Bai Zhiqi had just finished sorting through the feedback reports when she decided to deliver them personally to the editing department. It was quieter this time of day, with most staff focused on meeting their deadlines. The hushed hum of printers and distant tapping of keyboards echoed in the corridor as she turned the corner near the conference rooms.
Then came the bump.
She collided sharply with someone, and the folder in her hand slipped, scattering papers across the glossy floor.
A dramatic gasp followed.
"Oh, how clumsy," Zhao Min said mockingly, taking a deliberate step back as if Bai Zhiqi had personally launched herself at her. "You should really watch where you're going."
Bai Zhiqi calmly knelt, collecting the scattered documents without looking up. "You walked into me."
Zhao Min clicked her tongue, folding her arms with a smirk. "How convenient. Must be nice to throw blame around when you're used to being handed everything."
Bai Zhiqi looked up at that, eyes narrowing. "I earn what I get."
"Do you?" Zhao Min snorted. "Because last I checked, interns don't get picked up in luxury sedans after work. Or get private calls from Han Su. Who are you really, Bai Zhi?"
The name was laced with venom.
From nearby cubicles, a few heads discreetly peeked out. The tension was thick—charged. Everyone was already whispering. Now it was exploding in real time.
Bai Zhiqi stood, her eyes calm but unyielding. "It's none of your business."
"Oh, but it is," Zhao Min snapped, stepping closer. "We work the same hours, do the same tasks, but somehow you get special treatment. People are starting to talk. And you—walking around like you're better than the rest of us."
"I never claimed to be better," Bai Zhiqi said coolly. "But clearly, I'm getting under your skin."
Zhao Min's face flushed, stunned by the directness. "You think just because you dress a little better and keep quiet, you're untouchable?"
Bai Zhiqi met her glare without flinching. "No. I just don't waste time with unnecessary noise."
A voice cut through the air like a whip.
"Zhao Min. Bai Zhi."
Both women turned.
Standing a few feet away was *Su Ming*, Director of the Department. His sharp suit and serious expression made the entire hallway still.
Silence fell.
His eyes moved between the two, cool and assessing. "Care to explain why there's a shouting match going on outside the editing bay?"
Zhao Min instantly shifted her stance. "Director Su, I was just—"
"I wasn't talking to you," he interrupted coldly, then looked at Bai Zhiqi. "Miss Bai?"
Bai Zhiqi straightened. "It was just a misunderstanding, Director Su. I'll ensure it doesn't happen again."
Su Ming's gaze lingered on her for a second longer, before he turned back to Zhao Min. "It better not. This is a workplace, not a high school hallway. If I hear anything else, disciplinary action will follow. Understood?"
Zhao Min swallowed hard and gave a tight nod. "Yes, Director."
"Good. Get back to work."
As he turned to leave, he paused near Bai Zhiqi, lowering his voice just enough for only her to hear. "Don't let distractions interfere with your focus, Miss Bai. You're here for a reason."
"I won't," she said quietly.
He gave a small nod and walked off, leaving behind a tense silence.
Zhao Min glared but said nothing else. She stormed off toward the lounge area, her heels clicking like daggers.
Back at their desks, *whispers resumed*.
"She must know someone high up…"
"Did you see Director Su take her side?"
"I thought she was just an intern…"
Behind the murmurs, Qiao Wei, who had witnessed the whole scene, leaned over to Lin Ke'er, her expression tight.
"She handled that well," Qiao Wei muttered.
Lin Ke'er nodded, her brows furrowed. "Zhao Min's always been petty, but she's picking the wrong fight this time."
"We need to watch her back," Qiao Wei added. "Rumors are flying, and she's clearly being targeted."
"I already am," Lin Ke'er said softly, eyes following Bai Zhiqi as she disappeared down the corridor. "Whatever her past is, she's not the enemy here."
And as the day moved on, so did the quiet storm brewing under Lingfeng Media's polished walls.