Why should we consider his thoughts?

The morning sunlight streamed through the blinds, casting dappled patterns on Meng Yihe's spotless desk. He had arrived half an hour earlier than the scheduled start time and had already prepared his second cup of black coffee.

His assistant stood to the side, a capable Beta woman with an exceptional grasp of data.

Meng Yihe quickly browsed through the industry briefings and email summaries that Lin Xueyue had placed on his desk. His slender fingers slid rapidly across the tablet, his brows furrowed slightly, and he would occasionally use his expensive electronic pen to underline key points or make annotations.

Lin Xueyue stood aside, holding her breath and waiting for instructions. She knew that her boss was demanding, but his professional competence was impeccable.

“This market data is outdated; it’s from three months ago. Redo it.” Meng Yihe didn’t even look up, her voice icy. “The meeting with Hengyuan is postponed to next week. All non-essential schedules this week will be rescheduled for the ‘Spark Program’.”

"Okay, Director Meng." Lin Xueyue quickly took notes.

“In addition,” Meng Yihe finally looked up, “help me pull up the brand adjustment data of all shopping centers under the group over the past five years, especially the changes in customer traffic and sales per square meter. I need to see a preliminary analysis before noon.”

"Yes, I'll take care of it right away."

After the assistant left, only the aroma of coffee and the soft sound of Meng Yihe typing on the keyboard remained in the office.

He pulled up the photos and sketches he had taken at the mall the day before, displaying them side-by-side with the CAD drawings and market analysis reports on his computer. The structural problems and practical factors such as power load that Cui Yu had pointed out yesterday were now being considered as parameters.

He moved beyond simply outlining the vision of an "art gallery" and began to concretely consider how to achieve similar effects using movable installations and holographic projections. He also started estimating the costs and expected traffic generation effects of these soft investments. He compiled a list of inefficient brands that needed to be removed, along with estimated penalties for breach of contract.

At the same time, we began drafting the direction for recruiting target brands and the initial screening criteria.

He re-examined the circulation plan and considered how to guide passenger flow and revitalize dead-end areas through lighting design and wayfinding system optimization in the areas that Cui Yu emphasized as "immovable load-bearing columns" and "pipeline restrictions".

His work style is extremely aggressive, focused on the problem itself. His mind works at high speed, breaking down, absorbing, and transforming everything he saw, heard, and felt yesterday into actionable strategic points.

One noticeable change is that when he is conceiving each "highlight," the questions that Cui Yu might raise will involuntarily pop into his mind.

“This crossover art exhibition idea is good, but…” That guy will definitely ask about security costs and insurance premiums.

"Bringing in this light meal restaurant fits the positioning perfectly, but..." Its kitchen needs renovation, and increasing the power capacity is another troublesome matter.

"A pop-up shop will be set up in the atrium on the first floor..."

Yes, he would probably agree on that point; it has high liquidity and high rental income.

He would even subconsciously mark some wild ideas in the documents as "to be evaluated for feasibility by the operations department" instead of directly including them in the plan as before, but Cui Yu's suggestions were indeed very practical.

At noon, when Lin Xueyue brought in the preliminary data report, he found Meng Yihe pondering over the brand information of a high-end boutique supermarket on the screen.

“President Meng, the conditions for attracting tenants to this supermarket are extremely stringent, with very high requirements for the property and subsequent operations,” Lin Xueyue cautiously reminded her. She knew her boss’s dedication to high-quality brands, but she was also worried about the difficulties.

In the past, Meng Yihe might have said, "Conditions are for negotiation; if they can't meet the requirements, it's a problem with their ability."

But today, he simply nodded slightly and tapped the table with his finger.

“I know. Compare their detailed requirements with the property condition assessment report provided by Director Cui, list the gaps and possible negotiation points, and give it to me before you leave work.”

Lin Xueyue blinked slightly in surprise. President Meng actually took the initiative to liaise with the operations department first? She immediately replied, "Okay, understood!"

By the afternoon, Meng Yihe had compiled a very detailed draft framework for the "Spark Program" strategic positioning and preliminary implementation plan.

This draft not only includes his usual expertise in market analysis, brand strategy, and vision, but also unusually adds annotations on potential implementation difficulties, preliminary risk assessments, and key points requiring close cooperation from the operations department.

