Ding Yao wore a light pink bodycon dress today, appearing gentle and intellectual. Her youthful features lacked sharpness, making her resemble a fresh college graduate. However, her actual age likely wasn't too young, given how effortlessly she commanded a meeting attended by over twenty people, including the department director and company executives, without a trace of nervousness.
During the meeting, Ding Yao expanded in detail on the document shared in the department group chat the previous day. She meticulously outlined the department's reform plan, moving from broad strategies to granular details, captivating everyone in the room and pulling them into her rhythm. Even Wen Ran became engrossed, momentarily forgetting Yan Wangshu's presence.
When discussing the optimization of employee promotion mechanisms, Ding Yao emphasized increasing fair competition opportunities for every team member. For instance, the coveted "Apollo Jewelry Design Competition"—a chance for designers to gain recognition—would now offer two additional participation slots from the product design department, alongside existing rules. Though only two slots, this represented an opportunity accessible to all.
The specific rule involved selecting winning designers from commercial design projects in January and June each year. Since it was already July, most assumed the next opportunity would arrive in January. However, Ding Yao delivered her most impactful statement, addressing immediate interests:
"Although it's July, I didn't want our department's talents to miss any opportunities. I've already secured approval from the company to bring this chance forward."
The room held its breath as she continued:
"To ensure fairness, the commercial designs used for assessment will be personally selected by Mr. Yan."
She then glanced toward the back of the meeting room. Everyone turned to look at Yan Wangshu.
Under dimmed lights and from a distance, his features appeared indistinct to most, but Wen Ran saw him clearly. His high browbone and nose exuded aristocratic elegance, while his sharp jawline added a touch of ruggedness. Unfazed by the attention, Yan Wangshu responded calmly:
"I've sent it to your email."
Ding Yao switched the screen to display the assessment project: an aged necklace with an oval white-ice jadeite pendant, accompanied by specifications. She explained:
"This necklace was gifted to Ms. Zhong by her family at birth. For her upcoming coming-of-age ceremony, she wishes to redesign this stone into a ring, with no specific requirements beyond that."
In short, designers were to create a ring using the white-ice jadeite as the centerpiece. Ding Yao added:
"All department designers may submit entries by next Friday."
Given today was Friday, this left only seven days—including weekends—to finalize designs, an extremely tight deadline.
After allowing a moment for reactions, Ding Yao continued:
"To maintain fairness, I won't participate in judging."
When puzzled glances circulated, she clarified:
"The first round will have the director eliminate weaker concepts. The second round will involve Mr. Yan removing unsuitable works. The final round will be decided by the client."
Though fair, the multi-layered process seemed daunting, sparking murmurs in the room.
As Ding Yao concluded, the director stood to share high-level updates:
"The company will prioritize expanding into sinking markets, making our department more crucial than ever."
He expressed full support for Ding Yao's plans.
Before adjourning, Ding Yao reminded:
"The Apollo Jewelry Design Competition is in two months. Confident colleagues should start preparing early."
A designer then asked:
"If I win a slot but need more time, can I defer it to next year?"
Many shared this concern—rushed designs might waste hard-earned opportunities. Ding Yao glanced at Yan Wangshu, who decisively answered:
"Of course."
This assurance settled the room.
"Meeting adjourned," Ding Yao announced, gathering her materials. Colleagues lingered, unwilling to leave before Yan Wangshu. Wen Ran grew uneasy again.
After the director and Ding Yao exited, staff gradually dispersed. Those near Yan Wangshu awkwardly bid farewell, receiving polite nods in return. Ai Wei, abandoning camaraderie, nudged Wen Ran with a meaningful look before smiling at Yan Wangshu:
"I'll return to work, Mr. Yan."
He acknowledged with a hum. Ai Wei hurried off. Wen Ran hurriedly closed her notebook, but before standing, Yan Wangshu asked:
"When are you leaving?"
Assuming he meant resigning, Wen Ran flushed, murmuring:
"I'm staying."
"What?" he pressed.
Meeting his gaze, she repeated louder:
"I'm not leaving."
He studied her silently. Wen Ran stood, stepping back:
"Excuse me, Mr. Yan. I'll get back to work."
As she turned, his voice stopped her:
"What happened to your knee?"
"???" Clutching her notebook, Wen Ran stiffened before slowly facing him:
"Huh?"
Yan Wangshu gestured toward the area around her knee. Wen Ran looked down. She was wearing a skirt today that ended just above her knees, revealing a bruised patch on her kneecap. The bruise had come from accidentally bumping into an office desk the day before.
Wen Ran subtly pulled her leg back:
"It's nothing. Thank you for your concern, President Yan."
After speaking, she disregarded formalities entirely and hurried out of the room. Once outside the conference room, Wen Ran let out a long breath. She mentally reassured herself—since she wouldn't be staying at Carlisle much longer, what did it matter if she'd left a fickle impression in front of the boss?
