As Ye Yuyan watched her father's composed figure as he laid out his plans, her heart, which had been tormented by fear and anxiety, finally found a corner of peace.
She quietly left the study without disturbing her father any further.
She needed to rest, even if it was just closing her eyes to relax, to gather some strength for the wait ahead. Lin Fan, you must hold on, you must wait for us!
Meanwhile, in the brightly lit conference room at the headquarters of Qihang Technology, the atmosphere remained heavy and oppressive.
The heated debate over whether to request the use of state power was ultimately put on hold due to the executive director's hesitation and various concerns. The failure to reach a consensus left everyone present with a deep sense of powerlessness and frustration.
The air was thick with the smells of tobacco, caffeine, and lingering anxiety. The ashtray was overflowing with cigarette butts, and the desk was littered with documents and a half-empty coffee cup.
"...Just like that?" A director in the marketing department couldn't help but ask in a low voice, his voice filled with resentment. He was a veteran who had followed Lin Fan all the way up, and he had a deep affection for Lin Fan.
"What good would it do to just drop it?" The deputy director of the technology department, a somewhat bookish-looking man with black-rimmed glasses, rubbed his aching temples, his voice weary. "Going straight to the top? The executive director's concerns aren't unfounded. Once it escalates to that level, things will completely spiral out of control. Qihang might be thrust into the limelight, becoming a pawn in international political games. Whether that's a blessing or a curse for the company, nobody can say for sure."
“But Mr. Lin…” The head of the public relations department hesitated, her beautiful face filled with worry, “We can’t just stand by and watch him suffer in there!”
"Nobody wants this!" The legal director slammed his fist on the table, his voice filled with suppressed anger. "But we must remain calm! Impulsiveness won't solve anything!"
He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, and his gaze swept over everyone present.
"Arguing won't solve anything. Since we can't reach an agreement for the time being, let's put aside the option of top-level intervention for now. But this absolutely does not mean we give up! We must do everything possible to rescue President Lin within the existing framework!"
His words were like a shot of adrenaline, bringing the somewhat disorganized atmosphere back together.
“That’s right!” The executive director also looked up from the brief silence, his eyes regaining their firmness. “We can’t just sit here and wait! All departments, continue with the original plan, and intensify your efforts!”
The order was given, and the previously dejected meeting room seemed to be injected with renewed energy. Although the road ahead remained uncertain, taking action was better than waiting idly.
“Legal Department!” The executive director looked at the general counsel.
"exist!"
"Maintain 24-hour communication with the Sin Chew legal team! Keep a close eye on every single word of the application materials for the temporary injunction! Ensure the legal process is flawless! Emphasize the issues of unlawful detention and coercion! Submit any evidence that can be used as proof immediately!"
“Understood! We’ve already confirmed with them that while Singapore’s legal system is unique, its definition of unlawful restriction of personal freedom is clear. As long as we can obtain key evidence or have a sufficiently strong chain of circumstantial evidence, the chances of obtaining an injunction are very high!” the general counsel reported immediately.
“Okay! The technical department needs to figure out how to get evidence!” The executive director turned to the technical department.
The deputy director of the technical department adjusted his glasses: "We are doing everything we can to track 'The Mole's' whereabouts. His last signal before he went missing was in a signal blind spot near Xingzhou Port. We are trying to recover and analyze the communication data in that area. At the same time, we are also conducting a network penetration test on the headquarters of Sihaitong. Their firewall is very strong, it's military-grade, and it's extremely difficult to break through head-on. We are trying to start from the flanks, such as their cooperating suppliers or some less secure related systems, hoping to find a breakthrough. Even just obtaining a network topology diagram of the building or partial access to the monitoring system would greatly help 'Falcon's' operation."
"The 'Mole' company..." the executive director frowned, "Could it be that they were..."
“It’s highly likely.” The deputy director of the technical department said gravely. “The other side was clearly prepared, and they are very likely aware of our intelligence network in Singapore. ‘Mole’ is experienced; the fact that he was able to disappear without a trace means our opponent is not simple.”
Another silence fell over the meeting room. The lesson of the mole Zhao Kai was still fresh in everyone's mind, and now with the missing "mole" added to the mix, Qihang's intelligence network in Singapore was practically paralyzed.
"Public Relations Department!" The executive director's voice broke the silence.
"Here!" the head of the public relations department responded immediately.
"Intensify our media offensive! We must not only contact mainstream international media, but also influential technology media, business review organizations, and international industry organizations! Set the tone high! This is not a simple commercial dispute; it is a trampling on international business rules, an obstacle to free trade, and an extortion of high-tech companies by local protectionism and organized crime! Portray Tang Zhonghe and Sihaitong as negative examples that damage Singapore's international image and business environment! Put pressure on the Singaporean government!"
“Understood!” A sharp glint flashed in the eyes of the public relations manager. “We have prepared several plans and will launch them immediately. At the same time, we will join forces with some major international companies that have partnerships with Qihang to issue a joint statement and amplify the impact of the event!”
"Where is the logistics security team?" The executive director looked at a lean man in a black combat uniform who had been sitting silently in the corner. He was the ground coordinator of Operation Falcon.
"Falcon has successfully infiltrated the Sihaitong headquarters area and is currently penetrating the target building. He just sent back a message that the building's internal defenses are very high, especially the underground area. Preliminary assessment suggests that President Lin is likely being held there," the coordinator reported succinctly.
“Underground…” the executive director murmured, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes, “Tell ‘Falcon’ to be extremely careful! Safety first! They must not be exposed until they are absolutely certain!”
"Yes! 'Falcon' is experienced; he'll act according to the circumstances."
The discussion in the conference room continued, with various instructions and information flowing rapidly.
Singapore Harbour, headquarters of the Sihaitong Group. The night was as dark as ink, and the sea breeze, carrying a salty and damp scent, caressed this colossal building standing in the port area.
Compared to the brightly lit headquarters building, the back alleys and surrounding outbuildings are hidden in deeper shadows.
Falcon, Qihang Technology's top security expert, is currently focused on carrying out one of the most dangerous missions of his career.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com