The New Owner

The winter morning in Beijing was cold and gray.

A thin layer of frost covered the glass walls of Aroma Essence Perfume Company, reflecting the busy city streets outside. Employees hurried inside the building, their breath forming small clouds in the freezing air.

Inside the office, however, the atmosphere was even more tense.

Everyone was whispering.

“Did you hear? The company has really been sold.”

“I heard the buyer is a huge corporation.”

“Someone said the new owner is extremely strict…”

The voices spread across the office floor like quiet waves.

At the far end of the department, sitting behind a clean desk near the large window, Shi Yan remained calm.

Unlike the others, he wasn’t gossiping.

His sharp eyes were focused on a small glass perfume vial in his hand.

He gently opened the cap and waved his hand above the bottle, letting the scent reach his nose.

A faint fragrance of jasmine mixed with sandalwood filled the air.

Shi Yan closed his eyes for a moment.

“…Jasmine top note… sandalwood base… but the citrus middle note is too strong.”

He murmured softly, writing something on a paper beside him.

For two years he had worked here at Aroma Essence. In that time, everyone in the company had come to know one thing very clearly—

Shi Yan had a terrifyingly accurate sense of smell.

He could identify almost any perfume after smelling it once.

Because of that talent, he had quickly become the personal secretary of the CEO, the old founder of the company.

“Shi Yan!”

A colleague suddenly rushed toward his desk.

“You’re still working? Didn’t you hear the announcement?”

Shi Yan looked up calmly.

“What announcement?”

“The company has been sold!” the colleague whispered dramatically. “President Shen just finished the meeting upstairs.”

Shi Yan blinked slightly.

Sold?

Before he could ask more, the office speakers suddenly turned on.

A familiar old voice echoed throughout the floor.

“Attention everyone, please gather in the main conference hall.”

It was President Shen.

Within minutes, employees from every department gathered in the large conference room.

At the front of the room stood the elderly CEO, Shen Ming.

Time had bent his back and whitened his hair, but his voice was still steady.

“I’m sure many of you have already heard the rumors,” Shen Ming began slowly.

The room immediately fell silent.

“Our company has faced financial difficulties for the past year. After careful discussion, I have decided to sell Aroma Essence.”

A wave of shock moved through the employees.

“But don’t worry,” Shen Ming continued.

“The new owner has promised that all current employees will remain. In fact, he plans to invest in new products and expand the company.”

People started whispering again.

“Who is the new owner?”

“I heard he’s from a powerful business family.”

“Someone told me he’s extremely cold…”

“Yes! My cousin works in another company he bought before. He said the CEO fired three managers in one day!”

Shi Yan stood quietly in the back row, listening without much reaction.

A new owner.

A new CEO.

For him, it didn’t matter much.

As long as he could continue working with perfumes, everything else was irrelevant.

Shen Ming raised his hand for silence again.

“The new CEO will arrive tomorrow morning,” he announced.

“Please prepare yourselves.”

The next day.

The entire company seemed restless.

Employees kept glancing at the entrance doors and the large glass windows overlooking the street.

Even the usually calm departments were buzzing with nervous excitement.

“What kind of person do you think he is?”

“Maybe an old businessman?”

“No, I heard he’s actually very young.”

“Really?”

“Yes, but also extremely ruthless.”

Shi Yan sat at his desk, organizing documents for the new CEO’s arrival.

Compared to the others, he looked completely indifferent.

A boss was just a boss.

Nothing more.

Then suddenly—

A black luxury car slowly stopped outside the company building.

Someone near the window gasped.

“He’s here!”

Instantly everyone rushed toward the windows.

Even some managers stepped out of their offices.

The car door opened.

A tall man stepped out.

He wore a perfectly tailored black suit. His posture was straight, his movements calm and confident.

His face was handsome to the point of being intimidating.

Sharp eyebrows.

Cold dark eyes.

A powerful aura surrounded him like invisible pressure.

