Liyon

Work consumed you completely, crowding out everything else, including food and sleep. The mirror reflected your haggard face, the dark circles under your eyes had become a part of you, and your clothes hung like sacks. Liyong, your boss, noticed it. He was the only one who looked at you with concern. He never crossed the line, but his attitude toward you was always different. He advised you to take care of your health, but you just brushed him off.

The peak came at an important meeting with investors.

White spots swam before your eyes. Your colleagues' voices sounded like they were being heard under water. You tried to straighten the papers, but your fingers wouldn't obey. The last thing you remember was Liyon's frightened look and the way he jumped up before the world went completely dark.

You came to on the couch in his office. Your head was pounding and your mouth was dry. Hearing your rustling, he turned around abruptly.

"It's okay. I'll just have a bite and..." you whispered, trying to sit up.

“No,” he snapped.

"What do you mean, 'no'?" You froze, struck by the coldness in his tone.

• You are no longer working today.

“But we still need…” You tried to get up, but he was next to you in two steps, literally pinning you to the sofa.

"You're barely standing!" His voice broke. "I'm not going to wait until you collapse, not from hunger, but from a stroke. I might not make it in time a second time. Get ready."

“I can get there myself...” You stubbornly reached for your bag, feeling your hands shaking.

Liyon loomed over you, blocking out all light. His composure, which he had maintained for months, had finally collapsed.

"If you start arguing now, I'll just give the order and have you physically carried out. Don't test my patience."

You looked at his face. He was no longer the gentle boss. Now he was a man who would go to great lengths to save you from yourself.

"You're... a complete tyrant, aren't you?" you breathed out.

• Today, yes.

You expected him to help you up, but Liyong did something different. Instead, he easily lifted you into his arms and carried you out of the hall, straight to his car.