After dinner, I went to the company as usual to look for her. She wasn't in the office. The secretary said she was in a meeting. I went to the conference room, but the meeting was already underway. I couldn't go in because I was the chairman's son, so I stood at the door and listened.
"Chairman, more and more of our supply sources have been cut off recently, and the R&D department is unable to carry out its normal R&D tasks. Please give us some help!"
"Negotiation Department?" It was my mother's voice, a little cold.
"We're actively searching for new suppliers. We've already had quite a few interested in working with us, and we're in negotiations."
"But I heard that not only are there very few suppliers willing to work with Xia Shi, but the few you've hadhave all failed?"
"I—"
"At this point, instead of focusing on practical solutions to help the company navigate this crisis, you're only thinking
about muddling through it to reassure me. What's the company keeping you for?!"
Mom continued, "Don't play games with me. I know the company's R&D has completely collapsed, and we can't find new suppliers. The company is facing an unprecedented crisis. If you don't step up,
you'll be the next to be fired!"
I know the company relies most on sales of Meifang cosmetics. The majority of its revenue comes from this top-notch product. Every so often, an upgraded version of Meifang enters the market, providing indispensable support for Xia Shi's prosperity.
Xia Shi's Meifang has always been a leading brand.
Liankou's success was a challenge, whether in terms of product performance, value, or the speed of product development.
But this time, Mingshuo suddenly released its latest Liankou, a product that not only surpassed Meifang's in effectiveness but also took several times less time to develop. Suddenly, Mingshuo dominated most of Xiashi's market share, sending its stock plummeting and putting the company on the brink of collapse.
With ordinary business losses, the company could have relied on its accumulated experience to weather them without much trouble.
But this time, Liankou's all-encompassing crushing of Meifang completely overwhelmed Xiashi's ability to withstand the pressure. Consequently, employees were repeatedly laid off, and the board of directors, once meeting only once a week, now met almost daily.
This wasn't the worst of it; the worst was that Xiashi's entire network of options had been cut off. It was obvious that the supplier's reluctance to work with Xiashi was due to Mingshuo's behind-the-scenes manipulation.
Now that Xiashi was on the verge of collapse, if these suppliers continued to work with Xiashi, they would face complete bankruptcy. Having offended Mingshuo, their continued success in the cosmetics industry would be difficult.
Business is like this: if you're not careful, everyone who once welcomed you with a smile can turn against you. The situation changes rapidly, and a top company that was thriving one moment can face bankruptcy the next.
Just after the meeting continued tense for a while, I heard my cousin Xia Dong say, "Chairman, why don't we...take advantage of the fact that Xia Shi's stock is still valuable and agree to Mingshuo's acquisition plan, so that we can reduce our losses--"
"Don't even think about it!" Mom yelled, "As long as I'm here, Xia Shi will be here, and no one can think of acquiring us! If you want to, just get out. I'll help Xia Shi get through this crisis!"
"Chairman, I'm doing this for the good of the company. This is the only way to stop the losses. If we drag it on, we'll only lose more and more. Of course, we don't want Xia Shi to be acquired, but extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Chairman, you can't act on impulse and ruin the future of our entire company."
"Xia Dong, did you get kicked in the head by a donkey? Which side are you on?!" Mom was so angry that she called mycousin's name.
"Chairman, you can't be wrongly accusing me. I'm only thinking about the best interests of everyone in the company."
"Don't even think about it. If you want a takeover, sell your own body! Xia Shi won't sell! Today's meeting is over, adjourned!"
People started to emerge. When my cousin saw me, he gave me a helpless shake of his head and a wry smile. I knew he'd tried his best to persuade Mom, but I also understood Mom. After all, Xia Shi was the fruit of her and Dad's labor.
She wouldn't give in easily.
After everyone left, Mom was the only one left. She remained silent for a long time, and I didn't dare go in either.
Ten minutes later, Mom emerged. She was stunned when she saw me, her tired face brightening a little.
"Mingming, why are you here?"
"Mom, have you eaten yet?" I asked, standing up.
"No, I'm not hungry."
"It's already eight o'clock, let's go eat."
