The First Encounter

Lingling's Morning Routine

The rhythmic click of Lingling's designer heels echoed against the marble floor as she strode into the towering glass building of her company, Kwong Corp. Her perfectly tailored black suit hugged her slender frame, exuding power and elegance. Each step was a testament to the precision that governed her life.

Her assistant trailed behind her, rattling off the day's appointments but Lingling only half-listened. Her mind was already processing the quarterly reports she'd skimmed at five in the morning. Everything had to run like clockwork—just like her.

As she slid into her spacious office, the faintest crease appeared on her brow. Something was off. No, not with the company—the financial projections were flawless. It was something more... primal.

Her caffeine levels.

"Where's my coffee?" she snapped, her voice like a blade slicing through the air. The desk, usually pristine, was conspicuously empty of the comforting, porcelain cup she'd come to rely on.

Her assistant froze, clutching the tablet nervously. "The usual café had a delay, ma'am. I had to—"

Lingling raised an eyebrow, her patience thinner than a sheet of paper. "A delay? My coffee's late? Is that a corporate emergency or just incompetence?"

Her assistant stammered, clearly caught between apologizing and the fear of Lingling's icy stare. "I'll call them immediately, ma'am."

"No need." Lingling's voice was as frosty as the morning air outside. "Cancel my first meeting. I'll handle this myself. Someone has to maintain standards around here."

The Coffee Shop: Orm's World

Blooming Beans was a chaotic, cozy corner of the world where time seemed to pause. The scent of freshly roasted coffee beans mixed with the smell of cinnamon and sugar, the space feeling like a patchwork quilt of mismatched chairs and quirky art.

Behind the counter, Orm was in her element, expertly maneuvering between orders, joking with customers and tossing out playful remarks like confetti. She was a social butterfly with a sharp tongue and her café? Her kingdom.

A particularly flustered customer leaned on the counter, eyes wide. "I'm serious, Orm. Your coffee is the only thing keeping me sane right now."

Orm raised an eyebrow, her tone teasing. "You sure it's the coffee or just me? Because I'm starting to think you're addicted to my charm, not the coffee."

The woman laughed nervously, unsure if Orm was joking or not. "Well, maybe both?"

Orm grinned, raising an eyebrow. "Good answer. Flattery might get you a free cookie—might."

She turned to the next customer, her confidence growing. "Alright, darling, you want the usual or are we trying to avoid being boring today?"

As she slid the latte across the counter, she heard the bell above the door chime. Her grin widened as she turned to greet the new customer.

"Welcome to Blooming Beans! Be prepared to have your mind blown by the best coffee in town!" Her playful banter filled the room but the atmosphere shifted when she finally noticed the serious-looking woman walking in.

The Collision: Their First Meeting

The bell above the door chimed softly as Lingling entered the café, her presence immediately commanding attention. The space was warm, filled with the comforting smell of roasted coffee beans but Lingling's rigid posture made the air feel ten degrees colder. Her movements, sharp and deliberate, felt out of place in the café's cozy, laid-back atmosphere. Her heels clicked loudly on the hardwood floor, each step a reminder that she was a person who didn't waste time.

Orm caught sight of her from behind the counter, raising an eyebrow. This woman didn't look like the usual type to stop by for a coffee. She looked like she could be here to audit her finances, not enjoy a cup of coffee.

"Well, hello there," Orm greeted with a teasing lilt, leaning casually against the counter. "Let me guess—iced black coffee, no sugar?"

Lingling didn't even look at her, keeping her eyes ahead. "Medium latte. Oat milk. No foam."

Orm raised an eyebrow. The woman had an edge to her—a sharpness that couldn't be faked. "No foam, huh? You must run a tight ship. What are you, a CEO or something?"

Lingling's gaze flickered toward her for the briefest moment. "Yes."

Orm smirked, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. "Well, well, nice to meet you, CEO." She began preparing the latte. "Tough day ahead?"

Lingling's voice was cold and clipped, yet respectful. "Just coffee. No small talk."

Orm couldn't resist teasing, her tone playful but sharp. "Fair enough. But if you're a CEO, you've gotta be used to pressure. How do you survive all that without losing your cool?"

Lingling's eyes met hers for a brief moment, but her expression remained unreadable. "I'm here for coffee. Not a therapy session."

Orm didn't miss a beat. "Got it. One latte, no foam. No frills."

She slid the cup across the counter. "Here you go. Try not to freeze anyone out on your way out."

Lingling took the cup, her face still unreadable. She took a sip, her eyes briefly flicking to Orm before quickly averting them. "It's fine," she said, her tone flat.

Orm watched her, leaning casually on the counter, unable to hide her grin. "I'd say 'the best' but I'm not sure that's your style."

Lingling's lips barely twitched, but it was enough to make Orm pause. Had she—no, it couldn't be. Maybe she'd cracked through?

Lingling straightened up, slipping back into her CEO persona. She turned, heels clicking decisively as she walked towards the door.

"Don't forget to smile next time, CEO! I heard it's good for business," Orm called out playfully, watching her leave.

Lingling froze for the briefest of moments, her back still turned. Orm couldn't see her face but the faintest shift in her posture—shoulders relaxing, a tiny tilt of her head—made Orm wonder. Had she smiled?

But then, as if nothing had happened, Lingling walked out the door.