Chapter 24: Mere Words Won't Suffice

After a fierce and devastating onslaught, Qin Ze finally released her wrist. He straightened his collar, cast a warning glance at Song Xixi, and strode out of the restroom.

Song Xixi rubbed her reddened wrist, letting out a silent, self-deprecating laugh. *Song Xixi, are you really going to continue being a pet that anyone can bully at will?*

After the laugh, she pinched her own left hand with her right. Calming her emotions and smoothing out her slightly disheveled hair, she returned to her office. She threw herself wholeheartedly into preparing the materials for the afternoon meeting.

Secretary Wang moved stealthily between the various departments. She first arrived at the office of Manager Li from the Marketing Department. As soon as she entered, she wore a sycophantic smile, shut the door, and lowered her voice. "Manager Li, did you know? There’s a meeting this afternoon to discuss a new project, and it's being led by a woman named Song Xixi."

Manager Li set down his documents and asked with a puzzled look, "Oh? What kind of background does this Song Xixi have?"

Secretary Wang let out a cold snort and said dismissively, "Hmph, they say she used improper means to get close to President Shen. I heard she has no real skills or experience whatsoever. She’s definitely just here to make a quick buck and leave." She shook her head for effect.

Manager Li frowned, clearly displeased. "Is that so? Then why would President Shen..."

Secretary Wang interrupted immediately, "President Shen has been hoodwinked by her. Think about it: if this project runs into trouble because of her, won't our department be the ones to suffer?"

After leaving the Marketing Department, she hurried to the Technology Department. Upon seeing Supervisor Zhang, she repeated her performance: "Supervisor Zhang, you really need to watch out for that Song Xixi this afternoon. She’s nothing but a decorative vase—she doesn't know the first thing about technology, yet she’s going to interfere with such an important project. Isn't this just blind leadership?"

Supervisor Zhang was instantly incensed. "What? How can this be allowed? What could she possibly understand about technology? This is madness!"

Secretary Wang added fuel to the fire, "Exactly! When the project progress slows down because of her, all of our department's hard work will be in vain. You really need to speak up at the meeting."

...

Song Xixi followed Shen Anzhi into the conference room. The moment her feet touched the floor, gazes shot toward her like arrows.

Manager Li of the Marketing Department shot her a sidelong glance, snorted, and wore a look that screamed "disdain." Supervisor Zhang of the Technology Department was even more dramatic, rolling his eyes and turning his head as if she weren't there. The heads of other departments whispered among themselves, their eyes filled with skepticism.

Shen Anzhi walked to the front and raised a hand for silence. "This is Song Xixi. From now on, she will be the project director in charge of this important initiative. She has outstanding capabilities in the information field; I expect everyone to provide her with your full cooperation."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Manager Li stood up abruptly and said bluntly, "President Shen, this young lady looks quite inexperienced. You say she’s capable, but we don't see it. This project is so important—is it really reliable to hand it over to her?"

Supervisor Zhang followed up with a challenge, throwing his hands up. "President Shen, our Technology Department doesn't deal in empty talk. If she doesn't understand the technical side and tries to meddle, the project is bound to fail."

Others chimed in:
"Exactly, we can't treat this like a game!"
"This concerns the future of the company!"

Song Xixi’s expression tightened, and she was about to speak when Shen Anzhi stepped in first. "Everyone, don't be hasty. I am well aware of Miss Song’s capabilities; her previous project results were stellar, even if you are unaware of them."

Song Xixi arched an eyebrow, scanned the room, and said in a crisp tone, "I understand your skepticism. But since I have taken on this task, I am confident I can complete it well. Judge me by my performance later, and I ask for your cooperation."

Yet, people in the audience continued to sneer or shake their heads. Secretary Wang hid in the corner, smirking and plotting how to trip Song Xixi up next.

The wave of skepticism grew louder and louder. Manager Liu of the Finance Department frowned and said in a sharp voice, "President Shen, the project funding is not a small amount. If we hand the money over to someone whose background is unknown, who will bear the risk? I cannot bring myself to sign off on the budget."

Manager Zhao of the Human Resources Department also spoke up: "President Shen, the follow-up project will certainly require personnel allocation. If her arrangements are unreasonable, our department won't be able to carry out our work."

Facing this deluge of doubt, Song Xixi lowered her head and let out a soft, silent laugh. It seemed this group had come prepared. To be this united in such a short time—someone must be orchestrating this!

Shen Anzhi’s face grew darker by the second, his eyes fixed on the skeptics with mounting fury.

Finally, unable to endure it any longer, he slammed his hand onto the table. The loud "bang" made everyone in the room tremble. His eyes wide with anger, he roared, "All of you, be quiet!"

The shout instantly brought the murmurs to a dead stop. Shen Anzhi stood up and surveyed the room. "I invited Director Song here after much deliberation. The company hired you all with the hope that we could work together to make this project a success, not to engage in mutual suspicion and create conflict. If you still have objections to Director Song’s abilities, then raise constructive suggestions through your actual actions as the project progresses, rather than just pointing fingers here. If anyone continues to act unreasonably and hinders the project’s progress, don't blame me for being unkind!"

Terrified by his outburst, the crowd fell silent, lowering their heads and refusing to meet his gaze. A deathly silence descended upon the conference room.

Song Xixi smiled slightly and looked toward Manager Liu. "Manager Liu, I completely understand your concerns regarding financial risk. I will communicate closely with your department regarding the follow-up budget. Every expenditure will have a detailed plan and approval process to ensure funds are used reasonably and risks are controlled."

She then turned to Manager Li: "Market promotion is vital. I will discuss strategies with your team in advance and, by combining market research with the project's unique features, create a precise plan to avoid wasting resources and ensure the best promotional results."

Then, "Manager Zhao, regarding personnel allocation, I will work with you to make reasonable arrangements based on the project's progress and needs, ensuring everyone is utilized effectively without disrupting your department's normal operations."

Hearing her clear and logical response, the look of skepticism in their eyes began to waver. Song Xixi scanned the room again and continued, "It is normal for you to have doubts about me, but since I have accepted this project, I have the determination and ability to do it well. I hope you will give me a chance; I will prove everything with my results."

Shen Anzhi watched her composed, unyielding response and nodded to himself.

In the corner, Secretary Wang’s expression grew even uglier. Her hatred intensified, and she began to plot new, underhanded schemes, vowing to disrupt the situation.

Just as the words left Song Xixi’s lips, Supervisor Zhang crossed his arms and stepped forward, his face full of disbelief. "Miss Song, you talk about this very lightly. But when it comes to technology, you can't get by on lip service alone. What major tech-related projects have you done before? Can you show us something worth seeing? As far as I know, you have no experience at all. How can you serve as project director and lead our Technology Department?" His tone was aggressive.