She had wanted to be with me since high school. Though my family isn't as wealthy as hers, I would never consider marrying such a brazen woman. My father would probably break my legs if I brought her home. Yet, ever since I returned, she has made frequent visits to my house. My parents dare not confront her, given that my father holds a modest managerial position in her father's company. She even promised my parents that if I married her, she would settle our family's debts. While my parents outwardly entertained her, they were well aware of her character. They didn't pressure me, but they also hoped I wouldn't choose someone like her.

Recently, I had no choice but to escape and rent an apartment, hoping to evade her relentless pursuit. But the phone calls kept coming. I lay on my bed, my thoughts in disarray. The phone buzzed again—Elena Carter. I hesitated before finally answering.

"Ryan, why are you running? Are you afraid of me?" Her voice, tinged with mockery, betrayed the alcohol she had consumed.

"Elena, I don't want to keep this entanglement going. You know very well that there's no future for us." I kept my tone as calm as possible.

"Do you think you can escape me? Let me tell you something—there's nothing I can't get if I want it," she said, her voice sharp and increasingly agitated.

"Elena, what exactly do you want from me?" I asked, exasperated.

"It's simple. Marry me. Agree to it, and I'll take care of your family's debts," she replied, her tone laced with cold determination.

"Elena, you know that's impossible. I don't love you. There's no future for us," I said firmly.

"Do you think you have a choice? Ryan, you're nothing but a penniless nobody right now. I'm the only one who can save your family from this debt," she said, her voice full of menace.

"Elena, I would rather spend my life repaying these debts than marry you," I responded coldly.

"Fine. Have it your way. But mark my words—you'll regret this," she spat before slamming down the phone.

I let out a deep sigh, a heavy weight pressing on my chest. Elena's threats left me feeling powerless and despairing. I couldn't sell my soul for money. At that moment, I felt an uncanny resemblance to Sophie Summers back in the day. But unlike her, I still had my parents to lean on. As the saying goes, the wheels of karma never stop turning, and destiny spares no one. All is fated; none is within our control.

The next morning, I hurried to work. Barely had I stepped into the workshop when the manager approached with an announcement."A major client will be visiting today. The premises must be spotless, operations impeccable, and every document double-checked."

A wave of tension rippled through me as I nodded, steeling myself for the day ahead."Understood, sir. I'll ensure there are no issues."

The manager gave a slight nod, his gaze betraying a measure of trust, though he still added,"I trust you, but tread carefully. Even the chairman will be here today."

The chairman? My heart skipped a beat. Instantly, the image of the elderly gentleman in his sixties flashed in my mind. He had a son, but the young man showed no interest in taking over the family business, instead pursuing a financial career in Shanghai. Though the company wasn't large, the chairman poured his heart into managing it, his deep connection evident.

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"Got it. I'll be extra cautious," I replied, fully aware that any mistake today could spell disaster for the company—and for me.

I quickly called a team meeting."Listen up! A major client is visiting today, and the chairman will be accompanying them. Everyone must ensure the workplace is spotless, and all operations meet the required standards. No slacking off today!"

"Understood!" my team responded in unison.

The meeting concluded, and we sprang into action. Tasks were assigned with precision, and everyone worked methodically. The floors gleamed, the desks were neatly arranged, and tools and materials were meticulously organized. The factory looked transformed, almost unrecognizable.

As I cleaned, I carefully inspected every nook and cranny, determined to leave no flaws. I personally reviewed each document to ensure accuracy and completeness. My heart raced, palms slightly damp with sweat, but I knew this was all for the crucial visit. Today had to be perfect.

Around ten o'clock, a group entered the workshop. I was manning my station and only glanced briefly. Leading the entourage was a woman, accompanied by the chairman.I sighed in my heart, this woman is really amazing. The chairman was meticulously explaining the various processes, detailing their standards and specifications.

They eventually stopped right behind me. The air around fell silent. My heart skipped a beat—had something gone wrong with my work? I quickly reviewed the product in my hands and double-checked the operational standards. Everything seemed in order. Yet, all I could do was continue working, though anxiety prickled at my skin. After what felt like an eternity, the group finally moved on, leaving me drenched in cold sweat. A mistake here would not only jeopardize my job but force me to find new employment. Losing this position, especially with the team leader earning an extra four hundred dollars a month and enjoying easier duties, was a prospect I dreaded.

Once they had left, I turned to the colleague beside me, Brian, nicknamed Filial Servant, and asked,"There wasn't an issue with my work just now, was there?"

He looked at me, puzzled."What issue?"

"Why were they standing behind me for so long?" I asked.

"Maybe they've taken a liking to you because you're so handsome," he quipped.

"Cut it out. I'm a man of honor and pride—why would I need some rich older woman to keep me? Those women are all too playful," I retorted, playing along.

"Well, you can't deny it—she was quite beautiful," Brian said, his voice laced with mischief.

"Beauty is for the wealthy to enjoy. You and I can't afford such luxuries," I replied, patting him on the shoulder with mock solemnity.

Brian's nickname, Filial Servant, came from his obsequious demeanor whenever management was around. He would bow and scrape like a servant before his master, earning the ridicule of our team. Still, I knew he wasn't a bad person—he carried the weight of a heavy burden. His family was large, with two younger brothers and two younger sisters. His parents, despite their poverty, had chosen to have so many children. Brian worked twelve-hour shifts every day, earning barely five thousand yuan a month, all of which he sent home to support his siblings. He hadn't even completed primary school, and losing this job would be disastrous for him. Finding another that paid as much would be near impossible.

Because of this, I tried to treat him fairly and refrained from giving him a hard time. He was far more obedient than most, always quick to follow instructions.

A while later, the production manager arrived. True to form, Brian greeted him with his usual ingratiating smile and a deep bow. The manager called me aside and asked,"Do you know today's client?"

I was taken aback."How could I? I don't know any wealthy people." I assumed it might be someone connected to my father's old business dealings.

"She seems to know you," the manager said before walking away.

After he left, I muttered under my breath,"What's the point of knowing her? She doesn't give me money to spend."

Brian sidled up to me, smirking."I thought you didn't care for rich women?"

"You idiot, when did I ever say I wanted one? I'll kill you," I snapped, half in irritation, half in embarrassment.

Brian laughed and darted away, still teasing.

The day unfolded under a cloud of tension. The client stayed the entire time, moving between workshops, inspecting every detail. I had been here for nearly two years and had never encountered a situation like this. It felt as though every breath we took was being scrutinized.