In a towering edifice of a state-owned enterprise in Hong Kong, the night unveils its drama. Jingfei Wang steps onto the escalator, ascending gracefully into the brilliantly lit lobby before taking the express elevator straight to the top floor. As the elevator doors slide open, a secretary awaits, bowing slightly, "Miss Wang, the president is expecting you in his office. This way, please." She is led through the anteroom into a more private office where Wang Fang rises to greet her. Once the secretary discreetly exits, Jingfei settles in and remarks, "This is my first time in the president's office."
Wang Fang pours tea with a warm smile, "Are you suggesting I'm too aloof?" Jingfei points out the window, "Thirty-three floors up, it's certainly high." Wang Fang muses, "It's cold at the top!" Jingfei's eyes roam the crowded bookshelves, unable to resist asking, "Have you really read all these books?" Wang Fang chuckles, "I studied history; I've read the 'Twenty-Four Histories' and made thousands of notes. I only skim the English books since they're mostly about technology. Basically, I read a lot without seeking deep understanding."
Admiration tinged Jingfei's tone, "It must be quite helpful for your work, right?"
Removing his glasses and wiping them before putting them back on, Wang Fang speaks slowly, "Studying the 'Twenty-Four Histories' is like studying human nature. Human nature hasn't changed much throughout history. Human evolution is driven by natural environments and advanced production forces. For instance, the depiction of love in the 'Book of Songs' isn't fundamentally different from modern love. Yet, technology evolves daily."
Jingfei struggles to keep up with his train of thought.
Wang Fang continues, "Haizhou Pharmaceuticals is part of a larger system. Don't view it in isolation. Understand both its inputs and outputs. Your task is formidable, and as a young woman, your endurance has limits. You need to be strong."
Jingfei's expression turns solemn, feeling the weight of her responsibilities, she whispers, "I'm mentally prepared." Wang Fang walks to the window where tropical plants thrive; he stops by a Twin Lotus from the edge of a desert, casually stroking its vibrant leaves, and asks offhandedly, "I heard you had a boyfriend in Haizhou?" Startled, Jingfei blushes deeply, "Is he in Haizhou?" Wang Fang nods, his gaze intense.
Trying to regain composure, Jingfei says, "We've lost touch for many years." Wang Fang returns to his desk, "Do you still love him?"
Jingfei's eyelashes flutter; she remains silent. Wang Fang's tone turns serious, "I hope you can be honest with me!" Jingfei nods and then shakes her head quickly, lips quivering as she decisively utters, "I can let go!"
Wang Fang sighs, a look of sympathy on his face, "I'm not asking you to give up, just to make a temporary sacrifice." Jingfei nods understandingly, "I know what I must do." Wang Fang sits back down, his arms resting on the desk, fingers intertwined, "That puts my mind at ease." His voice hardens, "Haizhou Pharmaceuticals is a high-tech company with billions in assets and thousands of employees. If it fails, it would bring irreparable damage to the country. We're sending you to digitize everything about it—do you understand?"
Jingfei faces him and responds, "I understand!"