CEO's Stand In Lover

Firs tencounter

Lucy and Yan Yishan, you two are interning at the Kevin Group! Make the most of this opportunity and learn everything you can. Got it?!"

"Yes, mentor!"

Lucy looked at her mentor with gratitude. "You've always looked out for me. The reason I landed an internship at a big company like the Kevin Group is because of your help, right?"

"Well, Lucy, you're one of the top students at our school. You need to plan carefully for your future, understand?"

"Thank you for caring, mentor!"

Before they knew it, school was over. The sky was a clear blue, like an unchanging dress.

Yan Yishan linked arms with Lucy as they strolled past rows of cherry trees. Clusters of pink blossoms hung on the branches while gentle sunlight streamed through the gaps between them. The pink petals lay scattered on the ground, soft and delicate, and every step they took left fleeting shadows on the cherry blossoms—it was simply beautiful.

While they admired the scenery, they noticed Du Zixiu at the edge of the sunlight, surrounded by a group of girls, yet he still wore a smile. Yan Yishan leaned in and tiptoed closer, gazing at the breathtaking guy. In a whisper, she said, "He's so handsome! His eyes shine like stars, his voice is pure music, and his smile is so warm. I just don’t get why you act so cold around him."

Meanwhile, Lucy maintained her usual icy expression. Seeing her friend’s starstruck look, she playfully tugged at Yan Yishan’s sleeve.

"If you like him that much, why don't you just marry him?" Lucy teased.

Yan Yishan didn’t catch everything, but she heard "marry him." Her face lit up like a blooming flower, and she eagerly shouted, "Yes!" She kept nodding as if even a split-second hesitation might let this 'happiness' slip away. Her clear voice rang out across the school grounds.

Suddenly, the noisy campus fell silent. Every pair of eyes was fixed on Yan Yishan—some full of surprise, others confused or even disapproving. But she was lost in her little dream, a blissful smile on her face.

"Yan Yishan, are you feverish or did your brain just short-circuit?" asked a tall guy in a white shirt as he mockingly touched her forehead before bursting into laughter.

That snapped Yan Yishan back to reality. Seeing everyone's curious stares, her face turned as red as an apple, and she stood there completely flustered, unsure of what to say.

Laughter erupted around her. "What a disgrace!"

Pouting, Yan Yishan rubbed her neck. "I was standing too long—my neck hurts."

Looking at her cute little face, Ji Xinyu shook his head with a slight, knowing smile.

Du Zixiu couldn’t help but be captivated by that smile. Under the cherry trees, she smiled softly, her eyes glistening with a calm, almost lonely grace—like a blooming lily.

Then a trendy girl with multi-colored hair and silver earrings draped her hand on Lucy’s shoulder and sarcastically remarked, "So even the Ice Queen can smile?"

Hearing this, Lucy’s expression immediately cooled as she shot a sharp look at the girl.

"Please take your dirty hand off," Lucy said.

The girl retorted, "What's the big deal?"

But as she saw Lucy’s icy, intimidating stare, her hand slowly fell away.

Without further ado, Lucy pulled Yan Yishan out of the campus.

"Lucy, are you mad?" Yan Yishan asked, confused.

"No—just go back and rest! We have to report to the Kevin Group tomorrow!"

Hand in hand, the two girls vanished into the sunset, the sky still holding its soft blue hue.

At the city center stood the Kevin Group—a towering, cold-gray building with a modern, unique design. Rows of curtain glass panels shimmered in the warm afternoon sun, creating a dazzling spectacle. With over a hundred stories, the building was both awe-inspiring and a clear symbol of the Kevin Group's prestige.

In front of the impressive structure lay the elegant Kevin Plaza. Paved with white marble, the plaza featured a grand perfume fountain at its center, with a graceful mermaid statue reclining diagonally. Cool water gently trickled from a perfume bottle, adding to the charm.

Lucy and Yan Yishan stood in silent admiration of the magnificent building.

"Wow, it's so awesome!" Lucy exclaimed.

"Yeah! I’ve never seen a building this tall before!" Yan Yishan replied.

Yet, as Lucy gazed at the structure, a strange mix of emotions churned within her. Something was about to happen here—something beyond her wildest imagination—and an undercurrent of despair crept into her heart.

The dazzling, white plaza bathed in warm afternoon sunlight radiated a comforting glow. Lucy’s cross earring shone brilliantly, making her appear almost radiant. In contrast to the crowded and overheated street, Lucy held Yan Yishan’s hand and smiled playfully.

"Yishan, let’s head inside!"

"Alright!"

They followed the secretary into an exclusive elevator that whisked them directly to the CEO’s office on the top floor. Arriving at the door, they knocked a few times. With no response, Lucy pushed the door open.

Inside, in the backlight, a man sat. He wore a sleek black Versace suit that accentuated his muscular build. His face, striking enough to rival any woman's beauty, was framed by tousled hair that partly concealed his light purple eyes—eyes that could captivate anyone at a glance.

"Who let you in?!" he snapped, his tone as cold and formidable as a block of ice.

"CEO, our professors from the business school recommended us for this internship!" the nervous secretary stammered.

"We can’t afford to cross Kevin—if we anger him, we’ll lose our jobs, and our lives might be ruined!" he added.

"Alright, I understand! You may go now!"

With that, the secretary hurried away as if released from a curse.

Lucy then addressed him calmly, "President Kevin, I’m Lucy. My mentor arranged for me to intern here. May I ask what my role is?"

Yet the man remained unmoved, staring blankly at a photo in his hand as if unaware of their presence.

Suddenly, he turned to face them. His purple eyes, shimmering in the sunlight with a subtle aura, were both beautiful and piercing, like an eagle’s gaze.

"You’ve got some nerve disturbing me again and again?!" he demanded.

"I haven’t disturbed you. You were the one who called us here and then ignored us. What do you mean by that?!" Lucy fired back, her tone growing indignant.

"Don’t you know what respect is? What’s the big deal about being rich? You sure seem fearless, huh?!" she added.

Kevin stood up and stepped closer to her, but when he saw her face, he froze.

"No... how can it be? How... how could it be?!" he murmured in shock before, almost involuntarily, his hand reached out and wrapped around Lucy in a warm embrace.

Startled, Lucy’s eyes widened. Yet, the embrace was so comforting—so warm—that she found herself not wanting to let go.

Leaning in close, Kevin whispered in her ear, "Bella, you're not really gone. I knew you wouldn’t be able to let me go, right?"

"Bella?!"

Who is she?

Is she the one he loves?