Chapter 25: Simply a Craving for Power and Influence!-A coadjuvante descartável desperta, e o príncipe do círculo de Pequim se ajoelha chorando de arrependimento.(dez mil grãos)

Song Xixi frowned, but her expression smoothed out almost immediately.

Looking Director Zhang straight in the eye, she said calmly, "Director Zhang, I understand that you value technical expertise. While my past project experience may not have been made public at this company, that does not mean I lack it. For instance, regarding the previous..."

Shen Anzhi interjected at the perfect moment: "Director Zhang, I have thoroughly reviewed Ms. Song's track record. Her capabilities are beyond doubt."

Director Zhang’s expression softened slightly, though his skepticism remained. "That may be so, but there is always a gap between theory and actual practice."

"Director Zhang, practice is the sole criterion for testing truth. I look forward to learning from you and my colleagues in the technical department, and working together to advance the project’s technical aspects."

At this, the heads of other departments began to whisper among themselves.

Song Xixi curled her lips, her gaze sweeping calmly across their faces.

Was someone trying to make things difficult for her?

She took a slow sip of tea, a faint smile playing on her lips, and spoke unhurriedly: "This welcome ceremony is truly unique. As I recall, this should be my first time meeting all of you."

She maintained a thin, polite smile, though it did not reach her eyes. Her tone shifted as she continued: "So, the fact that everyone seems to be so 'well-informed' about me is truly flattering."

With that, she sat down elegantly, her gaze resting casually on the documents scattered across the conference table.

The room went silent. The others looked at one another, then lowered their heads in embarrassment.

Shen Anzhi frowned, instantly realizing the subtext in Song Xixi’s words. He surveyed the room, taking note of everyone's reaction. It was clear that they were all feeling guilty. Someone was undoubtedly stirring the pot behind the scenes, inciting dissatisfaction against her.

Secretary Wang felt a jolt of panic and subconsciously bit her lip. She kept her head bowed, her hands clenched tightly in her lap, her palms already slick with sweat. She dared not look up, terrified of being exposed, and prayed silently that no one would name her.

However, Song Xixi chose not to press the matter further. She was a newcomer with no firm foundation; making a scene now would not benefit her work.

"Since no one has any further objections, let us officially begin discussing the specific details of the project."

She skillfully opened her documents and began to present the project's plans and goals in a methodical, professional manner.

As she spoke, the audience was gradually drawn in by her clear logic and insightful observations. The murmurs of doubt faded, replaced by attentive listening and occasional nods of agreement.

After the meeting, Shen Anzhi remained cautious. He pulled Song Xixi aside and whispered, "Today’s events were suspicious. Please don't take it to heart; I will investigate this privately. If you encounter any further issues in the company, come to me at any time."

Song Xixi offered a gentle smile. "Thank you for your support and trust, Director Shen. I don't want to start off on the wrong foot, so I’ll prioritize the project for now. However, I won't let others sabotage me behind my back, and I will handle things carefully."

Shen Anzhi nodded. "I’m relieved to hear that. Focus on the project, and let me know if you need anything."

After work, as soon as Song Xixi stepped out of the office building, she spotted Ye Chunxi’s eye-catching red sports car. Ye Chunxi was leaning against the door, waving excitedly. "Xixi, over here, over here!"

Song Xixi walked over quickly, smiling helplessly. "You’re making such a scene—as if you were afraid the whole world wouldn't know you were waiting for me."

Ye Chunxi giggled and pulled her into the car. As she started the engine, she said, "I’ve been busy all day and I’m craving hot pot like crazy. I wanted to grab you quickly and then head over to get our hair done—I’ve already made the appointment."

Before long, they arrived at a bustling hot pot restaurant. The shop was filled with steam and the rich, savory aroma of boiling broth. They found a seat and quickly ordered their food.

Ye Chunxi immediately switched into chatterbox mode, buzzing with the latest gossip she had heard—from secret romances in the entertainment industry to bizarre fashion trends. She had Song Xixi laughing so hard that the fatigue of the day simply vanished.

Song Xixi couldn't help but tease, "Tell me, Miss Ye, you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth, so why are you so hopelessly obsessed with hot pot, just like a commoner like me?"

Ye Chunxi widened her eyes and immediately launched a counterattack: "Ms. Song, don't sell yourself short! You are a quintessential, hidden 'wealthy beauty,' aren't you?"

Song Xixi rolled her eyes, throwing up her hands in mock resignation. "Forget it. I’m just a penniless girl with no one to rely on, struggling to survive in this world on nothing but thin air."

Ye Chunxi flicked her forehead playfully. "Stop being so humble-braggy. With your talent, you could have any company fighting to hire you. Stop pretending to be 'bronze' when you're clearly a 'king'."

As they spoke, the waiter arrived with the steaming hot pot base and an array of fresh ingredients. The two stopped bickering and busied themselves dumping the food into the pot.

After a satisfying meal, Ye Chunxi dragged her to a high-end hair salon nearby. As soon as they entered, Song Xixi spotted Song Yanyan. Her eyes darkened, and she let out a quiet scoff. *How unlucky. Why do I run into this 'green tea' drama queen everywhere I go?*

Song Yanyan saw them enter as well. She looked surprised for a moment, then a seemingly affectionate smile played on her lips.

"Sister, what a coincidence." She rose, walking toward them with light, graceful steps. Her gaze flicked toward Ye Chunxi. "And with Miss Ye as well? You’ve certainly become quite the socialite, sister."

Ye Chunxi frowned, responding bluntly, "Song Yanyan, stop with the passive-aggressive tone. What’s wrong with Xixi being with me?"

Song Yanyan clutched her chest, looking wronged. "Miss Ye, I only meant that I saw my sister and wanted to check on her. Sister, I heard you started working at the Dake Group. I’m truly worried about you. You’ve never had any corporate experience; what will you do if you make a mistake and become a laughingstock?"

Song Xixi replied calmly, "Thank you for your concern. I have a handle on my own affairs. As for you, sister, you seem so 'concerned' about me—perhaps you should focus more on your own life."

"How can you say that, sister? I truly have your best interests at heart. If you go to the Dake Group and fail the project, it won't just be embarrassing for you—it will reflect poorly on our family's reputation."

Ye Chunxi glared at her. "Song Yanyan, stop the fake act. Xixi’s talent is not something you get to question."

Song Yanyan looked at Ye Chunxi with a feigned innocent expression. "Miss Ye, I am Xixi’s sister; I know her better than you do. I just worry that she’ll be wronged at the company, after all, the corporate world is complicated."

Song Xixi pursed her lips and smiled. "Sister, please stop 'caring' about me in this way. It’s exhausting for everyone involved."

*With acting this poor, no wonder she’s always stuck in bit-part roles,* Song Xixi thought. Besides, Song Yanyan hadn't joined the entertainment industry for the sake of acting; she only wanted to climb the social ladder. Now that she had her sights set on Qin Ze, she was even less dedicated to her work.