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The air was filled with the low hum of servers and the cold, metallic scent of metal. On the huge circular screen, data streamed like a waterfall, eventually converging into a complex map of industry talent. Xu Jia leaned back in his chair, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the armrest, his gaze fixed on several highlighted names.

"Is it them?" His voice was calm, devoid of emotion.

Zhou Hui stood to the side and handed over a tablet with detailed files. "The three designers, aged between 28 and 35, are all graduates of top universities and have been the focus of Lu's company's training program for the past three years."

“Very good.” Xu Jia finally spoke, his voice still steady. “Offer them five times their current salary, guarantee absolute creative freedom, promise to open a personal brand zone on the ‘Mohe’ platform, and allocate 30% of promotional resources to them in the first year. Add a non-compete exemption clause to the contract. I will handle the Lu Group.”

“Understood.” Zhou Hui nodded, his fingers rapidly tapping on the tablet. “Also, the core selling point of Lu’s ‘Heritage’ series, which will be the main focus of the next quarter, is the craftsmanship of Master Xu and several other master craftsmen. The news of our signing Master Xu has already thrown them into disarray. If we were to poach these new talents as well…”

“Cut off the fuel supply.” Xu Jia replied, a cold smile curving his lips. “Doesn’t Lu Yan like to lie in his family’s shadow and be a pampered young master? I’ll show him how long this sinking ship can stay afloat without fresh blood.” He stood up, walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, and looked down at the dazzling city lights below. “I need to see the signing ceremony as soon as possible.”

“Yes.” Zhou Hui paused for a moment, but finally said it, his words carrying a hidden meaning, “In this way, all the pressure on Lu’s Design Department will fall on Director Lin’s shoulders. She has been working non-stop lately to deal with the aftermath of Old Xu’s incident.”

Sure enough, Xu Jia's back stiffened for a moment, but he did not turn around.

“That was the path she chose herself. Protecting a hopeless case always comes at a price.” After a pause, Xu Jia finally added, “…Keep an eye on the Lu Group’s core team, especially the design department. Report any unusual activity immediately.”

"Understood." A knowing glint flashed in Zhou Hui's eyes as he quietly withdrew.

Silence returned to the office. Xu Jia stared at his blurry reflection in the glass window, his face so cold and hard that even he felt a sense of unfamiliarity. Was there satisfaction? A little. The thought of Lu Yan's frantic, impotent rage did offer a slight respite from the fire that had burned within him for five years. But then, Zhou Hui's words pierced that satisfaction like a fine needle—

Won't she be even more tired?

The thought popped up uncontrollably, carrying a subtle yet sharp sting.

He suddenly closed his eyes.

I can't think about it anymore.

Lu's Group, Design Director's Office

Lin Ruoyin looked at the three "Pending Resignation Applications" that popped up in the human resources system on her computer screen.

Applicants: Su Xiao, Chen Mo, Li Wei.

Templated reasons for resignation.

These three people were newcomers whom she had brought under her wing despite opposition, carefully nurtured, and placed high hopes on.

Assistant Xiao Tang stood to the side of the desk, her fingertips unconsciously digging into the edge of the tablet, barely daring to breathe. The only sound in the office was the faint hum of the central air conditioning. She could sense that behind Lin Ruoyin's meticulously made-up face and calm demeanor, something was silently taut, on the verge of snapping.

The internal phone rang at that moment, sounding particularly jarring. Xiao Tang glanced at Lin Ruoyin, and seeing that her gaze was still fixed on the screen, she quickly went to answer it. The voice on the other end immediately made her expression become respectful: "Yes, Secretary Chen... Okay, I'll pass it on to President Lin right away."

After hanging up the phone, Xiao Tang turned to Lin Ruoyin and said cautiously, "President Lin, Secretary Chen from the Chairman's office called. The Chairman requests that you come over now."

Chairman. Lu Yan's father, Lu Hongxuan.

Lin Ruoyin's eyelashes trembled almost imperceptibly. What was bound to happen would happen. The poaching of Elder Xu had shaken the very core of the external craftsmanship; this mass exodus of core designers, however, had directly extinguished the internal engine of innovation. Chairman Lu could no longer stand idly by.

"Understood." As she stood up, she said, "Xiao Tang, compile a list of the unfinished projects those three people have, along with the potential direct losses and cascading effects, as quickly as possible. I need accurate data. Also, notify the heads of Design Departments 1 and 2 to have a meeting in the small conference room in an hour. If I'm not there, have them first develop contingency plans for their current projects."

"Okay," Xiao Tang quickly replied, realizing the seriousness of the situation.

Lin Ruoyin walked towards the elevator, and the mirror reflected her slightly pale face.

As the elevator ascended, I felt a slight sense of weightlessness.

She closed her eyes. What flashed through her mind wasn't just those three names, but also Lu Yan's face, filled with surprise and questioning.

"You and Xu Jia...knew each other before?"

With a "ding," the elevator arrived at the top floor. The corridor was covered with thick carpets, silent, and filled with the expensive woody fragrance and the oppressive feeling unique to the top floor.

