Chen Zheyuan's POV
Morning Routine
The alarm buzzed at exactly 5 AM, but I was already awake. Sleep had been a fleeting thing for years—never deep, never satisfying. I pulled myself out of bed, rubbing a hand through my hair as I stepped into my vast, dimly lit apartment.
Walking into the kitchen, I grabbed a piece of bread, spread some jam on it, and took a quick bite. Simple. Bland. Just like my mornings.
Just as I reached for my coffee, my phone vibrated. Lin.
"Sir, urgent matter," he said, his voice calm yet firm.
"Come to my place," I replied, cutting the call before he could say more.
Within minutes, Lin arrived, bringing with him stacks of files and reports. We sat in my study, discussing company issues, expansions, and investments. He worked efficiently—he always did. He wasn't just my secretary; he was one of the few people I truly trusted.
"Sir, about the franchise issue," Lin said after we wrapped up the other discussions.
I sighed, already exhausted by the thought of more work.
"There's been a problem at one of our perfume franchise stores. I suggest you visit."
I nodded absentmindedly, finishing the last sip of my coffee. Business came first, always.
By the time I stepped outside, the sky had darkened, thick clouds promising heavy rain. I got into my car, the engine humming to life, and drove out into the congested streets.
Then, as if the universe itself wanted to halt my plans, the skies burst open with rain. Traffic jammed the roads, honks and flashing lights blending into chaos.
I checked the time. If I went now, I'd be stuck in this mess for hours.
"Forget it," I muttered, turning the car toward the company instead.
A Night That Changed Everything
By 10 PM, exhaustion weighed on me like a stone. After back-to-back meetings and relentless decision-making, all I wanted was to go home and rest.
Lin met me at the door as I was leaving. "Sir, you didn't visit the franchise store today."
"Traffic. Rain. I'll go tomorrow," I said, stepping past him.
He smirked. "I'll remind you in the morning then. Have a good night."
I got into my car, ready to drown out the noise of the day with silence. But as I drove through the dimly lit streets, something caught my eye.
A crowd. People gathering in the rain.
I slowed down. In the middle of the chaos, a girl was helping an injured man, carefully guiding him toward a hospital.
The rain blurred my vision, but something about her felt… familiar.
My heart pounded. Do I know her?
For a moment, I considered stepping out. But I shook the thought away.
No. It's just a stranger.
I drove home, but sleep never came. The image of that girl stayed in my mind all night.
A Morning of Restlessness
At 5 AM, I woke up more exhausted than before. The girl.
I had spent the entire night trying to shake off the strange feeling she left in my chest.
"Forget it, Chen," I muttered, staring at my reflection in the bathroom mirror.
But my mind didn't listen.
Instead of heading straight to the company, I told Lin, "Handle the meeting today. I'm going to the franchise store."
He raised an eyebrow. "Finally."
By the time I arrived at the store, the rain had stopped, leaving behind the scent of damp earth and fresh air. The staff greeted me with a bouquet of white lilies as I entered. I met with the owner, discussing the issues and offering solutions.
"Any trouble, call me," I said as I prepared to leave.
Just as I turned to head back to my car, something—or rather, someone—caught my attention.
A girl sat at a small table outside the shop, completely immersed in a book.
I could only see her from behind—her long, silky hair cascading down her back. Something about her posture, the way she held the book with delicate fingers, made me pause.
Why… does this feel familiar?
Then, just as I tried to catch a glimpse of her face, my phone rang. Lin.
"Sir, come back to the company. There's someone waiting for you."
I clenched my jaw, glancing back at the girl once more.
Who is she? And why does she remind me of… her?
Shaking my head, I stepped into my car. This is getting ridiculous. First, the girl in the rain. Now this?
I had no time for distractions.
"Control yourself, Chen," I muttered. The past is over.
But as I drove away, a single thought refused to leave my mind—
What if the past isn't over at all?
I you want see pictures of her look up 😉