The next morning, Leonard decided to grace Zhang Corporations with his presence, pre-CEO style. He strolled through the sleek, glass-walled headquarters, trying to look like he knew where he was going, when he heard a voice that could curdle milk.
"I swear, if the new CEO is anything like his photos, we're doomed. He looks like the type to fire people for fun. Typical rich brat. Ugh."
Leonard turned the corner, a slow, deliberate turn, like a hero in a bad action movie. And there she was—Sophia Chen. Arms crossed, glaring at his photo on her phone like it had personally insulted her.
He smirked, leaning against the doorway, trying to look casual but secretly thrilled. "You know, it's bad manners to talk about someone behind their back. Especially when that someone has ears like a bat."
Sophia whipped around, eyes narrowing. "And it's even worse to eavesdrop. Especially when that eavesdropper looks like he's trying to model for a shampoo commercial." Her eyes flashed, a mix of annoyance and something else he couldn't quite place. Maybe a tiny spark of… amusement?
Their eyes locked. A challenge. A spark. Oh, this was going to be more fun than a barrel of monkeys in a fireworks factory.
Later that evening, Leonard sat in his father's office, his younger brother and cousin flanking him like a comedic Greek chorus.
"So, let me get this straight," Ryan said, barely holding back a grin that could split his face. "You, the great Leonard Zhang, heir to the empire, want to go undercover as an intern just to impress a girl who doesn't even like you? Is this some kind of performance art I'm not getting?"
"She hates me," Leonard corrected, with the dramatic flair of a Shakespearean actor. "And that's the problem. It's like a romantic comedy, but with more suffering. Mine."
Nathan, who had been silent, finally chuckled darkly, a sound like gravel gargling. "So, your grand plan is to pretend to be a nobody, work under her, and somehow change her opinion of you? Sounds like a rom-com setup. And a terrible one at that. I'm thinking a solid two stars on Rotten Tomatoes."
"It's brilliant," Leonard insisted, ignoring the critics. "She sees me as an arrogant, spoiled brat. If I show her a different side of me, she'll change her mind. Like in those makeover shows, but with personality."
Ryan leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "Or she'll laugh at you, humiliate you, and you'll have to fire yourself. Which, by the way, I'd pay top dollar to see."
Nathan smirked. "Which I would pay double good money to see."
Leonard sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on. "Look, I just need you two to keep this between us. I'll work as her assistant for a few weeks, make her see me differently, and then reveal who I really am. Simple. Like pulling a rabbit out of a hat, but with less fur and more awkwardness."
Ryan shook his head, looking at him like he was explaining quantum physics to a goldfish. "Simple? Bro, you're about to live a double life. Do you even know what interns do? Aside from bringing coffee and suffering in silence?"
Nathan shrugged. "Hopefully suffer. And bring coffee."
Leonard ignored him, focusing on the least insane brother. "Just cover for me. Dad won't care as long as things run smoothly, and Mom doesn't need to know. She'd have a conniption fit that would shake the very foundations of this building."
Ryan exchanged a glance with Nathan, a silent conversation passing between them. "Fine," he said finally. "But if this blows up in your face, we'll be watching with popcorn. And maybe those little umbrellas for our drinks."
Nathan smirked. "And enjoying every second of it. Like a really good train wreck. But with you.".
Leonard rolled his eyes. "Supportive as always. You two are a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day."
Ryan stretched, a wide, mischievous grin on his face. "Fine, I'll cover for you as CEO. But just so you know, if I like it too much, I might not give it back. I've always wanted a corner office and a tiny plant."
Leonard chuckled, the image of Ryan as CEO both hilarious and terrifying. "That's the least of my worries. Just… try not to bankrupt the company."
Ryan grinned. "Good. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a company to run. As the youngest, most charming CEO this place has ever seen. The world is waiting for my genius."
Nathan laughed, a dark, rumbling sound. "And people thought handing it over to Leonard was risky. At least he has a sense of self preservation."
Leonard groaned. "God help us all. And maybe bring some aspirin."