Chapter 133

(Late July 2025, Shanghai, Global Department Store Asia Headquarters temporary project office) Following the conclusion of the three-day "360-degree, no-dead-angle deep physical examination" conducted by Li Banjia's "International Project Vanguard" at the Global Department Store Longhua Road flagship store, an internal summary titled *"'Global Navigation' under the 'Oriental Pearl': A Friendly Reminder from XX Group"* was delivered via encrypted email. It was precisely routed to the inboxes of John Smith, CEO of Global Department Store Asia; David Green, Greater China Retail Operations Director; and Wang Jianguo, General Manager of the Longhua Road Store. The title, while seemingly "friendly," hid a sharp edge, like a "Blade of the East" about to be unsheathed, glinting with a chilling light.