Chapter Four: The Initial Show of Authority

No wonder Fu Chen’s personal secretary is known for efficiency—by the very next day, the magazine business was already settled. At that moment, Xiao Li was respectfully handing over all materials and the legal transfer contract for MK Magazine to Shen Huaijing.

“Madam, please take a look and see if there are any issues. If everything is in order, you can sign here, and you’ll be able to go to the company this afternoon.”

Shen Huaijing flipped through the documents with casual indifference, her pale fingers adorned with bright red nail polish that caught the sunlight and drew the eye.

“I trust your competence.” Taking up the pen beside her, she signed her name with a flourish.

After Xiao Li left, Shen Huaijing hurriedly pored over the materials on MK Magazine. Established five years ago, MK might not boast the history of other venerable magazines, but its rise had been swift; by capitalizing on celebrity gossip, fashion, and beauty trends, MK had carved out a place for itself and built a stable clientele. Its prospects were nothing short of brilliant.

Why, then, would such a promising magazine be so readily sold off?

Shen Huaijing couldn’t help but suspect there was more beneath the surface. With the Fu and Shen groups now joined in marriage, their combined strength was unmatched in Nancheng. Yet, even so, no one could wield absolute power. What method had he used to make someone surrender such a lucrative asset so willingly?

She frowned, lost in thought, stirring her coffee ever faster with a spoon until, before she realized it, the coffee had spilled all over her. Cursing her carelessness, she decided not to waste energy on what she couldn’t yet figure out. Instead, she refreshed her spirits, prepared to enjoy a shower, and selected an outfit in anticipation of her afternoon visit to the magazine.

Seated at her vanity, Shen Huaijing was quite satisfied with her reflection. Her black curls fell naturally to her waist, and the dark red, fitted V-neck dress with its pleated, playful skirt accentuated her fair skin. The dress was short, revealing her shapely legs, and she wore red-soled heels. The ensemble, set in deep tones, amplified her aura, and paired with her fox-like face, she was sure to draw every eye.

When she appeared at the entrance of MK, the receptionist hurried to greet her.

“Hello, may I ask who you’re looking for?” The young woman eyed Shen Huaijing with some confusion. Today’s shoot was already over, and she hadn’t heard of any models scheduled for the afternoon, yet this woman’s commanding presence set her apart from a typical model—who could she be?

“I’d like to see your editor-in-chief.”

“Do you have an appointment?”

“No, but if you tell her my name is Shen Huaijing, I imagine she’ll see me.” Shen Huaijing glanced at the badge on the girl’s chest: Xu Yue.

“Oh! You’re President Shen—I apologize, let me take you right away.” Xu Yue was startled. That morning’s meeting had announced the change in MK’s legal owner: Shen Huaijing, the high-profile heiress of the Shen Group. Xu Yue hadn’t expected her to arrive so soon.

After announcing her guest, Xu Yue left the editor’s office, and Shen Huaijing pushed open the door to see a woman wholly absorbed in her computer screen.

A nameplate on the desk read: Yu Yunxi.

Shen Huaijing took a closer look at the woman before her—short, professional brown hair, not quite beautiful, but radiating a certain spiritedness. Dressed in a black women’s suit, she was clearly the career-driven type.

Surprisingly, even after standing there for quite some time, Yu Yunxi had no intention of acknowledging her and continued staring at her monitor. Amused, Shen Huaijing said nothing, instead circling behind her to see what could so thoroughly capture this woman’s attention, enough to forget her superior was standing right there.

“If this season’s theme is youth, then this male model is the wrong choice—his features are too mature. And shouldn’t the clothing be in lighter colors?”

Shen Huaijing’s calm voice floated from behind, startling Yu Yunxi.

Indeed, Yu Yunxi had felt dissatisfied with today’s magazine cover but couldn’t pinpoint the flaw. These words were like a sudden revelation.

She had long known the new boss was Shen Huaijing, but hadn’t cared. Yu Yunxi prided herself on her talent and had watched MK grow from the start. With a pampered heiress suddenly in charge, she had naturally viewed her through a critical lens. Yet, Shen Huaijing didn’t seem at all like the spoiled socialite she had imagined.

“Thank you for your insight, President Shen. Please, have a seat.” Yu Yunxi’s tone was neither servile nor overbearing, showing no sign of intimidation despite Shen Huaijing’s position.

Taking the offered seat, Shen Huaijing felt genuine appreciation for an editor-in-chief like Yu Yunxi. She knew MK’s success could not be separated from her efforts.

“It was hardly advice—merely a suggestion.”

“But... Editor Yu, you’re certainly diligent at your work.” Shen Huaijing deliberately paused, her gaze sweeping, seemingly by chance, over Yu Yunxi’s face.

Though Yu Yunxi would undoubtedly be a good employee, it was clear that on her very first day she was being tested—Yu Yunxi hadn’t regarded her as an authority. Competence was one thing, but a leader must command respect.

Yu Yunxi felt Shen Huaijing’s gaze. With her keen perception, she sensed the pressure in those brown eyes. She knew she had deliberately given Shen Huaijing a cold reception. Straightening up, she met Shen Huaijing’s eyes. “President Shen, I was indeed too absorbed in my work just now. That was my mistake, and I will correct it.”

Yu Yunxi was shrewd enough to follow Shen Huaijing’s lead, giving herself a way out.

“I’m here today because I have some things to discuss.” Shen Huaijing shifted the topic, ignoring the apology.

This left Yu Yunxi uncertain, so she waited quietly for instructions.

“First, I won’t be in the office every day, but by 8 p.m. each evening, I expect a work report in my email—personally completed by you. Second, before setting quarterly objectives, I will attend meetings and discuss them with you all in person. If I’m unavailable, the discussion will be postponed. Third, you must remember that your only boss is me—no one else’s words matter. When I’m not present, you have my full authority.

“One last thing: I detest gossip. You’re intelligent, so I trust you understand what I mean.”

Yu Yunxi looked at the beautiful woman before her in surprise. She spoke as if intimately familiar with the magazine, and her grasp of business matters was clear. Her demeanor was nothing like the rumors suggested… but even with doubts, Yu Yunxi kept them to herself.

“I understand. President Shen, do you have any expectations for year-end performance?”

“Chasing instant results is never wise, is it?” Shen Huaijing lowered her gaze, toying with her fingers. Her long lashes veiled her eyes, making her impossible to read.