Chapter 34: A Secretary’s Debut and a Locked Door

He knew deep down that their actions this time had indeed been too rash. They had failed to properly consider the implications beforehand and hadn’t fully heeded Su Ruoxi’s warnings, which ultimately led to their current predicament.

“So, what about her?” Song Yanhua, having somewhat composed himself, pressed on with his question.

Su Ruoxi pondered for a moment before replying, “I’ll go myself. It’s high time I properly thanked her for saving us all those years ago. Had she not intervened then, I, along with the other members of the action team, would likely be six feet under by now. We certainly wouldn’t be standing here, speaking as we are.”

****

Meanwhile, on the other side, Bai Mengqi had changed back into her female form inside the car, instantly reverting to the appearance of the seemingly innocent young secretary.

As she and Zi Yanran stepped into the company building, the employees who caught sight of Zi Yanran each reacted as if they had witnessed something extraordinary.

Their eyes widened, their faces etched with astonishment.

“Is that President Zi? My goodness, she looks so young and beautiful today!”

Many employees couldn’t help but whisper amongst themselves, perplexed by Zi Yanran’s sudden transformation, their minds buzzing with speculation.

Indeed, Zi Yanran never typically dressed this way. Her appearance today was as surprising as the sun rising in the west.

Yet, some of the more seasoned employees in the company, observing Zi Yanran’s radiant new look, pondered for a moment before offering their own insights.

“I’d wager President Zi is in love,” one veteran employee chuckled.

Those nearby listened and nodded in agreement, finding the suggestion quite plausible.

Zi Yanran, however, remained utterly unconcerned by their observations. She simply led Bai Mengqi directly towards the group conference room.

A particularly crucial meeting was scheduled for today, one that would gather all of the group’s senior executives.

She also intended to use this opportunity for Bai Mengqi to familiarize herself with the key personnel, as Bai Mengqi, in her future role as dedicated secretary, would inevitably interact with these executives frequently.

While Bai Mengqi might not have been particularly enthused by the prospect, from Zi Yanran’s viewpoint, it was an essential step.

By the time they arrived at the conference room, it was already bustling with attendees. Upon seeing Zi Yanran enter, each of the executives looked visibly startled.

“Well, well, little Yanran, what’s with the youthful attire today?” Some executives, roughly the same age as Zi Yanran’s father, couldn’t resist a playful jab at Zi Yanran.

Zi Yanran simply offered a faint smile upon hearing this, before replying, “Uncle Wu, I’m hardly old, am I? I’m only twenty-eight.”

Her words served as an instant reminder to many in the room, and only then did everyone truly grasp that Zi Yanran was, in fact, a young woman not yet thirty.

Typically, perhaps because of her demanding work, she always projected an image of maturity and composure, leading many to almost forget her actual youth.

Soon, everyone settled into their seats.

Zi Yanran cleared her throat and then spoke, “Allow me to introduce you all. This is Bai Mengqi, my newly appointed dedicated secretary. Moving forward, she will assist me in managing various affairs and relaying tasks and information.”

Zi Yanran introduced Bai Mengqi with evident enthusiasm.

The executives listened, their thoughts racing. They had, of course, been aware that Zi Yanran was hiring a dedicated secretary, but none had anticipated a secretary so remarkably young and stunningly beautiful.

Several of the younger executives present found themselves captivated by Bai Mengqi’s striking looks, their gazes involuntarily drifting towards her.

Many, observing Bai Mengqi’s exquisite features, secretly harbored some rather inappropriate thoughts.

This was, perhaps, quite normal; after all, most men found themselves utterly defenseless against a beautiful woman.

Noticing all eyes on her, Bai Mengqi offered a polite greeting to the assembled group. In this manner, introductions were implicitly made.

With the formalities concluded, the meeting commenced.

The Zijing Group’s meeting today was of considerable importance, primarily focusing on energy-related matters.

It was revealed that the group planned to collaborate with an international company on an energy development project, a venture poised to be the most significant for Zijing Group in the coming years.

Major projects like this, involving international partnerships, typically involved the participation of relevant national agencies. They were far from being mere undertakings of a private corporation.

Furthermore, many aspects required strict confidentiality. Particularly, the technological components could not be compromised under any circumstances.

A leak would constitute an illegal act, inevitably prompting an investigation by the authorities, and the repercussions would be severe.

Beyond these concerns, during the course of the meeting’s discussions, Bai Mengqi also gleaned some rather unsettling information.

Specifically, she learned that certain rival companies, or perhaps even organizations, apparently harbored no desire for the Zijing Group’s project to reach a successful conclusion.

Consequently, a multitude of forces were expected to interfere during this crucial period.

During the meeting, Zi Yanran specifically underscored the importance of security and classified information, urging everyone to treat these matters with utmost seriousness.

“Alright, the meeting is adjourned. Everyone, please return and prepare your deployments.”

With all necessary points covered, the meeting concluded. Bai Mengqi and Zi Yanran then made their way back to the CEO’s office.

Within the company, Zhou Xiaodie and others greeted Zi Yanran as they always did. Their demeanor was unfailingly polite and deferential, as if this had become an ingrained habit, a mere formality repeated with every encounter.

Bai Mengqi, standing by, however, found their smiles to be excessively artificial.

Within those smiles, she sensed a hidden agenda, creating an unsettling feeling, though she couldn’t quite articulate what felt amiss.

As Bai Mengqi prepared to turn towards her own office, she heard Zi Yanran’s voice suddenly rise, calling out, “Secretary Bai, please come in. There’s something I need to discuss with you.”

In the hushed office environment, Zi Yanran’s voice resonated with unusual clarity. Bai Mengqi instinctively murmured “Oh,” set down her bag, and unhurriedly followed Zi Yanran towards the executive office.

However, to Bai Mengqi’s utter astonishment, the moment they stepped inside, Zi Yanran swiftly reached out and, with a sharp ‘click,’ locked the office door.

This abrupt action caused Bai Mengqi to freeze, a jolt running through her. Her heart gave a sudden lurch. Filled with bewilderment, she asked, “What are you doing? Why lock the door?”

Zi Yanran narrowed her eyes, a subtle, elusive smile playing on her lips. Right there, before Bai Mengqi, she slowly pirouetted, her posture imbued with a distinctly playful air.

Finishing her turn, she tilted her head and inquired, “Do I look good?”

Bai Mengqi was left utterly flummoxed by this series of actions. ‘She wondered internally why this woman had suddenly become so peculiar, could she have been influenced by the power of a fox demon?’

Nevertheless, she instinctively raised a hand to stroke her chin, as if carefully assessing Zi Yanran. After a moment, she finally replied, “Hmm, from an aesthetic standpoint, it’s quite acceptable.”