Meng Yihe stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the bustling traffic below. He picked up his now-cold coffee and took a sip, his brows furrowing habitually. But without even realizing it, a challenger's smile crept onto his lips.

Cui Yu, your ledger and my blueprint—we'll see who ultimately leads this "spark."

The thought swirled in his mind, bringing with it an unprecedented excitement.

He had mostly scoffed at his past competitors, deeming them short-sighted or foolish. But Cui Yu was different; that guy's tenacity was based on equal levels of professionalism and insight, which instead stirred up Meng Yihe's long-dormant competitive spirit.

He even began subconsciously simulating how Cui Yu might attack him.

"What about the cost-effectiveness ratio? Mr. Meng, passion alone won't be enough to explain to the board of directors."

He could almost hear Cui Yu's questioning voice tinged with amusement.

"This timeframe is too idealistic. Considering the uncertainties in investment negotiations and the project, at least a two-month buffer period should be reserved."

That guy will definitely say that.

"Tsk." Meng Yihe clicked her tongue in displeasure.

But his fingers honestly opened a new document and began preparing data support and alternative plans for several key nodes in his solution.

He absolutely cannot let that guy laugh at him.

Just then, the internal phone rang; it was assistant Lin Xueyue.

"Mr. Meng, Director Cui from the Operations Department just had his secretary send you an email with a preliminary property condition assessment and risk warning list for the 'Spark Plan.' He said... it's for your reference to facilitate 'efficient communication' later."

Lin Xueyue's voice was somewhat cautious, clearly indicating that he was aware of the delicate relationship between the two directors.

Meng Yihe was taken aback.

He hadn't even gone to him yet, but he'd already come to him on his own initiative?

"Send it to me."

He gave the order in a cold tone, but inwardly he was on high alert.

What's this guy up to now?

Opening the email revealed an extremely detailed PDF document attached. It listed almost all the hardware limitations of Xinghua Plaza, from its building structure and electromechanical systems to fire safety regulations and even the impact on surrounding traffic. The document was well-organized, the data was accurate, and it incisively pointed out several real "castles in the air" problems in Meng Yihe's design.

This is not a provocation at all, but a professional collaboration that is worth a fortune.

Meng Yihe's fingers tightened slightly as he quickly browsed the mouse, his emotions a jumble of thoughts.

On one hand, Cui Yu's insight was indeed sharp; every problem he pointed out was fatal. On the other hand, he actually shared this information proactively, instead of waiting until the meeting to use it as a weapon against him?

The email body was only one line long, and it still had that same smug, punchable tone:

[Cui Yu]: Director Meng, here's some reference material that I hope will help your 'blueprint' be implemented more quickly. I look forward to your specific solutions.

(smiley face.jpg)

Meng Yihe: "..."

Looking at the smiley face, Meng Yihe could almost picture the ambiguous smile on Cui Yu's face when he sent the email.

He leaned back in his chair and remained silent for a long while.

Suddenly, he picked up his phone, hovered his finger over the screen for a moment, and finally quickly typed a few words and selected send.

[Meng Yihe]: Received, thank you.

After sending the message, he seemed to have made a major decision, placing his phone face down on the table and refocusing his attention on the data analysis on his computer screen.

Meanwhile, on the other end of the phone, in the office of the operations director.

Cui Yu looked at the concise and somewhat stiff words on the screen and chuckled softly.

It's really not easy to hear a "thank you" from him.

He replied with a simple "You're welcome."

Then I opened the chat interface with Cui Xuyue.

[Cui Yu]: What do you want to eat tonight? I'm in a good mood today, so you can order.

【Cui Xuyue】: ? ? ? Bro, are you possessed? You're actually asking me what I want to eat! I want braised pork ribs! And braised prawns!

【Cui Yu】: ...Your requirements are quite high, fine, but what do you mean by being possessed? That's not right.

[Cui Xuyue]: Hehe, thank you, brother.

Putting down her phone, Cui Yu looked out the window, a smile lingering in her eyes. The challenges of work and a certain secret anticipation seemed to have lessened the melancholy of bearing heavy responsibilities alone in the past.

But what was lit up by the "spark" was perhaps not just that old shopping mall.

