“Riya?! What brings you here?”
Quentin and Charlotte exclaimed in surprise as the elegant woman, Riya, walked in.
“I heard there was some commotion here earlier, so I came to check on you.”
“Quentin is here too,” Riya said with a charming smile.
“It was Quentin who notified the military to come and take away the demonstrators. Things have calmed down for now,” Charlotte said with a wry smile.
“That’s good to hear. How are the sales of the new product developed by Heavenly Fragrance Collection?” Riya inquired.
“They’re doing okay, but we had some internal issues that caused significant losses to both the company and its reputation.”
“Although the new product is back on track, it’s still difficult to make up for the previous losses in a short time,” Charlotte sighed helplessly.
“So, what are your plans now, Charlotte? Relying solely on Fallen Fish and Wild Geese products is clearly not enough,” Riya asked.
“I plan to continue developing a new product with Heavenly Fragrance Collection, but we’ve encountered some issues during the testing phase,” Charlotte explained.
“Can you show me your testing plan? Maybe I can help,” Riya offered.
Charlotte went to her desk and handed Riya a booklet containing the plan.
“Overall, it looks fine, but it’s missing one crucial ingredient,” Riya said solemnly.
“Riya, I think so too, but I can’t figure out what’s missing.”
“I remember that Heavenly Fragrance Collection mentioned an herb called Dragon Herb.”
“But I’ve looked through various herbal references and asked many pharmacies, yet I couldn’t find any information,” Charlotte said expectantly.
“Dragon Herb, also known as White Dragon Beard, only grows in Miao Territory.”
“Very few people know about it,” Riya explained.
“Miao Territory?! Atia Miao Village?!” Quentin exclaimed from the side.
“Yes, Quentin, have you been there?” Riya asked.
“I once heard about it when I visited Atia with friends. It’s said to be a treacherous place with towering mountains and steep cliffs.”
“If outsiders enter blindly, they could easily get lost in the deep mountains, where wild beasts roam. A slight mistake could turn them into wandering spirits,” Quentin explained, making Charlotte and Riya shiver.
Quentin also recalled leading his troops to use the natural defenses of Atia’s terrain to fend off northern invaders, protecting Striudan’s people and earning fame in a single battle!
“It seems we can’t continue developing this new product. We’ll have to switch formulas and develop something else,” Charlotte sighed helplessly.
“It’s a pity that Miao Territory is so dangerous. We can’t risk our lives to find White Dragon Beard.”
“Charlotte?! Your hand is injured?”
The three had been discussing the formula until now when Riya noticed Charlotte’s right hand wrapped in bandages, with fresh blood staining the cloth.
“Riya, I’m fine. It’s just a cut. Quentin already treated and bandaged it,” Charlotte reassured her.
“But it will leave a scar! Regular surgery is hard to fix it, and it’s quite troublesome.”
“The new product you’re developing has a unique feature that can remove scars!”
“If it gets developed successfully, Time Group’s revenue and reputation will soar!”
Riya was deeply worried.
“I remember Heavenly Fragrance Collection mentioned this effect, but it’s due to Dragon Herb’s inherent properties.”
“Indeed.”
Both women sighed helplessly at the thought of Dragon Herb.
“Charlotte, I’ll go to Miao Territory myself and bring back Dragon Herb,” Quentin said calmly.
“Quentin, you know better than anyone how dangerous Miao Territory is. You can’t go. We can just develop another product.”
“It’s just a small scar; I don’t mind,” Charlotte pleaded, not wanting her man to take such a risk.
“Yes, Quentin, don’t risk your life,” Riya also urged, feeling guilty for mentioning Dragon Herb’s origin.
“I’ve been there before and am familiar with the terrain. I’m still alive and well, so there’s nothing to worry about.”
“Besides, Time Group is in a critical situation now. I’ll be back in a few days. Just wait for me,” Quentin reassured them.
“But…”
“Trust me. I’ll be back within five days with good news,” Quentin interrupted Charlotte.
“You must come back safely. Don’t leave me and our child again,” Charlotte said as she hugged Quentin tightly, her face full of worry. She knew she couldn’t stop him once he made up his mind.
But she was deeply concerned for Quentin’s safety, fearing he might leave her and their child again. Her heart was filled with reluctance.
“Alright, take care of yourself.” Quentin kissed Charlotte’s forehead gently before getting up to leave.
“Take care of yourself on the way,” Riya said worriedly. Quentin smiled at her before walking out of the boardroom.
Watching Quentin’s departing figure, Riya felt a deep sense of reluctance. She prayed silently for his safe journey.