Rachel Liu [Her nickname "Mei Niang"]
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When Rayden Wolfe turned to see who had arrived, he immediately froze for a split second.
The butler stood beside a tall, elegant woman—nearly 5'7" in heels—wearing a fitted black pencil skirt and a sleek violet blouse that flattered her toned figure. Her skin was ivory-pale, her features exquisitely sculpted as if carved by divine hands. Soft brown curls fell to her shoulders, and a pair of stylish black-rimmed glasses gave her a sharp, intellectual edge.
She exuded elegance and capability—yet beneath that polished exterior, there was a glint of arrogance and mischievous pride.
Rayden's gaze softened slightly.
He knew her. Intimately.
Rachel Liu. Sophie Quinn's best friend, confidante, and one of the most intelligent, capable women he had met—even in his past life. Though not the central heroine, Rachel played a significant supporting role in the original storyline. With her stunning looks, elite education, and refined skillset, the only thing she lacked compared to Sophie… was sheer plot luck.
In the previous timeline, Rachel had initially resented Sophie's romantic interest in Rayden. Fueled by concern for her best friend, she accepted Rayden's father's invitation to work at the Wolfe Group—as his private secretary.
Her goal back then?
To dig up dirt on Rayden and expose his "true scumbag nature" to Sophie.
But somewhere along the way, the plan backfired.
As they worked together, her perspective shifted. She saw his real nature—not just the headlines, but the man behind the mask. Bit by bit, her anger melted, replaced by curiosity… and eventually, reluctant affection.
She had become one of Rayden's most trusted allies, helping him outmaneuver several protagonists and guide the company through turmoil.
And now, in this lifetime, she had returned again.
Even earlier than last time.
Rayden smiled fondly. "Mei Niang, long time no see."
The moment he uttered those words, Rachel's expression soured. Her eyes narrowed.
Exactly the same start as before.
This guy… still as shameless as ever.
Heh. Typical rich playboy. The moment he sees a beautiful woman, his brain turns to mush. Dog men never change.
She crossed her arms coldly and said flatly, "Hello, Mr. Wolfe. My name is Rachel Liu. I hold a master's in management from Harvard and worked at Blue Ridge Investment Bank for two years. I've been assigned by your father to act as your private secretary and help manage your workload."
Rayden's grin didn't fade. "It's nice to see you again, Rachel."
"I, on the other hand, am not pleased to see you," Rachel replied with a sharp tone. "Let's make something clear. I'm here for work. I won't entertain your 'messy' affairs or play along with your tricks. If you fail to meet basic professional standards, I'll report directly to your parents and quit without hesitation."
"Understood," Rayden said calmly, "but still… it's good to see you, Mei Niang."
Rachel stiffened, her eyes twitching. "What… what did you just call me?"
"Mei Niang," Rayden repeated. "There's a 'Mei' in your name, and you've got this elegant but seductive vibe—so I thought it was a fitting nickname."
Rachel's eyes blazed. "That is not a flattering term, Mr. Wolfe! It sounds like the name of some flirtatious courtesan in a bad drama. My name is Rachel Liu. That's what I expect to be called."
Rayden chuckled. "Got it, Mei Niang."
Rachel's face darkened. "You can call me Rachel. Or Miss Liu. Or Secretary Liu."
"Yes, Mei Niang."
"Stop it!"
The two bickered like bickering classmates, neither willing to back down. Every time Rachel corrected him, Rayden would nod with a smile—only to call her "Mei Niang" again in the very next sentence.
The butler, observing the growing tension, cleared his throat gently. "Miss Liu, please forgive the young master. He's just teasing you."
"I'm not so fragile, sir," Rachel replied, grinding her teeth. "I can handle a little teasing. But if this man doesn't start working soon, I'm reporting to the chairman."
"Don't worry," Rayden said lightly, stretching his arms. "I was just about to start. Can't let you report me on day one, can I?"
Because as every villain knows… to crush protagonists, one must have power—and power starts with a career.
Rayden turned to the butler. "So, what are my options? Which department can I take over?"
The butler straightened and answered respectfully, "Young Master, you may choose to serve as deputy director of any core department within the Wolfe Group, or as vice president of one of our subsidiary companies. From there, with performance and results, you can move upward."
Ah, the perks of being a rich heir.
While ordinary people struggle to even get an interview, Rayden's starting point was executive level.
The life goal of millions—director, VP—was merely his opening move.
Rayden considered his options. With the knowledge he'd carried over from his previous life, the best way to gain momentum was…
"I'll take charge of Wolfe Investments," he said decisively. "Make me vice president of the investment arm."
He already had a wealth of prophetic insight: upcoming market trends, corporate collapses, rising stocks, mergers. With this knowledge, investment would be his fastest, most explosive path to power and influence.
The butler smiled. "Very good, sir. I'll have the arrangements finalized immediately."
"Excellent," Rayden nodded.
"There's one more thing," the butler added. "As vice president, company regulations entitle you to an official vehicle, a personal driver, a bodyguard, and of course, a private secretary."
"We've already arranged the car and your secretary." He gestured to Rachel, who was still glaring. "That leaves your driver and bodyguard. Would you like us to assign them, or do you have someone in mind?"
Rayden's eyes lit up slightly. "I'll choose my own."
In his previous life, the Wolfe Group's security division had included a particularly formidable man. A loyal and ruthless fighter. One who stood by Rayden's side in the darkest moments and earned his eternal respect.
This time, he'd recruit him early.
Rachel stepped forward, clipboard in hand. "Then I'll have the HR department send over a complete list of current personnel in the security branch. You can make your selection from there."
Rayden nodded. "Perfect. Thanks, Mei Niang."
"Stop calling me that!"
Rayden smiled again, fully at ease.
Rachel narrowed her eyes but held back. Her goal hadn't changed.
She would watch him carefully. Observe his behavior. And when the moment came—she'd be ready to protect Sophie from heartbreak.
But little did she know…
This time, she was already standing on the path of no return.
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