After finishing processing the last document that needed signing, Cui Yu glanced at the time; it was much earlier than usual when he left work. He remembered his promise to Cui Xuyue that morning, and a smile unconsciously curved his lips.

He picked up his phone, sent a message to his assistant to let him know he was leaving, then grabbed his coat and walked briskly out of the office. As he passed Meng Yihe's office, he subconsciously glanced at the closed door, thinking that the fiery-haired cat was probably still inside, locked in a fierce battle with data and plans.

I drove to the supermarket and bought the freshest pork ribs and shrimp, and also picked up a box of blueberries that my younger brother likes.

When they returned to their quiet little villa, the setting sun had just bathed the rooftops in a warm golden hue.

Pushing open the door, a familiar sense of warmth enveloped me. Cui Xuyue hadn't come home from school yet, and the house was quiet.

Cui Yu took off his suit jacket, rolled up his shirt sleeves to reveal his well-defined forearms, and walked straight into the kitchen. He put on an apron and skillfully began preparing the ingredients. Washing rice, steaming it, blanching the ribs, mixing the sauce, cleaning the shrimp… his movements were fluid and effortless, showing no trace of the shrewd, strategic figure he usually was at the negotiating table; he seemed more like a domestic, loving husband. Soon, the kitchen was filled with an irresistible aroma.

This was a rare moment of relaxation for him.

Only here, he wasn't the Enigma who needed to disguise himself, nor the scheming Director Cui, but simply his brother Cui Yu.

As the braised pork ribs bubbled enticingly in the pot, and the braised prawns turned a glossy red, the sound of a key turning came from the doorway.

"Brother! I'm back! Wow! It smells so good!"

Cui Xuyue's voice rang out with the sound of his schoolbag hitting the ground. He darted into the kitchen like a puppy, following the aroma, his eyes sparkling as he looked at the food in the pot.

"I really made braised pork ribs and prawns!"

"Otherwise what? When have I ever lied to you about something I promised you?"

Cui Yu gently tapped her younger brother's hand, which was trying to steal some food, with a spatula.

Go wash your hands and eat right away.

At the dining table, the two brothers sat opposite each other. Cui Xuyue, her cheeks bulging from eating, kept praising, "Brother, your cooking is getting better and better! Whoever marries you will be so lucky!"

Cui Yu picked up the biggest shrimp for him: "Even eating can't shut you up. Just eat your food and stop worrying about useless things."

“It’s not useless at all…” Cui Xuyue said softly, then continued eating.

Watching her younger brother eat with satisfaction, Cui Yu suddenly remembered something, got up, took out an inconspicuous paper bag from beside her briefcase, and handed it to Cui Xuyue.

"Oh, right, I bought these for you. The new barrier patches and strong inhibitors are inside your backpack, just in case."

Cui Xuyue paused for a moment, took the bag, and muttered softly, "Okay... thank you, brother."

On the other side, Starworld Group.

The last vestiges of noise in the office fell silent, leaving only the low hum of the central air conditioning. Meng Yihe rubbed his sore eyes, the light from the computer screen casting flickering shadows on his slightly pale face. The evaluation report sent by Cui Yu was still open on another screen, glaring yet impossible to ignore.

His long, slender fingers tapped unconsciously on the table, his gaze sweeping over the cold numbers and clauses. But his mind kept replaying the resolute look on Cui Yu's face when he pointed at the load-bearing pillar that day.

There was also a faint, almost imperceptible, woody scent inside the car.

"Tsk." He closed the document with some annoyance, as if that would shut out the haunting figure.

He refocused his attention on his plan, trying to regain the confidence he once had in complete control. He found himself modifying details—such as changing the fixed structure to a movable one, or adding an alternative suggestion regarding electrical load.

Almost all of them subconsciously avoided any questions that guy might raise.

This feeling made him very uncomfortable, as if his territory had been silently encroached upon.

He leaned back abruptly in his chair, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Why do we have to consider his opinion?

Outside the window, the city lights shone brightly, while the operations department building across the street was already completely dark.

Sitting alone in the bright light, Meng Yihe felt inexplicably that the huge office was excessively empty. He took a deep breath, suppressed the inappropriate feeling in his heart, sat up straight again, and threw himself into his work with even greater effort, as if only in this way could he dispel those inappropriate thoughts.