Noticing the subtle shift in the room's atmosphere, Shi Nian continued:
"The R&D department does need investment," she continued, "but not for these products. The online reviews and ratings are already poor. Further investment would be unwise."
"Moving forward, I will be directly overseeing the R&D department. Reports will now come to me. I'm reclaiming my mother's former position."
Shi Nian continued, "The acting head will no longer be in charge. Mr. Qing Bai and his team will resume as the lead team, as before. And—"
"Chief Director Shi, what do you mean by this?"
A sharp voice cut into her words.
"The acting head took over the department, and it survived until now because of his efforts," the voice continued sharply, without waiting for Shi Nian's response.
Shi Nian's gaze narrowed.
"You call this surviving? What's your name, researcher?"
"Han Meimei," the woman answered boldly.
Han Meimei didn't think she had done anything wrong.
The R&D department had been in chaos when the acting head stepped in.
Now, with his team in control, things had at least stabilized.
"Well, Han Meimei," Shi Nian said coldly, "this company is under my authority, and you answer to me. If you have concerns, submit a formal report. Do not interrupt me again."
The sharp tone and commanding aura in her voice made Han Meimei falter. Her confidence crumbled, but her pride wouldn't let her back down entirely.
Shi Nian scanned the room. The discontent among the team was written all over their faces. Her words had clearly struck a nerve.
That was fine—they could grumble behind closed doors. But disrupting her in the middle of a directive? That wouldn't stand.
It seemed she had left them with too soft an impression. Just because she lived in Shi Nian's body didn't mean she would accept disrespect in her name.
"Then, Young Mistress—I mean, Chief Director Shi," the acting head, Ding Shun, stood up. "You should take care of the department well."
He turned and walked to the door, his team silently following behind him. Only a few members of the R&D department remained.
It was a deliberate move to disrupt her momentum. But Shi Nian remained unmoved.
Ding Shun slammed the door behind him and stormed off.
Shi Nian continued the meeting as if nothing had happened. It didn't end until an hour later. As the employees exited the room, they murmured among themselves.
She had completely shaken them. Whatever doubts they had before, has almost vanished.
Many let out a quiet sigh of relief as they left the tension-filled room.
Back in her office, Shi Nian had just settled down to review a stack of files when a knock sounded at the door.
"Come in," she said, eyes still on the papers in her hand.
"You didn't come here to look at me, Mr. Ding Shun?"
Without raising her face, Shi Nian already knew who had walked in.
Coming here to meet her felt like a slap to Ding Shun's face, especially after how he left the meeting room. But with no choice left, he had to face her.
He had worked with Cheng Yuemin for decades but was always under the head researcher, Qing Bai.
Over time, he began to feel indignant. After so many years in BaiYue, he believed he deserved to be the head.
A few months ago, his chance came, and he didn't hesitate.
When Qing Bai and his team were in disarray after Madam Cheng's passing, and with Shi Wang deliberately suppressing them, Ding Shun stepped up.
He picked some young, innovative researchers, and with Shi Wang's support, he became the team leader.
Now, Shi Nian had appeared to mess everything up. He couldn't allow that.
He thought she would send for him after the meeting because of the way he left. But she didn't.
She didn't even look for him, and that made him panic.
"Chief Director Shi, is something wrong with my leadership these past few months? It would be unfair if I'm removed just because of your ties with Qing Bai."
Shi Nian looked up calmly.
"Actually, there is. As a leader, you should know the qualities required. Did you live up to them? You already know the answer. One of the most important is teamwork, and you failed to maintain that among the researchers."
Hearing her words, Ding Shun was speechless. No one knew better than him how he had pushed others aside.
Shi Nian spoke again.
"You may not do well as the head, but you've earned your place as your current team's leader."
"I don't agree with some of your work ethics, but your talent is real. BaiYue needs your ability."
"As for the investment, work on your proposal again. If you can improve your product, we'll talk."
Ding Shun felt relieved.
"Thank you, Chief Director Shi."
He was happy that he still had a position—and a chance to continue leading his team.
Shi Nian decided to give Ding Shun a chance because, in her memories, he had been a good person—although somewhat ambitious.
Walking back to his office, Ding Shun realized that Shi Nian had taken complete control of the conversation.
Yet, somehow, her words left him motivated to focus on his team's development.
As soon as he stepped into the room, his team members, eager and nervous, swarmed him.
Without hesitation, he spoke:
"Han MeiMei, don't be so rash next time. The Director is your superior, after all."
His words stunned her—and the rest of the team.
Did Ding Shun go in to express his dissatisfaction… or did he just defend her?!
They exchanged confused glances.
"Director, blink if you're in trouble. Don't say things against your conscience!" they thought in unison.
Before their doubts could escalate, Ding Shun continued.
"Next, we'll focus on improving the product formula. The Director will only invest in us if she sees progress."
He met each of their eyes as he spoke.
"If we want to keep our place in this company—and the jobs we love—we must not waste this opportunity. Let's give it everything we've got."
Without giving them room to respond, he dismissed them and got to work.