Volume One, Chapter One: Seeking Investment

"Boss, Mr. Fu's funds still haven't arrived today."

"What?!"

Ye Zhaoying shot to her feet, the last traces of color draining from her already haggard face.

In a panic, she snatched up her phone and dialed the number she knew by heart.

Fu Mingchi—her boyfriend of three years, from university to now.

She had believed he was the one, that they were destined to walk down the aisle together.

But just yesterday, this man who had always been gentle and indulgent toward her suddenly declared he was tired of her, then left, arm in arm with Ye Zhaoying’s own assistant.

She could still see the triumphant smile on her assistant, Qin Lulu’s, face. It sent a chill down Ye Zhaoying’s spine.

Only then did she realize that Fu Mingchi and her assistant had been secretly involved for over two months.

But the investment had been agreed upon a year ago. The entire studio had been preparing for so long, pouring in so much effort—how could he go back on his word now?

The call connected, and a man’s voice, full of disdain, answered, "Why are you calling again? Trying to get back together?"

Suppressing her disgust, Ye Zhaoying’s hand trembled as she gripped her phone, forcing herself to remain calm. "I’m not trying to pester you, but wasn’t that one million promised a year ago…?"

He let out a scornful laugh. "Hah, who promised you? Did we sign a contract?"

Before Ye Zhaoying could speak, Fu Mingchi hung up.

She slumped into her office chair, utterly drained, her face ashen.

It had never occurred to her that someone could treat you like royalty when things were good, yet toss you into the filth without a second thought when they’d had enough.

Three years, from junior year until now.

How could a person change so much? All the love and tenderness—how had it turned into this icy cruelty?

She didn’t know how long she sat there, eyes red, gazing at the studio she had built with her own hands. Her blood, sweat, and tears were everywhere. Ten employees still followed her.

They had joined her straight out of university, younger classmates who trusted her enough to give up stable jobs and start something from scratch.

She couldn’t betray their trust. She couldn’t let Fu Mingchi destroy everything they’d worked for!

There were only three days left until the project launch. There was still a chance, still hope...

But it was a million yuan. Where could she possibly find that kind of money?

Bank loans were complicated, and no bank would easily lend to a small studio like theirs…

Ye Zhaoying scoured her entire network, but aside from Fu Mingchi, there was no one else who could easily produce such a sum...

Was all her hard work really about to go up in smoke?

Her eyes fell, almost by accident, on the financial newspaper beside her. On the cover was a strikingly handsome, cool-eyed man.

Lu Jingchen.

President of Lu Venture Capital, who had risen to power three years ago. Young and accomplished, he had taken the company even further than his father had, earning the admiration of S City’s entire elite circle.

Ye Zhaoying knew him because they had attended the same university.

Lu Jingchen was a year ahead, with a double major in finance and computer science—a senior to her in every sense.

They had interacted a few times, but none of those encounters had ended well.

The first time was at a senior’s birthday party in a private room at a bar. Ye Zhaoying had slipped on some spilled water and instinctively grabbed the nearest person—Lu Jingchen, who had just arrived.

She hadn’t pulled him down, but the buttons of his black shirt had burst open, exposing his long neck, pale collarbones, and the faint outline of his abs.

It was the first time Lu Jingchen had ever been seen in such a disheveled state.

Then there was the time Ye Zhaoying’s rented e-bike’s brakes failed, and she crashed into Lu Jingchen at a corner, sending him to the hospital...

And once, she’d grabbed the wrong hand while looking for her roommate, only to find herself clutching Lu Jingchen’s. A teacher saw and assumed they were dating...

With such awkward history, she doubted Lu Jingchen would be willing to help her.

But she had no other options.

For the sake of the studio, she had to try—no matter how slim the chance.

With that, Ye Zhaoying began preparing all the necessary materials. She still believed in the future of her studio, so putting together the proposal wasn’t difficult; the real challenge was getting past Lu Jingchen himself.

Their relationship was strained, and she didn’t even have his contact information.

So, the next morning, she rose early, gathered all her documents, and headed to Lu Group’s headquarters.

The Lu Group tower was imposing, a sword piercing the clouds. Just standing before it made her feel insignificant.

Ye Zhaoying tightened her grip on her bag and strode toward the lobby.

Two receptionists, impeccably made up and dressed in uniforms, stood at the front desk.

Whenever an executive passed by, they greeted them with polished smiles, but when Ye Zhaoying approached, their smiles were perfunctory at best.

They looked her up and down: off-brand clothes, hair in a ponytail, no makeup, and carrying a nondescript bag.

Their disdain was obvious. They didn’t even bother to greet her.

They’d seen too many women trying to act innocent in hopes of catching a wealthy man’s eye...

Ye Zhaoying noticed their contempt but had no time to care—she had more important things to worry about.

"Hello, I’m Ye Zhaoying, head of Dawn Studio. I’d like to speak with President Lu about an investment opportunity. Could you please check if that’s possible?"

At the mention of President Lu, the two receptionists exchanged amused glances, their eyes filled with ridicule as if looking at a clown.

One of them picked up her business card and said with a smirk, "Dawn Studio? Never heard of it. Sorry, President Lu is very busy and doesn’t take unscheduled meetings."

The other pointed lazily to the lounge across the lobby, chin raised. "President Lu isn’t in the office right now—out meeting clients. I have no idea when he’ll return. If you really want to see him, you can wait over there."

Ye Zhaoying looked toward the lounge, already crowded with a dozen people, all impeccably dressed—men and women alike—clearly waiting for Lu Jingchen or other executives.

She had no other choice.

Thanking the receptionists, Ye Zhaoying walked toward the lounge.

As soon as she turned away, the two receptionists began whispering, their voices mocking and scornful.

"She wants to see President Lu? She should take a good look at herself first..."

Ye Zhaoying pretended not to hear, hurrying to find an empty seat.

As she passed, a dozen pairs of eyes glanced her way, then quickly looked away in disdain after taking in her appearance.

These days, it seemed anyone dared to walk through the doors of Lu Group.

Ye Zhaoying ignored them all. The world was full of people who flattered the powerful and stepped on the weak. The best revenge was to climb to the top herself.

She focused on organizing her documents, waiting for Lu Jingchen’s arrival.

She didn’t know how much time had passed when suddenly a stir swept through the lounge. Following everyone’s gaze, Ye Zhaoying looked up.

"President Lu is back!"