Chapter 55 — The CEO's First Step
The rest of the week passed in a blur of exams, revisions, and short nights. Before Bai Xia even realized it, Friday had arrived — marking the end of her mock entrance exams.
By Saturday morning, sunlight poured through the silk curtains of her room, scattering golden rays across the floor like liquid glass. The faint hum of the city below reached her windows, but her thoughts were already focused elsewhere.
"Stella," Bai Xia's calm but lively voice broke the silence, "today we're going to see the office building."
"Yes, Miss Bai," Stella replied, holding a digital notepad. "Preparations have been made. All department heads have been informed, and most employees are already in place. Only a few minor positions remain open, but we're handling the interviews this week."
"Good," Bai Xia said with a small nod, satisfaction glinting in her clear eyes. "We'll hold the meeting as soon as we arrive."
Bai Xia rose from her seat. On the vanity table lay a white suit, elegant yet perfectly tailored. She slipped it on — a pure-white fitted suit that hugged her silhouette with precision.
The jacket's sharp lines emphasized her slender waist, and beneath it, she wore a silk blouse that glimmered faintly in the light. Her six-inch heels, also white, added a commanding height to her presence.
She adorned herself with minimalist diamond jewelry — small studs at her ears, a thin silver chain around her neck, and a glimmering bracelet at her wrist.
A Swiss-made watch peeked from under her sleeve, its metallic sheen a statement of both wealth and punctuality.
Her long black hair was tied into a high ponytail, gleaming with a silky luster from her recent beauty treatments. Finally, she slid on a pair of black sunglasses, transforming completely into the image of a cold, untouchable CEO.
Stella, standing beside her, couldn't help but think how the young girl she met months ago now looked like a woman who owned the world.
"Let's go," Bai Xia said, turning gracefully toward the door.
They descended the stairs together. The morning smelled faintly of steamed milk and fried dough sticks — breakfast freshly prepared by Chu Sun.
In the dining room sat Chu Sun, Bai Xin, and Bai Yang, chatting softly over the morning news. The moment Bai Xia stepped in, all eyes turned toward her.
"Jei-jei!" Bai Xin exclaimed, her face lighting up. "You look so beautiful! Like those big-shot businesswomen on TV!"
Bai Xia smiled gently and bent down to pat her sister's head. "Thank you, Xin-Xin. Be good today, okay?"
Bai Yang looked her up and down, his eyes wide with admiration. "Wow, jeijei, you really look like the boss of a huge company."
Chu Sun, who had been pouring tea, paused for a moment, pride and a trace of emotion softening her features. "You look stunning, Xia'er. You've grown so fast. Your father would be so proud if he saw you now."
Bai Xia stepped closer and gently hugged her mother's shoulders. "Mom, I'm going to the company today. It's time to start running things myself."
Chu Sun smiled warmly. "I know you'll do well. Your elder sister, Bai Xuan, is already waiting for you in the car."
"Alright, then I'll be going," Bai Xia said softly. "Don't worry about lunch — I'll call if I'll be late."
As she walked out, the morning light caught her figure perfectly — tall, poised, confident — like the leader she was meant to become.
---
Outside the villa, two sleek cars were parked in front of the driveway. Both gleamed under the sunlight.
The first was a black Lincoln Town Car Signature Series — a long, majestic vehicle with smooth chrome trims and a wide front grille. It represented wealth and quiet power, the kind of car driven by elites and dignitaries.
The second was a gray Toyota Crown Royal Saloon, equally elegant in its own right. With its smooth curves and polished body, it spoke of understated sophistication and comfort.
In 1995, these two cars were not just modes of transport — they were symbols of status. Owning one was already a sign of immense fortune; owning both was the definition of luxury.
True to his word, Fu Jian had sent them on Thursday morning. Bai Xia had originally intended to buy something modest — but Fu Jian, being himself, went far beyond her expectations.
Inside the Lincoln Town Car, Bai Xuan sat waiting. She was dressed elegantly in a cream-white gown blazer paired with matching heels. Her long hair cascaded down in soft curls, held by a pearl pin that shimmered with each subtle movement.
Her makeup was light but refined — a soft rose tint on her lips, light blush on her cheeks, and just enough eyeliner to make her eyes sharp yet kind.
Around her neck was a simple string of white pearls, timeless and graceful.
When Bai Xia entered, Bai Xuan looked up with a smile. "Morning, little sister."
"Morning, sis." Bai Xia smiled back as she slid into the seat beside her. Stella got into the driver's seat, and the car smoothly glided down the long villa driveway.
---
The drive into the city took nearly forty minutes. As they approached the central district, the scenery changed — from quiet suburban streets to bustling urban life.
