Chapter 61: Provocation

Unconcerned with the shocked gazes in the security room, Lin Xiao had never been a fan of complications. The title of director for the logistics department was merely nominal to him. He planned to acquaint himself casually with his duties just for the sake of appearances and then prepare to take on the role of a hands-off manager.

After Ning Xi’s departure, Lin Xiao turned to Yang Tao and asked, “Chief Yang, where should we head first?”

However, what Lin Xiao viewed as a burdensome position was something Yang Tao had pursued for a long time.

Staring at Lin Xiao’s calm expression, Yang Tao’s resentment skyrocketed. Swallowing down his urge to confront Lin Xiao physically, he suggested coldly, “Director Lin, perhaps we should gather all the security guards in the lobby for a formal introduction. This way, they’ll at least recognize their leader in the future.”

“Alright.” Lin Xiao could perceive Yang Tao’s hostility. His brows furrowed slightly, but he chose to remain silent and nodded in agreement.

“What are you all waiting for? Hurry up and notify everyone,” Yang Tao scolded the security guards, still shocked by the recent events.

“Ah, yes, Brother Yang, we’re on it.”

The security guards sprung into action and promptly exited the security room.

After the guards left, Yang Tao also made his way out of the room. But before leaving, he cast a glance toward Lin Xiao and Luo Xiaofeng, who remained in the security room.

“Brother Lin, congratulations,” Luo Xiaofeng approached Lin Xiao to offer his felicitations after Yang Tao’s departure.

“Thank you.”

Upon hearing Luo Xiaofeng’s well-wishes, Lin Xiao was at a loss for words. He couldn’t outright mention that he found this unexpected promotion bothersome, as it would only invite conflict. So, he simply acknowledged with a nod.

“By the way, Brother Lin, stay cautious. Yang Tao might stir up some trouble,” Luo Xiaofeng advised after some hesitation.

Luo Xiaofeng held Lin Xiao in high regard and didn’t want to see him unfairly treated.

“Yang Tao was previously the most probable contender for the position of the logistics department director. Your unexpected appointment would certainly not sit well with him.”

Lin Xiao finally understood why Yang Tao had spoken in such a harsh tone earlier. His tenure at the Brilliant Group had been rather short, and given that the logistics department was a peripheral unit in the company, it wasn’t surprising he wasn’t aware of the internal goings-on there.

Despite this new information, Lin Xiao remained indifferent. The logistics department was a nuisance in his eyes, and he had no interest in dealing with their internal disputes.

“I see. Thank you,” he responded, despite his disinterest. He was nevertheless somewhat appreciative of Luo Xiaofeng’s heads-up.

“As long as you’re aware, Brother Lin, there’s no need for concern. With your abilities, you’ll handle it well,” Luo Xiaofeng said. “I need to leave now and find our other colleagues.”

“It’s about time. I’ll accompany you.”

With that, the two proceeded to the lobby of the Brilliant Tower.

Being a large corporation with annual sales in excess of tens of billions, Brilliant Aya Chemicals employed a substantial security force. Over twenty security guards worked in the security room at the headquarters alone, with even more stationed at the outlying production and research bases.

However, those outside guards didn’t fall under the purview of the logistics department’s security room. Its primary responsibility was managing the twenty or so security officers at headquarters.

The guards employed by such a major company were all highly competent. In the lobby, they stood in neat lines.

Seeing the guards lined up so orderly, Lin Xiao felt a wave of nostalgia, as if he were back in his military days, training his unit.

Yang Tao, who stood at the front of the line, concealed a smirk upon Lin Xiao’s arrival. He then stepped forward, “Director Lin, welcome.”

Lin Xiao, brought back to reality, nodded in acknowledgment.

Yang Tao, keeping his resentful feelings hidden, secretly thought, ‘We’ll see how you fare.’

“Allow me to introduce everyone to our new director of the logistics department, Director Lin Xiao,” Yang Tao announced to the guards.

The previous guards may have already informed them, as their faces showed mild surprise but no particular warmth or welcome.

Only Luo Xiaofeng clapped his hands and exclaimed, “Welcome, Director Lin.”

However, as he watched his surrounding colleagues silently staring at him, he felt an invisible pressure causing him to slowly lower his hand.

Yang Tao observed the guards’ behavior with a slight smile. Nevertheless, he commented insincerely, “Director Lin is the president’s personal bodyguard, highly skilled in martial arts. Why aren’t you all offering him a warm welcome?”

As soon as he finished speaking, the assembled guards erupted in applause, each declaring, “Welcome, Director Lin.”

Satisfied with the response, Yang Tao smiled at Lin Xiao, saying, “Director Lin, my apologies. They’re a bit ignorant and aren’t aware of your capabilities.”

He was certain that Lin Xiao would be infuriated by this situation, which was exactly what Yang Tao aimed for. He wanted to show Lin Xiao his influence within the security department. However, to his disappointment, not a trace of anger appeared on Lin Xiao’s face, who remained impressively calm.

Lin Xiao merely nodded. To him, Yang Tao’s antics were like throwing a flirtatious glance at a blind man, he simply did not care about the role of director of the logistics department, let alone Yang Tao’s influence.

Unaware of Lin Xiao’s true thoughts, Yang Tao mistook his calm demeanor for feigned indifference. He refused to believe that Lin Xiao hadn’t noticed his overt display of authority.

“Director Lin, I’ve heard that when you applied to be the president’s personal bodyguard, you faced many challenging tests. We, simple security guards, also wish to witness your prowess. Would you consider giving us a demonstration?”

Yang Tao gave Lin Xiao a provocative glance. His intention was straightforward—challenge Lin Xiao in front of everyone and win.

Unlike previous directors of the logistics department, Lin Xiao’s position was externally assigned, causing envy and resentment among the security guards. Especially since they saw the bodyguard job as similar to theirs but greater in benefits.

Lin Xiao’s sudden appointment as director of the logistics department was clearly tied to his role as the president’s personal bodyguard—a position earned through his martial prowess rather than corporate merit.

As long as he could defeat Lin Xiao, he believed that his influence within the security room would ensure that Lin Xiao wouldn’t last in the logistics department. Perhaps he might even impress the president with his capabilities and usurp Lin Xiao’s role as the personal bodyguard.

Thinking of this, Yang Tao’s heart was aflame with ambition. As for the possibility of defeat, it was a thought he hadn’t even entertained. He had the utmost confidence in his own ability.

With his eyes half-closed, Lin Xiao cast a glance at Yang Tao. He had naturally seen through Yang Tao’s display of authority. However, although he was indifferent to it, Yang Tao’s audacity had begun to irk him.

“Very well, but who will be my opponent? Why not you, Chief Yang?” proposed Lin Xiao.

At Lin Xiao’s words, a thrill of excitement shot through Yang Tao. He hastily responded, “Then I look forward to your guidance, Director Lin.”