Collision of Fates: The Assistant's Gambit"?

Chapter 1 - The Automotive CollisionScreech—Crash— The jarring screech of brakes, followed by a thunderous collision, echoed through the quiet autumn day.On the one-way road at the community exit, two high-end vehicles met head-on, producing a deafening bang.Inside the snow-white Rolls-Royce Phantom parked on the main road, the driver, Zhou Tian, gazed at the crimson car ahead with its crumpled hood emitting billowing white smoke. Even without turning around, he could sense an icy chill spreading from the rear seat."Sir, this car was in violation, driving against the designated direction. I'll address the situation, Mr. Shan!"Zhou Tian wiped the perspiration from his forehead and respectfully informed the austere man in the back seat. He promptly disembarked from the car.As he stepped out, he caught sight of a young lady emerging from the vehicle responsible for the accident.She sported a white one-shoulder exposed T-shirt, a light blue denim overall skirt, and her shoulder-length, slightly plump cheeks retained a touch of youthful charm. Her large, obsidian-like eyes displayed hints of bewilderment and uncertainty, resembling a startled deer."I apologize! This isn't my car; it belongs to my friend. I'm not familiar with its handling. I'm truly sorry!" The girl's voice quivered but possessed a melodious quality.Zhou Tian couldn't help but sympathize, but he remained focused on his duty. He squatted down to examine the left tire, wheel hub, and carbon fiber protective plate and inquired in a professional tone, "Miss, the initial estimate for repair is likely to exceed a million. Would you prefer to contact the insurance company or resolve this privately?""Over... a million?" The girl's voice trembled further, and her eyes betrayed disbelief.The repair cost alone was staggering, an indication of the vehicle's exorbitant value."Yes. This white Rolls-Royce Phantom is the sole one in Huacheng, necessitating imported components," Zhou Tian remarked, glancing at the girl's 2010 BMW 3 Series, worth just over a hundred thousand even if in top condition. However, that wasn't the primary concern.He contemplated for a moment and retrieved his phone. "I believe it's best to involve the authorities and call the police.""No, please don't!" The girl's complexion, already pale, drained of even more color at the mere mention of the police. "You can trust me; I won't flee my obligations. Can I speak with your employer instead?"Her voice was feeble, her eyes glistening with the potential for tears.Zhou Tian considered the girl's predicament and was about to request his employer's guidance. After all, his employer displayed no interest in women, and there had been previous instances of women attempting to approach him with disastrous outcomes.Yet, before he could make a decision, he was surprised by the girl's sweet-toned appeal."Sir, I apologize for colliding with your car. Although I currently lack the means to cover the expenses, I won't evade my responsibilities. I'm prepared to serve as your assistant at your company, with my salary deducted until the repair costs are settled. Does that sound acceptable?"The car's rear window had just opened a crack, and the girl had swiftly maneuvered through it before Zhou Tian reached the car's front.She spoke earnestly and rapidly, devoid of any shame or hesitancy. Her focus remained fixed on the man occupying the back seat with her watery, oversized eyes.The man's face was obscured by the backlight's shadow, preventing Zhou Tian from discerning his features. However, the man's sculpted contours, erect posture, immaculate suit, and lavish diamond tie clip suggested his elevated social standing.Furthermore, an air of aloofness and frigidity radiated from the man, prompting individuals to instinctively acknowledge his commanding presence.It was imperative to note that the Cold Corporation ranked among the world's top 100 firms, and its recruitment process surpassed the difficulty of a national civil service examination. Securing the role of CEO's assistant was an exceptionally prestigious position.Zhou Tian was astonished and also realized: Are young women so audacious in their job pursuits nowadays? Is she depending entirely on her resourcefulness to navigate life?Through the thick window pane, Zhou Tian could envision his boss's handsome yet icy countenance. He shivered and drew near, declaring, "Sir, I apologize! I will immediately escort her away."But just as he extended his hand, the girl's hands had already swiftly clutched the car window, her voice echoing with sobs and pleas."Sir, if you refuse to employ me, I won't have the means to repay you for the damage to your vehicle. Even if you decide not to hold me accountable, my friend's car will require compensation. Devoid of a job, I'll be left destitute. Please, don't make me suffer. Sob, sob, sob..."She crouched halfway, appearing as if she would cry for all eternity if her request remained unmet.Zhou Tian was left flabbergasted, struggling to fathom how this initially unassuming and pitiable girl had instantaneously transformed into a vehement and unyielding figure.This is problematic!Recalling the fates of those who had once dared to approach the boss, Zhou Tian privately offered his condolences to the girl.Nevertheless, in the next moment, Zhou Tian was left astounded, his eyes wide open.A gilded business card materialized gradually through the car window's crack."Report to the Human Resources department at nine o'clock tomorrow morning."The man remained facing the window, his silhouette visible, his slender fingers clutching the business card with an elegant and aristocratic demeanor. His voice, low and frigid, resounded through the vehicle."Yes."The girl's body quivered, and as she accepted the business card, she promptly straightened up, took a step back, and performed a flawless ninety-degree bow in a standard salute to the rear compartment. "Thank you, sir. Have a safe journey."Her movements and speech flowed seamlessly, appearing natural and unrehearsed. Zhou Tian watched in astonishment, deeply admiring her exceptional acting prowess and adept adaptability. She could effortlessly rival Hollywood's top talents with her performance.The pivotal question remained: how had Boss Zhou, known for his unwavering resolve and disinterest in women, "succumbed" to this actress's masterful theatrics?It wasn't until the Rolls-Royce Phantom's taillights disappeared completely that the girl relaxed from her waving farewell stance, heaving a relieved sigh."Gu Liuxing, you are incredible! That was so thrilling!" Long Piaopiao, pulling Fang Sheng out of the concealed bushes, patted her on the shoulder. "Your acting skills are going to waste. You could be a professional actress.""Come on, are you joking? Do you think I studied drama for nothing?" Gu Liuxing said, tossing her head with pride.Basking in the sunlight, she secured the business card with the three golden letters "Sang Chenyan," her eyes sparkling like obsidian gems.Petite Fang Sheng held her hand down, her expression marked with concern. "Xingxing