After a productive training session with Xu Zhonghao, Li Chen headed to the shower, refreshing himself before returning to his trading activities. His daily routine included carefully monitoring the stock market and making calculated moves. Over the past days, his expertise in trading had grown significantly.

Sitting at his desk, Li Chen focused on his computer screen, analyzing market trends and making strategic decisions. Today was no different. He had recently closed one of his most significant trades, reaping a substantial profit of 45 million yuan. Li Chen swiftly initiated a withdrawal of 30 million yuan to transfer into his business account. With this move, he was getting closer to his target of amassing 100 million yuan.

A satisfied smile crossed his face as he contemplated his growing wealth. He continued to execute trades, driven by the pursuit of his financial goals. Every move he made was calculated, and Li Chen was determined to protect and grow his hard-earned fortune.

Meanwhile in a modest two-bedroom apartment, the atmosphere was far simpler and cozier. The apartment was situated in a quiet residential neighborhood, away from the bustling city center. It had a homely and welcoming feel.

The living room was decorated with a comfortable, well-worn sofa and a small coffee table in front of it. A few potted plants sat on the windowsill, bringing a touch of nature into the space. Faded floral curtains hung from the windows, allowing the soft, natural light to filter in.

The kitchen was compact but functional, with white cabinets and a small dining table that could seat two people. It was a place where simple meals were prepared with love.

The two bedrooms were modestly furnished, each containing a bed with a neatly made bedspread and a small wooden nightstand. The walls were adorned with family photographs and a couple of art pieces that added a personal touch to the space.

Zhang Mei’s small apartment held a lifetime of memories with her mother, but today marked the end of an era. With her heart heavy and tears in her eyes, she gazed at the eviction notice and the daunting stack of hospital bills that lay before her. The weight of the world seemed to be on her shoulders, and she was running out of options.

She had been turned away by friends, relatives, and even her own uncle. No one was willing to lend her a helping hand in her time of need. Zhang Mei knew that her mother’s illness was getting worse, and she desperately wanted to ensure her mother received the best medical care possible, even if it meant sacrificing her own comfort and security.

With less than 100 yuan in her pocket, Zhang Mei had no choice but to pack her few belongings and prepare to leave her apartment. It was a place filled with cherished memories, but it was no longer a home. She was determined to find a place to spend the night, hoping for a stroke of luck that would change her dire circumstances.

KNOCK! KNOCK!

Zhang Mei, with frustration etched on her face, stood before the door that had been relentlessly pounded by the mysterious visitor. Her voice quivered with anxiety as she inquired, "Who is it?" There was no response, only the relentless knocking persisted. Growing more agitated, she repeated her question, this time louder, "Who is it?"

Finally, a familiar voice responded from the other side, "It’s me." Zhang Mei’s heart skipped a beat as she recognized the voice of her former manager, Cao Heping.

With a mixture of annoyance and curiosity, Zhang Mei unlocked and swung the door open. "What do you want?" she asked, her voice carrying an edge of irritation. Cao Heping stepped into her modest apartment and cast a quick glance around, taking in the sight of her packed belongings and the eviction notice that lay on the coffee table.

He raised an eyebrow. "It looks like you’re leaving," he remarked, clearly noticing her predicament. His eyes fell upon the papers, and he pointed out, "And you’re being evicted."

Zhang Mei’s guard was up. "That’s none of your business," she retorted, her irritation at his intrusion palpable. She couldn’t help but wonder how he had discovered her address. Cao Heping, with a sly grin, responded, "I’m a manager, remember? I can get what I want."

"Why are you here?" Zhang Mei asked, her curiosity mingling with suspicion. Cao Heping leaned in closer and replied, "To offer you a hand. I heard you’ve been asking for money. You should have come to me first." Zhang Mei scoffed at his offer, her pride still intact. "And what do you want in return?"

Zhang Mei’s defiance was unwavering as she held her ground against Cao Heping’s advances. When he attempted to touch her face, she swiftly dodged his hand, her expression a mix of determination and disgust. The room felt stifling as the tension between them thickened.

"What do you want?" Zhang Mei repeated, her voice laced with annoyance. Cao Heping’s demeanor shifted. His eyes darkened, and he started to breathe heavily, his desperation and desire becoming more evident. He was an overweight man in his 40s, receding hairline and all, and his intentions were clear. To Zhang Mei, he was nothing short of repulsive.

