Chapter 9

The night was as dark as ink, but the light was still on in Song Mingye's study. He spread Zhang Qiming's documents on the table, his fingertips tracing the yellowed cooperation contract, his gaze sharp as a knife. News had come from Attorney Li that Zhang Qiming had secretly accepted bribes from a competitor three years ago, not only participating in the plot to frame Song Zhenhong but also being the direct mastermind behind this technology leak.

"Brother, have some hot milk." Song Linchuan walked in with a glass of milk. Seeing the bloodshot eyes, he frowned with heartache. "It's almost midnight. You should rest."

Song Mingye took the milk, the warmth spreading through his palms, slightly dispelling his fatigue. He pulled Song Linchuan over and made him sit beside him: "Linchuan, look here." He pointed to the transfer records on the documents, "Zhang Qiming receives an anonymous remittance every month, and the source is that competitor company."

Song Linchuan leaned closer for a look, his expression instantly turning serious: "Can we call the police now?"

“Not yet.” Song Mingye shook his head. “This evidence can only prove that he accepted bribes, but to convict him of leaking trade secrets, we need more direct evidence. For example, records of him transmitting information, or records of his communications with the other party.”

Just then, Song Mingye's phone rang. It was a call from the investigation team. "Mr. Song, we've found out! Last Wednesday night, Zhang Qiming sent an email from his private email address to the technical director of our competitor. The attachment size was the same as the compressed file containing our core data!"

Song Mingye's eyes lit up instantly: "Retrieve the email records immediately and send them to Attorney Li!"

"It's already been sent! In addition, we also found backups of core data on his personal computer, as well as chat logs of him discussing with the other party how to divide the market!"

"Good! Well done!" Song Mingye clenched his fist, finally feeling half relieved.

After hanging up the phone, he looked at Song Linchuan and a long-lost smile appeared on his face: "The evidence is complete."

Song Linchuan breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "Great, brother. Zhang Qiming can't escape now."

"Hmm." Song Mingye ruffled his hair. "Tomorrow morning, Attorney Li will take the evidence to the police station and file a lawsuit in court to hold Zhang Qiming and that company legally responsible."

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window, dispelling the gloom of the past few days. Song Mingye, carrying all the evidence, went to the police station with Attorney Li. The police quickly opened an investigation, and Zhang Qiming was taken away for questioning that same day.

When the news reached the company, the employees breathed a sigh of relief, and the previously tense atmosphere gradually eased. Song Mingye convened a company-wide meeting, where he announced the truth of the matter and the company's next steps.

"Everyone, this crisis is a test for us. But I believe that as long as we unite as one, we will definitely overcome this difficulty." Song Mingye's gaze swept over the employees below the stage, his tone firm, "We will never tolerate those who leak information; and we will also use legal means to protect our rights against those competitors who take advantage of the situation to seize the market."

A round of enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience, and the employees regained their confidence.

After the meeting, Song Mingye returned to his office, where Song Linchuan was sitting on the sofa waiting for him. "Brother, the press conference is ready. The public relations department has already prepared the speech."

Song Mingye walked over, sat down next to him, and took his hand: "Thank you for your hard work, Achuan. These past few days, I'm so grateful to have you with me."

“We’re family, aren’t we?” Song Linchuan said with a smile, the beauty mark under his eye shining brightly. “Of course I’ll stay with you.”

In the afternoon, the press conference was held as scheduled. Facing a large number of reporters, Song Mingye calmly recounted the events and released evidence of Zhang Qiming's leak of trade secrets. Reporters eagerly raised their hands to ask questions, creating a lively atmosphere.

After the press conference, major media outlets reported on the incident. Once the public learned the truth, they overwhelmingly supported Song Mingye's company, and previously lost customers began to return, gradually stabilizing the company's stock price.

A competitor company was ordered by the court to cease selling infringing products and to compensate Song Mingye's company for its economic losses due to infringement of trade secrets. Zhang Qiming was also sentenced to imprisonment for the crime of leaking trade secrets.

The storm finally subsided. Song Mingye stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window in his office, looking at the sunlight outside, and let out a long sigh of relief. Song Linchuan walked to his side and gently hugged his waist: "Brother, it's all over now."

Song Mingye turned around, hugged him back, and lowered his head to place a soft kiss on his forehead: "Yes, it's all in the past. From now on, we will never be bothered by these things again."

Little Whitey wagged its tail and ran over, rubbing against their legs. The sunlight shone on them, warm and bright. Song Mingye knew that the road ahead was long, but as long as Song Linchuan was by his side, he had the courage to face anything.

The evening breeze gently blew, kissing the office windowsill, and also kissing the couple who had become even more steadfast after weathering the storms. Their story continues, carrying warmth and hope towards a brighter future.