The noisy office instantly became silent.

“…Wow.”

Someone whispered.

“So handsome…”

“But he looks terrifying…”

The man walked toward the building entrance without looking at anyone.

His expression remained completely indifferent.

Inside the office, Shi Yan finally lifted his head slightly, curious about the commotion.

He turned his eyes toward the entrance.

And then—

The moment he saw the man walking through the glass doors…

Shi Yan froze.

His pupils suddenly shrank.

The documents in his hand slipped slightly.

His heartbeat stopped for a moment.

That face.

That cold expression.

Even after so many years—

He would never forget it.

The new CEO of the company…

The man everyone was nervously waiting for…

Was none other than

Lu Se Cheng.

The same person who had once made his high school life a nightmare.

Shi Yan’s fingers slowly tightened around the papers.

A cold chill ran down his spine.

After all these years…

Why was he here?

And more importantly—

Why had fate brought his old bully back into his life again… as his boss?

LU SE CHENG

SHI YAN

© Original work by [Aera Moon ] 💖

Please do not copy, repost, or translate this story without my permission.

If you want to translate, kindly ask first and give full credit.

Let’s respect each other’s hard work 😊

The New Ruler of the Company

The entire building of the perfume company in Beijing felt different that morning.

The usual lively chatter of employees had turned into quiet whispers. Everyone was tense. Curious. Nervous.

Because today… the new owner of the company had arrived.

The luxurious black car that stopped outside the building earlier was still the topic of discussion in every department. The rumors that had spread across the company for the past few days were now becoming reality.

The new CEO.

Lu Se Cheng.

The name itself carried weight in the business world. Even people outside the perfume industry had heard about him.

Young. Powerful. Dangerous.

At only twenty-eight years old, he had already built a business empire under the Lu family name. Many companies he acquired had either grown rapidly under his leadership… or disappeared completely if they failed to meet his standards.

He was known for three things.

Cold decisions.

Sharp intelligence.

And zero tolerance for incompetence.

Rumor said he had once fired an entire management team in one single meeting.

Rumor also said that if someone wasted his time, they would not last a week under him.

Inside the company lobby, the employees gathered in a small meeting area as management prepared to formally introduce the new CEO.

But one person stood silently among them.

Shi Yan.

His calm eyes hid the storm inside his mind.

Because the moment he saw the man step out of that black car earlier…

His heart had nearly stopped.

Lu Se Cheng.

His former high school nightmare.

The boy who once made his school life unbearable.

Shi Yan clenched his fingers slightly.

Why is he here…

Why does it have to be him…

Before his thoughts could continue, footsteps echoed in the hall.

Everyone immediately straightened their posture.

The tall figure of Lu Se Cheng walked into the room surrounded by a few assistants and board members. His black suit was perfectly tailored, emphasizing his tall and imposing figure.

His sharp facial features looked almost sculpted.

Cold.

Expressionless.

Unapproachable.

His deep eyes slowly scanned the room.

The pressure in the air instantly doubled.

Many employees lowered their heads instinctively under his gaze.

Then he finally spoke.

His voice was calm, deep… and completely emotionless.

“I will keep this short.”

The entire room became silent.

“I am not interested in meaningless formalities.”

His gaze swept across the employees again.

“If you work sincerely and follow my standards…”

“You can continue working here.”

A short pause.

Then his voice became colder.

“But if you cannot work hard…”

“Submit your resignation letter to HR.”

The sentence fell like a blade in the room.

No sugar-coating.

No polite introduction.

Just a clear warning.

Then without another word, Lu Se Cheng turned around and walked away toward the executive floor.

The meeting ended before anyone could even react.

For several seconds, the employees stood frozen.

Then whispers exploded everywhere.

“Oh my god…”

“He’s even scarier than the rumors…”

“Did you see his face?!”

“I feel like I’ll get fired any day!”

Some looked terrified.

Some were shocked.

