Pei Xin looked around the room at everyone's pensive faces. The points he'd raised made perfect sense, but the question remained: were these all just coincidences or meticulously planned events? Doubts swirled, and every finger seemed to be pointing towards Hong Li and Hong Lin. A rough outline of the situation had been formed, but now they needed a course of action to prepare for whatever came their way.
Hong Yi understood that his uncles were somehow behind Mo Siyue, and likely even Hong Shan's death. Everything felt pre-meditated, yet there was no concrete evidence.
"What's the next step?" Bai Qi asked, breaking the heavy silence.
Hong Yi sighed and looked at the photos and files scattered on the table. He pointed to Mo Siyue's pictures. "We need to talk to her. She might have the answers."
"And how exactly do we pull that off?" Bai Qi inquired.
Hong Yi offered a smile that sent shivers down Pei Xin's spine. "Here's the plan." As he explained his strategy, Pei Xin and Bai Qi couldn't help but sigh. "You're serious about getting our hands dirty?" Pei Xin questioned.
"Do we have another option?" Hong Yi countered.
"If you're set on wading into this mess," Pei Xin conceded, "there's nothing we can do to stop you."
"I think I'd better get my brother to prep some bail papers in advance," Pei Xin muttered to himself.
"Tell him to make it two sets," Bai Qi interjected.
"Why?"
"There's a good chance I'll be framed for murder soon." Bai Qi stuffed a bite of food in his mouth.
"And who's your intended victim?" Pei Xin asked, turning towards Bai Qi.
"You, for being so annoying lately," Bai Qi retorted, brandishing a butter knife playfully.
"You—"
"Sorry, can't hear you!" Bai Qi feigned deafness, trying to block out Pei Xin's rant.
Cody observed their childish bickering silently. Finally, Hong Yi addressed him. "Detective, I need your help with this plan."
"Of course, Mr. Hong," Cody replied. "As long as my cut's on the table."
Hong Yi gave him a curt nod. "I want you to..." The conversation continued between Cody and Hong Yi, with the others occasionally offering their own insights.
Determined to execute the plan, Hong Yi prepared for anything that might come their way.
Meanwhile, Cody and Pei Xin's men were already putting the plan into action.
Hong Yi, ready for his meeting with the Art and Creative team, drove to the company. He was surprised to see Jing Hao waiting at the same bus stop where he'd picked him up the previous day.
Unlike yesterday, Jing Hao immediately recognized Hong Yi's car.
Hong Yi rolled down the window, a knowing look passing between them. Jing Hao climbed into the car without a word.
"Seatbelt," Hong Yi said without looking at him.
Jing Hao fumbled briefly with the buckle before securing himself. He stole a glance at Hong Yi, who remained focused on the road. "Is everything ready for the meeting today?"
"Yes, sir," Jing Hao replied in his usual professional manner.
"Let's have the meeting early. Is there anything else on my schedule today?"
"Nothing yet, sir. However, there's an invitation from the Swan Group for a jewelry exhibition today."
Hong Yi gave a brief nod and continued driving towards the company. The ride was silent.
Jing Hao followed Hong Yi to his new office. "Get everything ready for the meeting," Hong Yi instructed before entering. "We'll finish this as quickly as possible."
Jing Hao nodded and hurried back to the Art and Creative department. He found Qi Yimo and the others there. "Mr. Hong wants you to get ready for the meeting," he announced.
Qi Yimo followed Jing Hao towards the meeting room to set it up. "How's President Hong doing today?" she asked, attempting to adjust the projector.
"I can't say for sure," Jing Hao replied, "but he seems intent on getting this over with."
Yimo simply nodded, not wanting to pry further. Jing Hao was already hurrying to finalize the meeting arrangements.
The tension in the meeting room was thick. Hong Yi sat at the head of the table, his gaze sharp as he scanned the faces of the Art and Creative team. Qi Yimo stood at the front, projector casting a bright glow on her face as she presented the latest design concepts.
"Sir, to boost ratings and audience engagement, I propose a survival show in the woods featuring actors from our company. It would capitalize on the existing fanbases of each actor." Yimo concluded her presentation.
"This," Hong Yi said, his voice devoid of warmth, "is precisely what I don't want to see. We're striving for something groundbreaking, not derivative. There are already plenty of shows with this same tired survival concept."
Hong Yi leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Qi Yimo, we need to push boundaries. This audience craves something fresh, unexpected. Does anyone else have other concepts?"
Everyone exchanged glances, their faces etched with dejection. One by one, they offered ideas, only to be met with Hong Yi's immediate rejection. The room grew heavy with the weight of their creative fatigue.
Suddenly, Hong Yi's phone buzzed.
A message from Pei Xin flashed on the screen: 'Everything is going according to the plan.' He glanced up at the team, their frustration palpable.
"Alright, everyone," he declared. "Take a fifteen-minute break. Let's come back with fresh ideas. We'll continue the meeting then."
A collective sigh of relief swept through the room as the pressure lifted with Hong Yi's departure. Yimo turned to Jing Hao, her voice laced with concern. "Mr. Hong seems particularly tense today."
Jing Hao simply followed him out, his expression unreadable. Hong Yi stood near the corridor, deep in conversation on the phone. "Keep me updated. I'll be there soon."
He ended the call and turned to see Jing Hao standing silently behind him.
Hong Yi's expression remained unreadable as he met Jing Hao's gaze. The silence stretched for a moment, punctuated only by the distant murmur of office activity. Finally, Hong Yi spoke, his voice low and controlled.
"Get me a strong coffee," he instructed.
"Black, no sugar."
Jing Hao acknowledged the request with a curt nod and disappeared down the corridor. Hong Yi ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident in the gesture. The message from Pei Xin had been a welcome reassurance, but the pressure of the meeting and the weight of his plan were heavy burdens.