The mood at Zhengran Group’s office was definitely different today. People were buzzing about the new CEO, talking in hushed tones, wondering what kind of guy he was. Rumors had been flying around—he was young, came from nowhere, and didn’t seem to have any big connections. Basically, people were saying he appeared out of thin air, like some mysterious figure dropping into town.

Aria Quinn, a designer who’d been with the company for about a year, couldn’t help but feel a little anxious. She was both curious and a bit nervous about what to expect. She’d heard the name Alexander Blake before, but the only thing people seemed to agree on was that he didn’t have much of a backstory. He was an outsider, someone who had no apparent ties to the business world, and now he was the big boss. Aria couldn’t wrap her head around how that happened.

Just then, the sound of heels clicking against the floor echoed down the hall. Aria glanced up, and there he was—tall, dressed in a sharp black suit, with an icy look that screamed authority. The entire office fell silent in an instant.

“Hey, everyone,” Alexander said, his voice cool but steady. “I’m Alexander Blake, the new CEO of Zhengran Group. From today, I’m your boss.”

He took a quick look around the room. “I’m not here for small talk. I’m here to get this company moving. Every task, no matter how small, is part of the bigger picture. If you’re on board, you better be ready to grind. Otherwise, don’t bother showing up.”

With that, he turned and left the room as quickly as he entered, not giving anyone a chance to respond.

Alexander wasn’t wasting time. He came in, laid down the law, and bounced. It was clear: he wasn’t about fluff or pleasantries. He was here to get the job done. His no-nonsense approach made it clear that he wasn’t here to play games. Sure, it was a bit cold, but that’s how he rolled.

Aria sat back and thought about it for a second. People had warned her that he was a “tough cookie,” but now that she saw him in action, it didn’t seem so bad. In fact, he seemed like someone who didn’t tolerate nonsense and was all about getting results. She respected that. Still, there was something a bit intimidating about the way he carried himself.

The office was quiet now. Most of the employees had already called it a day, but Alexander was still hunched over his desk, working away like there was no tomorrow. His suit jacket was draped over the back of his chair, but he was too busy with paperwork to notice. This guy didn’t know the meaning of “clocking out.”

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Aria knocked softly on his office door before stepping in with the design report in hand. She tried to keep her voice steady as she spoke, “Mr. Blake, the design report’s ready for you.”

He didn’t look up immediately. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk, eyes glued to the screen. After a beat, he glanced at her, his eyes sharp and unreadable. “Put it on the table.”

Aria hesitated but placed the report down in front of him, standing up straight and waiting. She knew the drill—no time to waste. Alexander was a man of action, not words. He didn’t need any fluff.

He flipped through the pages quickly, his face impassive. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and direct. “Design’s fine, but it’s too vague. You’ve got to nail down who your target market is. Don’t leave it up in the air. Be more specific.”

Aria nodded, trying to keep her nerves in check. “I’ll rework the target audience details and make the adjustments. Thank you for the feedback.”

Alexander didn’t respond much, just gave a quick nod and got back to his work. Aria stood there for a moment, feeling the weight of his gaze even though he wasn’t looking at her. She could tell he wasn’t the type to sugarcoat things—if you were slacking, you’d know about it. But if you were doing well, he’d expect nothing less than the best.

Time seemed to slow as she waited for him to finish. Alexander stood up suddenly, pushing his chair back, and straightened his suit. He made his way to the door.

“Today’s done. We’ll pick this up tomorrow,” he said, his voice flat and final.

Aria blinked for a moment, then nodded quickly. “Got it, Mr. Blake. Have a good evening.”

Before leaving, he paused and turned slightly, as if considering something. “And... Aria? Good work today. Get some rest.”

It wasn’t much, but it was enough to make Aria’s heart skip a beat. He’d noticed. He wasn’t all business and no praise—he just didn’t hand out compliments unless they were earned.

“Thanks, Mr. Blake,” she said, feeling a little lighter as he walked out of the office.

As he passed her on the way out, Aria watched him leave. The dim light from the hallway reflected off his broad shoulders, casting a shadow that made him look even more imposing. She wasn’t sure what it was, but there was something magnetic about him. Even though he kept to himself, his presence filled the room.

He was all business. Cold, calculated, and always focused. But that’s what made him stand out. And even though he didn’t say much, Aria knew she had a lot to learn from him.

After he left, she stood there for a moment, thinking. Maybe I need to get my act together, stop second-guessing myself, and be more like him—focused, relentless, and willing to push myself further.