Volume 1, Chapter 17: The Purpose of the Studio

With the group finally settled into a suitable place, Xu Qingning felt a great weight lifted from her heart, humming a cheerful tune even as she headed upstairs to sleep.

Once the sound of her bedroom door closing echoed through the house, Pei Xi returned to the equipment room to continue monitoring the status of the exploration.

Early the next morning, after obtaining the address from Pei Xi, she drove to the studio herself. She was stopped the moment she stepped through the door.

"Name, identity. Register and get verified before you can enter."

Xu Qingning looked at the hulking man blocking her path. "I am Xu Qingning. Pei Xi sent me."

Hearing the familiar name, the man paused. "You’re the one the boss told us to follow from now on?"

"Is there a problem?"

The man scoffed. "Did you slip the boss some kind of love potion? With that frail frame of yours, what could you possibly do?"

"So, according to your logic, everyone capable of great things must be as bulky as you?" She retorted. "By that standard, I don't see Pei Xi having a physique like a double-door refrigerator. Maybe you should just be the boss instead."

"You!"

Xu Qingning shrugged. "Move. I’m not here to argue with you. Where are the others? I have something to say."

Ignoring him, she walked straight inside.

"Hey! Who told you to come in—"

Before he could finish, Xu Qingning shot him a sharp, icy glare, her presence so imposing that it silenced him instantly.

"Lead the way!"

Only after leading her to the office did Han Yan realize he had been completely cowed by a single look from Xu Qingning. *Tsk, that intimidation factor... how is she even scarier than the boss?*

Xu Qingning, unaware that he had mentally categorized her as a tigress, scanned the office briefly before turning to Han Yan. "Han Sanhuo, do me a favor. Get everyone into the conference room. I need to hold a meeting."

"You—how do you know my name?"

"I don't just know your name. I know your real name is Han Yan, that you specialize in combat, and that apart from Pei Xi, no one has lasted more than three moves against you." She paused. "And it’s not just you. I know everyone here."

"Hmph, the boss must have given you the files."

"True, but remembering them is my own skill. Go on, and bring me a glass of water while you’re at it." She added, "One more thing: I mean no harm, but if you keep stalling, I might just change my mind."

Hearing this, Han Yan, however reluctant, obediently went to call the others, not forgetting to point out the direction of the conference room before leaving.

Once everyone had gathered, Xu Qingning strolled in and pushed the door open. She swept her gaze across the room. "Everyone, have a seat."

"I know Pei Xi signed an agreement with you all, commanding your unconditional obedience to me. But after reviewing your profiles, I felt that was unfair."

"So, after discussing it with your boss, we’ve decided: you are all free to pursue your own paths. You don’t have to stay by my side."

The room fell silent until Han Yan couldn't hold back. "How is that possible? What are you up to?"

Xu Qingning leaned back in her chair, hands folded. "I do have an agenda." She smiled meaningfully. "The world isn't just black and white. You might not provoke others, but that doesn't mean they won't provoke you."

"Are you in or are you out? Give me a straight answer."

Han Yan frowned. "You still haven't told us what your objective is."

"When did I ever say I would tell you? Setting aside the fact that you don't hold me in high regard, even if you were perfectly obedient, I have no obligation to reveal my inner thoughts to you all." She looked at Han Yan. "Use your head more often."

Connecting her phone to the display, she projected the documents she had prepared the night before. "You all make a living based on your own talents, but regardless, you need a base. This studio will be your home. Pei Xi and I will do everything in our power to ensure your safety."

"This is the preliminary plan. Take a look. If there are no issues, you can sign."

With that, Xu Qingning walked out of the conference room, leaving them to discuss the results.

*Scattered, they are stars in the sky; gathered, they are a raging fire.* This was the idea she had come up with last night.

Each of these people was a leader in their respective industry. She didn't know how Pei Xi had gathered them, but helping them climb to the top of their own fields was far easier than having them struggle alongside her. Besides, winning their genuine loyalty would take time. Instead of keeping them stifled here, it was better to grant them freedom and win their hearts.

In time, with her people in every industry, she wouldn't have to worry about money or resources.

Wait, why did that feel off? If she did that, wouldn't she still be unable to just lie back and be a lazy fish?

"Dammit, Pei Xixi, you really are a cunning merchant!"

Just as she was about to throw a few punches into the air, the conference room door suddenly opened. Xu Qingning’s raised hand hadn't yet been lowered, startling the person behind it.

"Uh, Ms. Xu, hello."

She gave a sheepish laugh. "Conrad, apologies. I’ve made a fool of myself."

The blonde, blue-eyed Conrad looked surprised. "Ms. Xu knows me?"

"I found out last night, in the files Pei Xi gave me. A computer genius who likes to sneak into the internal networks of major corporations just to change their wallpapers."

Conrad paused, then tilted his head with a smile. "I didn't expect that to be your impression of me. I thought you’d call me a wanted criminal for stealing corporate secrets."

"Hmph, if you were stealing the fruits of their labor, I would say that. But since you handed over evidence of their tax evasion, I suppose I’ll have to reconsider my evaluation."

The two shared a smile. Conrad bowed slightly, gesturing for her to enter. "We’ve made our decision. Everyone asked me to come out and welcome you. Please."

Xu Qingning shrugged. "Talking to smart people makes everything so much easier."

Reseating herself, she took back her phone. "Sanhuo, go print a copy of the contract. I’ll sign it so I can take it with me."

"Why should I be the one to do it?"

She raised an eyebrow. "If you don't go, then don't bother signing."

"...Fine, I'll go!"

Once he left, her face softened into a smile. "Now, let’s discuss the next steps."

With the contracts signed, Xu Qingning’s task was successfully completed. She stood up and nodded at everyone. "Thank you all for your hard work. We shall meet again when fate allows."

She grabbed the stack of contracts and walked out. Only when she reached the office door did she turn back to see Han Yan following her. "Han Sanhuo, it’s all over. Why are you still following me?"

"Xu Qingning, do you have a problem with me?"

"They said that while I was away, you discussed their individual development plans with them. What about me?"

Xu Qingning chuckled softly. "Thinking of me now? Didn't you look down on me from the very start?"

"You!"

She pushed the door open. "Come in first. We can talk about it inside."

"Don't worry, I have no ill intentions toward you, and I won't eat you."

"If you want the truth, come in with me."