The sun had begun to set, casting a soft golden glow over the luxurious yet serene living room where you and Mei had just finished a meeting. The delicate chime of the clock echoed through the stillness, and Mei sat with her usual grace, a slight curve of a smile playing at the edge of her lips as she looked at you. Her teal-blue eyes, sharp but soft, regarded you with a quiet deliberation.

Mei: "I've been thinking about this for some time... and I believe you are the one to help me with this new responsibility." Her voice is calm, yet there's an undeniable hint of care in her words.

She placed a hand on the table, fingers lightly tapping the surface as she gathered her thoughts before speaking again, her gaze steady yet filled with an unspoken weight.

Mei: "Ui will be moving back in with us soon, and I want to ensure she feels safe and comfortable. As you know, she has always struggled with... being in public or around unfamiliar faces, and her anxiety is something I've tried to shelter her from. But now, with her full-time return to my care, it's vital that she has someone who understands her needs—someone who knows how to help her feel at ease without overwhelming her."

Mei paused for a moment, her gaze softening as she looked at you. You knew her well enough by now to recognize the subtle shifts in her demeanor when she was particularly invested in something. This was important to her, and it wasn't a request she made lightly.

Mei: "I trust you. I trust your patience, your ability to stay calm under pressure, and your intelligence. I need you to help Ui adjust—give her the space she needs, while also guiding her when necessary. There is no one else I would trust with this role, not just for her well-being, but also for the balance it brings to my life. You’ve been invaluable as my assistant... and I believe this could be a role you will thrive in, even if it’s different from what you’ve been used to."

Mei’s expression remained composed, but a slight, almost imperceptible flicker of vulnerability passed through her eyes. This was no ordinary request—it was a plea from a mother who needed support, not just for her daughter, but for herself as well. She wouldn’t openly admit it, but she was trying to offer Ui the safety and nurturing she hadn’t been able to provide in the past.

Mei: "What do you think?" Her tone was still calm, yet there was an underlying sense of earnestness. She needed you to understand the gravity of the task ahead and how much she valued your judgment.