Chapter 1

7:00 AM

The morning air slipped through the window, gently pulling the curtains. Esmey turned off her alarm and slowly opened her eyes.

Today was important.

She got out of bed and started getting ready for her interview. Her phone lit up with a new email, but she barely glanced at it. Without thinking much, she turned off the screen and walked away.

At the same time…

In a luxurious apartment, the long curtains were drawn open, letting the sunlight fill the room. A cup of hot coffee rested beside the bed.

Ruan stood on the balcony, focused on his workout. The city moved below him, but his mind was already on the day ahead.

After finishing, he stepped inside, took a hot shower, and began getting ready.

She stood in front of the mirror, quietly fixing her hair.

Choosing a simple, neat outfit, she kept it professional and comfortable.

A light touch of makeup, just enough to feel confident.

She checked her file once, making sure everything was in place.

Taking a small breath, she picked up her bag.

Esmey, at least eat something before you leave,” Grace called from the kitchen.

“Mom, I’ll be late, I’ll eat outside,” Esmey said, slipping on her shoes.

Grace sighed, handing her a small snack anyway, “You always say that—just take this"

She booked her cab and checked the time again.

At exactly 9:00 AM, the cab arrived.

Her interview was at 9:30 AM—Slot 2, 8th floor.

As she reached her destination.

At least this time… I should be selected.

As she rushed into the lift, she quickly checked the time.

9:15 AM.

She relaxed a little. “Okay… I’m on time,” she murmured.

When the lift doors opened, she stepped out and saw a group of people waiting near the reception.

She walked up to the desk. “Excuse me, where is the meeting hall?” she asked.

“Please wait,” the receptionist replied, picking up a call and speaking for a couple of minutes.

Esmey sighed softly, standing there with her file.

Just then, a woman in a short dress, with long brown hair, walked confidently toward her.

She glanced at her watch. 9:25 AM.

“You came very late,” she said coolly.

Esmey frowned, confused. “What? Why?”

“Didn’t you check your mail?” the woman asked.

“I did,” Esmey replied.

“We informed all candidates that the interview starts between 9:00 and 9:30,” she said firmly.

Esmey stood there, slightly shocked, trying to process what just happened.

A flicker of irritation crossed Esmey’s face.

“I followed what was mentioned,” she replied, trying to stay calm—but her tone carried a hint of anger.

And then—A voice.

“Enough.”

Both of them turned.

A man walked toward them, calm, composed… but his presence alone shifted the space.

Sharp eyes, controlled expression—someone used to being listened to.

Ruan.

He didn’t even look at the other woman.

His gaze went straight to Esmey.

“You,” he said, simple and direct. “Come with me.”

For a second, Esmey just stood there, surprised.

Then she followed him, trying to match his pace.

Inside the hallway, she spoke quickly,

“Sir… I’m sorry if I’m late—”He stopped.

Turned.

His expression didn’t change.

“I don’t like explanations,” he said flatly.

“If you’re late, you’re late.”

Esmey swallowed, her grip tightening again.

“I’m not here to be impressed,” he continued, his tone calm but cutting.

“So don’t try.”

Silence.

For a moment, she didn’t know what to say.

Then, quietly—

“I’m not trying to impress you… sir.”

Just for a second.

His eyes stayed on her—measuring, unreadable.

“Good,” he said, turning away again.

“Then maybe you’re worth the time.”

Each candidate was asked to prepare their own project and present it in front of the director.

It wasn’t just about design—it was about ideas, creativity, and how well they could explain their vision.

Ruan made it clear that he wasn’t looking for perfection. He was looking for originality.

Out of all the candidates, only three would be selected.

“For this project,” she said, her voice steady,

“I designed a luxurious hotel that includes a shopping mall and a dedicated play area.”

Ruan’s eyes lifted slightly, now paying closer attention.

“I wanted it to be more than just a hotel,” she continued.

“A place where people can stay, relax, shop, and spend time without needing to go anywhere else.”

She pointed to her design.

“The hotel space is kept elegant and calm, while the mall area is more lively and open.

And the play area…” she added,

“is designed for families. Safe, visible, and close enough so parents can relax without worrying.

Silence.

Ruan leaned forward slightly.

“Luxury and play area… together?” he asked.

Esmey met his gaze.

“People travel with family. Luxury doesn’t have to mean distance. It can include comfort for everyone.”

That made him pause.

He looked at her design again, this time more carefully.

“Hmm…” Ruan

He didn’t say anything more.

But this time—

he didn’t look away.

“It’s… decent,” he said casually.

Esmey blinked—she wasn’t sure if that was a compliment or not.

He leaned back slightly.

“I’ll mail you.”

A small pause.

“The CEO will review your project. If it gets selected, a price will be fixed, and the further process will be discussed with you.”

Esmey nodded quietly. “Okay, sir.”

She turned slightly, about to leave—

“And…” he added.

She stopped.

His eyes lifted to her, calm but sharp.

“You came late.”

Her grip tightened again.

“And don’t overthink,” he continued, his tone flat, almost careless,

“you’re not the pillar of this interview.”

Silence.

For a second, it hit her.

A mix of embarrassment… and irritation.

Ruan simply looked away, already moving to the next file.

“Next.”

Esmey stood there for a moment—then turned and walked out, her expression controlled…

…but inside, she is a volcano.

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