17 17

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The birthday party ultimately became a topic of conversation within the circle, albeit a secret one, over Xu Jia's painting.

Throughout the week, undercurrents were swirling within the Lu Group, but outside the office of Design Director Lin Ruoyin, everything appeared unusually orderly and quiet.

Several older shareholders on the board did indeed frown, their gazes towards Lin Ruoyin becoming more scrutinizing, but they didn't readily voice their accusations. This was because, in just two short days, she had quelled the chain of events triggered by the departure of three core designers from the design department with astonishing efficiency.

She spent an afternoon behind closed doors with the heads of Design Departments 1 and 2, reviewing the progress, resources, and responsible persons for all projects.

“We’ll fill the gaps with internal promotions and project team reorganizations,” she said calmly, her fingers swiping quickly across the tablet to bring up the profiles of several senior designers and promising newcomers. “The core creative direction of key projects cannot be changed, but the execution details can be adjusted. I will personally handle communication with lost clients.”

She personally met with the clients of the three designers' most important projects, frankly discussed the personnel changes, and offered more attractive follow-up service plans and minor design adjustments, successfully retaining most of the core clients.

At the same time, she swiftly promoted two experienced and reliable senior designers from within the department to temporarily assume the responsibilities of supervisors, and launched a short-term incentive plan for all designers, clarifying in advance any additional bonuses that might arise due to project changes. In no time, the panic and uncertainty within the design department caused by staff turnover were quickly quelled by her tangible benefits and clear prospects.

As for the whispers from the outside world, Lin Ruoyin didn't even bother to respond. She attended necessary industry meetings as usual, speaking with composure. When she moved through various occasions impeccably dressed and with an impeccable professional demeanor, those probing and gloating gazes could only reluctantly look away, at least not daring to show it in her presence.

While Lin Ruoyin was putting out fires one by one and carrying out her usual work...

"President Lin," Assistant Xiao Tang knocked on the door, holding an urgent document that had just been received, "The overseas project department urgently reports that our 'Xingyu' flagship store project in Southeast Asia has been unilaterally halted by our local partner."

Lin Ruoyin raised her eyes, her brows furrowing slightly: "The reason for stopping?"

"They said... the project plan doesn't comply with the latest environmental protection regulations, and the approval process is stalled." Just as Xiao Tang handed over the documents, the internal phone rang.

The news reached Lin Ruoyin's ears at the same time it reached the Lu Group's senior management.

"Xingyu" is not only a key move for Lu's Group to enter the high-end tourism retail market, but also a strategic benchmark for its globalization and rejuvenation of its brand. Initial investments have exceeded one billion yuan, and cooperation agreements with numerous international brands and top resorts have been signed. If the project fails, it will not only result in huge economic losses, but also a devastating blow to Lu's Group's international reputation and the future of its brand.

The atmosphere was somber at the emergency board meeting.

The head of the overseas project department, with beads of sweat on his forehead, described the current situation: "The new regulations are too specific, leaving no room for us to negotiate. We contacted three top local law firms, and they all agreed to try to find a breakthrough by examining the wording of the regulations themselves, but the chances are slim."

"The attitude of our partners is also strange. They don't say they'll help, but they always make excuses about needing time to study it and needing internal coordination. I feel..." He paused, as if choosing his words carefully, "...they may be under pressure, or they may be waiting and seeing. The communication channels we previously established have all been blocked."

“The most pressing issue is time. Even if we win through conventional legal proceedings or government lobbying, it will take years.” His Adam’s apple bobbed, and his voice lowered. “We can’t afford to wait. Every day is a seven-figure loss, not to mention the hidden losses such as brand reputation and partner breaches of contract. If it drags on for three months, this project… could really collapse.”

The harsh reality silenced all those present.

After a long pause, a shareholder surnamed Wang slowly spoke up: "I heard some news, but I don't know how accurate it is. The local alliance that is pushing for the new regulations, although it rejects most foreign capital, is open to and very interested in the concepts of 'digital art' and 'technology empowering cultural heritage'."

