```
When Qiaos emerged from the office, he felt as though he had endured a sauna in the air-conditioned room, his underwear almost wrung out with sweat.
His legs trembled, but his expression carried a strange smile.
Punishment is most terrifying when it is imminent but has not yet arrived; once the boot falls, he felt considerably more at ease. Now he had a clear goal, and there was only one thing to do.
After Qiaos had left, the manager cautiously asked,
"Should we contact this contestant?"
Bruce shook his head and replied,
"He's out of our reach now. Some opportunities, once missed, are lost forever."
Then his gaze sharpened.
"But the Falcon Club didn't get to where it is today on sheer luck; nor have we relied on sudden geniuses. What got us here is the effort and sweat we've put into every step of the way."
The remaining managers, upon hearing this, found their gloom over the lost talent dissipate somewhat, their respect for the boss growing all the stronger.
