domineering CEO Zhao Zilong

The night was as still as water. Zhao Zilong stood alone on the balcony of his luxurious villa, a glass of red wine in his hand, his eyes deep and melancholy. The city lights unfolded before him, but his mind was completely elsewhere.

Today, his company successfully completed a major acquisition, causing a huge sensation in the business world. Logically, he should feel incredibly excited and proud, but he couldn't muster any enthusiasm. Because deep in his heart, the image of one person lingered—Lin Xiao.

Lin Xiao, the woman he once loved so deeply, yet who also hurt him so terribly. Since she left, Zhao Zilong threw himself completely into his work, trying to numb his emotions with busyness. But whenever the night was quiet, her face would appear in his mind, keeping him awake.

"President, there's a call for you." The butler's voice broke his reverie.

Zhao Zilong snapped out of his daze, put down the red wine in his hand, and went into the living room to answer the phone.

"Zilong, there's a charity gala tonight, you absolutely have to come!" came the voice of his friend Li Ming from the other end of the phone.

Zhao Zilong initially wanted to refuse, but then he thought it would be a good opportunity to expand his network, so he agreed.

At the banquet, Zhao Zilong, dressed in a well-tailored black suit, looked incredibly handsome. His appearance immediately attracted the attention of many. However, he ignored these eager glances and simply drank his wine silently in a corner.

Just then, a familiar figure came into his view. It was Lin Xiao! She was wearing a white evening gown, looking like a fairy descended from heaven, beautiful and captivating.

Zhao Zilong's heart raced instantly; he hadn't expected to run into her here. Lin Xiao also saw Zhao Zilong, a flicker of panic crossing her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.

"Long time no see, Zhao Zilong." Lin Xiao broke the silence first.

"Yes, it's been a long time," Zhao Zilong replied coldly.

An awkward silence fell between the two, and the atmosphere became unusually tense.

At this point, the organizers went on stage and announced the start of the highlight of the dinner—the charity auction. One by one, precious items were displayed, and the guests in the audience bid against each other.

When a rare diamond necklace was displayed, a hint of longing appeared in Lin Xiao's eyes. Zhao Zilong noticed this and his heart stirred.

"One million." Zhao Zilong offered without hesitation.

“One and a half million,” another voice said.

Zhao Zilong turned his head and saw a wealthy, unfamiliar merchant.

"Two million." Zhao Zilong raised the price again.

In the end, Zhao Zilong won the necklace for three million.

He walked up to Lin Xiao and handed her the necklace, saying, "This is for you."

Lin Xiao looked at him in surprise, "Why?"

Zhao Zilong turned his head away. "It's nothing, I just think it suits you."

Lin Xiao took the necklace, her eyes glistening with tears. "Thank you, Zilong."

After the banquet, Zhao Zilong and Lin Xiao walked out of the venue side by side.

"Zilong, can we find a place to talk?" Lin Xiao said softly.

Zhao Zilong hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded.

They went to a nearby coffee shop and found a quiet corner to sit down.

"Zilong, I know that my leaving you back then hurt you, and I regret it very much." Lin Xiao lowered her head, her voice filled with remorse.

Zhao Zilong looked at her, his heart filled with mixed emotions. "Regret? Then why have you appeared here again?"

Lin Xiao raised her head, her eyes full of sincerity, "Because I realized that the person I've always loved is you. Only after leaving you did I understand how important you are to me."

Zhao Zilong sneered, "Do you think I'd still believe you?"

Tears welled up in Lin Xiao's eyes. "Zilong, I know I was wrong. Please give me another chance."

Zhao Zilong felt a pang of pity seeing her crying, but the pain of the past made it difficult for him to forgive her easily.

"I don't know what to do, I don't know if I can still trust you," Zhao Zilong said painfully.

Just then, Lin Xiao suddenly grabbed Zhao Zilong's hand. "Zilong, give me time, let me prove it to you."

Zhao Zilong withdrew his hand and stood up. "I need time to think about it."

After saying that, he left the coffee shop without looking back.

Lin Xiao watched his departing figure, her heart filled with both disappointment and hope. She knew that there was still a long way to go to win back Zhao Zilong's heart.

On his way home, Zhao Zilong was deeply troubled. He didn't know if he should give Lin Xiao another chance, or if he could bear the potential harm again.

That night, Zhao Zilong suffered from insomnia again...