The early spring air in City S carried a lingering chill, yet the bare branches outside the window had already begun sprouting tender green leaves, heralding the season's arrival.

In the office of Warmth Psychological Clinic, Lu Zheng was clad in a perfectly tailored professional suit that accentuated her graceful figure. Her long hair was meticulously pinned up, lending her an air of capable maturity.

She lifted her gaze to the man seated across from her, her thin lips curving slightly.

"It's an honor for our institution to collaborate with Yongsheng Group. Normally, I wouldn't raise any objections, but..." She paused, carefully considering her words.

Huo Jingshan, 32, was the general manager of Yongsheng Corporation and a titan in City S's luxury handbag industry, with his brands exported to numerous countries overseas. His name carried considerable weight in the city.

The man noticed her hesitation but, demonstrating impeccable manners, refrained from interrupting. Instead, he waited patiently for her to continue, his expression attentive.

Lu Zheng studied the composed man before her. His narrow eyes were dark and unfathomable, their deep-set intensity resembling a bottomless pool. For a moment, she found it impossible to decipher his thoughts.

"But may I ask, Mr. Huo, why would someone of your stature consider partnering with our small institution?"

"Dr. Lu, you're mistaken," he corrected smoothly, his tone even. "It's not a partnership—it's an employment offer."

"Employment?" Lu Zheng arched an eyebrow, her gaze sweeping over him. His face remained impassive, revealing nothing.

"Mr. Huo must be joking," she said, her earlier smile fading as she adopted a serious tone. "Our clinic may be modest in scale, but we're fully equipped. Besides, what makes you think I'd agree?"

"Lu Zheng, age 27," he recited calmly, a faint smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. Founded Warmth Psychological Clinic three years ago. Yet despite your ambitions, your practice hasn't flourished. Recently, a dispute arising from a patient incident severely damaged your clinic's reputation."

His thin lips curved slightly, amusement flickering in his eyes.

"If I'm not mistaken, Dr. Lu, you don't exactly have options at this point—unless you'd like to watch your life's work vanish from City S altogether."

Lu Zheng's eyes widened in shock as she stared at the man opposite her. In those narrow, inscrutable eyes, she caught a glimmer of something unreadable.

The calm confidence on the man's face sent a chill down Lu Zheng's spine, quickly replaced by a surge of anger.

"You've been investigating me?"

"I always prefer to be thorough. Besides, don't you think this is an opportunity, Dr. Lu?"

"Opportunities that come too fast often turn into traps. And I don’t believe such good fortune would just fall into my lap. So, Mr. Huo, why don’t you just state your real intentions?"

Though Lu Zheng hadn’t weathered many storms in life, she was no fool. She never believed in miracles dropping out of the blue.

"You’re overthinking it, Dr. Lu. I simply need a professional who can keep trade secrets while addressing my employees’ psychological issues. In return, I’m offering your institution a million-dollar investment."

"There are plenty of renowned psychology firms in S City. Why us?"

"Do you always overcomplicate things, Dr. Lu? All you need to know is that I can restore your institution’s reputation. Research in psychology requires funding—surely that’s a necessity. This deal has no downside for you."

"Precisely why it feels too good to be true. If you’re serious about hiring me, Mr. Huo, let’s be upfront." Her gaze was unwavering.

The man’s brow furrowed slightly before relaxing, his thin lips curling into a faint, ambiguous smile. "No need to rush your answer, Dr. Lu. Take two days to think it over."

Without waiting for her reply, he stood and strode toward the door. The sound of it clicking shut snapped her back to reality as his figure vanished from sight.

A restless unease settled in Lu Zheng’s chest. Was this sudden windfall a blessing—or a carefully laid trap?