Due to Ward's official competition rules, only one representative from each company was permitted to remain in the exhibition hall to guide the audience.
Haifeng selected a young staffer from the sales department—smart, confident, and charming.
Sometimes, he knew, a well-spoken woman could make a stronger impression than any technical brief.
He gave her explicit instructions: focus on the key talking points, and when the audience entered, start the vehicle and highlight Audi's matrix LED headlight system—one of their most cutting-edge exterior technologies.
This showcase wasn't just for the live attendees. It was being streamed globally. It could become Audi's visual signature abroad if they could make an impression with that black-tech lighting system.
Get the public to associate those headlights with Audi, and you plant the seed of brand identity.
The interior design hadn't changed much from previous models, but the futuristic cabin still had sleek appeal that could win over younger audiences internationally.
The sales rep beamed with enthusiasm.
"President Lu, don't worry! I'll make sure every visitor remembers Audi's selling points!"
"Good," Haifeng nodded. "If we win the design and interior awards today, you'll have earned yourself a promotion—and a raise—when we get back."
Her eyes lit up.
"Thank you, President Lu! I'll give it everything I've got!"
As they wrapped up their final checks, a voice interrupted from behind.
"Excuse me—are you Lu Haifeng, the chairman of Audi?"
Haifeng turned and saw her: the elegant woman who had entered the Toyota booth earlier that morning.
He extended his hand.
"That's me. And you are…?"
The woman returned the handshake, her posture graceful and composed.
"Junko. President of Toyota's China regional branch."
Her Chinese was flawless.
"I've heard much about China Star Technologies and Audi under your leadership. It's an honor to meet you."
She looked him directly in the eyes, smiling.
Junko had met countless corporate executives, but something about Haifeng stopped her. He wasn't what she expected. She had imagined someone older—someone with the kind of experience that could helm two major companies. But here he was, young, sharp, and entirely at ease.
And more importantly, charismatic.
Haifeng, meanwhile, wasn't fooled by her outward formality. Her surname, composure, and confidence in handling the Toyota booth earlier pointed to someone with serious status inside the Japanese corporate world.
He kept his tone diplomatic.
"Miss Junko, you flatter me. We're just a modest company trying to grow. We're still far behind giants like Toyota."
Junko smiled slyly.
"So, you're saying you can't compare to Toyota right now—but you plan to catch up later?"
Her eyes sparkled with playful challenge.
"You know, we are the largest automotive manufacturer in the world."
Haifeng blinked, then returned the same teasing tone.
"Well, the future is full of surprises, isn't it?"
Junko laughed, clearly intrigued.
That hint of ambition in Haifeng's words struck a chord with her. She was ambitious, too—and she liked people who didn't hide it.
"I'll be waiting for that day then. Don't disappoint me, Mr. Lu."
"Looking forward to it."
Despite it being their first conversation, the two spoke as though they'd known each other for years.
Not far away, Junko's subordinates were watching with wide eyes.
"Did I just see that right? Miss Junko held a full conversation with a man?"
"I thought she hated guys?"
"She's smiling! She's smiling! Has anyone in the company ever seen her smile like that?"
"I've worked under her for five years and never even got a nod!"
"This Lu guy from China… he's dangerous."
Just then, a staff announcement echoed through the hall.
"All personnel, please exit the exhibition floor. The opening ceremony will begin in ten minutes."
Junko looped her arm around Haifeng's.
"Come on, Mr. Lu. Let's head out."
Haifeng blinked. The gesture reminded him of his walk with Andy-Na the day before.
Now it was happening again.
As they walked, he accidentally stepped on Junko's foot.
He paused, mortified.
"I swear—I didn't do that on purpose."
Junko narrowed her eyes but smirked.
"Is that so?"
"I promise."
"Alright," she said. "I'll believe you—this time."