"Have you eaten?"
"Yes."
"As long as you've eaten,
it's fine."
"Mom, is not hungry. I still have work to do."
I followed Mom to her office.
"Mingming, go home quickly! Have you finished your homework? Don't you have classes tomorrow?"
"I've finished my homework. Tomorrow is Saturday, the weekend."
"Really?"
Seeing Mom's haggard appearance, so busy she couldn't even remember the date, I felt so distressed.
"Mom, let me give you a massage. You've been busy all day and must be tired."
"This..."
While she hesitated, I walked over, placed my hands on her soft shoulders, and began to massage.
Perhaps because of yesterday's experience, Mom wasn't particularly resistant today. After about ten seconds, she completely relaxed and let me work on her shoulders.
My hands touched the silky, fine material of Mom's white shirt. Her long, straight black hair was right under my nose, and
I could smell its fragrance. Giving Mom a massage was a real pleasure.
I stood behind Mom, looking down at her work from above. She had one button undone on her chest again.
From my vantage point, I saw she'd changed into a white lace bra, her snow-white, perky breasts forming a deep cleavage. I was thoroughly amused. Mom was so focused on her work, oblivious to her exposure.
I couldn't help but feel a little dazed. The Liankou incident had given me an opportunity to get closer to Mom. Before, I'd never been this close to her, let alone see her breasts.
But I wasn't satisfied. I wanted more from her.
An hour later, Mom stopped working. Perhaps because I was there, she didn't let me stay the whole night. Since she couldn't let me leave, she ended her work early and took me out of the office.
There was no food at home, and Mom was hungry, so she took me to the barbecue street.
When Dad was around, he'd often take Mom there for barbecue. Our whole family loved it, and even now, Mom, a queen at the top of the pyramid, hasn't changed.
Arriving at the barbecue street, many people recognized Mom and greeted her warmly, but there were also some hostile, threatening glances. I vigilantly protected Mom, preventing her from getting hurt.
After finishing the barbecue, we passed through a dark alley to pick up the car. It was a dark, eerie place, and suddenly a few thugs emerged. Without a word, they attacked Mom and me. True to her character, Mom remained
calm in the face of the situation. She's a disciplined person and has practiced martial arts. Plus, I'm also quite fit, so we quickly defeated the thugs as they were very drunk. I was still slightly injured. One of the men's knifes nicked my knee, leaving a gash about five millimeters long. Dark red blood oozed out. I wasn't hurt, but Mom was so anxious she was in tears.
There weren't many clinics or hospitals nearby, so she helped me sit down in a corner and tore off the sleeve of her shirt to bandage me.
"Mingming, are you okay? I'm sorry, mom hurt you."
"Mom, how can you blame you? They were the ones who had bad intentions towards us."
"You, don't say anything. I'll help you go to the hospital."
"It's just a minor injury. Look how anxious you are."
"Don't say that!" Mom suddenly got furious. I was stunned by her sudden anger.
Then Mom realized her loss of composure and apologized. "Yes, I'm sorry. I was so worried about you."
"It's okay, Mom. It's really okay. If you were really worried, just give me a reward."
"What, what reward?"
I said, for some reason. "Kiss me on the mouth."
I regretted it the moment I said it, but the words were already out. I couldn't take them back. I expected Mom to blush, but she was silent for a moment. Then, blushing, she said, "Kiss, kiss on the cheek, please?"
I had no reason to refuse. Not being punished was already a blessing, considering I had just said such a disrespectful thing.
"Yes, yes, of course!"
Then Mom took a deep breath, her breasts so full they seemed to burst open, and thenher red lips gently pressed against my cheek.
Warm, soft, moist, I felt my heart blossom. It felt so good to be kissed by Mom.
I looked at Mom. Her face was as rosy as a peach, and there was a little girl's shyness in her expression, making me feel as if I were in love with her.
I can't help but imagine what it would feel like if she actually kissed me on the lips.
Although I did kiss Mom secretly last night, it was my initiative, and because I was very cautious, I couldn't feel Mom's lips as carefully and realistically as I do now.
Next time I have the chance, I must experience the feeling of kissing Mom.
...