Stepping off the private rooftop express elevator into the six-story glass atrium of Tianhai Starlight International Luxury Plaza, Lin Mo brushed a drop of autumn rain from his cuff. Crystal chandeliers blazed above polished brass storefronts and towering advertising banners for European fashion houses. Wealthy shoppers in cashmere coats strolled along the polished granite walkways, followed by personal shopping assistants carrying glossy boutique bags.
Beside Lin Mo walked Chu Lingxiao, wearing her faded cyan cotton martial robe with the restored Millennium Frost-Moon Sword sheathed at her waist.
Waiting in the marble reception foyer were Su Wan and Shen Qiaoqiao, flanked by fifty female department heads and senior project managers from Taichu Group.
Above their heads, a sea of bright green halos shimmered with moral integrity scores ranging from eighty-four to ninety-five.
These were honest, diligent women who had worked twelve-hour shifts managing cold-chain logistics, factory audits, and worker welfare programs. Every one of them wore sensible gray business suits and low-heeled leather walking shoes. They carried themselves with quiet professionalism, unbothered by the opulent luxury surrounding them.
“Chairman Lin,” Su Wan greeted him, holding a digital tablet. “The fifty department heads have arrived. But security at the gala hall confirmed that the Four Tycoons hired fashion consultants from Paris to inspect every invitation at the door.”
