Chapter 5: The First Move
1447 Words
Bianca stood in front of the massive glass windows of her temporary office, gazing out at the sprawling city below. The skyline gleamed under the light of the afternoon sun, each building a reflection of the power that ran through the veins of Tang Industries. She could almost hear the hum of the city’s pulse, the energy of billions of dollars exchanging hands, each transaction a subtle, invisible thread weaving together the web of influence Yu Cheng had so carefully constructed.
Her office, though small compared to Yu Cheng’s, was a testament to his meticulousness. Everything was sleek, minimalist, and modern. The desk, which looked as if it had been carved from a single piece of dark, polished wood, gleamed under the overhead lights. The chairs around it were upholstered in a fine leather, their edges sharp, giving the room an air of austere elegance. It was the kind of room that demanded respect, and it was exactly the kind of environment where Bianca would thrive.
She couldn’t help but smile as she ran a finger along the polished surface of the desk. The first move had been made—she had been brought in by Yu Cheng himself. Now, it was her turn to show him that she wasn’t here to just play the game—she was here to win it.
Her mind began to race, considering her options. The game she was playing with Yu Cheng was one of power, of manipulation, and of subtlety. The simplest move could send ripples through the entire organization, creating chaos that would ultimately work in her favor. She had to be careful, though—Yu Cheng was no fool. He knew the stakes. He knew the kind of threat she posed.
Just then, her thoughts were interrupted by the sharp chime of her phone. She picked it up, her fingers moving with practiced precision as she unlocked the screen. The message was brief, just a few lines of text, but it was exactly what she needed to know.
---
From: Yu Cheng
Subject: Task Assignment
Ms. Lin,
I trust you’ve had a chance to familiarize yourself with our current operations. I’ve scheduled a meeting with the executive team for tomorrow at 9 AM. I expect you to attend and present your thoughts on how you intend to improve our strategic initiatives. Be prepared to answer questions.
Best regards,
Yu Cheng
---
Bianca’s lips curled into a slight smile. The challenge had been issued. He wanted to see what she was made of. What Yu Cheng didn’t know, however, was that she had already formulated a plan—a masterstroke that would put her in the center of the company’s decision-making process.
Her plan was simple but effective: she needed to establish her position as an indispensable asset to Tang Industries. The executive team, likely full of ambitious individuals just waiting for an opportunity to rise through the ranks, would be the perfect audience for her first display of influence. She didn’t just want to impress them; she wanted to make them feel as though they needed her to succeed.
Bianca’s thoughts were interrupted again, this time by a knock on the door. She turned, her expression carefully neutral, and waved her hand in a subtle gesture, beckoning the person to enter. The door opened, and a young woman in a sharp, navy-blue suit stepped inside. Her dark hair was neatly pulled back into a bun, and she had the polished look of someone who had been trained to perform under pressure.
“Ms. Lin,” the woman said, her voice clear and professional. “I’m Helen, Mr. Cheng’s executive assistant. I’ve been instructed to ensure you have everything you need for the meeting tomorrow.”
Bianca’s eyes briefly scanned the woman before offering a small nod. “Thank you, Helen. I appreciate your efficiency.”
Helen’s face remained unreadable, but Bianca could sense the subtle shift in her demeanor—the way she stood a little straighter, her gaze sharpening slightly as she recognized Bianca’s authority. It was a small victory, but it was a victory nonetheless. In this world, perception was everything.
“Mr. Cheng also wanted to make sure you had access to the latest reports on our ongoing projects,” Helen continued, stepping forward and placing a thick folder on the desk. “These include financials, project timelines, and market analysis. You’ll need this information for the meeting tomorrow.”
Bianca picked up the folder, flipping through the contents with a practiced eye. Everything was in order. The financial reports were clean, the timelines well-organized. But the market analysis was the key piece. Tang Industries was facing increasing competition in the technology sector, and there were a few troubling signs that suggested some of their investments were underperforming.
She closed the folder with a decisive snap, her expression calm but calculating. “Thank you, Helen. I’ll take a look at these before the meeting tomorrow. Can you arrange for me to meet with the heads of the technology and real estate divisions in the meantime?”
Helen’s brow furrowed slightly at the request, but she quickly masked her surprise with a nod. “Of course, Ms. Lin. I’ll arrange it right away.”
Bianca smiled, her eyes glittering with the promise of a new plan. She wasn’t just going to present a set of ideas in tomorrow’s meeting—she was going to set herself up as the woman who had the power to move the company forward. If she could gain the trust of the technology and real estate divisions, she would be in a position to pull strings from multiple angles, weakening Yu Cheng’s control in the process.
Once Helen left, Bianca took a moment to examine her reflection in the glass window, the faint outline of the city stretching out behind her. She was ready. This world, with all its power plays and endless opportunities, was about to become her playground.
---
The next morning arrived with the usual precision of a corporate world that never slept. Bianca stood in front of the mirror in her office, her suit tailored perfectly to her form, her makeup immaculate. She was the picture of confidence—every inch the professional, every step measured. There would be no mistakes today.
She reviewed her notes one last time before heading to the elevator. She had already met with the heads of the technology and real estate divisions, quietly but assertively positioning herself as an ally to both. In a company like Tang Industries, where egos often clashed as fiercely as the boardroom battles themselves, it was essential to maintain the illusion of unity while quietly preparing to play both sides. If she could make these departments feel as though they needed her expertise, she would secure a foothold within the company that Yu Cheng could not easily dislodge.
The elevator doors opened on the top floor, and she stepped into the sleek, modern conference room where the executive meeting was to take place. The long, polished table gleamed under the bright lights, and the chairs around it were filled with some of the most powerful figures in the company. Each of them was poised, ready to assert their own ideas and visions. But Bianca didn’t feel intimidated. She didn’t need to speak first—she just needed to make them feel like she was the one who could solve their problems.
She took a seat at the far end of the table, positioning herself just outside of the immediate circle of the most powerful individuals in the room. It was a strategic move, one that made her seem like an outsider—an observer—while simultaneously drawing the attention of the others. Let them underestimate her. Let them think she wasn’t a threat.
As Yu Cheng entered the room, all conversation stopped. The room’s energy shifted, but Bianca didn’t flinch. He walked with his usual cold confidence, the air around him thick with authority. He took his seat at the head of the table, and all eyes turned to him.
“Let’s begin,” he said, his voice calm but commanding. “Ms. Lin, I trust you’ve had time to review the materials and come up with your thoughts. I’d like to hear your perspective on where we’re headed next.”
The moment of silence that followed was deliberate, and every eye in the room was on Bianca. But she didn’t break her composure. She rose slowly, her heels clicking lightly against the floor as she walked to the front of the room.
The game was on.
---
End of Chapter 5
- Writer
