As Jiang Yuyan's reputation grew within the Lu Group, so did the stakes. Each new task brought greater challenges, and every move she made seemed to be watched—by allies, rivals, and those she hadn't even noticed yet. The weight of her growing influence was both exhilarating and daunting.
Her relationship with the system had become second nature. Every chime, every new task was a reminder of her commitment to rise.
An Unexpected Meeting
Midweek, Zhang Wei called her into his office. His expression was unreadable, but there was a hint of something unusual in his tone when he said, "Close the door."
Yuyan obeyed, taking a seat opposite him.
"I've recommended you for a special project," Zhang Wei began. "It's outside the scope of your current role, but it's a golden opportunity."
Her heart raced. "What kind of project?"
Zhang Wei leaned back in his chair. "The CEO has been looking into expanding our logistics capabilities internationally. It's still in the exploratory phase, but the groundwork needs to be laid. Research, strategy, partnerships—you'll be working with a small team directly reporting to the executive board."
Yuyan's pulse quickened. This was a chance to make an impression at the highest level of the company.
"I'm honored, Mr. Zhang. I'll do my best."
"You'll need to clear your current workload quickly," Zhang Wei continued. "The project kicks off next week."
[Ding! New Task Assigned: Prepare for the international logistics project by completing your current assignments. Reward: Resource Management Skill Boost (Level 1) and ¥40,000. Deadline: Five days.]
Clearing the Decks
The next few days were a whirlwind. Yuyan worked late into the night, finishing reports, delegating tasks, and ensuring nothing would hold her back when the new project began.
She was careful to maintain her usual poise in the office, even as the workload threatened to overwhelm her.
During a team meeting, Li Xue couldn't resist taking a jab. "You've been awfully quiet lately, Jiang Yuyan. Too busy chasing promotions to contribute here?"
Yuyan smiled calmly. "On the contrary, I've been ensuring that my contributions are thorough and impactful. Quality over quantity, wouldn't you agree?"
The subtle retort earned her a few chuckles from the team, leaving Li Xue visibly annoyed.
The New Team
By the following Monday, Yuyan was ready to join the international logistics project. She arrived at the executive conference room to find a small group of colleagues already seated.
Chen Lin was among them, as was Xu Wen from marketing. The sight of familiar faces put her slightly at ease. However, there was one person she hadn't expected to see: Lu Zhen.
The CEO's presence at a project kickoff was unusual, to say the least. His piercing gaze swept over the room, silencing all murmurs.
"This initiative is critical to the Lu Group's future growth," Lu Zhen began, his voice commanding. "I expect nothing less than excellence from everyone involved. You were chosen because you've proven your capabilities. Don't disappoint me."
As the meeting progressed, roles were assigned. Yuyan was tasked with researching potential markets and presenting an initial report within two weeks.
[Tip: Focus on emerging markets with untapped potential and strong logistical needs. Leverage existing data for a competitive edge.]
Navigating Complex Dynamics
Working closely with the team brought new challenges. Chen Lin's expertise in finance made him an invaluable resource, but his meticulous nature often slowed progress. Xu Wen, on the other hand, was full of creative ideas but occasionally veered off track.
Yuyan found herself acting as a bridge, mediating between their differing approaches and ensuring the team stayed on course.
One evening, as they worked late in the office, Xu Wen leaned back in her chair with a groan. "How do you stay so calm, Yuyan? I'm about ready to pull my hair out."
Yuyan smiled. "I focus on the goal. Frustration won't get us there any faster."
Chen Lin glanced at her, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "You have a knack for keeping people grounded. That's a valuable skill."
The system chimed softly.
[Skill Progress: Leadership Skill has advanced by 10%.]
Li Xue's Interference
Meanwhile, Li Xue's resentment continued to simmer. She had her own ambitions and saw Yuyan's rapid rise as a direct threat.
One afternoon, as Yuyan was heading to the conference room for a team meeting, Li Xue intercepted her in the hallway.
"I heard about your new project," Li Xue said, her tone dripping with mock sweetness. "Must be nice having all these opportunities handed to you."
Yuyan met her gaze evenly. "Opportunities are earned, not handed out. But I'm sure you already know that."
Li Xue's smile faltered, but before she could respond, the system chimed in Yuyan's mind.
[Tip: Avoid unnecessary conflicts. Success is the best response.]
With that, Yuyan walked away, leaving Li Xue standing in the hallway.
The CEO's Observation
By the end of the week, Yuyan had completed her initial market research and was preparing to present it to the team. As she reviewed her findings late one evening, she was startled by a knock at her office door.
"Still here?"
She looked up to see Lu Zhen standing in the doorway.
"Yes, Mr. Lu," she replied, quickly rising to her feet.
He stepped inside, glancing at her screen. "You've done a lot of work. What's your takeaway so far?"
Yuyan took a deep breath, summarizing her key findings.
Lu Zhen listened intently, his expression unreadable. When she finished, he nodded.
"Good. Keep this up, and you'll go far."
As he left, the system chimed.
[Task Completed. Resource Management Skill Boost (Level 1) and ¥40,000 have been added to your account.]
Rising Higher
The next morning, Yuyan presented her findings to the team. Her clear, concise report impressed everyone, even earning a rare compliment from Lu Zhen.
As the meeting ended, Xu Wen nudged her playfully. "Looks like the CEO has taken a liking to you. Careful—you're setting the bar awfully high for the rest of us."
Yuyan laughed softly but said nothing. She wasn't climbing this ladder for anyone's approval but her own.