The department head pondered deeply but still dared not act rashly.
No one else dared to offer advice either—after all, mishandling such a large-scale event would inevitably bring responsibility crashing down.
Amid the silence, Lin Jie spoke up in support of Tao Sisi.
"Sisi isn't like the others; she has access to far more resources. Minister, why don't you consider her proposal?"
Her tone carried a coquettish lilt, the rising inflection tinged with a playful plea.
The department head visibly faltered.
Whispers began circulating below, praising Lin Jie's skill; she'd only been in the department for a short while, yet she had already won the minister over.
"What's your decision, Minister?"
Tao Sisi's voice now brimmed with confidence, as though she had already secured the minister's approval.
Still hesitant, the minister suddenly heard Chi Yu, seated at the far end of the table, speak up.
