Sweet of tears

In the blazing fire, the deadly heat consumed everything. Her frail, slender body, breath uneven, staggered for a while before collapsing in a corner of the room. Her hand still tightly grasped a handkerchief embroidered with cherry blossoms. She didn’t bring it to her nose to block the toxic smoke; instead, she focused solely on protecting it. “Ngoc Diep, Diep Diep. Don’t sleep, I’ll get you out of here. Don’t sleep.” A voice, slightly trembling, accompanied by a strong hand suddenly embracing her body. He wrapped her in a blanket soaked with water, trying to shield her entirely. He fell, knocked down by an iron bar, but he refused to let the girl suffer any harm. He looked down at her, her pale face motivating him to keep going. Stand up and continue walking. Determined and unyielding. He stumbled countless times, his legs hitting various obstacles. Blood and flesh mixed, burning under the intense flames. He fell innumerable times—ten, twenty, maybe more; even he lost count. But she remembered clearly, every time he fell, his hand protected the back of her head, though his back suffered greatly. Even in her hazy consciousness, she could feel his body growing cold. He was shivering. When the heat from the fire completely disappeared, she tried to open her eyes, but the weight and exhaustion made it impossible. “Diep Diep!” That deep voice rang in her ear again, trembling. The surrounding screams gradually faded. The darkness enveloped them, and both fell into unconsciousness. **Encounter** On a regular late spring day, Tran Thanh Anh, at 18, applied for the position of secretary to the CEO of Tian Kai Corporation. Who would hire an 18-year-old girl? But looking at her resume, Tran Thanh Anh graduated from Harvard with a master’s degree in business and law. Not everyone gets into Harvard, graduating is difficult enough, but she held master’s degrees in two fields. Despite her lack of experience, she had the qualifications and was hired immediately. A tall, slender girl with light makeup stood in front of the reception desk. She had bright white skin, captivating almond-shaped black eyes, and naturally grayish-brown hair. She was biracial. “If you don’t have an appointment with the CEO, you can’t go in. The CEO meets many clients daily,” the receptionist said harshly, her voice echoing in the main hall. Everyone looked over, only to see the girl calmly take out her acceptance letter, saying nonchalantly, “If I’m not allowed in, I’ll withdraw.” As the elevator opened, someone hurried over, “Miss, please follow me.” It turned out to be the CEO’s assistant, Dat Duong, who escorted the new secretary upstairs. Everyone wondered who this girl was, to be escorted by Dat Duong. “From now on, you’ll use this private elevator. The boss’s office is on the top floor. He’ll brief you on your duties shortly. First, go to the finance department to handle your salary.” The finance department was run by the CEO’s younger brother, Bac Minh Hien. “Come in,” said a deep voice after hearing a knock on the door. The man, exuding a professional demeanor, gave off a cold aura. His eyebrows slightly raised, light brown eyes that matched his face, despite his slightly rugged nose. “I’m here to discuss the salary for the CEO’s secretary position,” she stated bluntly, getting straight to the point. “What position did you say?” He hadn’t misheard; he just couldn’t believe it. “CEO’s secretary,” she replied, puzzled. Surprised, as the CEO had never hired a secretary before, perhaps Dat Duong alone wasn’t enough. “What’s the matter? Are you planning to make me work for free?” she said, clearly annoyed. “No need to get upset. First, I want to ask what your relationship with him is.” “Who, the CEO or whoever? Relationship? Never met him.” Her tone carried a hint of resentment, seemingly irritated by the insinuation of an inappropriate relationship. It was mocking and disdainful. “Never met him?” She didn’t answer, just gave him a sharp look, her dark eyes glinting, eyebrows slightly furrowed. “Sorry, for the first month, you’ll receive 100,000 yuan, and 120,000 yuan from the second month onwards. Bonuses depend on your contribution. Other benefits, like insurance, are included. This job requires mobility; you’ll be provided with necessary equipment as needed. How does that sound?” The compensation was indeed generous. “Whatever, it’s up to you. I don’t need a car; I have one. Also, cancel the insurance and pension, I don’t need them.” With that, she walked out, leaving him stunned. It was the first time he encountered an employee who spoke with such an air of superiority. Dat Duong was waiting for Tran Thanh Anh to return and immediately led her to Bac Minh Duan’s office, the CEO whom everyone feared. “Sir, I’ve brought her,” Dat Duong respectfully nudged her in. Seeing the person seated with his back turned, he quickly left. She quickly grasped the situation, unhesitatingly sitting on the guest sofa and calmly pouring herself some tea. “The tea is too weak and not hot enough. Pay attention next time.” “Are you giving your boss instructions?” His voice, high and cold, carried a tone of dominance and chill. The atmosphere in the room had been stifling since Dat Duong left, and this only intensified it, making everyone hold their breath, anticipating his wrath. He turned around, walking slowly to sit across from her. Dressed in a black suit, highlighting a white shirt and red tie. Broad shoulders, long legs. Thanh Anh stood at 1.69 meters, but she only reached his chin. Unlike his brother, Bac Minh Duan had a perfectly straight nose, and though his mouth wasn’t flawless, it was very attractive. His half-closed phoenix eyes conveyed a lazy demeanor. “How’s your salary?” he broke the awkward silence. She gently sipped her tea, eyes on the cup. “Enough to live on.” Her tone made it seem like she was the boss, not him. “This job requires you to stay close to me at all times. You can gradually learn the other tasks.” Everyone knew Tian Kai Corporation was one of the largest conglomerates, and their family in Shanghai was one of the most powerful, maintaining a discreet yet significant influence. They held over 20% of the mainland’s GDP, just the tip of the iceberg. Their true reach was immeasurable, with ties to politicians and government officials. Large families always needed connections in government to influence politics and gain advantages. “Tomorrow, you’ll go to Tian Ai Corporation to discuss a contract. You’ll get the details there.” What? Already handling a partnership on her first day? Internally cursing his high demands, she replied, “Understood.” Tian Ai Corporation, run by the Mo family, was also a prominent family, ranking third after the Bac Minh family’s Tian Kai and the Dong Phuong family’s Hoa Thuy.