Daughters of the Elite

She went to the library at her school in the late evening. Fortunately, not many people study on school grounds after dark, but she enjoyed it. Song Ren was more productive during the late hours, and she got many things done.

Engrossed, in her studies, Song Ren received a notification from WeChat. It was from her best friend, Zhang Wei. He asked her, "Have you eaten yet?"

Song Ren did not notice she was hungry until he asked.

"No." She sent back.

"All right. Where are you? I'll bring food."

"I'm at my school library," Song Ren responded.

"See you later."

Song Ren closed the chat and proceeded with her studies. Zhang Wei was a friend she made during the final school year of secondary school, as he was also part of the student council. He was quieter and reserved, though he opened up when he grew more comfortable. He also helped her immeasurably throughout the school year when she was president.

A half-hour later, Zhang Wei dropped a bag of take-out. She could see it was a container of rice, steamed vegetables, and deboned fish through the transparent container top.

"Thank you; you are a godsend, Zhang Wei." Zhang Wei smiled as he took a seat in front of her.

Song Ren took her container and wooden chopsticks and asked, "How's your family?"

"My mother is doing better. One of my brothers left the city, and I haven't heard from him in months."

Song Ren looked at him, puzzled. "Why are you telling me this now?" she asked.

"I was hoping he would return since we did nothing wrong. But I knew it was over since he didn't attend my eldest' brother's wedding."

"What? He didn't attend?" she asked, puzzled.

"No. And I don't know why."

Zhang Wei looked trouble, but Song Ren knew that she could relate. Zhang Wei has six brothers and one sister. They all grew up rather poor, but Zhang Wei enrolled in school with a scholarship. And at lunch, he would starve, but Song Ren always provided him lunch years ago.

"I'm sorry to hear," she began, "I know you've done the best you could to keep your family together. Give him some more time."

Zhang Wei nodded, and the mood grew gloomy.

"Sheng is back," she said.

"Really?" he asked. His eyes sparkled as if to give him some hope about his brother.

"Yes," she said.

"You don't look so happy," he observed and noted.

"Sheng resigned from the company and decided to join my uncle's. He betrayed my father," she responded.

Zhang Wei's eyebrows furrowed, "Wait," he began. "Does that not make you the heiress of the Song Pharmaceuticals?"

"Indeed," she replied.

He smiled, "that's great!"

Song Ren smiled back grimly. "I don't know what he's thinking, but I never imagined myself as the future CEO."

Zhang Wei smiled again, "You did well as president before. I am almost certain you will do well again."

Song Ren kicked him under the table, "Zhang Wei, you're truly are a good friend."

Zhang Wei smiled grimly. He was not particularly handsome, but he had always been there for her. And Zhang Wei wondered when he would delve the courage to confess the feelings he harboured for her all these years. Song Ren was exceptionality beautiful and intelligent; thus, he knew that he was not good enough for her.

But knowing she was the next CEO, he hoped that she would consider love over duty towards the company. Suddenly he found the courage, but was interrupted when Song Ren said, "I'm engaged."