smile widened, as though he had anticipated my response all along.

Yet deep inside, unease lingered. Collaborating with Chu Xiao might be my only chance at freedom, but it was also a step into the unknown.

Chapter Six: A Dangerous Collaboration

I sat in the café, staring at Chu Xiao’s self-assured smile, feeling a heavy weight in my chest. Though I had agreed to his proposal, a lingering unease told me this path would be far from simple.

“Now that our partnership is settled, it’s time I tell you what comes next.” Chu Xiao set down his coffee cup, his long fingers tapping lightly on the table as his smile deepened. “Lu Ciyuan’s company is working on a major project right now. I’ve prepared a plan; all I need is for you to provide some key information.”

“What exactly do you need?” I asked, frowning, my voice laced with caution. Though I had agreed to work with him, I didn’t trust him completely.

“It’s simple. I need you to attend one of his core meetings and obtain the details of his partnership agreements with the investors,” Chu Xiao said, his tone light, as if it were no more difficult than taking a walk.

A sense of unease churned in my stomach. This wasn’t just a minor task—it was a direct assault on the core of Lu Ciyuan’s business. If I went through with this, there would be no turning back.

“You know this isn’t easy,” I said softly, trying to buy myself some time.

Chu Xiao glanced at me, his eyes glinting with subtle mockery. “Of course, I know you have reservations. But don’t forget—your goal is to free yourself from Lu Ciyuan. Freedom always comes at a price.”

His words hit me like a hammer. Yes, my goal was to escape from Lu Ciyuan’s control, but this partnership was dragging me into a dangerous game. Agreeing to Chu Xiao’s plan meant betraying Lu Ciyuan completely.

“Give me some time,” I said, standing up with a calm tone that concealed my inner resistance.

“Of course. I’ll be waiting.” Chu Xiao didn’t press further, smiling faintly as if everything were already in his grasp.

Leaving the café, my steps felt heavy, my heart weighed down by a storm of conflicting thoughts. Chu Xiao’s words echoed in my ears. I knew that once I stepped onto this path, there would be no retreat. And if Lu Ciyuan discovered my collaboration with Chu Xiao, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Back at home, I lay on the sofa, staring blankly at the ceiling. It seemed this world was constantly forcing me to make decisions, to choose between impossible options. Every choice left me feeling suffocated.

A Few Days Later, at Lu Ciyuan’s Company

I arrived at work as usual, keeping my face calm even as my mind churned with unrest. That day, Lu Ciyuan had called an internal meeting with senior executives to discuss a critical project.

Entering the conference room, I saw that most of the participants had already arrived. Standing at the head of the table, Lu Ciyuan was conversing in low tones with a few senior staff members. When his gaze fell on me, his sharp eyes carried their usual aura of authority and pressure.

I quietly took a seat in the corner, though my mind was a mess. Chu Xiao’s plan to infiltrate this core meeting and obtain confidential information loomed in my thoughts. I knew today would be an opportunity, but it would also mean betraying Lu Ciyuan.

The meeting proceeded efficiently. As always, Lu Ciyuan was concise and direct, speaking confidently about the project’s future direction. The investors and executives listened attentively, while I wrestled internally with whether or not to carry out Chu Xiao’s plan.

Suddenly, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Looking up, I saw Lu Ciyuan’s expression darken, and the tension in the room grew palpable as everyone sensed his mood.

“Our internal information has been leaked,” he said coldly, his voice cutting through the room like a blade of ice.

My grip on my pen tightened involuntarily, my knuckles turning white.

“Several key details of our partnership have been disclosed to a competitor, and the investors are deeply dissatisfied.” His tone carried a smoldering anger, and his sharp gaze swept across the room like a predator surveying its prey. “I want to know who’s responsible.”

A heavy silence fell over the room. No one dared to breathe too loudly, let alone meet his gaze.

My mind roared with realization—Chu Xiao had already made his move.