He glanced at the crowd, his voice steady yet tinged with a hint of probing: "As far as I know, just last month, the Digital Heritage Conservation Foundation under Mohe reached a joint research agreement with the academic institutions of that alliance on 'using holographic projection and VR technology to restore the appearance of local endangered ancient villages.' The cooperation between the two parties is very in-depth."

As expected, the name "Mohe" instantly stirred up a complex ripple effect.

All eyes instinctively focused on Lin Ruoyin and Lu Hongxuan.

As if oblivious to the stares, Wang continued in his flat tone, "In the business world, there are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests."

“In the business world, there are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. That’s true,” another shareholder surnamed Chen said thoughtfully. “But the problem is, Mohe has what we want. But what can Mohe get from us?”

Shareholder Wang coughed lightly, a shrewd and ambiguous look on his face, and said slowly, "The word 'interest' can be broad or narrow, and takes many forms. The key is who is negotiating and how they are negotiating."

He paused, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping over Lin Ruoyin's serene profile before quickly shifting away, his tone becoming increasingly suggestive: "It's all up to human effort."

Lin Ruoyin sat coldly upright, her face expressionless, only her eyelashes trembling almost imperceptibly. She could feel the complex gazes directed at her from all directions.

Just as the atmosphere became awkward and stagnant, Lu Hongxuan, sitting at the head of the table, finally spoke. His face was expressionless, but his voice was steady and carried an undeniable determination: "'Xingyu' is a strategic project for the group, and there can be no mistakes. Contacting Mohe to explore the possibility of cooperation is a necessary attempt at the moment."

He didn't look at Lin Ruoyin, nor did he heed Wang's ambiguous hints. Instead, he turned his gaze to Shen Yi, who was sitting on the other side of the long table and in charge of strategic investment and overseas business.

“Chen Yi,” Lu Hongxuan said, naming him, “you will take the lead in handling this matter. Establish a temporary working group and set up formal communication channels with Mohe as soon as possible. Remember, we are seeking a win-win cooperation based on business logic. Be proper in your attitude and be clear about your bottom line.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Yi immediately sat up straight and nodded solemnly: "Understood, Chairman. I will get started immediately."

The meeting ended with Lu Hongxuan's approval. As everyone left, Lin Ruoyin tidied her notes and overheard Shen Yi whispering to his assistant, instructing them to immediately retrieve all publicly available information and cooperation cases of Mohe and Xu Jia in Southeast Asia.

She stood up and walked towards the door.

"President Lin," Shen Yi called out to her from behind.

Lin Ruoyin stopped and turned around.

Shen Yi walked up to her with a polite, businesslike smile: "Regarding the design and core branding of 'Xingyu,' we may need your team's strong support to provide some materials and ideas. After all, you are the one who knows this project best."

Lin Ruoyin nodded: "Of course, Mr. Shen will give the order at any time."

...

Three days later, one afternoon, Lin Ruoyin received a call from Secretary Chen in the chairman's office: "President Lin, the chairman requests that you come over now. President Shen is also here."

Upon hearing the last four words, Lin Ruoyin knew what to expect. "Okay."

Pushing open the door to the chairman's office, Lu Hongxuan was sitting behind his desk. Shen Yi was sitting in a chair opposite the desk. When he saw Lin Ruoyin enter, he sat up straight and nodded to her.

"Chairman, President Shen." Lin Ruoyin sat down next to Shen Yi.

Lu Hongxuan couldn't hide the seriousness in his eyes. His gaze fell on Lin Ruoyin's face.

He got straight to the point, "Chen Yi has already made initial contact with Mohe. Let him tell you the details."

Shen Yi's voice was filled with obvious frustration: "President Lin, to be honest, the process of contacting him was very difficult. We tried to reach out and arrange meetings through every channel we could think of, but the person we were in contact with at Mohe kept giving us the runaround, saying that President Xu's schedule was full and it was inconvenient to make arrangements. In the end, we had to use the connections of an elder who had a relationship with Xu Jia in Hong Kong to barely manage to schedule a five-minute phone call."

