In the ambiance of his sleek, minimalist study, Liang Xun’s silhouette was barely discernible, illuminated only by the pale glow of his computer screen.

The room exuded quiet sophistication—smooth, polished surfaces and a sense of control that mirrored its occupant’s nature.

Liang Xun sat at his large, orderly desk, his expression focused as he prepared for the video conference.

He allowed himself a brief, almost imperceptible glance toward the doorway, half-expecting to see the girl standing there, her curious gaze watching him from a distance.

But the hall was empty, and he drew his attention back to the screen as the meeting began.

On his screen, the faces of overseas directors appeared in neat rows, each in a well-lit office, dressed sharply, their expressions reflecting the respect they held for him.

"Good morning, CEO," they greeted in unison, voices steady.

Liang Xun inclined his head in response, his tone cool and commanding. “Let’s review the proposed modifications for our project expansion in Europe. I trust everyone has received the initial reports?”

As the directors presented their updates, he listened intently, his pen occasionally scratching across his notepad, noting details with practiced efficiency.

One of the directors, a brown-haired man with an astute gaze, spoke up first. “Based on our latest analysis, entering the European market early will give us a significant advantage. But to stay innovative, we’ll need to increase R&D investment.”

“Agreed,” Liang Xun replied, his tone firm. “Our resources are aligned to support R&D. Let’s streamline operations as well. I want biweekly updates on progress.”

The conversation flowed from one strategy to the next, Liang Xun’s gaze and tone unwavering, commanding respect and precision.

By the time the meeting concluded, he had addressed concerns, strategized, and set directives, each with his characteristic focus and restraint.

When the final square on his screen faded away, he leaned back, releasing a long, quiet breath.

The day was far from over, and as he signed documents and sifted through files with sharp efficiency, evening crept without him noticing.

---

Later, Liang walked quietly to the girl’s room, finding her asleep, her face serene, her silvery hair making her look like a fellen angel...or maybe she was... in the soft glow of the bedside lamp.

Something softened in his gaze as he stepped closer, gently adjusting the blanket around her, an unconscious tenderness shaping his movements.

“Good night,” he whispered, so softly it was almost a thought more than a sound.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Satisfied, he left her side and made his way to his own bedroom.

---

In his room, Liang changed into simple nightwear and sat on the edge of his bed, glancing around the darkened room.

The emptiness pressed around him, a familiar sensation, one that settled into his bones.

With a tired sigh, he ran a hand through his hair, lying back and letting his mind drift.

---

A stormy night, a cliffside, wind howling around him as a man called out, his voice barely audible over the chaos.

“Liang Xun! Be careful!”

But it was too late.

The ground gave way beneath them, and in a flash, he stumbled, reaching out just as the other man grasped his arm, a fleeting look of panic in his eyes.

In that instant, his friend lost his grip and plummeted, his hand outstretched, a look of fear mingled with resignation marking his face as he disappeared into the darkness below.

---

Liang jolted awake, breathing heavily, his face and forehead damp with sweat.

He pressed a hand to his forehead, his fingers trembling slightly, his gaze distant and haunted.

Pushing himself up, he fished a packet of cigarettes from his drawer and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window.

The flick of his lighter cut through the silence, and he took a long, deep drag, the smoke curling into the air as he stared into the night.

For the rest of the night, he stood by the window in solitude, memories clawing at him, the distant city lights casting shadows that only deepened the emptiness within.

When dawn finally broke, he crushed the cigarette in an ashtray, emerging from his thoughts with a heavy sigh.

He headed to the bathrom and showered, dressed, and made his way to the kitchen.

---

To his surprise, the girl was already there, sitting at the dining table with her bunny-like ears perked, an excited glint in her eyes as she looked at him.

Her head tilted, and her ears twitched in delight at his arrival.

“You’re awake early,” he murmured, a hint of amusement warming his otherwise reserved tone.

He moved to the kitchen, gathering fresh fruit and pouring a glass of milk.

With gentle care, he arranged her plate with slices of melon, apple, and strawberries, setting it in front of her.

She beamed, her ears twitching as she ate, her visible delight drawing a faint smile from Liang Xun.

Watching her, he prepared his own simple breakfast—oatmeal topped with nuts and berries—then sat across from her, noting her enthusiasm as she enjoyed her meal; looking at a peach excitedly and then bit it like a hamster.

Just as they finished, his assistant, Yun Fei, entered the room.

“Good morning, sir,” Yun Fei greeted, his gaze briefly flicking to the girl before he turned his attention back to Liang.

She looked happy as she eat, enjoying in her own world.

“I’ll be out in a moment,” Liang said calmly, finishing his last bite.

With a nod, Yun Fei departed, leaving Liang to escort the girl back to her room.

She rubbed her eyes sleepily, and he helped her settle back into bed, tucking her in with a touch of gentleness he rarely allowed himself to show.

When her eyes closed, he took a last look at her peaceful expression before heading out for his duties.

---

The grand lobby buzzed with activity as Liang and Yun Fei strode into the company building.

Employees paused, offering greetings with respectful bows as Liang passed, his commanding presence drawing attention yet repelling it with his quiet, contained authority.

Stepping out of the elevator on the CEO’s private floor, his secretary hurried toward him, her voice low.

“CEO, the old chairman is waiting in your office.”

Liang’s gaze hardened slightly, but he nodded in acknowledgment and moved into his office, where his grandfather awaited, his eyes sharp, taking in the surroundings with a proud, almost smug smile, looking proud of himself.

“Grandfather,” Liang greeted, his voice calm but distant.

He took a seat on the sofa, crossing his legs casually, a move that instantly tightened the old man’s expression in irritation almost anger.

“That’s no way to sit in front of me,” his grandfather reprimanded, his tone laced with disapproval. “Show some respect, Liang Xun.”

Liang remained unfazed, holding his posture, his expression unreadable. “Why are you here, Grandfather?”

The old man’s eyes narrowed. “You’ll come to the old house in two days. There are matters need your attention. Don’t you know to visit your grandfather after becoming CEO?”

Liang’s expression remained neutral, though his eyes held a steely glint. “Understood.”

The old man’s eyes flashed, his voice thick with authority. “One day, Liang Xun, you’ll understand that everything I do is for your own good.”

With a final glare, his grandfather strode out, his displeasure evident.

Yun Fei reentered after a brief pause, a touch of concern in his voice. “Sir, why do you let him treat you like that? You owe him nothing. Also, your company is way bigger and powerful thsn this.”

He felt wronged on behalf of his boss. Why did he let the old man treat him this way?

Liang shrugged, his voice dismissive. “I’ve learned not to waste energy on battles that don’t matter. Let him think he still has control… and... it won’t last.”

Yun Fei nodded, though his expression remained troubled as he took in Liang’s nonchalant response.

Liang offered a faint smile that didn’t reach his eyes and turned his attention back to his work, signaling the end of the conversation.

As Yu Fei left and the office door closed, Liang gazed out the window, his expression hardening and somewhat lonely.

Family, he thought, the word leaving a bitter aftertaste.