Empire of Desire: An Alpha’s Financial Reign - Chapter 14

A New Chapter Begins

With the successful completion of the financing round, Han Zaijing’s startup began to grow at an astonishing pace. What had started as a modest team of passionate individuals had now expanded into a full-fledged operation, with the projected number of employees soon to reach two hundred.

To accommodate this rapid growth, Han Zaijing knew she needed to upgrade their workspace—and fast.

After considering her options, Han Zaijing made a decisive move. She reached out to Jiang’s Enterprises, the largest commercial real estate conglomerate in the city. There was no better or faster way to secure prime office real estate than through Jiang Wan, the daughter of the Jiang family and an old acquaintance from school.

When Han Zaijing arrived at Jiang’s Enterprises headquarters, she was ushered into a sleek, high-ceilinged office where sunlight spilled in through massive windows, casting golden light on polished floors and minimalist furnishings.

Jiang Wan greeted her from behind a wide oak desk, rising with the grace of someone who had long been accustomed to power and attention. Though dressed formally, she radiated effortless charm. Her black business suit was tailored precisely to her figure—sharp, elegant, and professional.

Her long hair was tied back into a neat bun, pinned with a delicate hair ornament that glinted under the lights. A subtle floral scent lingered in the air, mixing with the sharp scent of documents and freshly brewed coffee.

What caught Han Zaijing off guard, however, was not the pristine decor or the high-rise view—it was Jiang Wan herself.

She looked every inch the elite executive, yet there was something warm in her presence that threw Han Zaijing off balance. Her face was delicate yet cool, her makeup refined—long eyebrows, a hint of blush, lips tinged with soft rose. Around her wrist, a diamond-encrusted watch sparkled faintly. It was an image of control and class.

But then Jiang smiled—genuinely, even playfully—and something about that smile made Han Zaijing’s heart skip a beat.

“You’ve been staring at me for quite a while now,” Jiang said with a raised brow, amusement twinkling in her eyes.

Han Zaijing snapped out of her daze, her ears tinged red. She let out a soft laugh and scratched the back of her head, a little sheepish. “You’re… just very different from how I remember you in school.”

Jiang chuckled, gesturing for her to sit. “I suppose we’ve both changed.”

Wasting no time, Han Zaijing got down to business. “Jiang Wan, I’m here to talk about office space. We’re expanding rapidly and need to secure two floors as soon as possible. I figured your company might have the right fit.”
“I heard about your company’s growth,” Jiang said with a glint of admiration. “You’re quite the rising star, Han Zaijing. I’d be honored to be your landlord.”

True to her word, Jiang Wan swiftly arranged access to a newly renovated building in a prime location. She even offered a preferential rental rate—part business move, part personal sentiment. Han Zaijing was no longer just a former classmate; she was someone Jiang had come to respect.

As they finalized the terms, Jiang Wan leaned back in her chair with a sigh that betrayed a rare moment of vulnerability.

“Han Zaijing, do you have any tips for balancing career and relationships?” she asked half-seriously, half-pleading.

Han Zaijing blinked, surprised by the sudden shift in tone. “Did you and Brother Ni Kuang have another fight?”

Jiang nodded, a shadow crossing her usually composed expression. “It’s the same issue every time. He says I spend too much time at work, that I’m always focused on my family’s company. And I—I can’t argue. It’s true.”

She hesitated, then added, “Lately, even our conversations drift toward complaints about our siblings. He talks about his pampered sister always acting spoiled, and I… I talk about mine, who’s always at some nightclub or causing trouble.”

Han Zaijing listened quietly. For the first time, she truly saw the weight on Jiang’s shoulders—the constant pressure to live up to expectations, to manage a legacy while still being human.

“You’re trying your best,” Han Zaijing said gently. “You don’t have to prove anything to anyone, Jiang Wan.”

Jiang’s eyes softened. She looked at Han Zaijing, and for a brief second, all the cold elegance melted away, replaced by raw emotion.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Han Zaijing left the building not just with a lease, but with a renewed sense of purpose. She knew Jiang Wan needed time to reflect—perhaps to reevaluate not only her work, but her relationships as well.

Back at the new building, Han Zaijing stood inside the soon-to-be office space—an open, empty expanse filled with potential. Her team arrived one by one, notebooks and sketches in hand, their faces full of anticipation. Conversations sparked quickly as they brainstormed layouts, seating arrangements, and design aesthetics.

“I think this corner would be perfect for an open workspace,” Han Zaijing said, pointing to a well-lit area. “It’ll help foster communication and creative flow.”

Liang Zheng, the lead developer, raised an eyebrow. “I like the idea, but we’ll need privacy too. Programmers need their zen zones.”

Wesley, the team’s artistic designer, chimed in. “Movable partitions, maybe? They can be folded away or pulled up depending on the need. Stylish, flexible, and functional.”

Han Zaijing nodded with approval. “Great thinking, Wesley. Liang, you’ll oversee this section.”

“And,” Liang added, “can we install a coffee machine? Helps with all-nighters.”

Wesley smirked. “For the team? Or just for your caffeine addiction?”

Liang shrugged with mock innocence. “It’s for morale, obviously.”

The team burst into laughter, and Han Zaijing couldn’t help but smile. “Fine. Liang’s in charge of coffee. Wesley, design the workspace. Let’s make it the kind of office we’d want to come to every day.”

Over the following weeks, Han Zaijing visited the construction site regularly. Dressed casually in jeans, a plain T-shirt, and a baseball cap, she personally oversaw every detail. Her eyes were sharp, catching imperfections, making last-minute tweaks.

One afternoon, as the team stood near the window discussing lighting, Liang pointed out, “That spot catches a lot of natural light. We should add some greenery.”

“Yeah,” Wesley agreed. “Plants would brighten the space and make it feel more alive.”

“You two really are a golden duo,” Han Zaijing joked.

“We’re the brains and the beauty,” Liang replied, puffing his chest.

“And don’t forget the artistic touch,” Wesley added with a wink.

Their banter echoed across the room, infusing the workspace with warmth even before it was finished.

When the renovations were finally complete, Han Zaijing stood at the entrance, her hand resting on the glass door. The new office was everything she had envisioned—modern, airy, and alive. From the thoughtful arrangement of furniture to the fresh greenery along the windowsills, it felt like a home for ideas, for ambition, and for people who believed in the future.

Employees streamed in one after another, their faces lighting up with delight. They explored the space, admiring the coffee corner, the adjustable workstations, and the vibrant murals that dotted the walls.
At the coffee station, Liang was already brewing his “signature blend.”

“Sister Zaijing,” he called with a grin, “Want to try the first cup of our team’s coffee? Guaranteed to energize the soul.”

Wesley was busy adjusting a potted plant. “What do you think?” he asked, looking up. “Perfect angle, right? I measured it precisely.”

Wesley looked around at her team, at the office they had built together from scratch, and smiled. In this space, every corner held promise—and every person had a place to shine.

The future had never looked so bright.