They quietly returned to their desks, unwilling to disappoint their suddenly inspired leader.
Shi Nian had no idea that a few calm words from her had ignited something in Ding Shun.
In Shi Nian's Office:
"As expected, internal strife always leaves a lot to deal with," she murmured.
She remained seated, expecting one more guest—but no one came.
An hour before work ended, she gathered the documents she needed and walked toward the company laboratory.
In the Laboratory:
Several older researchers had gathered in discussion.
"Old Qing, this is our chance to do something meaningful for BaiYue before retirement. After all these years, can you bear to see it fall?"
"Our bones and decades of work still have something to offer. We can hold BaiYue up for a few more years. This is our chance!"
Qing Bai sighed deeply.
Surrounded by old colleagues who still believed in the company.
He couldn't bring himself to dampen their spirit.
"Old friends, thank you for not losing your enthusiasm. These past months have been difficult. None of our proposals were approved, and we haven't received investments in months."
At the reminder of their setbacks, the team's earlier enthusiasm dimmed.
"My words aren't meant to discourage you," Qing Bai added quickly. "We must still do our best and work hard."
He couldn't bear the hopeless expressions on their faces and tried to lift their spirits.
"Maybe the change in management will be a good thing for us."
Just then, the researchers noticed Shi Nian standing silently nearby.
She had walked in just as Qing Bai spoke his last words.
"Young Mistress—excuse me, Director Shi," Qing Bai said, flustered, stepping away from the crowd.
"Let's talk over there." Shi Nian gestured toward a small meeting room adjacent to the lab.
Once seated, she inclined her head slightly.
"Leader Qing, I'm sorry for the hardship your team has endured these past months."
Qing Bai stood abruptly, unsettled by the gesture.
"No, Young Mistress. Director Cheng brought our dream of using medicinal herbs in skincare to life. We're the ones who let her down."
"That's not true," Shi Nian replied calmly. "You've done your best. Otherwise, your team would have been disbanded long ago."
Qing Bai clenched his fists.
"Young Mistress… as you've seen, my team hasn't produced anything significant lately."
He hesitated, then forced the words out.
"Maybe what we need are new minds… like the team Ding Shun is leading."
A headache pressed at Shi Nian's temples. She had already noticed during the last meeting that the two research groups were at odds.
Qing Bai's team, once central to BaiYue's vision, had been pushed aside.
Qing Bai's state of mind made her question whether he was still fit to lead.
Shi Nian didn't hide her thoughts. Seeing her expression shift, Qing Bai straightened at once.
"Although we haven't released anything recently," he said quickly, "just before Director Cheng passed away, we were working on a new formula."
He reached for a folder and set it in front of her.
"These are the research documents. When Master Shi Wang took over, he shut down the project—and no progress has been made since."
Shi Nian flipped through the documents in silence.
Just as Qing Bai was about to speak, Shi Nian looked up.
"Leader Qing, the project my mother worked on with your team is exactly what we need to pull BaiYue out of this storm."
Qing Bai exhaled in relief. The words brought him comfort.
Noticing it was already the end of the day, Shi Nian rose.
As they walked toward the door, she stopped and spoke evenly.
"Leader Qing, I expect the project details and supporting documents sent to my email. And prepare your team."
"Of course, Director Shi," Qing Bai replied quickly, walking her out.
When he returned to his office, his colleagues were still waiting.
"Why are you all here?" he asked lightly, though he already knew.
"Old Qing, what did the young director say?" one of the researchers asked in a rush.
"She has decided to restart the project we began with Director Cheng," Qing Bai answered.
"This is amazing news!" they shouted, nearly pulling at him in excitement.
"Yes," Qing Bai said, though his tone remained steady. "I'll send her the documentation. A brief meeting may be scheduled virtually. You should all prepare—"
Before he could finish, the sound of chairs scraping filled the room as the researchers rushed back to their desks.
Qing Bai sighed. Though relieved they had a chance, he felt it won't be this simple.
He could only hope Shi Nian would be able to deal with Shi Wang—and truly save BaiYue. Perhaps this was their last chance.
———
That evening, Shi Nian returned home to find Shi Ning sitting in the living room, the maids lined up at her side.
"Sister Nian, you're here." Shi Ning's high-pitched tone carried excitement, though she remained seated.
Shi Nian walked past without acknowledging her, ignoring both the chirpy tone and her presence.
Startled, Shi Ning leapt up, rushed to Shi Nian, and grabbed her arm.
"Sister Nian, why are you ignoring me? Is it because of Dad? Sister, you—"
Her words froze under Shi Nian's sharp gaze. She let go at once, then, flustered, reached out again.
But Shi Nian moved on as though she were nothing but air. Shi Ning's mask slipped, and hatred flashed openly in her eyes.
Unexpectedly, Shi Nian stopped and turned. Caught off guard, Shi Ning couldn't hide her expression in time.
"Sister Nian, I'll come visit another day. Have a good rest." She forced a smile and hurried away.
"What drama." Shi Nian sighed softly. The former Shi Nian must have been blind not to notice such blatant malice.
She no longer had patience for pretense in this family.
At the mansion gate, Shi Ning stamped her foot.
"What a wasted trip!"
She had come hoping to discover what had changed in Shi Nian.
"How did that silly girl suddenly become so intimidating? Hah—so infuriating."
Still fuming, she returned to her car. As she drove off, her thoughts spun with plans for her next move.