Exposing Zhang Feng's facade in front of the board not only solidified Gu Xinglan's authority but also regained the trust of the stakeholders. However, she was acutely aware that Zhang Feng was just one of her adversaries. A greater threat lurked in the shadows.
One morning, her phone rang, and Su Yao's anxious voice came through.
"President Gu, there was a suspected hacking attempt on the financial system last night. Our data may have been compromised."
Gu Xinglan's expression darkened. "Get the IT department on this immediately, and if necessary, bring in professional security experts."
After hanging up, she leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples. The onslaught of crises was relentless, and she needed to identify the mastermind behind this attack before the company faced irreparable damage.
Internal Conflict
Gu Xinglan convened an emergency meeting with the senior management team. The tension in the room was palpable as each member sat on edge.
"How did a breach like this occur?" Her sharp gaze swept across the room. "Why weren't there any preemptive measures?"
Lin Qiang, the finance director, rose to speak, his unease evident. "President Gu, we've been monitoring the system, but this type of large-scale attack was—"
"Unavoidable?" Gu Xinglan cut him off, her tone icy. "Is that your professional excuse? Everyone here knows how critical our financial data is. A single leak could spell disaster for us."
Lin Qiang lowered his head, unable to retort. His hesitation only heightened her suspicion—he had been in the company for years, overly accustomed to a lackadaisical routine, and recently showed overt resistance to her assertive leadership.
"Su Yao," she said, turning to her assistant, "pull the access logs for the financial system and scrutinize them thoroughly. Report anything suspicious to me immediately."
"Yes, President Gu," Su Yao replied promptly.
Unveiling the Culprit
Later that evening, Su Yao entered Gu Xinglan's office with a folder in hand.
"President Gu, we've traced the suspicious access records," she reported. "The breach originated from an account authorized to Zhao Gang."
Zhao Gang—a department manager who had long been Lin Qiang's confidant—was notoriously brash and openly defiant toward Gu Xinglan.
"It seems the fox has finally shown its tail," Gu Xinglan remarked coldly. "Contact our legal advisor, Wang Hao, and prepare the necessary documents for an internal investigation."
She also instructed Li Hua to discreetly monitor Zhao Gang's actions, ensuring he wouldn't have a chance to destroy evidence or flee.
Sure enough, within 24 hours, Li Hua returned with damning evidence.
"President Gu," he reported, "last night, Zhao Gang smuggled several documents out of the company. We caught him exchanging them with an unidentified man in the parking garage."
Flipping through the photos Li Hua provided, Gu Xinglan's lips curled into a grim smile. "Perfect. Schedule a meeting for tomorrow. It's time for Zhao Gang to face the music."
Confronting Suspicion
At the following day's company meeting, Gu Xinglan addressed the recent security breach with unwavering authority. Zhao Gang sat in a corner, visibly uneasy but trying to mask his guilt.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the recent breach in our financial system has exposed severe negligence," she began. "However, our investigation has revealed not just incompetence but deliberate sabotage."
At her cue, the screen lit up, displaying photos of Zhao Gang handing off documents to an unknown individual, as well as logs proving his unauthorized system access.
The room erupted in shocked murmurs, all eyes turning to Zhao Gang.
"Mr. Zhao," Gu Xinglan's voice cut through the commotion like a blade, "do you have anything to say for yourself?"
Pale and trembling, Zhao Gang could only stammer incoherently.
"Effective immediately, you are terminated, and the company reserves the right to pursue legal action against you," she declared, her tone merciless.
As security escorted Zhao Gang out, the remaining executives looked at Gu Xinglan with a mix of respect and fear. They now fully grasped the extent of her resolve.
A Greater Threat
With Zhao Gang neutralized, Gu Xinglan allowed herself a moment of relief. However, Su Yao soon delivered an unsettling update.
"President Gu, our deeper investigation into Zhao Gang's activities suggests he was backed by a larger force. This force appears to be targeting not only the company but also your personal life."
"Keep digging," Gu Xinglan ordered decisively. "I want every lead, no matter how small."
She also instructed Li Hua to tighten security measures both at the company and at her residence. The battle was far from over.
Yan Yichen's Probe
As Gu Xinglan navigated these challenges, an unexpected visitor arrived at her office—Yan Yichen.
"President Gu, busy as always?" he quipped, carrying a cup of coffee. "I've been hearing about your recent troubles and thought you could use a pick-me-up."
She looked up, her gaze wary. "Yan, I doubt you came here just to deliver coffee."
"You're right," he admitted, his usual smile taking on a cryptic edge. "I came to share some news."
"What news?"
"Your ex-fiancé Zhang Feng has been seen mingling with some rather unsavory characters lately," Yan Yichen said, his tone casual but pointed.
Her eyes narrowed. "How do you know?"
He shrugged. "I have my sources. Believe me or don't—it's up to you."
"If it's true, I'll handle it myself," she replied, her tone frosty, making it clear she had no interest in his assistance.
"Fair enough." Yan Yichen stood, his parting words tinged with warning. "Just remember, Xinglan, sometimes the number of enemies you have may surprise you."
Hidden Currents
After Yan Yichen's departure, Gu Xinglan stood by her office window, gazing at the city skyline. Her thoughts churned like the dark clouds gathering on the horizon.
"The number of enemies…" she murmured, recalling Yan's cryptic words. Her eyes hardened with determination. "Whoever dares to challenge me will pay the price."