Forget it! If she avoided him as usual from now on, there'd be no awkwardness!
When Wen Ran returned to her workstation, Aiwei grabbed her wrist:
"You're finally back."
"..."
Aiwei patted her chest:
"Why did President Yan show up today? And of all places, he sat right next to us! I didn't dare say a word the whole time. I nearly suffocated!"
During regular meetings, Aiwei always took advantage of their seating proximity to whisper gossip into Wen Ran's ear. Today, she'd genuinely stayed silent—a true torment for someone as talkative as her.
Ding Yao uploaded the commercial design materials and meeting minutes to the group file. Aiwei opened the online preview and sighed:
"What a shame."
She turned and noticed Wen Ran downloading all materials, immediately pouncing:
"You're joining the competition?"
"Yes."
"But…the timeline's so tight…" Aiwei paused, then decided Wen Ran's obliviousness was at play:
"We're just interns. Isn't this inappropriate?"
Wen Ran tilted her head:
"Why inappropriate?"
"If interns like us win a spot, how do you think the seniors will feel?"
The seniors would inevitably lose face. If they lost face, their days here would likely become difficult.
Hence, Aiwei believed they shouldn't participate. She leaned in gravely:
"After yesterday's incident, even if no one's said anything outright, resentment has taken root. If you push for prominence now, I'm afraid…"
Wen Ran understood perfectly but remained unperturbed. She formulated an excuse:
"Since I've already offended people yesterday, I might as well seize this opportunity."
Aiwei blinked, then reconsidered. That logic held. She couldn't help admiring:
"Well played, Wen Ran."
"Huh?"
"You're brilliant! If maintaining relationships is pointless anyway, why not aim higher? That's some sharp thinking. Impressive!"
Wen Ran smiled shyly. Her actual motivations differed—she simply thought Ding Yao's reforms were fair. The path to the filigree incense box now seemed closer.
At noon, Li Wan sought out Wen Ran after lunch:
"Let me treat you to dinner this weekend for resolving the Mrs. Wang situation."
Having already made plans with Aiwei, Wen Ran politely declined. Overhearing, Aiwei suggested:
"Let's all dine together!"
The trio agreed instantly, creating a three-person chat group.
At 5:15 p.m., Aiwei began packing up. After organizing her belongings, she checked the clock—five minutes remaining. Bored, she fiddled with her nails before glancing at Wen Ran, still hunched over her drafting board. If memory served, Wen Ran hadn't drunk water or visited the restroom all afternoon.
Aiwei felt sympathy for her friend's relentless effort. As a newcomer, standing out wouldn't be easy. The harder Wen Ran pushed now, the greater her potential disappointment later! But Aiwei didn't want to crush her confidence with harsh truths.
The moment the clock struck quitting time, Aiwei shut down her computer—only for disaster to strike. Her screen had barely darkened when Ding Yao emerged from her office.
Crap! Crap! She needed to preserve her diligent-worker image. Aiwei frantically mashed the power button, but the unresponsive computer forced her to shield the dark screen with her backpack.
Ding Yao walked past casually:
"See you all next week!"
She strode out effortlessly. Aiwei exhaled in relief, properly shutting down her revived computer. On her way out, she called:
"See you tomorrow!"
Wen Ran looked up smiling:
"Tomorrow."
The movement made her suddenly aware of her stiff neck. She set down her drafting board, leaning back to stretch.
Before leaving, Aiwei remarked:
"Our new supervisor who clocks out exactly on time…she's really…something."
Wen Ran agreed—it was more than "something." Ding Yao was formidable.
Outwardly, Ding Yao displayed no aggression. Her casual speech erased the typical superior-subordinate distance. Yet in this short timeframe, she'd quietly earned the department's respect.
Yesterday's incident had ostensibly resolved Wen Ran and Xiang Xiaoyue's conflict. In reality, everyone recognized it as Ding Yao forcing Wu Yunshan to discipline her own protégé. Wu Yunshan had built considerable influence over years. The second team members, having benefited from her patronage, naturally supported her.
Logically, this abrupt power shift shouldn't have destabilized Wu's position. Moreover, as a new arrival challenging Wu, Ding Yao's actions risked backfiring. Yet by simultaneously releasing department reforms that boosted tangible benefits for all, Ding Yao had flipped the script. Through calculated moves, she'd established authority while winning hearts.
Wen Ran scanned the office. Though Friday evening was well past quitting time, few colleagues had left. Normally on Fridays, everyone dashed out the moment allowed. Now, driven by competition deadlines and self-interest, they worked diligently overtime without complaint.
Ding Yao preached clocking out on time, even "leading by example." Yet in reality, the team willingly labored extra hours for their own gain. Wen Ran had once believed Aiwei excelled at workplace politics. Now she realized Ding Yao occupied the pinnacle.