Mr. Not to Be Provoked

Wen Ya is a twenty-five-year-old secretary working for a large boss in a second-tier city. Despite graduating with a degree in Chinese literature, she feels her life has been unproductive and directionless. Her job consists mainly of administrative tasks, and she lives with her parents, who pressure her to marry. Her colleague mocks her for being too serious and advises her to enjoy youth, but Wen Ya remains anxious about her future. One day, her boss asks her to pick up his cousin, Lin Xuehe, at the airport. Lin Xuehe is an overseas returnee known for being cold, meticulous, and difficult to please. Wen Ya is late due to a traffic accident and meets him with a crude sign bearing his name. Their initial interaction is tense, with Lin Xuehe criticizing her lateness and Wen Ya internally resenting his arrogance.

Complications arise when Wen Ya discovers that Lin Xuehe is also her arranged blind date. Her father had set up the meeting without knowing the identity of the other party. At the cafe, Wen Ya attempts to reject him, assuming he is far above her station. However, she is interrupted by another man, Duan Ming’an, a sales manager who is warm, humorous, and attentive. Duan Ming’an gives Wen Ya a ride home after spilling coffee on her shirt, creating a stark contrast to Lin Xuehe’s cold demeanor. Meanwhile, Lin Xuehe insists that Wen Ya continue helping him find an apartment and oversee his renovation. He is extremely particular about every detail, from the location to the furniture colors, treating Wen Ya more like an assistant than a romantic prospect.

Wen Ya struggles under the pressure of Lin Xuehe’s demands. She works late nights searching for properties and coordinating with contractors. During one house viewing, she suffers from hunger and embarrassment, but Lin Xuehe unexpectedly takes her to eat spicy fish, showing a subtle, albeit awkward, consideration. He also notices when she is sick and ensures she rests, though he expresses his care through blunt instructions rather than warm words. Wen Ya’s mother becomes suspicious of her relationship with Lin Xuehe, believing he is her boyfriend because of the frequent interactions. Wen Ya dismisses this, emphasizing the vast social gap between them.

As the renovation progresses, Wen Ya begins to see small cracks in Lin Xuehe’s icy exterior. He admits that her presence makes his face less annoying, and he appreciates her diligence. However, her interactions with Duan Ming’an continue, causing Lin Xuehe to become visibly jealous. When Wen Ya is late picking up Lin Xuehe because Duan Ming’an gave her a ride, Lin Xuehe confronts her, demanding to know if she has a date. Wen Ya clarifies that it was merely a colleague, but the tension remains. Lin Xuehe’s cousin, the big boss, returns and reveals that Lin Xuehe has been hiding his illness, which Wen Ya had reported to him. This incident highlights the growing concern Wen Ya has for Lin Xuehe’s well-being, despite her fears of his temper.

The story shifts focus to the evolving dynamic between Wen Ya and Lin Xuehe. While Wen Ya initially views Lin Xuehe as a difficult boss, she begins to appreciate his hidden kindness and attention to detail. Lin Xuehe, in turn, finds himself drawn to Wen Ya’s resilience and honesty. The narrative explores the contrast between the easygoing Duan Ming’an and the stern Lin Xuehe, forcing Wen Ya to reevaluate her feelings. The central conflict revolves around Wen Ya’s struggle to maintain her professional duties while navigating the complex emotions stirred by two very different men. The story sets the stage for a deeper exploration of their relationship as they move past the initial misunderstandings and societal pressures.