Some were already panicking about their performance reviews.

But among them, Shi Yan stood silently.

His eyes were fixed on the direction where Lu Se Cheng had disappeared.

His thoughts were chaotic.

Does he remember me…?

The question repeated again and again in his mind.

But a moment later he slowly shook his head.

No.

Impossible.

His fingers tightened slightly as he tried to calm himself.

I changed everything.

My name.

My personality.

My appearance.

The old boy who used to lower his head and endure everything silently… no longer existed.

Shi Yan’s eyes slowly became firm.

That weak person… was Gu Yan.

But now—

He was Shi Yan.

Confident. Calm. Unafraid.

He would never allow anyone to bully him again.

Even if that person was Lu Se Cheng.

After taking a deep breath, Shi Yan turned and walked toward his desk.

Work was still work.

And no matter what their past was…

Right now, he had a responsibility.

He was the personal secretary of the CEO.

Which meant sooner or later…

He would have to face him.

Shi Yan opened the files on his desk and began organizing the company’s project documents, financial reports, and development proposals.

Every paper was arranged perfectly.

Every detail prepared carefully.

Because if there was one thing Shi Yan was known for in the company…

It was professionalism.

Soon, a thick stack of documents rested neatly in his arms.

CEO briefing materials.

Strategy reports.

Product development files.

Everything the new CEO would need to review.

Shi Yan looked toward the elevator that led to the executive floor.

His heart beat slightly faster.

For a brief moment, memories from high school flashed in his mind.

The laughter.

The humiliation.

The cold eyes of Lu Se Cheng from years ago.

Shi Yan slowly exhaled.

Then his expression returned to calm.

That was the past.

And this…

He adjusted the documents in his hands.

This is the present.

With steady steps, Shi Yan walked toward the elevator.

Because whether he liked it or not…

The next person he had to face—

Was the new ruler of the company.

Lu Se Cheng. 😈

A Test of Capability

Morning sunlight streamed through the tall glass windows of the executive floor. The top floor of the company building in Beijing was quiet, elegant, and intimidating.

At the center of the floor stood the largest office.

The CEO’s office.

Inside the room, Lu Se Cheng sat behind a massive black desk, flipping through several company reports. His sharp eyes scanned every line with frightening precision.

Numbers.

Contracts.

Market reports.

He read them all quickly, yet nothing escaped his attention.

The room was silent except for the soft sound of paper turning.

Then—

Knock. Knock.

The sound came from the door.

Lu Se Cheng didn’t even look up.

“Come in.”

The door slowly opened.

Shi Yan walked inside with calm, steady steps.

He wore a perfectly tailored gray suit. His posture was straight, confident, and completely professional. The files in his arms were organized neatly.

He stopped two steps in front of the desk.

“Good morning, CEO Lu.”

His voice was calm and clear.

“I’m Shi Yan, your personal secretary.”

Only then did Lu Se Cheng lift his eyes.

His gaze moved slowly from Shi Yan’s shoes… up to his suit… his posture… and finally his face.

He examined him carefully from head to toe.

Professional.

Composed.

Sharp.

Not a single unnecessary movement.

Shi Yan stood there calmly, meeting the CEO’s gaze without fear.

For a brief moment, Lu Se Cheng narrowed his eyes slightly.

Interesting.

Most employees trembled when standing in front of him.

But this one… didn’t.

Shi Yan placed the documents on the desk and pushed them forward slightly.

“These are the summarized reports of the company’s previous projects, financial records, and product developments. I’ve organized the key information for quick review.”

Lu Se Cheng said nothing.

He simply opened the files.

The room became silent again.

Shi Yan patiently waited.

Page after page flipped under Lu Se Cheng’s fingers. His expression remained cold, but his eyes were extremely focused.

The documents were clean.

Clear.

Every section was categorized perfectly.

Important information was highlighted.

Even potential risks were summarized neatly.

Lu Se Cheng closed the last file.

