Cursed by Ancient Love, Redeemed by Modern Hearts

Morning at Liang Steel Industries

The rhythmic tapping of Liang Xinyi's pen against the conference table was the only sound as she skimmed the expansion report. The numbers were promising—growth projections were steady, overseas contracts were holding, and the latest acquisitions were progressing without major resistance.

It was a good report. Efficient. Structured. Everything she expected from her people.

And yet, Xinyi's mind lingered elsewhere.

The factory incident hadn't disappeared from the media entirely, but the company's PR and legal teams had successfully controlled the narrative. There were still murmurs online, a few journalists sniffing around, but nothing concrete had surfaced.

Still, she didn't like loose ends.

She forced herself to focus as her Chief of PR, a woman in her mid-forties with sharp eyes and an even sharper tongue, finished presenting.

"We've contained the discussion for now," PR concluded, setting down her tablet. "However, we should consider a positive media diversion to keep the public focus elsewhere. Perhaps an initiative—something philanthropic?"

Xinyi nodded. "I'll approve a corporate responsibility project by next week. Keep it subtle."

Marketing took over next, presenting the branding for the company's upcoming international expansion. Xinyi didn't interrupt—she preferred to let people speak before cutting out what was useless.

She barely noticed when Mei entered quietly, standing near the door, tablet in hand.

That was a signal. Something that couldn't wait.

Xinyi lifted a hand slightly, and the room fell silent. "Take five," she said, rising from her seat and walking toward Mei.

"What is it?" she murmured.

Mei lowered her voice. "The investors have finalized the venue for the cooperation deal signing dinner."

Xinyi's expression didn't change, but Mei was perceptive. "You don't like that they made the decision."

She exhaled quietly. "No, but it's expected."

The investors had been unusually insistent on the venue, a high-end club-restaurant hybrid, notorious for its exclusivity. A place where deals were discussed over vintage wine and well-kept secrets.

More concerning was Mei's next statement.

"Some of them are bringing friends."

Xinyi's fingers curled slightly over the tablet, a flicker of irritation crossing her features.

Corporate networking was always a game of leverage, but adding "friends" to the equation meant unpredictable elements.

"Fine," she said after a pause. "Ensure security and discretion."

"Yes, Ms. Liang."

...

Morning at Zhang Industries

The factory report sat on Zhang Wei's desk, crisp and neatly arranged. It was everything he had expected—a mechanical breakdown, nothing unusual in production, and no pattern to the collapse.

Except, of course, for the shadows.

Wei let out a slow breath, shutting the report and setting it aside. He couldn't afford to dwell on hallucinations.

His managers arrived precisely on time.

For the next hour, Wei focused solely on the business of keeping his empire running. They discussed production targets, global market shifts, and long-term planning. But the key topic of the day was the worker collapse.

"I want a structured protocol for the workers," he said, voice cool. "A way to **report early symptoms—anything unusual—before another incident happens.""

A few of the older managers exchanged looks. They remembered his father.

Wei met their gazes head-on. "I don't believe in ghosts."

The tension in the room settled slightly.

"I do believe in patterns," he continued, tapping the report lightly. "If there's something affecting our people, we address it. No more surprises."

After finalizing the structure, he added, "Arrange a company-wide dinner next week. I want the workers to feel secure—and I want to see them myself."

The managers nodded. A direct approach. Not just words, but action.

As the meeting ended, Feng approached quietly.

"Your appointment to visit the collapsed worker has been confirmed for tomorrow."

Wei nodded, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his features.

Then, his phone rang.

He didn't recognize the number at first, but as soon as he answered, the voice on the other end was unmistakable.

"Wei. You're impossible to track down."

A slow smirk tugged at his lips. "That's intentional."

The woman on the other end laughed lightly. "I'm in town. I got invited to a fancy dinner. You should come."

Wei raised an eyebrow, glancing at Feng, who was already checking the calendar. "I don't do fancy dinners."

"Oh, but this one's special."

She paused, her voice dipping into amusement.

"Some investors are hosting it. And some very important people will be there."

Wei didn't care.

Until Feng suddenly turned his tablet toward him.

Venue: Same as the Liang Cooperation Signing Celebration Dinner.

His smirk faded slightly.

His old friend just happened to be attending the same dinner as Liang Xinyi?

Interesting.

"…Fine," he said at last. "I'll be there."

And just like that, his ordinary day had taken a turn he hadn't expected.