Damn it. The partnership had barely begun, and Chu Xiao had already taken action without notifying me. My heart pounded, sweat beading on my forehead. But I knew I had to stay calm.

I forced myself to maintain an indifferent expression, avoiding eye contact with anyone, as if I were completely uninvolved.

Lu Ciyuan’s piercing gaze swept over the room again before landing on me, lingering for a few seconds too long.

My chest tightened painfully. I could feel the weight of his suspicion pressing down on me. It was clear he didn’t fully trust me—or worse, he was already doubting my loyalty.

“I will personally investigate this matter. No one will escape scrutiny,” he announced coldly before striding out of the room.

As the tension eased, the other attendees exhaled in relief. But I felt a chill seep through my bones. The situation was spiraling out of control. Chu Xiao’s plan was already in motion, and I was being dragged further into the abyss.

That Evening, at My Apartment

Sitting by the window, I racked my brain for a way forward. With Lu Ciyuan already investigating, any discovery of my involvement with Chu Xiao would spell disaster. But retreating was no longer an option. Chu Xiao’s plan was underway, and I had no choice but to move forward.

My phone buzzed suddenly. Looking at the screen, I saw a message from Lu Ciyuan.

Lu Ciyuan: I’ll come by tonight. We need to talk.

My heart sank. He was coming? To talk about what? Had he already uncovered something?

Standing by the window, my palms were damp with nervous sweat as my thoughts spiraled. I didn’t have long to ponder, though—his car soon pulled up outside the building.

When I opened the door, he was already there, his black coat swaying slightly in the night breeze. His expression was as cold and composed as ever, though there was a trace of weariness in his eyes.

He entered, his gaze sweeping over the room briefly, as if ensuring I was alone. I quietly shut the door, my heart pounding as though awaiting a verdict.

“You’ve been seeing Chu Xiao more frequently,” he said calmly, though his voice carried a restrained tension.

So, he had noticed.

“It was just by chance. Nothing significant,” I replied, trying to sound steady. I knew that with someone as perceptive as Lu Ciyuan, any hint of nervousness would give me away.

He stepped closer, his gaze icy and penetrating. “Do you think I can’t tell? What exactly are you planning with him?”

My heart skipped a beat. Biting my lip, I forced myself to remain composed.

“We’re not planning anything,” I insisted, avoiding his probing eyes.

He let out a cold laugh, his gaze filled with disdain. “Do you really think I’m that easy to fool?”

My breathing quickened as I realized there was no way to keep evading him.

“Lu Ciyuan, I don’t want to be controlled by you anymore,” I said firmly, finally making my stand.

His expression hardened, his eyes darkening like a storm brewing. “So, you’ve chosen to work with Chu Xiao? To betray me?” His voice was low and dangerous, his restrained anger burning like a wildfire.

“You left me no choice!” I retorted, my voice rising as months of pent-up frustration erupted. “From the start, you’ve been controlling me. All I’ve ever wanted is to escape and live my own life!”

He froze, as though caught off guard by the intensity of my outburst.

“You’ve never understood me,” I continued, my tone softening but no less resolute. “I’ve never wanted to be part of your battles. I just want my own freedom.”

He stood in silence for a moment, his gaze flickering with complex emotions. Then, he stepped closer, his voice low and intense. “But I need you.”

Those four words hit me like a thunderbolt, breaking through all my defenses.

I stared at him, overwhelmed by a storm of conflicting emotions. This man, whom I had been trying to escape from all along, was now telling me he needed me. It left me utterly lost.

“I know you want to leave me, but you’ll never be able to,” he murmured, his voice filled with raw emotion. “Shen Zhiyou, you belong to me.”

His words locked every escape route I had tried to carve for myself.

I looked at him in disbelief, my inner turmoil reaching its peak. Chu Xiao, Lu Ciyuan—they had pulled me into their chess game, leaving me trapped with no way out.

Was my fate truly to be a pawn in their hands, forever struggling in their grasp?