Chapter 4: Moonlit Confessions

The cool night air was a welcome respite from the stuffy ballroom. Jiang Meilin leaned against the balcony railing, her eyes fixed on the twinkling city lights below. The events of the evening swirled in her mind like the champagne in the flutes she'd been serving all night.

"I can't believe it's here," she whispered to herself, thinking of her painting. Pride swelled in her chest, quickly followed by a pang of regret. She'd sold that piece for next to nothing, desperate for rent money. She had told the buyer that she would come back for it once she had the money to pay back, but it's been over a year now, and she didn't go back. Now it hung in one of the most prestigious hotels in Xia City.

"Admiring the view?" A deep voice startled her from her reverie.

Meilin turned, her eyes widening as she recognized the man approaching. Zhao Jingshen, CEO of Zhao Corporation and one of the most powerful men in the city. She'd seen him from afar throughout the night, but up close, his presence was even more imposing.

"Y-yes," she stammered, suddenly aware of her uniform and messy hair. "It's beautiful up here." She said with a forced smile.

Zhao Jingshen nodded, coming to stand beside her. "I saw you earlier," he said, his voice surprisingly gentle. "You seemed quite taken with one of the paintings inside."

Meilin felt her cheeks warm. "Oh, you noticed that?"

"I did," he replied, a hint of curiosity in his tone. "What did you think of it?"

Meilin hesitated, then decided honesty was the best policy. "It's... it's a piece about hope," she said softly. "The artist created it during a dark time, I think. The swirls of blue represent the struggles, but the gold... that's the light breaking through."

Zhao Jingshen's eyebrows rose slightly. "That's quite an interpretation. You seem to understand it well."

Meilin laughed nervously. "Well, I should. I... I painted it."

For a moment, Zhao Jingshen was silent. Then, to Meilin's surprise, a smile broke across his face. It transformed his features, softening the sharp edges and lighting up his eyes.

"You're the artist?" he asked, genuine interest in his voice. "What a coincidence, I've been searching for the artist for months now."

Meilin's heart skipped a beat. "You have?"

"That painting... it speaks to me. It's one of my favourite." Zhao Jingshen admitted. "I've never seen or felt drawn to anything quite like it."

As they talked, Meilin found herself relaxing. Despite his intimidating reputation, Zhao Jingshen was easy to talk to. They discussed art, life in Xia City, and the stuffy environment in the ballroom. With each passing minute, Meilin felt more at ease, and Zhao Jingshen found himself smiling more than he had in years.

"You know," he said, a playful glint in his eye, "I don't think I've smiled this much in one these... things,ever."

Meilin giggled, a sound that sent an unexpected warmth through Zhao Jingshen's chest. "I'm honored to witness such a rare event, then."

As they laughed together, Zhao Jingshen felt something shift inside him. This woman, with her talent, her humor, and her genuine warmth, had managed to crack his usually impenetrable facade in just one evening.

"Meilin, may I call you that?" he asked. His eyes never leaving her.

Jiang Meilin felt her cheeks flushing like she had just eaten the spiciest fish ever "Absolutely, to be on first name basis with the billionaire CEO, who wouldn't want that" she said now turning to face him despite her shyness.

Zhao Jingshen burst out in laughter which sounded like the world's best tune to Jiang Meilin's ears, it was as if her ears were about to get pregnant from the sound of his laughter.

On Zhao Jingshen's side, he was falling deeper and deeper, in just one night. His tone suddenly serious. "I'd like to discuss your art further. Would you be willing to come to my office tomorrow? Say, 10 AM?"

Meilin's eyes widened. "Your office? At Zhao Corporation?"

He nodded, pulling out a sleek business card. "Here's my card, you can give me a call before coming."

Meilin took the card with trembling fingers, awe evident in her expression. "I... yes, of course. Thank you, Mr. Zhao."

"Jingshen," he corrected gently. "Please, call me Jingshen."

Before Meilin could respond, a voice cut through the night air. "Jingshen! There you are!"

Lian Fei appeared at the balcony entrance, her eyes narrowing as she took in the scene before her. "I've been looking everywhere for you. It's time to go home."

Zhao Jingshen's face immediately reverted to its usual stoic expression. "Of course, I'll be right there."

He turned back to Meilin, his voice low. "Tomorrow, 10 AM. Don't forget."

As Zhao Jingshen walked away with Lian Fei, Meilin clutched the business card to her chest, her heart racing. She'd just spent an evening chatting with one of the most powerful men in Xia City, and he wanted to see her again tomorrow.

Lian Fei glanced back at the balcony, her eyes cold as they swept over Meilin. "Who was that?" she asked Zhao Jingshen, her voice tight.

"No one." he replied smoothly, but his mind was still on the balcony, replaying the moments of unexpected connection he'd just experienced.

As Meilin watched them leave, she couldn't help but feel that her life was about to change dramatically. Little did she know just how right she was.