Zhou You stepped into the office alone. Yun Mingyue was buried in documents, focused intently—a stark contrast to his expectations.

He’d imagined… well, hard to say. Something a bit more… *something*.

“Guess I overthought it,” Zhou You sighed in relief.

“You’re here,” Yun Mingyue said. Hearing movement, she jotted down a few words before lifting her head.

“Chairwoman, what did you need?” Zhou You stood ramrod straight, unusually formal.

Yun Mingyue rose with a playful smile, walked over, and let her gaze wander over him—scrutinizing every detail.

“Take off your clothes.”

“?”

“No need to be nervous. Big sister will be gentle.”

“??”

Zhou You took half a step back, hands falling naturally. The heat meant he wore only a T-shirt—one quick lift and he’d be bare.

Broad daylight, clear skies, people outside… really the time for *that*?

*Pfft~*

Yun Mingyue chuckled softly, her teasing expression fading. She passed behind him, fingers brushing lightly against the small of his back.

Her touch was delicate, sending a faint, teasing itch down his spine.

Just as he leaned into the sensation—she pulled away.

“I’m taking you out. Had Sun Qing call you to change into something more formal.”

She knew Zhou You craved work experience for his diplomat dream. As his thoughtful older sister? Naturally, she’d help.

Casually. Nonchalantly. No thanks needed. All on her.

“…” So those weird lines were just Big Sister’s little tease?

Zhou You stayed silent inwardly but followed her into the small bedroom beside the office—a petite wardrobe, a modest bed. Cozy for two. *Very* cozy.

He stripped off his shirt. Solid upper body. No chiseled abs, but firm, quietly powerful. Enough to make a certain wealthy woman glance twice.

*He’d heard rich ladies liked this type.*

Yun Mingyue handed him a tailored outfit. Dressed, Zhou You asked matter-of-factly, “Where are we headed, Chairwoman?”

“Relax. Nowhere strange.”

…

They left the company. Short drive. Zhou You stepped out, studying the hotel—and unease crept back.

*Brought to a hotel by the boss? Workplace drama? That’s notebook-only material.*

“This is my internet-famous hotel,” Yun Mingyue explained patiently. “Influencer culture’s booming. Naturally, I wanted a slice.”

Zhou You looked around. A massive transplanted tree stood center. Wooden booths lined the sides. White mist curled from the roots, dreamlike, ethereal.

Stunning. But…

“Can people actually stay here?”

“Livability doesn’t matter. Plenty chase the gimmick. Business stays hot until the hype fades.” Yun Mingyue saw it clearly: this wasn’t for ordinary guests.

They entered an upper-floor conference room. Executives in suits rose in unison.

“Chairwoman!”

Yun Mingyue took the head seat, flipped the financial report. A steep curve—now dipping.

*Slam!*

She closed it, eyes half-lidded, silent. The room tightened. Executives shifted; one wiped sweat.

“Thoughts?”

Glances exchanged. “Report covers it. Pulling out now is wise. Ring City Hotel’s offering high.”

Yun Mingyue nodded slightly—then turned to Zhou You behind her. Training meant pressure.

“Your take?”

Caught off guard, he replied calmly: “Turning it into a proper hotel isn’t a bad move.”

“Details?” Her interest sparked.

“Use the tree. Craft a matchmaker legend. When couples celebrate anniversaries, let them hang handwritten blessings—free. Promise to preserve them twenty years. Add small celebrations.”

Concrete. Thoughtful. Diplomat training meant knowing a little of everything.

Yun Mingyue’s eyebrow lifted. This could break the deadlock. Loyal clients would return, drawn by memories.

“Chairwoman,” an executive cut in, “Renovations would cost heavily. Short-term returns… uncertain. If HQ stumbles, we’d sell at a loss.”

Zhou You stayed quiet. He was here to learn. If he knew it all already—why learn?

*Might as well run for office.*

Silence. Yun Mingyue tapped the table twice.

She shot Zhou You a look—*lower your head*. Then, before stunned executives, her hand closed gently on his collar.

“Execute my personal male secretary’s plan. If it loses money…”

A soft breath brushed his ear, feather-light.

“…then it loses. As long as *he’s* happy. Little brother—do you like it when Big Sister spoils you?”

Executives: “???”

*Should we roll out quietly now?*

Zhou You felt their gazes shift—envy, awe. He’d grown used to it. Smirked.

“I’m flattered, heart racing… How about it, Flower Sister? Give me a real kept-man chance?”

“…”

Yun Mingyue withdrew her hand, finalized details calmly.

Later, outside the hotel, she stopped him from entering the car.

“Walk back yourself.”

“?”

Zhou You watched taillights vanish into exhaust-scented dusk.

Down the road, Yun Mingyue pulled over. Her eyes shimmered—bright, unreadable.

“When you say things like that… be serious.”