Chapter 56 – The First Meeting
In the conference room.
Quietly, she activated her Light of Judgment skill. A faint glow appeared above every person's head—most shone in hues of white and green, signaling loyalty and sincerity. But two caught her attention immediately: one burned red, a sign of deceit, while the other flickered in black, a dangerous omen of hidden intent. Bai Xia's expression didn't change, but she marked them both in her mind.
Stella, standing beside her, began the meeting smoothly. "President Bai, all departments are present and ready to deliver their reports."
Bai Xia nodded and took her seat at the head of the long glass table. "Then let's begin."
The finance head, a middle-aged man with a calm but calculating expression, stood first. "Madam President, in terms of funding, our initial capital investment has been successfully transferred. The company's liquidity remains stable, and our projected quarterly growth sits at around fifteen percent once product development begins."
"Good," Bai Xia said simply, her tone level but commanding.
Next was the Public Relations head, a sharp young woman who spoke with practiced elegance. "We've begun establishing connections with local media networks and social channels. Our campaign will highlight XB Group as a rising force of innovation—a company led by youth, ambition, and modern creativity."
Bai Xia nodded slightly. "Continue in that direction. We'll need the public's favor soon."
Then came the Human Resources department, reporting on recruitment and staff organization; the Design department with updates on their fashion concepts and preliminary sketches; and finally, the Technology department. The head of tech, a man in his late twenties named Liu Cheng, looked both excited and nervous as he stood.
"President Bai, our department is fully operational. The equipment and systems have been installed, and we're currently running tests on hardware stability. We've also hired several talented engineers from major universities."
"Excellent," Bai Xia replied, her tone softening a little. "I'll speak with you personally after the meeting."
As the reports concluded, Bai Xia rose from her chair, her expression calm but resolute. "Everyone, I'm satisfied with your performance so far. However, we're not here to remain ordinary. XB Group will enter the fashion industry, and eventually—" she paused, her eyes sweeping the room, "—the tech industry as well. Our goal is to redefine luxury and technology together."
The employees exchanged amazed looks. Such ambition coming from someone so young shocked them—but her confident tone left no room for doubt.
"My elder sister, Bai Xuan, will be in charge of the Fashion Department," Bai Xia continued. Bai Xuan stood gracefully, giving a polite bow. Her composed and elegant manner immediately set the tone for the department's future.
Bai Xia's lips curved slightly. "Work hard, everyone. Let's make XB Group a name that the entire nation will remember."
The moment she dismissed them, the room erupted with applause and cheers. The young president's determination had already begun to inspire loyalty.
---
Back in her office, Bai Xia finally took a breath. The large space radiated quiet power—the walls were sleek glass framed with warm mahogany, a modern chandelier hung overhead, and one entire side of the office opened into a panoramic view of the bustling city below. A grand mahogany desk sat near the window, with neatly stacked files, a silver laptop, and a small vase of white orchids that gave the room a serene contrast.
Stella entered, standing respectfully.
"Find a solid reason to dismiss that person I showed you earlier," Bai Xia said calmly, her eyes not leaving the window. "And keep an eye on the other one."
"Yes, ma'am," Stella replied immediately.
"And tell the head of tech to come in when you leave."
"As you wish."
The moment Stella exited, Bai Xia leaned back in her chair. Though she appeared relaxed, her thoughts moved sharply. A company can't afford even one rotten seed. I'll give them a chance—but only once.
A soft knock came. "Come in," she said.
Liu Cheng entered, carrying a folder. "Good morning, President Bai."
"Please, sit," she said, gesturing toward the chair opposite her.
He obeyed, sitting stiffly, trying not to look intimidated by her presence.
"In a few days," Bai Xia began, "I'll give you the blueprint and prototype for a project I want developed for mass production. But for now, I'll hand you a few simpler blueprints to begin with."
Liu Cheng's curiosity was obvious. "May I ask what the main project is, ma'am?"
"A camera," Bai Xia said.
His eyes widened. "A camera? What kind of model?"
"You'll see when I finalize it." Her tone was calm but mysterious.
She passed him several documents—designs drawn in clear detail, her own ideas rendered with surprising technical precision. As Liu Cheng scanned the blueprints, his expression grew serious. "President Bai, this... this concept is ahead of its time. Did you design this yourself?"
"I did. Just follow the instructions exactly."
He nodded respectfully. "If my team works overnight, we can deliver a working sample by tomorrow morning."
"Perfect. I'll wait for your good news."
He left the room, still astonished by her talent.
---
A little while later, Bai Xia set down the file she'd been reviewing and rubbed her temples. The office had grown quiet, sunlight spilling gently across her desk. She picked up her phone, staring at it for a moment before dialing a familiar number.
When the call connected, she softened her voice. "How are you? Have you eaten?"
Fu Jian's tone on the other end was deeper than usual—serious, even. "I'm fine. I was just about to call you."
"Oh? Why?" Bai Xia teased, smiling faintly. "Did you miss me?"
"I did," he replied simply, his voice low. Then, after a pause, "But there's something else I need to tell you..."
Bai Xia's smile faded slightly. She could sense it from his tone—something important, something different from his usual warmth. Her hand gripped the edge of the desk unconsciously.
"What is it?" she asked softly, her voice calm but laced with worry.
Fu Jian's silence on the line stretched for a few seconds before he finally spoke—his words carrying a weight that made Bai Xia's heart tighten.