For a brief second, a faint hint of approval flickered in his eyes.

Then he leaned back in his chair.

“Good.”

Shi Yan remained still.

“Every detail is clear.”

A short pause followed.

Then Lu Se Cheng’s voice turned colder.

“But.”

Shi Yan already expected it.

Lu Se Cheng placed the file on the desk and looked directly at him.

“You were the secretary of the previous CEO.”

His tone became sharper.

“I never said you would automatically become my secretary.”

The words fell heavily in the air.

But Shi Yan’s expression didn’t change at all.

No shock.

No fear.

Just calm professionalism.

Inside his mind, however, he was not surprised.

Of course.

This is exactly the kind of person Lu Se Cheng is.

Lu Se Cheng continued coldly.

“If you want to remain in this position…”

“You must prove that you are capable.”

His fingers tapped the desk lightly.

“Otherwise.”

“Tell HR to release a recruitment notice for a new secretary.”

The message was clear.

He was not interested in keeping someone just because they worked here before.

Shi Yan listened quietly.

Then he slightly straightened his posture.

His voice remained respectful…

But his words carried a sharp confidence.

“I understand, CEO Lu.”

He met Lu Se Cheng’s eyes directly.

“I will prove that I deserve this position.”

There was a hint of calm boldness in his tone.

Not arrogant.

But definitely not submissive either.

For a brief second, Lu Se Cheng’s gaze deepened.

This secretary…

Had courage.

He studied Shi Yan carefully again.

Something about this man felt strangely different from others.

Most employees tried to flatter him.

Others feared him.

But Shi Yan simply stood there… calm and steady.

Almost as if he wasn’t intimidated at all.

Lu Se Cheng suddenly spoke again.

“Good.”

Then his expression returned to its usual coldness.

“Since you are so confident…”

He leaned forward slightly.

“Bring me the complete details of all ongoing projects.”

“And the development reports of the upcoming product line.”

His voice became sharper.

“I want every number, every contract, every research file.”

“Nothing missing.”

Shi Yan nodded.

“I understand.”

But Lu Se Cheng wasn’t finished.

“And one more thing.”

Shi Yan looked up again.

Lu Se Cheng’s cold eyes met his.

“If even one piece of information is unclear…”

“You can forget about staying in this office.”

The warning was clear.

But instead of looking nervous…

Shi Yan simply gave a small professional nod.

“Understood, CEO Lu.”

His calm response made Lu Se Cheng pause for half a second.

Then Shi Yan picked up the empty folders and turned to leave.

But just as he reached the door—

Lu Se Cheng spoke again.

“Secretary Shi.”

Shi Yan stopped and looked back.

Lu Se Cheng’s eyes were fixed on him thoughtfully.

“Do your job well.”

His tone was calm but firm.

“Because I don’t like replacing people.”

Shi Yan held his gaze for a moment.

Then he replied quietly.

“I won’t give you a reason to replace me.”

Their eyes met for a brief second.

A silent clash.

Then Shi Yan opened the door and walked out of the office.

The door closed softly behind him.

Inside the room, Lu Se Cheng leaned back in his chair.

His fingers tapped the desk slowly.

“Shi Yan…”

He repeated the name quietly.

For some reason…

The name felt strangely unfamiliar.

Yet oddly familiar at the same time.

But he soon dismissed the thought and returned to reading the documents.

Meanwhile outside the office—

Shi Yan walked down the hallway with steady steps.

Only when he reached the elevator did he exhale slowly.

His heart had been tense the entire time.

Still the same…

Cold.

Arrogant.

Unbearable.

He clenched the documents slightly.

“But things are different now.”

His eyes became determined.

“I’m not the same person you bullied before…”

Shi Yan stepped into the elevator.

The doors slowly closed.

And a quiet determination appeared in his eyes.

Lu Se Cheng.

If this is a test…

Then I’ll show you exactly how capable I am. 😈