Tall glass buildings lined the roads, reflecting the blue sky in gleaming waves.
Shops, cafés, and billboards flashed past, each more modern than the last.
This was the business heart of the city, where every inch of land was precious and every building represented power and ambition.
Stella turned down a wide boulevard lined with corporate towers — each displaying its company name in bold, glowing letters.
And then, as they drove further, Bai Xia's eyes caught the sight of her own.
The building stood tall among the others — twelve floors of polished glass and silver metal, with the bold letters XB CORPORATION shining across the front in sleek chrome.
The sun hit the mirrored glass, casting a diamond-like gleam that drew attention from everyone passing by.
A wide driveway led into a spacious parking area, enough for dozens of vehicles. Two decorative fountains framed the entrance, and a line of neatly trimmed hedges bordered the walkway.
"It's beautiful," Bai Xuan murmured, gazing out the window. "I didn't expect it to look this grand already."
Bai Xia smiled faintly. "Stella did well."
Inside the main lobby, everything was immaculate — the floor was white marble, polished to a shine that reflected the light from the crystal chandeliers above.
At the far end stood a reception counter made of glass and silver metal, behind which several receptionists greeted them warmly, all dressed in neat uniforms embroidered with the XB logo.
"Welcome, Miss Bai!" they said in unison, bowing slightly. Their voices echoed softly against the marble walls.
Employees passed by, eyes filled with curiosity and admiration. They all knew who she was — the youngest female CEO in the city, the girl whose name had been flashing on every business headline since last month.
Bai Xia nodded slightly in acknowledgment, her heels clicking sharply on the floor as she and Bai Xuan followed Stella toward the elevator.
As they ascended, Stella spoke briefly, updating her on the departments.
"The design team and marketing division are on the sixth floor, logistics and finance on the eighth, and production planning on the tenth," she explained. "The top floor is reserved for your office and executive meetings."
Bai Xia listened quietly, nodding from time to time. Her reflection in the mirrored elevator doors looked calm and mature — but inside, her heart was fluttering with quiet excitement.
When the elevator chimed open, a rush of cool, perfumed air greeted them.
The top floor was breathtaking. It was a world of glass and elegance — floor-to-ceiling windows revealing the entire cityscape, modern furnishings with a blend of silver, white, and soft blue tones.
To one side was a large office desk made of polished wood and glass, with a small potted bonsai placed carefully on the corner.
Behind it hung a sleek metal plaque engraved with:
XB CORPORATION — Innovation for the Future
Bai Xia took a step forward, letting her fingers brush the edge of the desk. For a moment, a quiet smile curved her lips.
This — all of this — was hers. The company she built from nothing. Her empire's first pillar.
"Miss Bai," Stella said softly, "everyone is waiting in the conference room."
Bai Xia nodded, straightening her blazer. "Then let's not keep them waiting."
---
The conference room was spacious and filled with soft natural light. About two dozen people sat around the long oval table — the newly recruited department heads and senior managers of XB.
The moment Bai Xia stepped inside, a hush fell over the room. All eyes turned toward her — admiration, curiosity, even a touch of disbelief.
To them, she looked nothing like a high school girl. She was poised, sharp, and impossibly confident — the aura of a true leader.
"Good morning, everyone," Bai Xia said, her voice clear and even. "I'm Bai Xia, the founder of XB Corporation. Today marks the start of our journey together."
Her tone wasn't loud, but it carried power — a quiet dominance that filled every corner of the room.
"I know most of you have come from different companies, leaving behind stable positions to join something new — something uncertain. But XB isn't just another corporation."
Her gaze swept across the table, calm yet fierce. "We're going to set a standard. We'll bring modern innovation into this old world. We'll build something that lasts."
A few department heads exchanged impressed looks. Stella, standing beside the projector, couldn't help but smile proudly.
Bai Xia continued, her words flowing naturally. "In the coming weeks, we'll launch our first official project. Marketing will focus on brand development; production will ensure quality without compromise; and logistics will prepare for national distribution. I'll be personally overseeing the creative and investment divisions."
Her voice softened slightly at the end. "Let's work hard together — and when success comes, it'll belong to all of us."
The room erupted into polite applause, genuine and full of energy. Bai Xia took her seat at the head of the table, crossing one leg elegantly over the other. She was no longer just Bai Xia, the girl with exams and part-time dreams.
She was Miss Bai Xia — CEO of XB Corporation.
As the meeting began, sunlight streamed through the glass windows, painting her in gold. For the first time in a long while, Bai Xia felt it deeply —
She was finally back.
Back where she belonged.