*Bael's POV*
Bael arrives at headquarters at seven fifty-one.
The private elevator carries him to the executive floor, where the same particular quality of morning quiet waits before the rest of the day's machinery starts moving. He has been away for more than a week. Nothing looks different. Everything has been running exactly as it should, which is the point of building something that doesn't require you to hold it up personally every day.
Outside his office, Shen Rui is behind his desk, while Pei Xuan and Mu Huang stand to the side with folders in hand. They greet him as he approaches, Pei Xuan quickly stepping forward to open the office door.
Bael nods, passing them to enter. Shen Rui steps in after him with the morning files, while Pei Xuan and Mu Huang remain outside to manage the executive floor.