Secretary Chen was already waiting at the elevator entrance. This senior assistant, who had served Lu Hongxuan for more than 20 years, had an impeccable polite smile on his face: "President Lin, the chairman is waiting for you."

Lin Ruoyin nodded slightly.

Pushing open the solid wood door, Lu Hongxuan, who was over sixty years old, sat behind a huge mahogany desk, wearing glasses and looking at a document. Hearing the sound, he looked up, took off his glasses, and revealed his usual gentle smile.

"Ruoyin is here, please sit down." He gestured to the chair opposite his desk, his tone casual.

"Chairman." Lin Ruoyin sat down as instructed.

Lu Hongxuan pushed the financial report in his hand to the side.

"You must have seen those three resignation applications, right?" He got straight to the point, his tone calm. "Su Xiao, Chen Mo, and Li Wei. I remember you personally picked these young people up a couple of years ago and focused on developing them, right? Especially Su Xiao, back then you even fought for very lenient creative conditions and incentive programs for her. Some of the senior members of the board of directors even thought at the time that we were spoiling the young people too much."

Lin Ruoyin nodded without changing her expression: "Yes, Chairman. The three of them are indeed very promising and are the backbone of the department's future development. The conditions offered by Mohe exceeded our usual salary and resource framework. From the perspective of personal career development, their choice is understandable."

“I understand, but…” Lu Hongxuan smiled at Lin Ruoyin’s thorough answer, but then changed the subject, “This is a bit of a coincidence. Old Xu was just signed away in a high-profile manner, and then, a few young people were all taken down.” He frowned slightly, “Also, I heard that several projects Lu Yan was involved in have recently run into trouble, and it seems to be related to this ‘Mohe,’ or rather, that President Xu?”

His gaze fell on Lin Ruoyin's face, a look of doubt seeking answers. "Ruoyin, you've always been on the front lines of business, and you have a lot of contact with the outside world. Have you heard anything about Xu Jia? Or, what do you think is his motive for targeting the Lu family?"

Lin Ruoyin's heart tightened slightly.

“Chairman, I’ve done some research on this privately.” Lin Ruoyin carefully chose her words, her tone cautious. “Xu Jiahe and ‘Mohe’ have risen very quickly. The core of their business model is to disrupt tradition and establish new rules. They chose the Lu family as their target, probably because the Lu family has a large market share and a long history in the traditional jewelry industry. The symbolic significance and industry shock of a successful challenge would be the greatest.”

As Lu Hongxuan listened, his fingers unconsciously tapped lightly on the smooth tabletop. The saying "a tall tree catches the wind" was easy to understand.

He looked at Lin Ruoyin, his eyes filled with obvious worry. "Ruoyin, the situation isn't good right now. There are threats from outside, and things aren't peaceful inside either. Several major shareholders are already quite upset about the recent series of incidents. And this time, the design department is under your direct management, so all the pressure will definitely be on you."

Lu Hongxuan spoke with great earnestness.

She saw the lingering worry on the usually composed chairman's brow, thought of Lu Yan's ruined side businesses, and then thought of the mess the design department was in... A deep sense of guilt and self-reproach welled up in her heart.

“Chairwoman,” Lin Ruoyin raised her head, her eyes clear and firm, with a sense of determination, “This matter was due to my lack of consideration. My risk assessment and retention mechanisms for the team were not perfect enough, which caused trouble and losses to the group. I am very sorry.”

Lu Hongxuan waved his hand: "Now is not the time to assign blame. The key is what to do next?"

"I will immediately meet with the head of the design department to discuss contingency plans. We will immediately arrange to take over the unfinished projects of these three people to ensure progress."

Seeing that she wasn't too flustered, Lu Hongxuan's worry seemed to have eased somewhat.

"Ruoyin, I know you've been working very hard lately, with things to worry about both inside and outside the home. That kid Lu Yan... sigh, he can't help you much, and sometimes he even makes things worse. This family, this company, we're so grateful to have you holding things together."

These words of comfort were sincere, but also carried a hint of helplessness and dependence.

Lin Ruoyin felt even more guilty. She pursed her lips slightly, her tone even more earnest: "Chairman, please don't worry too much. I will do my best to handle these matters properly. The Lu family has a deep foundation and cannot be shaken by a few blows. As long as we adjust ourselves in time and deal with things properly, we will definitely be able to get through this crisis."

"Good, I'm much relieved to see your determination and method. Go ahead and do the specifics. If you need any support, just tell Secretary Chen or come to me. I'll try my best to coordinate with the board of directors, but as you know, ultimately it comes down to solid performance and a stable situation."

"I understand, thank you for your trust and support, Chairman."

"Go on, get on with your work. Take care of yourself, don't overwork yourself," Lu Hongxuan gently reminded him.

"good."

After leaving the chairman's office, Lin Ruoyin did not leave immediately. She stood quietly at the door for two seconds and let out a long, silent sigh.

She turned and walked toward the elevator, her eyes even more profound than when she arrived.

As the elevator descended, light and shadow flickered on her face.

Lu Hongxuan chose to trust her again, but this trust now felt incredibly heavy for her.

Because she knew very well that the source of the confusion and anxiety that made Lu Hongxuan feel was not that the Lu family was attracting too much attention, but that she was the one.