In the conference room of Bai Corporation's headquarters.

A group of employees sat nervously below, their gazes lifting to see Bai Shaodong's dark expression at the head of the table.

"How did Dax get wind of domestic news? Why would he choose to enter midway?"

The employees dared not speak, thinking to themselves how would they know.

One man looked at the data on his computer and hesitantly spoke up: "President Bai, other projects are also having issues. Several regional developments failed. Dax is pressing too hard—our stocks have been falling these past few days."

Bai Shaodong's expression grew even uglier. He couldn't compete with Dax overseas and thought returning home would solve things—surely he wouldn't lose in the domestic market.

Yet in just these few days, Dax seemed to have cheated his way to rapidly penetrating the domestic market.

Even several projects he invested in had failed. Had his years spent obsessing over dungeons dulled his market sensitivity?

Tch. This was genuinely troublesome now.

A vein pulsed at Bai Shaodong's temple as his thoughts churned chaotically. He abruptly waved to end the meeting.

"That's all for now. Everyone may leave."

The group immediately began packing up. At the doorway,

once certain Bai Shaodong couldn't hear, they whispered: "Unbelievable. How is this our fault? It was his decision. Young Master Bai had already vetoed that proposal, but he insisted on reviving it."

"What can we do? We're just workers. Grit our teeth and bear it."

"Ah, I'm starting to miss Young Master Bai. When Bai Shaodong was away, the company thrived under him," one employee sighed.

"Shh! Keep it down. You know their father-son relationship has always been strained. After Young Master Bai managed things so long, his return immediately pushed him out—clearly he doesn't want his son taking over."

"Tsk. At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if a secret love child suddenly appears."

"Who knows? But I heard the board has been criticizing Bai Shaodong too. Since his return, failed investments keep piling up like he's deliberately sabotaging things."

As they whispered, Bai Shaodong's secretary hurried over. They immediately fell silent.

The secretary ignored them, striding straight to the conference room.

He knocked: "President Bai."

"Enter."

Seeing Bai Shaodong's gloomy expression upon entering,

he hesitated but approached: "President Bai, Xing Yuan is waiting for you at Deva."

"Xing Yuan?" Bai Shaodong turned slightly, "What does he want?"

"He mentioned discussing last time's collaboration."

"Oh?" Bai Shaodong's eyebrows rose as he straightened instantly.

If memory served, that smiling tiger had refused him before. Now he's initiating collaboration?

This piqued Bai Shaodong's interest, the meeting instantly forgotten as he stood: "Prepare the car. Let's see what that smiling tiger wants."

The secretary remained unmoving, expression hesitant: "There's... one more thing."

"What?"

"Yu Jiao... has formally submitted her resignation."

Bai Shaodong's steps froze abruptly.

He slowly turned, eyes narrowing dangerously as he repeated lowly:

"She's... resigning?"

......

Deva headquarters.

Yu Jiao sat dazed in her office until footsteps at the door snapped her back. She stood quickly.

Recognizing the visitor, she blinked in surprise.

"Rong Fan?"

The man entered urgently: "Yu Jiao, I heard you're resigning."

She paused, then sat back down: "Yes."

"Why? Why so suddenly?" Rong Fan frowned, stepping closer, "Our objective isn't achieved. Why resign now?"

Yu Jiao remained silent, removing her glasses.

After a long moment, she suddenly said: "Rong Fan... do you truly think Limu would be touched knowing what we've done?"

She lifted her gaze calmly, "So I've realized—continuing like this is meaningless. Better to forget Limu and start anew."

"What nonsense are you saying??"

Rong Fan's frown deepened before realization struck. His expression hardened, "Did you encounter Bo Jingmo in the last dungeon?? What did he say to you?? Or did you meet someone?"

Otherwise why would Yu Jiao spout such absurdities.

What did she mean about Limu being touched? About meaninglessness? Forgetting Limu?

Seeing the man's agitation, Yu Jiao pressed her lips together before sighing: "Truth is, Limu told me these words herself."

Rong Fan stiffened: "Li...mu?"

His hands spread slightly as he stammered, "Y-you met her?"

Yu Jiao nodded. Considering their long association, she couldn't help advising kindly: "So Rong Fan, you should stop too."

Rong Fan stood dumbfounded, mouth opening soundlessly.

Finally, he rasped: "Then why won't she see me..."

Why?

He'd thought Limu avoided him due to amnesia.

But if she sought Yu Jiao, why not him...

This question, Yu Jiao didn't know how to answer.

Truthfully, Limu had been beside them all along.

Had she not confessed voluntarily, Yu Jiao might never have guessed the truth.

As she prepared to continue, more footsteps approached—multiple people heading their way.

She fell silent, tilting her head toward the door.

When it opened to reveal Xing Yuan and Tian Jianmu, she blinked in surprise before greeting: "Director Xing."

Xing Yuan glanced at her, "Bai Shaodong isn't here? Just you?"

Yu Jiao hesitated, "As Deva's... acting head, you may discuss matters with me."

"Tch." Xing Yuan smirked, "I'm here to see Bai Shaodong. Wasn't he notified? Surely my visit won't be in vain?"

A voice sounded behind them:

"Director Xing honors us with his presence. How could I refuse? Let's talk inside."

Bai Shaodong approached, his gaze lingering meaningfully on Yu Jiao,

who averted her eyes and offered: "I'll excuse myself then."

Unexpectedly, Xing Yuan stopped her: "Wait!"

"You'll stay."

Hm?

Yu Jiao felt inexplicable foreboding, confirmed when Xing Yuan continued:

"Tian Jianmu mentioned you grew close to Yu Li in the last dungeon. You know her?"