He paused, his tone becoming complex: "When the call connected, I briefly explained the difficulties the Lu family was facing in Southeast Asia, and our intention to collaborate by leveraging Mohe's influence and resources in the local digital art field, adopting a very humble approach. But Xu Jia..."

Shen Yi glanced at Lu Hongxuan, then at Lin Ruoyin, seemingly considering his words: "After listening, he was silent for a few seconds, and then... he said one sentence."

"What did you say?" Lin Ruoyin asked.

Shen Yi cleared his throat and repeated as verbatim as possible: "'Discuss cooperation? Sure. But the Lu family should send someone else to talk to me first. Let me see your sincerity.'"

The office fell silent instantly.

The air seemed to freeze for a few seconds.

Lu Hongxuan remained calm, his fingers tapping lightly on the smooth mahogany table, producing a rhythmic "tap, tap" sound.

Lin Ruoyin's heart skipped a beat for a moment, then slammed back into her chest.

Let's find someone else.

The person's intentions seem all too obvious.

Lu Hongxuan was silent for a moment, then looked at Lin Ruoyin: "Ruoyin, what do you think?"

Lin Ruoyin raised her head and met Lu Hongxuan's gaze. In those eyes, there was a complex emotion that was hard to detect at the moment.

She thought for a moment and then realized that Lu Hongxuan's summons of her, along with Shen Yi's presence, already represented a certain decision. The questioning was merely giving her an opportunity to express her opinion.

She took a deep breath, suppressing the surging emotions in her heart.

“Chairwoman,” her voice was steady, “the ‘Star Island’ project is related to the group’s future strategic layout and international reputation. Since Mohe is currently the most likely channel to help us get things done, we should try whatever conditions they propose, as long as they are within the framework of law and business ethics.”

Lin Ruoyin paused, trying to sound polite: "President Shen has already done a lot of work and worked very hard. If the other party insists on having someone else contact them, then as the project design director and brand manager, it would be more appropriate for me to communicate with them from a professional perspective."

Lu Hongxuan looked at her, a barely perceptible sigh flashing in his eyes, but more than that, a heavy entrustment.

“It’s good that you think that way.” He nodded. “I’ll leave this to you. If you need any support, just come to me.”

“I understand, Chairman.” Lin Ruoyin stood up. “I will arrange a meeting with the Mohe side as soon as possible.”

Lin Ruoyin returned to her office and stared blankly for a while before taking out her phone.

"Let someone else talk to us."

The words Shen Yi relayed echoed in her mind, carrying a cold resonance. She understood the subtext: Xu Jia wanted to see her.

Lin Ruoyin looked at her phone's contact list.

Should I contact him directly?

That's too personal; it blurs the lines.

She hoped this would be a business meeting devoid of any personal emotions.

Lin Ruoyin slid her finger down and found Zhou Hui's work phone number.

The phone rang a few times before being answered. Zhou Hui's voice was as formulaic as ever: "Hello, this is Zhou Hui from Mohe Technology."

"Assistant Zhou, hello. I am Lin Ruoyin from the Lu Group." She introduced herself. "I would like to schedule a meeting with President Xu to discuss the potential cooperation between the Lu Group's 'Xingyu' project and your company. When would be a convenient time for you, President Xu?"

There was a brief silence on the other end of the phone, as if Zhou Hui was also processing the call. After a moment, his voice came through: "President Lin, please wait a moment, I need to check President Xu's schedule."

A moment later, Zhou Hui's voice rang out again: "President Xu has a free period between 3 pm and 4 pm tomorrow."

"Okay, I'll be at Mohe at 3 PM tomorrow."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Ruoyin leaned back in her seat and slowly closed her eyes.

tomorrow.

We'll be meeting again.