Ecliptic Journey

I looked up and gazed at the misted mirror. The woman in the reflection had delicate, picturesque features. Her fair complexion glowed under the fluorescent light, which cast soft shadows beneath her long, thick lashes. Her crimson lips curled naturally upward, exuding a touch of allure. A slender neck led to an elegant figure. I reached out and wrote “Qi Huihui” on the mirror. After a moment’s thought, I added “Chen Zhuo,” then erased it. The woman in the mirror bit her lower lip lightly, smiling as she donned a robe.

In the bedroom, I chose my outfit for the day and sat at the vanity to carefully apply my makeup. Before long, the phone rang.“Miss Qi, the car is waiting for you in the front hall,” a voice informed.

I glanced at my reflection in the vanity mirror, where my perfectly painted red lips parted slightly.“Excellent,” I murmured.

The words "Xincheng United" gleamed brightly under the sunlight on the towering building's façade. Cars came and went, and people bustled around the entrance. A doorman opened the car door with a polite smile.“Good morning, Miss Qi.”

I gave a slight nod, lifted my chin, and strode confidently to the elevator. Along the way, everyone I passed paused and bowed slightly.“Good morning, Miss Qi.”“Morning, Miss Qi.”

The sound of my heels striking the polished floor echoed with composed rhythm. Reaching the executive elevator, I rode up to my office. My assistant had already prepared my customary coffee and a stack of thick market reports.

Holding the steaming cup, I stood at the 30th-floor observation deck, gazing at the city bathed in morning light. Skyscrapers and concrete sprawled endlessly, while roads ribboned through the city like threads, dotted with beetle-like vehicles. All the city's clamor was sealed outside by the double-glazed windows.

This 40-story building housed Xincheng Marketing Consultancy, a subsidiary of the renowned “Xincheng United.” We designed promotional campaigns for institutions and individuals. Nearly every major project bore my mark. I was a trailblazer in this industry, celebrated by the business and political elite who considered it an honor to have me lead their campaigns.

Over the past eight years, I had risen to oversee the city's most outstanding marketing team. My colleagues dubbed me the "Iron Lady" behind my back—whether in praise or criticism mattered little to me. I simply wanted to be myself and do what I set out to do.

A soft knock pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to see my assistant, Emma, with her professional smile.“Miss Qi, Mr. Chen is waiting in your office to discuss the PORTS campaign. The market research report is on your desk. You also have a meeting on the 38th floor at 10 a.m. and a 3:10 p.m. appointment with Mr. Yang of Longfeng Chengxiang in your office.”

I tapped my forehead with a groan.“Oh, Emma, can I protest? I’m already drowning in PORTS, and now I have to meet Mr. Yang on top of it? You’re more of a capitalist than the boss upstairs.”

Emma chuckled and scrunched her nose playfully.“The capitalist is awaiting an audience with Her Majesty. You could always throw the project file on his desk and tell him to expect snow in July before squeezing another ounce out of you.”

I laughed and grabbed the folder, heading to the 40th floor.

The secretary ushered me into the office. Behind the red wooden doors, a man was signing documents at a large desk.“Mr. Chen, Miss Qi is here,” the secretary announced before nodding to me and leaving.

Standing at the door, I smiled, watching as the man raised his head and looked at me. He didn’t speak, but his lips curled into a slow smile, his eyes fixed intently on my face.“What’s this? Just a few days apart, and you’ve forgotten me?” I teased, tilting my head. “When did you get back? I could’ve welcomed you with dinner—your treat, of course.”

He still didn’t speak, just smiled and gestured toward the chair in front of the desk. As I sat down, his gaze never left my face, making my cheeks warm and my heart pound.

“You’ve lost weight,” he finally said, his voice soft yet striking like spring rain, touching my heart.

I studied him carefully. He was still as handsome and upright as ever, his deep eyes filled with warmth that brought his features to life. This man had discovered my talent and brought me into this industry. He had taught me how to strategize, to look forward, and had given me the freedom to carve my path. This man, Chen Zhuo, was the one I loved most.

“Don’t recognize me?” He echoed my earlier words, teasing me gently. Inside, a voice whispered: Don’t look at me like that. I might just melt.

I raised the file to hide my flustered state.“The PORTS marketing strategy needs your input,” I said, handing him the thick document.

His fingers brushed mine, cool to the touch against my warmth.“Oh? When did Qi Huihui become so humble as to need someone else’s opinion?”

“If you actually had criticisms, I’d be quite upset. I nearly turned gray over this project,” I replied with a laugh, regaining my composure.

He flipped through the pages briefly before meeting my gaze.“I’m grateful for your effort. The government values this project highly. It’s not just a showcase but a significant collaboration with far-reaching implications. It’s an honor for both you and Xincheng. The advertising department will fully support your schedule.”

Leaning slightly forward, he smiled warmly.“Such a flawless plan deserves a reward. How about that dinner you promised?”

I blinked. “What are you thinking about?” he asked softly.

“I’m considering where to take you for that dinner.”

He chuckled. “Take your time. It’ll be my honor to be your treat.”

At night, the Hualien International Grand Hotel, nestled in the bustling heart of the city, is a place of elegance and splendor. The air is filled with the fragrance of perfumes and the whispers of refinement, as socialites gather in a scene reminiscent of a royal court. Black-tied male servers and long-gowned hostesses bow gracefully and softly greet, “Good evening.” This is the city’s most luxurious hotel, boasting an English-style Western restaurant, Tang Garden Chinese restaurant, an art lounge, exquisite guest rooms, a world-class leisure club, top-notch elite conference rooms, and an exclusive VIP membership system. The hotel offers the finest cuisine and the most premium services, garnering significant wealth in return. To be a member here is not just a privilege but a symbol of status, something people proudly pursue.

Chen Zhuo invited me here for dinner, but there was another motive. Two weeks later, “PORTS” would host a grand fashion show at this very location.