C13 A Heartstirring Meeting

Xiong Miao scoffed, "I'm certainly capable of designing. But as employees, it's your duty to assist your superiors with their work! On the day of the new product launch, my design will leave you all speechless."

"We're willing to help, but if your design fails to make the launch a resounding success, then you'll have to post a video admitting that you're nothing but a homewrecker, using your looks and body to climb the corporate ladder," retorted Chen, a distant relative of Ling Xiaoxiao. She had secured her job thanks to Ling Xiaoxiao's connections.

At that moment, Chen was firmly on Ling Xiaoxiao's side. Xiong Miao, a woman with a mysterious background, dared to challenge Zhan Yeling's authority! Chen was not about to let her off easy.

"And what if I do succeed?" Xiong Miao challenged, her confidence unshaken. She had never been bested in design.

Her graduation project was not only top of her class but had also caught the attention of an international company that purchased the rights to it.

It was a minor copyright, and she wasn't well-known, nor did the company pay much, but it was a testament to her talent.

"If you succeed, we'll all acknowledge your leadership. From that point on, we'll follow your orders without question," Chen declared, her voice carrying the weight of her influence among her peers, who all respected her.

"Fine, it's a deal. For the next half month, you'll need to support my work. Now, get this fabric report done," Xiong Miao commanded, dropping the file on Chen's desk before striding back to her office in her clacking high heels.

From that day on, everyone focused on their tasks. Despite their cool demeanor towards Xiong Miao, they didn't shirk their responsibilities.

Xiong Miao, meanwhile, immersed herself in understanding the design direction and materials, working tirelessly on her designs.

A week flew by in no time.

Today, Zhan Yeling was scheduled to visit the Design Department for an inspection and a meeting.

For some inexplicable reason, Zhan Yeling was particularly invested in this new product launch.

The meeting room had been ready for some time, and the department heads were all seated.

As the Design Department manager, Xiong Miao was, of course, waiting for the senior executives to arrive.

Clutching a stack of documents, she stood at the meeting room entrance, anticipating the CEO's arrival. Today, she was dressed in a black professional women's suit, though the sleeveless dress was a tad short, prompting her to occasionally tug it downward.

While she was adjusting her dress, the sound of firm, confident footsteps approached. She looked up to see a man in a black suit, tall and muscular, exuding a commanding presence as he strode toward her.

Xiong Miao's nerves instantly tightened, and she stood erect, her gaze fixed on the man as he drew nearer, her breath catching in her throat.

As Zhan Yeling's imposing figure drew close, his shadow enveloped her petite frame, his overwhelming presence making it difficult for her to breathe.

She averted her eyes, too nervous to remember the welcome speech she had meticulously prepared.

The meeting room door was ajar, and Zhan Yeling gave her only a cursory glance before entering.

That brief look, however, sent Xiong Miao's heart racing, her pores seeming to open in response.

"Manager Xiong, please come in," Gu Yi called out.

Snapped back to reality by his voice, Xiong Miao suddenly remembered her significant role for the day. The rapid beat of her heart had made her momentarily forgetful, leaving her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Inside the meeting room, everyone sat with formal posture, except for Zhan Yeling, who was relaxed at the head of the rectangular table, legs casually crossed, his long fingers idly drumming on the surface. His laid-back demeanor did nothing to lessen the authority he commanded, and his cool gaze was still intimidating.

Gu Yi entered alongside Xiong Miao and took a seat beside Zhan Yeling. "Manager Xiong, you may begin the design presentation."

Taking a deep breath, Xiong Miao pushed down the nerves Zhan Yeling's commanding presence had stirred within her. She straightened up and confidently walked toward the projector.

Since she had completed all the designs herself, she was the only one who could provide the necessary explanations.

As Xiong Miao approached the head of the rectangular conference table, a wave of panic overtook her. She felt dizzy, her vision blurred, and suddenly, she stumbled and fell. A collective gasp echoed through the room, yet everyone remained silent, not daring to speak.

Xiong Miao realized she had fallen onto someone. The breath above her was sharp and cold. She briefly lost consciousness but quickly came to, feeling a chill down her spine. Looking up, she locked eyes with a man whose gaze was as dark and piercing as obsidian, exuding an icy authority.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she hurriedly tried to get up, apologizing, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."

Xiong Miao stood up quickly, but her dizziness caused her to wobble and brush against the man beside her once more. As she steadied herself and turned around, she was met with his strikingly handsome face, so cold it seemed it could shed ice.

Her eyes widened in shock.

His handsome features were dark with anger, and his deep gaze was sharp and piercing, as if he could tear her apart right there.

In a fluster, Xiong Miao nodded and apologized again, "I'm sorry, Director Zhan. It wasn't intentional."

Zhan Yeling clenched his jaw in frustration.

The nerve of that woman! Didn't she realize the gravity of the situation?

Did she think that by pulling such a stunt, he would give her a second glance?

How utterly naive!

Gu Yi, sitting next to Zhan Yeling, had seen the whole incident unfold. Having been Zhan Yeling's constant companion, he was well-acquainted with him and could see the subtle shift in his usually indifferent gaze.

They were always composed, never swayed by anyone. Yet here was Director Zhan, visibly angered and clenching his teeth over an accidental fall and touch from a woman.

Could it be that Director Zhan harbored feelings for this woman beyond his usual icy demeanor?

It was quite the curiosity.

Their normally frosty Director Zhan seemed to be touched by anger.

But this wasn't the time to indulge in curiosity.

"Cough, Manager Xiong, watch your step. You can begin now," Gu Yi interjected just in time, diffusing the tension in the room.

Xiong Miao felt a wave of gratitude for Gu Yi's timely intervention.

She took several deep breaths to steady herself before approaching the projector. She powered up her computer, displayed the contents of her USB drive on the large screen, and started to explain her design concept.

"This new product launch is primarily aimed at young women. I've chosen to use the theme of spring to capture the essence of their vitality and youthfulness..."

The recent hiccup had thrown Xiong Miao off balance, and she had forgotten her prepared speech. She had no choice but to improvise.

While she spoke, she couldn't stop herself from glancing at Zhan Yeling's reaction. The man himself was a picture of stillness, reclining casually with a brooding gaze. He wasn't looking at the projector but directly at her.

A sense of panic fluttered in Xiong Miao's chest, leaving her feeling unsettled.

Why was he looking at her?