Late

In a sleek boardroom adorned with glass walls, CEO Bai Lu, known for her steely gaze and unyielding demeanor, stood at the head of the long mahogany table. The room buzzed with tension as employees fidgeted in their seats, eyes darting nervously between each other.

Bai Lu's piercing gaze swept across the room as she addressed the anxious crowd, her voice sharp like a whip. "I cannot fathom how we let that contract slip through our fingers," she declared, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the polished surface. "Do you all comprehend the gravity of the situation?"

Nervous whispers circulated, and a junior employee, Tim, shifted uncomfortably in his chair. Bai Lu's reputation for cutting costs ruthlessly and dismissing underperforming staff lingered in the air, fueling the unease. The memory of the last round of layoffs still haunted the room.

Bai Lu locked eyes with Tim. "Timothy, you were directly responsible for that proposal. Care to explain why we lost the deal?" she interrogated, her tone colder than the steel in her voice.

Tim stammered, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "I, uh, there were unforeseen circumstances, and the client—"

Bai Lu interrupted with a dismissive wave. "Excuses won't salvage this situation. Incompetence costs us contracts, and I won't tolerate it." Her gaze swept across the room again, intensifying the collective anxiety.

The air grew thick with tension, and the employees exchanged wary glances. Bai Lu's formidable reputation as a CEO who brooked no failure cast a shadow over the room. The workers were acutely aware that her ruthless decisions had shaped the fate of many, making them acutely fearful of crossing her path.

Midway through Bai Lu's scolding, the door swung open abruptly, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. In walked the new secretary, Mu Chen, disheveled and clearly flustered on his first day. Papers spilled from his arms, and his attempt to maintain composure fell short as he fumbled to collect them.

Bai Lu's stern gaze shifted from the workers to the tardy secretary, her expression hardening. "Mr. Mu, do you have any idea what time it is?" she questioned, her voice cutting through the room.

Mu Chen stammered an apology, desperately trying to compose himself. "I-I'm sorry, Ms. Bai. My alarm malfunctioned, and I got caught in traffic," he explained, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

Bai Lu raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by his excuse. "Punctuality is a non-negotiable expectation in this company. Late on your first day – not the best way to make an impression," she remarked, her disapproval palpable.

Bai Lu's icy gaze bore into him, her displeasure evident. "If you can't manage to be on time for your first day, what should I expect from you in the long run?" she scolded, her voice cutting through the room.

The other employees shifted uncomfortably in their seats, grateful for the temporary diversion from their own reprimands. Mu Chen, now acutely aware of the room's tense atmosphere, struggled to find the right words.

"I understand, Ma'am. It won't happen again," he replied, attempting to salvage the situation.

Bai Lu's response was swift and uncompromising. "Leave the meeting immediately. We can discuss your tardiness later. Punctuality is a basic expectation here, and I won't tolerate exceptions, especially on your first day."

Mu Chen, visibly flustered, nodded and hastily retreated from the room. The door closed behind him, leaving the remaining employees in an uneasy silence.

******

Mu Chen anxiously tapped his foot in the front of the conference room, glancing at his watch every few seconds. He couldn't shake off the nerves as he awaited Bai Lu's arrival. The weight of the recent dismissal hung heavily on his mind, making each passing moment feel like an eternity.

God she was going to fire him, he knew it. How could he have messed this up? He had been searching for a stable job for 2 years now and he was about to lose it before he even started.

He raked his fingers through his hair, frustrated with himself. He peered into the conference room for the hundredth time to finally see everyone disbanding.

He immediately rose from his seat and attempted to smooth out his outfit when he spotted Bai Lu exiting the room and walking in his direction as he fastened the button on her gray, fitted coat. An indiscernible expression washed over her face when she looked at him - baffling him.

His eyes automatically skimmed her. She looked stunning in the suit. It hugged her curves just right, emphasizing her elegance. The way her dark hair swung about her proud shoulders and the subtle makeup highlighted her features made her even more beautiful. His eyes couldn't help but be captivated by her confidence and natural grace. Simply put, she looked absolutely amazing. She had an elegant, swan-like throat.

"You," Bai Lu said, pointing at him. "My office, now," she demanded, walking past.