Chapter 2 The Personal Assistant

Jiang Zao anxiously gripped the hem of her clothes.

She understood clearly the chain of events that had led her here; her father had explained everything to her before she came. Although he had repeatedly claimed to be defending his son, Jiang Zao could already distinguish which of his words were sincere and which were mere pretense.

She did not understand what Lin Rui intended by showing her these documents—was he trying to tell her that everything she was now suffering was what she deserved?

Noticing Jiang Zao’s confused gaze, Lin Rui produced one final document.

“This is the paperwork your father completed to send your younger brother abroad. Your brother’s flight took off for Country M this very morning, just as you arrived at this villa.”

At this, Jiang Zao looked up at Lin Rui in disbelief. This was the first time she truly confronted him. He wore a broad smile that never reached his eyes, a cold and cunning expression—like a fox from a strange tale, always calculating, always dangerous. If Jiang Zao dared utter a single word of refusal, it seemed he would ensure her utter ruin.

She took the document regarding her brother’s overseas studies and skimmed through it. It had been processed with urgency the day after the incident. So, her father had planned it all along—no matter what, he would protect his son. She, his daughter, was nothing more than a tool, ready at any moment to be exchanged for her brother’s safety and freedom.

Watching Jiang Zao tremble in despair, Lin Rui sensed his task was complete, and finally revealed his true purpose for tonight.

“Miss Jiang, as you can see, both the police and the hospital possess direct evidence of your brother Jiang Zheyan’s crime. In order to protect his son, your father has used every connection at his disposal to send him overseas, out of reach of justice. It was also your father who volunteered the information that he had a daughter, someone who could stay and care for the young master until he recovers.”

Jiang Zao set down the document and closed her eyes in pain.

Lin Rui continued, “You are here in the capacity of a caregiver. After all, the young master is currently incapacitated and requires close attention. So, starting tomorrow, you will serve as his personal assistant. You will be responsible for every aspect of his daily life—food, clothing, shelter, and travel.”

At the words “personal assistant,” Jiang Zao flinched in fear, her mind involuntarily drifting to unhealthy possibilities. The events of this morning had been too harrowing; she could not help but be afraid.

Sensing her thoughts, Lin Rui smiled and said, “Miss Jiang, you needn’t worry. What happened this morning will not happen again. Every year, there are countless women trying to climb into the young master’s bed—your turn is a long way off.”

Jiang Zao frowned and agreed, “Fine. I understand. Just tell me what I need to do.”

Lin Rui, satisfied with her response, said, “Every day, you’ll help the young master wake up, wash, dress, accompany him to the office and meetings, handle his meals, and prepare him for bed. You must always remain by his side, attending to anything he requires.”

Jiang Zao was perplexed. “I’m not skilled at any of this. Why would Zhou Lichuan think I can do it well?”

Lin Rui maintained his fox-like smile. “You don’t need to do it well—you just need to do it. Even if you were a master of all trades, there are plenty of professionals at the young master’s disposal. You have your own role to play. Besides, the young master said you learn quickly—he’s sure you can handle this position.”

At this, images from the morning flashed through Jiang Zao’s mind, and she frowned unconsciously.

After Lin Rui left, Jiang Zao returned to her room to sleep. There was simply too much to process tonight—she needed time to absorb it all. Sleep, she told herself, today is over; let today’s pain stay with today.

Tomorrow would come, no matter what.

...

The next morning, Lin Rui brought Jiang Zao upstairs to Zhou Lichuan’s room.

Zhou Lichuan, wearing an eye mask, sat at the edge of the bed, waiting to be attended to.

At Lin Rui’s signal, Jiang Zao stepped forward, helped Zhou Lichuan up, and guided him to the bathroom to wash up.

Confronted with the man who had humiliated her the day before, Jiang Zao struggled to suppress the revolt in her stomach. It was as if the taste and sensation of yesterday still lingered in her mouth.

Zhou Lichuan, upon waking, seemed less complicated than Jiang Zao had feared. He didn’t even seem to notice who was caring for him; after washing his face, he reached out naturally for a towel.

Jiang Zao placed the towel in his hand. The accidental brush of her fingers made the man frown sharply. “Jiang Zao?”

“Yes... it’s me,” she replied softly.

He sneered. “Hmph. I thought after Lin Rui spoke with you, you’d leave in shame, unable to bear the humiliation. Yet here you are. Why?”

He asked casually; Jiang Zao answered just as casually. “For a house.”

Zhou Lichuan said nothing more, but his contempt was obvious.

After drying his hands, he tossed the towel in her direction—striking her squarely in the face.

Jiang Zao gathered the towel and followed Zhou Lichuan out of the bathroom, where Lin Rui waited by the dressing room door.

Zhou Lichuan, relying on memory and instinct, found his way to the dressing room. Lin Rui seated him in a nearby chair and began teaching Jiang Zao how to prepare shirts and ties, how to match colors, and which attire suited which occasion.

Jiang Zao listened carefully, but was abruptly interrupted by Zhou Lichuan.

“That’s enough. How long do you think she’ll last? Once this phase passes, just lock her up somewhere. Do you really expect her to be good enough to replace you?”

“Yes, young master.” Lin Rui accepted the interruption without the slightest hesitation, readily agreeing to Zhou Lichuan’s words.

Amid what appeared an amicable exchange, only Jiang Zao noticed the fleeting change in Lin Rui’s eyes—a flash of hatred and anger so intense she almost doubted herself. But when she glanced his way again, he had already returned to his usual expression.

Perhaps she had imagined it.

Jiang Zao accompanied Zhou Lichuan to the company. He sat in a wheelchair, while she pushed him from behind. Under the watchful gaze of the employees, they entered the elevator, passed through the office area, and proceeded directly to the president’s office.

Jiang Zao’s eyes shone as, in a quiet corner of the office, she spotted the one who had pushed her into this living hell—her father, Jiang Jingyuan.

She averted her gaze, pretending not to see him, and soon the group entered Zhou Lichuan’s office.

Zhou Lichuan quickly assumed his work persona. Though his eyes were still covered by a black gauze, his mind was sharp as ever—his words stirred up waves, his decisions decisive and formidable.

Jiang Zao, an arts and humanities student, found herself lost amid the industrial processes and complex data at the heart of the Zhou family’s business.

Zhou Lichuan seemed to know she couldn’t understand, so he never bothered to shield her from his business discussions.

Occasionally, people would knock and enter to discuss work with him. Jiang Zao did her best to remain invisible, hoping the all-powerful president would forget her existence.

One manager from the project team reported to Zhou Lichuan for over an hour, but the young master was still dissatisfied with his answers, frowning and shaking his head repeatedly.

Just as he was about to lose his temper, Lin Rui stepped in promptly. “President Zhou, I have an idea. Let’s visit the offline factory to map out the feasible production processes, and then select suitable raw materials from the market. That way...”