Cao Heping leaned in closer, attempting to assert his control, but Zhang Mei’s refusal remained resolute. She voiced her aversion, making it clear that she would never entertain the idea of getting close to him. Cao Heping’s anger surged, and he tried to manipulate her with promises of a better life, of returning her to work.

But Zhang Mei’s integrity remained intact. "I would rather starve to death than get anywhere near you," she proclaimed, her words cutting through the air like a knife.

Cao Heping’s frustration reached its peak, and he warned, "I’m here to offer you a better life. All you have to do is be available when I call, and you’ll have everything you need." Zhang Mei’s response was unwavering. "No thanks, now leave."

Cao Heping couldn’t accept her rejection and insisted, "Don’t be so rude; you need me." Zhang Mei, with a cunning glint in her eye, played her final card, claiming her boyfriend was on his way. Cao Heping’s confidence wavered as he retorted, "Your boyfriend? Stop lying; you don’t have a boyfriend."

Zhang Mei, undeterred, responded, "Well, let me call him so you’ll know. Just remember that if he finds you here, he’ll beat you to a pulp."

Zhang Mei maintained her composure as she spun her web of deceit, her heart racing as she concocted her story. She reached for her phone and selected the only person she could consider an acquaintance in her time of desperation - Li Chen. As she dialed his number, her mind was filled with anxiety and uncertainty.

Cao Heping, watching her with a smirk, was convinced that he would soon meet this mysterious boyfriend of hers. He was unaware that Zhang Mei’s call was not entirely genuine.

The phone rang, and Zhang Mei’s pulse quickened. She had taken a risk by calling Li Chen, and the seconds that passed felt like hours. Finally, Li Chen answered, and Zhang Mei decided to drop a hint, hoping that he would understand the urgency and come to her rescue.

"Hey, baby, where are you?" she said, her voice trembling with the need for a quick response. Li Chen, puzzled by this unexpected affectionate term, remained silent, not sure how to react.

Zhang Mei continued, now with more urgency in her voice, "Baby, you said you’d be here in 30 minutes. Where are you?"

Li Chen’s confusion lingered, and he hesitated to respond. Zhang Mei’s heart pounded with anxiety. She decided to drop a hint about her predicament, giving Li Chen enough information to grasp the urgency of her situation. "Do you remember the manager I told you about?" she asked. Li Chen, finally comprehending the gravity of the situation, replied, "The pervert one."

A sense of relief washed over Zhang Mei, and she seized the opportunity to share her distress. "Yes, that’s the one," she confirmed. "He’s here in my place, talking nonsense, and he won’t leave. Please, hurry."

With that, Zhang Mei had delivered her plea for help, and now it was in Li Chen’s hands to decide what he would do next.

"You think picking up your phone and making a fake call will scare me?"

"You better leave if you want to remain intact."

"Well, your fake boyfriend doesn’t scare me. I will wait for him here. After 30 minutes, you and I will have an adult’s talk about my proposal."

Zhang Mei was angry and irritated, not knowing how she would deal with this pervert if Li Chen didn’t show up. She tried to keep herself occupied by folding her clothes, but the minutes dragged on, feeling like hours. She wished she could call Li Chen again and tell him to hurry.

After 25 minutes, Cao Heping stood up and said, "Your boyfriend isn’t here. I’ve wasted my precious time. So, what do you say about my offer? I will give you 1 million yuan. I’m sure you’ve never had that much money."

Zhang Mei replied firmly, "I don’t want your money."

Cao Heping moved closer to her and sneered, "But I know you do. Your mother depends on it."

Cao Heping continued moving closer and said, "Miss Zhang, stop playing hard to get. I promise it won’t hurt."

Zhang Mei moved a few steps back, trying to create distance between her and Cao Heping, and said firmly, "I said stay away from me."

Cao Heping replied, "Stop acting like a child. We can do it here, and you will get your check when we are done."

He kept taking steps closer until Zhang Mei was stuck with a wall behind her. Cao Heping opened his arms and locked her inside them. Zhang Mei struggled to move, but Cao Heping grabbed her shoulders violently and said, "You know you are the first woman that has ever treated me like this, and I kind of like it."