Fatal Lover: CEO’s Dangerous Game

The Unexpected Invitation

The time had just struck one. It was time to begin working. She straightened up in her seat and turned her gaze to the computer screen. Usually, she could dive into her work effortlessly, but today, her focus seemed elusive.

Since stepping into the office this morning, her left eyelid had been twitching nonstop. The twitching of the left eye was said to signify good fortune—perhaps today would bring some unexpected luck.

Just then, the phone on her desk rang. She picked up the receiver and answered, "This is the Design Department of Hantya Silver Jewelry Company. This is Assistant Designer Wen Ruoxian speaking."

A burst of laughter came from the other end of the line. "Ruoruo, it's me. Are you free after work today?"

Recognizing the voice of her friend Rong Xinan, her professional tone shifted. She covered the receiver with one hand and lowered her voice, her nerves betraying her. "Xinan, why are you calling the office?"

"Knowing you can't take personal calls during work hours, I’ll make it quick. After work, check your phone for the address I’ve sent you. I’ll be waiting there. Make sure to dress nicely, alright?"

"Another club party? I’ve told you I won’t go…"

Before she could finish, the impatient Xinan cut in. "Ruoruo, I promise this isn’t a blind date. It’s just a gathering with a few close friends. If you come today, I swear I won’t meddle in your personal life again. What do you say?"

She paused, but by the time she could respond, Xinan had already hung up. She placed the receiver down and, as expected, her phone buzzed with a message. Glancing at the address on the screen, she couldn't help but roll her eyes.

Ever since she declared a year ago that she would embrace a lifelong single status, her friend had been constantly trying to set her up with someone. No matter whether the man was thin or stout, as long as he had some means, he was pushed to her side.

Her heart had died a year ago, and it would never beat for any man again. She had resolutely chosen to play the long game with Xinan.

Though she knew she couldn’t change her friend's mind, Xinan had stopped bringing up match-making attempts recently. To her surprise, Xinan had called yesterday, asking her to attend a club party at seven tonight. After her terrifying experiences with blind dates, she immediately rejected the invitation without a second thought. But now, hearing Xinan’s firm promise, it seemed this club gathering might not be another disguised attempt at matchmaking.

"Miss Wen, how’s that market research report for next season’s trends coming along?" came the loud voice of designer Su Qin from the cubicle opposite.

"It’s almost done. I’ll send it to you right away." She took a deep breath, carefully reviewed the report, and once she was sure it was correct, she sent it to Su Qin’s inbox.

Moments later, Su Qin’s approving voice floated over. "Well done. This matches about ninety percent of the data I collected. It’s clear you put in some effort."

She smiled silently and returned to her tasks. Unlike the other four designers, who often carried an air of aloofness, Su Qin frequently offered her encouragement and feedback, particularly when it came to her designs. This created a natural understanding between them, making her work here the one place where she truly felt comfortable and appreciated.

The whole company had been busy preparing for next season’s designs. The design department was overwhelmed, with people working late into the night. Today, she had just finished her tasks before closing time.

As she shut down her computer, she remembered Xinan’s mention of the club party. Well, she figured, it might be a good opportunity to de-stress and relax a bit, easing the tension that had been building up lately.

Hastily arriving at the address from the text message, Xi Nan looked her over, clearly unimpressed with her plain attire. Her meticulously shaped eyebrows furrowed into a slight frown. "Ruo Ruo, didn’t I tell you to dress up? Why did you come without changing?"

She glanced at Xi Nan’s black little dress with delicate straps, then down at her own white shirt and brown tailored trousers—her usual office wear—and shrugged nonchalantly. "I’m here to have fun, as long as I feel comfortable, that’s all that matters."

"You always march to the beat of your own drum, I really can't deal with you," Xi Nan rolled her eyes, then took her arm and nudged toward the club's grand entrance. "Let’s go in."

Before they could take another step, the sound of percussion instruments burst from within, the rhythm pounding against her chest in a way that stirred something long-forgotten inside her.

"What kind of club party is this?" She stared at the dark, looming door, her steps slow and hesitant, as if fearing something dreadful awaited them inside.

"Relax, it’s not the kind of bar you’re thinking of," Xi Nan seemed to read her thoughts effortlessly, tugging her forward with confidence. "Everyone here is a friend of mine. It’s a party hosted by the ski club."

Knowing that Xi Nan had recently become obsessed with skiing—she had just returned from a trip to Hokkaido with the club the previous week—Ruo Ruo felt her anxiety ease. As they entered, she saw that the lighting was soft and the atmosphere laid-back, with small groups chatting quietly, each holding a drink. The mood of the entire party was comfortable and relaxed.

She was without makeup, not even a hint of foundation, yet her skin—smooth and luminous—was the kind that would make every woman envious. Even Ruo Ruo, who had spent years enduring the toxic effects of cosmetics, could only sigh in awe and feel inadequate in comparison.

Xi Nan couldn’t help but feel sorry for her blossoming friend. "Ruo Ruo, you’re still young. Why limit yourself to just one tree? You should meet other men. You’ll realize there are so many better ones out there than him..."

She had heard this same plea from Xi Nan countless times over the past year, but she remained unmoved. "Xi Nan, can we not talk about this anymore? I’ve already told you, my heart is dead. My decision won’t change. I’ll never get married."

Seeing that yet another attempt at persuasion had failed, Xi Nan stomped her foot in frustration. "Ruo Ruo, you’re like a stone in a cesspit—stinky and hard! Look at your age, do you really want to grow old alone?"

Ruo Ruo shook her head, not wanting to continue this conversation. Xi Nan wasn’t her, and she couldn’t possibly understand her true feelings. Ruo Ruo knew she was being stubborn, as Xi Nan had said, but she didn’t regret her decision. If it weren’t for her choices, none of this would have happened.

Just then, a blond man walked over holding a glass of wine, interrupting their conversation. His gaze was filled with admiration as he addressed Xi Nan, "Xi Nan, you look stunning tonight."

As the public relations manager of a foreign company, Xi Nan’s people skills were impeccable, and she immediately smiled, picking up two cocktails from a tray offered by a waiter. She handed one to Ruo Ruo and raised the other to Edward in a gentle toast. "Good evening, Mr. Edward. This is my friend, Ruo Ruo."