Qing Bai and his team were already in the meeting room, awaiting Shi Nian's arrival.
When Shi Nian walked in, she unexpectedly found Ding Shun and his team inside as well.
Ding Shun's team wore looks of disdain as they whispered among themselves about Qing Bai's group.
"The young director is surely going to regret choosing Old Bai's team over us," one researcher said to Han Meimei.
"That's for sure. Without Director Cheng, their former head, they're bound to fail," Han Meimei replied smugly.
Noticing Shi Nian walk in, she didn't bother lowering her voice.
"And this young director—"
Before she could finish, the researcher beside her poked her and subtly pointed toward Ding Shun.
Ding Shun had been trying to signal her with his eyes to stop talking, but the hot-headed Han Meimei failed to notice.
He felt exasperated. Although he agreed with her words, after the last meeting, shouldn't she at least be cautious around Shi Nian?
Indeed, the newborn calf is not afraid of the tiger.
Shi Nian didn't mention the exchange and let the little episode pass. She simply signaled for Qing Bai to begin the meeting.
She didn't bother asking Ding Shun why he was present — she already knew he wanted to observe their progress.
Qing Bai hesitated for a moment, but seeing Shi Nian's calm indifference, he decided to continue.
"Director Shi, on your right is the document for the newly advanced formula my team and I have been working on," he said.
"The formula has improved, and we're currently discussing adding new technology to enhance its effectiveness on the skin. However, we haven't made much progress.
The former director made some headway, but we've been unable to achieve any breakthroughs."
Shi Nian skimmed through the document and nodded.
Indeed, the new product was worth pursuing. The issue lay in the formula's adverse effects after prolonged use — they hadn't perfected it yet.
Standing up, Shi Nian connected her laptop to the screen and began explaining her ideas. She spoke about molecular interactions, chemical compositions, and using medicinal herbs to counteract the side effects.
Her bold suggestion stunned everyone in the room.
Qing Bai's team was excited — their limited knowledge of herbal properties had indeed been a major obstacle.
Meanwhile, Ding Shun's team was skeptical, finding her proposal too ambitious.
Only Ding Shun himself believed it was possible, largely because he had once seen Cheng Yuemin use similar methods.
He never underestimated the power of medicinal herbs in skincare.
Ding Shun clenched his fists tightly. He knew that if he didn't come up with something new soon, his team would never stand out.
After the meeting ended, Ding Shun's team left in silence.
Shi Nian and Secretary Shang Wei prepared to visit the warehouse and manufacturing factory.
Ding Shun's team quickly followed behind them — this, in fact, was the main reason Shi Nian hadn't asked him to leave earlier.
Since most of the company's products came from his team, both the warehouse and factory were filled with their materials.
Ding Shun walked ahead and began briefing Shi Nian about the products.
Shi Nian already knew the details — she had read the documents Shang Wei had prepared for her.
They were impressively detailed, and she couldn't help but appreciate his organizational skills.
Shi Nian even wondered if she could poach him — having someone like Shang Wei working directly under her would make many things easier.
Pushing the thought aside, she continued the conversation with Ding Shun.
They visited the factory first, then moved on to the warehouse.
Upon entering, Shi Nian frowned.
The products had been poorly stored and carelessly packaged.
Pointing at the thermostat, she asked the warehouse representative, "Why are the products stacked on top of each other like this? The packaging clearly states they should be stored below room temperature — so why is it warm here?"
The man looked startled and couldn't form a response.
Seeing his hesitation, Shi Nian spoke again. "Where's the manager here?"
She had already noticed that the man escorting them wasn't the actual manager but had kept silent.
"Director Shi, the manager went to see a supplier," the man stammered, eyes darting nervously.
Shi Nian instantly knew it was a lie. It seemed the manager was one of Shi Wang's lackeys.
She subconsciously glanced at Secretary Shang, who rubbed his nose in silent understanding.
Realizing she expected him to act, Shang Wei stepped forward and led the group toward the manager's office.
As they approached, they overheard a smug voice from inside.
"Chairman Shi, don't worry. I'll help you teach the lady a lesson. She's on my turf — here, my words are law. Leave this to me, I'll—"
"You'll do what, Manager Wu?" Shi Nian's calm voice cut in.
Manager Wu froze mid-sentence and quickly ended the call.
"Who are you people? How dare you barge into my office?" he barked.
Shi Nian stepped forward. "Don't tell me you don't recognize who you were just threatening to 'teach a lesson.'"
The representative beside her looked terrified.
Recognizing Shi Nian, Manager Wu didn't bother changing his tone. "No matter who you are, you're not allowed in my office. You—" he pointed at the representative— "send them out!"
Shi Nian walked up and sat in the manager's chair. She had never been one to be talked down on.
"You—you, how dare you! Get out! This is my office!" Manager Wu sputtered.
"Shhh."
Shi Nian placed her finger over her lips.
The room instantly fell silent.
For a brief moment, everyone was struck by her composure — her small gesture, paired with her fierce aura, made her look both breathtaking and intimidating.
She then motioned for Secretary Shang Wei to step forward.
"Go on. Tell Manager Wu who he works for," she said.
"Manager Wu," Shang Wei began firmly, "you're an employee of a warehouse affiliated with BaiYue, which is currently under Director Shi's directive."
"Do you understand?" Shi Nian asked coldly.
From the moment Manager Wu had sent an ordinary worker to escort her, it had been a deliberate act of disrespect — an attempt to intimidate.
If he wanted a show of power, she would show him what true authority meant.