"We should have the primary batch of goods within three weeks. As discussed, we will have only order-based deliveries and customization after that."

  Qian Meng leaned forward and took the folder in her hand. She skimmed through it. "And the bridal line?" she asked.

  "I have already spoken to the guest designer we are collaborating with. She is up to make changes as you want. But we need to have several in-house design meetings with the designer to finalize. The launch will be in five months."

  Qian Meng nodded. "That's a good amount of time between the two launches. Any other launches that I need to sign off on?"

  Li Min nodded. "The contract with the textile company needs to be renewed and the executive staff told me that the water and heat resistant material you were pining for is finally getting manufactured commercially."

  Qian Meng pressed her finger to her temple. "Grab a meeting with the CEO of the company. We can negotiate on the time when. We need to demand the testing videos and reports before we make a decision. Just in case, talk to the legal team and make a tentative contract getting exclusive user rights to the material."

  She tapped her free hand on the table. "Ah, you also need to take into account how much they can produce and if they need investments in that."

  Li Min nodded. "I have already asked for the test reports and videos. We will get signed documents after the lunch break. I'll grab a meeting with the CEO for you, too. We also have a few problems."

  Qian Meng looked at Li Min in surprise. "What problems?" she asked.

  "Problems related to docking and transportation of the goods," Li Min said in a low voice.

  Qian Meng squeezed her eyes shut. "Is it anything serious? We have contracts with all the ports and transport agencies, right?" she asked.

  "Yes, the trouble is only some misbehavior with the staff or them losing a shipment and then calling to say they found it an hour later." Li Min could guess what this was about.

  "It seems the old bats from the Bais' company are acting up. Serve them legal notices and get compensation for lost items even if it is a prank or for an hour. All conversations need to be accounted for. Make sure everyone knows to record conversations, emails, any conversation they have with these vendors and companies." She sighed. "The old bats pulled some strings, it seems. They must be scared of what we will find."

  She shook her head in disbelief. "It's an amateur move, Boss. I can handle it myself. As you're the external audit. I have been told about two and a half weeks is still remaining for the complete results to come out. You'll have enough then to toss them out."

  "You don't need to assure me," Qian Meng said with a hint of amusement. "It's all part of the plan. They can't do anything unless I allow them to."

  The chessboard was laid out and she knew exactly how to counter every attack the opponent made.

  And the day went on and on. Qian Meng went from one meeting to the next. She sampled materials. Saw the sample dresses and designs. She spoke to the marketing team, sales, designers.

  It was only after lunchtime that the call from Li Jun came in. She picked it up immediately.

  "What's the update on the case?" Qian Meng asked without a greeting.

  "The autopsy results are out. It was ruled a homicide. They found muscle relaxant during the testing. No signs of struggle. They are taking the wire operation and the confession on tape as evidence as well. The charges for drugs have been added, too. He's not coming out of jail in this lifetime," Li Jun said.

  "The police would surely offer a plea deal to get names from high-end people, right?" Qian Meng asked.

  "Yes, they offered deals, but Bai Ye Qing is still 'thinking' about it. Whatever that means," Li Jun said. "The girlfriend… Jia Ai, I think her name is. She took the plea deal. She will give all the evidence. She is looking at 3-5 years in jail. She doesn't seem happy about it though."

  Qian Meng laughed. "No one would be happy going to jail," she snorted.

  "Oh no. She is not happy about fewer days in jail. It's the same for Bai Ye Qing," he said. He was confused, that Qian Meng could hear.

  She realized something at that moment. Whatever Mo Qingchen had told Bai Ye Qing had the same effect as it did on the threats made to Jia Ai.

  She was itching to know what he had said. She would have to ask Mo Qingchen when she reached home.

  "Has Mr. Bai been called to the police station? Have I?" she asked.

  "So far, Mr. Bai has not been called for questioning. But they will have a re-burial of the body at a different location as far as the police know."

  They spoke about some other issues and legalities that needed to be taken care of before Qian Meng hung up and went back to work. She was in the middle of reading a document when Li Min entered the room, looking utterly confused.

  "Boss, some handmade confectionery shop representative is waiting at the reception. They said that you ordered from their store. They bought a few truckloads of goods."

  Qian Meng smiled. "I had ordered it a while back." She stood up from her chair. "I'll have to personally take the delivery." She went downstairs and really, there was a woman standing at the reception, waiting for her.

  "Yun Qian Meng?" the woman asked. She had a notepad in her hands.

  "I am she. How many packets did you bring?" Qian Meng asked.

  "We have two orders of wedding packages made according to your instructions. One order is of white vintage lace bags with candy and a customized note in all of them. The other order is a black velvet bag with candies and a customized note. Both are different in the types of candies ordered and the notes. Am I correct?" she asked.