Chapter 72 - Summons
The next morning, XB headquarters.
The sun was sharp but gentle as it filtered through the glass windows of the main building, streaks of warm light reflecting off polished marble floors. Employees greeted one another in the lobby, the energy crisp and alive—almost buzzing. After the previous night, Stella had already sent out urgent notices to all department heads, requesting an early morning conference meeting.
When Bai Xia entered the company gates, the guards straightened immediately.
"Good morning, Chairman."
She nodded faintly, her pace steady and graceful.
After the scene with Fu Jian the previous night, her mood was unusually light—so subtle, only someone who knew her well would notice.
But Bai Xia was Bai Xia.
Even when happy, she held herself with quiet dominance.
---
Inside the conference room, the air was filled with a slight tension—the focused, productive kind. Stella stood near the screen, tablet in hand, her expression serious.
"Chairman has arrived."
Immediately, every department head stood.
"Good morning, Chairman Bai."
Bai Xia took her seat at the head of the long table.
"Sit."
Stella tapped her tablet, and the meeting began.
One by one, department heads presented their monthly summaries—projects completed, product launches, marketing outcomes, logistics performance, distribution efficiency. The digital innovation department proudly reported the market response to their digital signage prototype; the media department reported the explosive viewership of the product showcase event; the investment department reported inquiries from multiple companies hoping to collaborate.
Bai Xia listened quietly, fingers lightly resting against the table.
She rarely interrupted—but when someone spoke vaguely, her gaze would sharpen, and the head immediately corrected themselves.
After nearly forty minutes, the reports concluded.
Bai Xia tapped the table once—soft, but the whole room stilled.
"You've all done well this month," she began, voice calm, clear.
"Especially in the tech sector. XB has gained attention—both from consumers and competitors. This is good. And also expected."
Some managers smiled in quiet pride.
"But," she continued, her gaze sweeping the room, "we are not only a tech company. We are building a brand foundation. A legacy. Next week, I will be going for my entrance exams. I will not be in the company for several days."
Stella subtly stepped forward, ready to note decisions.
"So," Bai Xia continued, "during my absence, department operations must maintain stability—no internal disputes, no delays. Stella will be my temporary proxy. Major decisions will still require my approval."
Everyone nodded. No one questioned it.
Then—
She leaned back slightly, her voice steady:
"Since our current presence in the tech sector has already created a wave, we will now begin preparations to enter the fashion industry."
There was a ripple of surprise and excitement.
Immediately, a chair slid back.
Bai Xuan stood.
Dressed professionally in cream and deep brown, with a composed elegance that was distinct from Bai Xia's quiet dominance, Bai Xuan stepped forward.
"The Fashion Division has already completed foundational work," Bai Xuan said, projecting calmly. "We have sketches for our first seasonal line—dresses, shoes, handbags, and jewelry. Several prototypes have been completed and are ready for viewing."
A murmur of approval and interest spread around the room.
Then applause.
Not forced—genuinely impressed.
Bai Xia gave a small nod.
"Good. We are moving according to schedule."
When the applause settled, she rose.
"Meeting dismissed."
Chairs slid back, papers gathered, and respectful bows followed as everyone filed out.
---
Bai Xia walked toward her office. Stella followed closely behind, sorting documents and speaking in a low tone about scheduled calls and internal work requests.
Once inside the office, the room's soft calm embraced her—the faint scent of sandalwood, sunlight across the desk, the quiet hum from the air purifier. Bai Xia sat, exhaling lightly.
The phone on her desk rang.
Stella answered first, then handed it over.
"Chairman, there is someone requesting to see you."
"Who?"
"A girl named Ruby."
Bai Xia paused.
"…Send her in."
A few seconds later, the door opened.
Ruby stepped inside—nervous, hands clasped together, her clothes simple but neat. Her beauty was striking but understated, the kind that didn't need embellishment.
She bowed slightly.
"Chairman Bai… you asked to see me?"
Bai Xia studied her expression—still soft, still timid.
In her previous life, Ruby had been a supermodel who dominated runways both domestically and internationally. But right now—she didn't know her own potential.
Bai Xia's voice softened by a degree.
"I like your look. Your poise. I want you to model for our upcoming fashion line."
Ruby's eyes widened.
"Model…? Me? But… I've never modeled before. I don't think I'm qualified—"
"You are," Bai Xia interrupted, tone firm but gentle.
"And training will be provided. You don't need experience. You only need to trust that you are capable."
Ruby bit her lip, uncertainty flickering.
Bai Xia added quietly:
"And I don't choose wrong."
Ruby's breath caught. The confidence in Bai Xia's tone struck deep.
"…Then… I'll do it."
Bai Xia smiled lightly.
"Good. Come with me."
---
They headed to the Fashion Department.
The department was located on the fourth floor—a large open-concept workspace with floor-to-ceiling windows. Mannequins stood lined along one wall, each draped in partially completed garments. Long tables held fabric samples, beadwork, leather swatches, and design boards pinned with sketches. The air carried the soft scent of cotton, thread, and freshly steamed textiles. Sewing machines hummed softly in the background, while designers moved quickly, measuring fabric and pinning prototypes.
It was a space alive with creativity.
As soon as Bai Xia stepped inside, the room paused—then quickly formed a respectful half circle.
"Chairman Bai."
But before Bai Xia could speak—
The door opened again.
Stella hurried in, face unusually tense.
"Chairman—there's an urgent call for you."
Bai Xia's brows drew together slightly.
She stepped outside the department and took the phone.
Her father's voice came through—deep, heavy, and grave.
"Bai Xia… our family has been summoned by the village chief—"
The hallway fell silent.
Her expression began to change.