CHAPTER 3

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. 😈

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***