Monday morning, 8:30 AM, downtown.
The stylish and imposing Lingya Building gleamed golden in the morning sun. Wang Xiong stood in the plaza in front of the building, gazing up at the commercial empire Xia Ling had built, a surge of pride welling up inside him.
He had dressed up specially today, changing into a clean casual outfit, spraying on a few drops of cheap cologne, and slicking his hair back with hair gel.
However, these efforts did not improve his image; instead, they made him appear even more comical and affected. His short stature, sleazy face, and this mismatched attire made him look like a domesticated monkey wearing its master's clothes.
He glanced at himself against the glass curtain wall, feeling quite pleased with himself, straightened his collar, and swaggered towards the building's main entrance.
At this time, many people were arriving at the company. Legs in various stockings crisscrossed, the sound of high heels rising and falling, creating a symphony of sounds. As a leading fashion enterprise specializing in high-end women's apparel, Lingya Group has become a gathering place for urban beauties.
The lobby bustles with people, a flowing stream of beautiful women in various professional attire. There are directors in business suits and red-soled heels; designers in black trench coats and pointed stilettos; and planning managers in elegant dresses and nude stockings. From fresh-faced young women just starting their careers to successful and glamorous women, they are all impeccably made up and possess outstanding气质 (qi zhi - a combination of temperament, bearing, and style).
It is precisely in this lobby teeming with beauties that one incongruous figure stands out starkly.
Wang Xiong stands in the center of the lobby, his short stature lost among the tall, elegant office ladies, like a duck that has strayed into Swan Lake. He looks around, his gaze lingering on the beautiful legs of the passing women, a frivolous smile on his face.
The receptionist, dressed in a black business suit, her long, straight legs encased in black stockings beneath her pencil skirt, stood behind the upscale reception desk, reviewing some important schedules.
Just then, she glanced up and immediately saw a figure that shouldn't be there.
"Wait a minute!" she said curtly, stepping around the front desk. "Warehouse staff, please enter through the side door. It's company policy." Her upright posture accentuated her elegance, and her legs, encased in black stockings, perfectly showcased the image befitting the Lingya Group.
Wang Xiong stopped, his gaze sweeping lightly over the receptionist's legs in black stockings. "Miss, you're wearing black stockings today too. Not bad... even thinner and sexier than last time."
This was Wang Xiong's third encounter with her. Since he had focused on her legs in black stockings the first time she came, the receptionist didn't have a good impression of him.
"Warehouse staff can't use this route," the receptionist frowned, her tone dismissive. "If you keep doing this, I'll have to call security."
"Tsk tsk," Wang Xiong shook his head dismissively, his eyes brazenly scanning her. "Then I'll just walk this way!" With that, he strode confidently toward the elevator.
"Stop!" The receptionist turned around and picked up the landline. "Security? This is the lobby…"
Just then, a fresh scent of perfume wafted in.
An Rou appeared in the lobby at some point. She wore a white blouse with a light blue pencil skirt, her slender legs encased in flesh-colored stockings, and 7cm nude heels. Every step she took exuded youthful energy. Her long hair was tied in a neat ponytail, and her lightly made-up face radiated the bright charm unique to young women. Her every move possessed both the elegance of a professional woman and a unique youthful aura.
"Wang Xiong, you're here," An Rou said with a smile. "I was just about to call you. Director Shang specifically asked me to take you to the weekly meeting."
Hearing An Rou's words, the receptionist nearly dropped the receiver in shock.
This sleazy high school student who was staring at her in black stockings last week—wasn't he just a warehouse worker?
Now he's supposed to be attending the marketing center's weekly meeting?
Wang Xiong glanced smugly at the receptionist and quickly caught up with An Rou. Although he only reached An Rou's shoulder, he walked with his head held high.
Lingya Group was large, and each department had its own elevator, so even during rush hour, there was no waiting indefinitely.
The elevator doors slowly closed. Through the elevator mirror, An Rou saw Wang Xiong secretly staring at her stockinged legs. She didn't show anything, just smiled helplessly.
"President Xia will be at today's weekly meeting."
She mentioned it casually, but then carefully observed Wang Xiong's reaction.
"Really?" Wang Xiong's eyes lit up, a meaningful smile playing on his lips. "That's wonderful."
"Nervous?" An Rou asked gently. "After all, it's your first time attending a meeting."
"With Sister An here, why would I be nervous?"
Wang Xiong said with a grin, his gaze still lingering on An Rou.
"Yes, you're the one who rescued President Xia from thugs," An Rou noticed his gaze but didn't look away. Instead, she said gently, "When you get to the meeting room, concentrate and don't look around."
The elevator stopped on the eighth floor, the spacious and brightly lit office area already bustling with activity.
As one of the core departments of Lingya Group, the Marketing Center comprises four divisions: Retail Operations, Luxury Sales, Boutique Marketing, and Channel Development. An Rou is the manager of the Boutique Marketing Department, primarily responsible for the hosiery product line.
Elegantly dressed women frequently passed by in the corridor, some carrying documents, others holding tablets, walking briskly in high heels.
The conference room was understatedly luxurious. A large solid wood conference table stood in the center, behind which was a floor-to-ceiling window with UV protection. Morning light streamed through the glass, bathing the space in a soft golden glow.
The conference table was U-shaped, with eight seats extending on each side of the main seat, all genuine leather chairs.
At this moment, everyone in the conference room was present except for Xia Ling and Shang Yan. A dozen or so women, all tall and elegant, were seated. When An Rou entered with Wang Xiong, the previously hushed conversation abruptly ceased, and everyone stared at the short figure with surprise.