Contractual Seduction
### Chapter 1: The Beginning of the Contract
Xiao Jie stood before the towering glass doors of Tyren Investments, her heart filled with conflict and anxiety. Dressed in a simple blue business suit, she clutched her thick resume tightly as if it could offer her a bit of courage. The overcast sky seemed to foreshadow the life changes she was about to encounter.
As she entered the lobby, her gaze was involuntarily drawn to a metallic sculpture at the reception desk. The artwork's streamlined design, juxtaposed with the modern decor, compelled anyone to pause and admire. She had never imagined working in such a place—this was the domain of Ji Nian, known to the city as one of the financial fraudsters, and now potentially her "employer."
“Miss, how can I assist you today?” the receptionist asked with a professional smile.
“Hello, I’m Xiao Jie. I’m here for a job interview,” Xiao Jie tried to appear calm.
After verifying her appointment, the receptionist nodded, “Please follow me, I'll take you to the meeting room to wait.”
Walking down the polished marble corridor, Xiao Jie was led to a lavishly decorated meeting room. As the door closed behind her, her heartbeat accelerated. The room exuded a chilly business aura; the heavy curtains blocked out all but a few streaks of light, adding a touch of mystery to the interior.
Soon, the door opened and a tall man entered. He wore a tailor-made suit that spoke of prestige and an air of indisputability. This was Ji Nian, CEO of Tyren Investments.
“Miss Xiao Jie, I am Ji Nian.” His voice was deep and magnetic, his gaze sharp and penetrating, as if he could see right into one’s soul.
Xiao Jie stood up and nodded politely, “Mr. Ji, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Ji Nian gestured for her to sit down, and he too sat across from her, locking his eyes onto hers, possibly trying to read more from her expressions.
“Let’s get straight to the point,” Ji Nian began, opening the folder he had placed on the table, and pulling out a document, “We have reviewed your background and skills, and you fit our needs perfectly. However, I have a special proposal for you.”
Xiao Jie’s heart tightened, knowing that a “special proposal” in such high-level job interviews was never simple.
Ji Nian continued, “I need you to sign a contract to become my 'contractual companion' for two years. During these years, you will receive compensation several times above the industry standard, plus extra bonuses upon completion of certain tasks.”
At that moment, Xiao Jie could almost hear her heart pounding; she had not anticipated such a proposal. She struggled to maintain her composure, despite the turmoil inside.
“Why choose me?” Her voice was almost a whisper.
Ji Nian slightly smiled, a mix of calculation and pride in his expression, “Because you are the ideal candidate. You are intelligent, beautiful, and you need this job to solve your financial issues. What I need is someone who can assist me in business settings without posing a threat to my private life.”
Xiao Jie was silent. This job could solve all her financial troubles and provide the best treatment for her grandmother, but the cost was her freedom and possibly a part of her dignity.
After a fierce mental battle, Xiao Jie took a deep breath, looked directly into Ji Nian’s eyes, and said, “I accept this contract, but I have my conditions.”
Ji Nian raised an eyebrow, seemingly pleased with her response, yet curious, “Please elaborate.”
“This contract is strictly professional, involving no personal feelings. I need a complete contract with clear boundaries,” Xiao Jie’s voice was firm, indicating her limits.
Ji Nian nodded, his face showing a trace of respect, “Very well, I will have my lawyer prepare the contract with all the terms specified. From now on, you are my 'contractual partner’.”
Thus, Xiao Jie embarked on an unconventional path. Behind the glamorous world of business, she would face unknown challenges, and this contract was just her starting point.