The lingering unease in Liu Lu's heart grew stronger.
Ever since receiving that anonymous text message, she felt as if she were trapped in a giant spider web, invisible and intangible, yet she could truly feel the constraint.
Within the group, several important projects she was in charge of were progressing unusually slowly. The document approval process seemed to be stuck in a quagmire, with layers of obstacles making it difficult to move forward.
The efficiency that used to be so swift and decisive has vanished, replaced by endless waiting and procrastination.
Liu Lu keenly sensed that this was no accident; an invisible force was secretly hindering her, attempting to drag her into the abyss.
That day, at a high-level meeting of the group, Liu Lu was reporting on the latest market expansion plan.
She spoke clearly and logically, with detailed data, and with great confidence, demonstrating strong professional competence and a confident demeanor.
Just then, a sharp voice shattered the tranquility of the conference room.
"Director Liu, if I may be so bold, your proposal is probably a bit unrealistic, isn't it?" The speaker was Lin Qiang, a new employee in the group's marketing department. He had a sneer on his lips and his eyes were full of provocation.
"Oh? Lin Qiang, what brilliant idea do you have?" Liu Lu asked calmly, her eyes sharp as if trying to see through his conspiracy.
Lin Qiang cleared his throat, casually flipping through the documents in his hand, and said arrogantly, "I believe that Director Liu's plan is too aggressive, too risky, and lacks feasibility. The market is constantly changing, and we should adopt a more prudent strategy instead of blindly expanding." His words were full of contempt and doubt for Liu Lu, and the senior executives present all turned their gazes to Liu Lu, making the atmosphere immediately awkward.
Liu Lu sneered inwardly; she saw through Lin Qiang's trick at a glance.
This greenhorn is nothing more than a puppet being used as a tool.
There must be someone behind him directing him, trying to use this opportunity to embarrass her, or even bring her down.
“President Wang,” Lin Qiang turned to President Wang, who was seated in the main seat, his tone even more respectful, “I believe my proposal is more in line with the group’s interests, and I hope you will give it serious consideration.” President Wang nodded slightly, his gaze shifting back and forth between Liu Lu and Lin Qiang, as if he were weighing something.
Liu Lu took a deep breath; she knew that the real contest had only just begun.
A meaningful smile played on her lips as she slowly spoke, "Lin Qiang's doubts are quite reasonable..."
Liu Lu did not get angry on the spot, but instead accepted Lin Qiang's questioning with a smile.
"Lin Qiang's question is very valuable," she said calmly, yet with an undeniable authority. "A good solution requires collective wisdom to be perfected. So, Lin Qiang, I formally invite you to join the project team and work with us to refine this solution. What do you say?" Lin Qiang clearly hadn't expected Liu Lu's response. He had prepared a whole host of rebuttals, but now it felt like punching cotton, leaving him incredibly frustrated and embarrassed.
He hesitated for a moment, then stammered an agreement.
After the meeting, Liu Lu went straight to General Manager Wang and exchanged a few words with him.
Mr. Wang gave her an approving look, his eyes filled with trust and encouragement.
After getting off work, Liu Lu returned home, and her daughter Liu Bei rushed into her arms like a happy little bird.
"Mom, are you tired from the meeting today?" Liu Bei asked with concern, blinking her big eyes.
Liu Lu smiled and patted her daughter's head, a warm feeling welling up in her heart.
"Mommy's okay. Was Beibei good today?" Liu Bei took out a rolled-up piece of drawing paper from behind her back and handed it to Liu Lu like a treasure: "Mommy, I drew a picture for you!" Liu Lu unfolded the drawing paper, which depicted the mother and daughter fighting side by side to defeat a ferocious monster.
The word "Difficulty" was clearly written on the monster's head.
Liu Lu was deeply moved; her daughter's innocence and love gave her immense strength.
Late at night, Liu Lu's office was still brightly lit.
She sat in front of the computer, her fingers flying across the keyboard, the screen displaying Lin Qiang's profile.
Suddenly, an unfamiliar name caught her eye, making her heart skip a beat.
She picked up her phone and dialed a number.
"Help me investigate this person..."
Liu Lu's gaze was fixed on the name flashing on the screen—Zhao Gang.
An ominous premonition welled up in my heart.
Her fingers flew across the keyboard, searching for all information about Zhao Gang.
As expected, Zhao Gang was the marketing director of the competitor "Hengyuan Group" and a college classmate of Lin Qiang, and the two had a close relationship.
The pieces of information, like spider silk, are connected, weaving a huge net that slowly reveals the truth.
Liu Lu's lips curled into a cold smile. So that's how it is. This is clearly a pawn planted by Hengyuan Group in their company, intending to steal trade secrets and disrupt the company's development.
What a clever scheme of using someone else to do one's dirty work! The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind!
A cold glint flashed in Liu Lu's eyes; she would never let their conspiracy succeed.
In the days that followed, Liu Lu quietly observed Lin Qiang's every move, secretly collecting information on his mistakes and loopholes at work.
Lin Qiang, thinking he had succeeded, became increasingly arrogant, completely unaware of the impending danger.
Relying on the support of higher-ups, he made frequent mistakes in projects, causing considerable losses to the company.
The time is ripe.
At a high-level meeting, Liu Lu publicly presented evidence she had prepared beforehand, exposing Lin Qiang's various mistakes and misdeeds one by one.
Lin Qiang's face turned ashen, and large beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. He was speechless, unable to refute.
Those who had previously supported and flattered him are now silent, fearing they might be implicated.
Mr. Wang's face turned ashen. He hadn't expected that he had been blinded and almost made a terrible mistake.
He immediately announced that Lin Qiang would be demoted and that the matter would be thoroughly investigated.
Lin Qiang was kicked out of the conference room like a stray dog, his former high spirits completely gone.
Liu Lu looked at Lin Qiang's dejected figure without a trace of pity in her eyes.
The business world is like a battlefield, where there is no room for mercy.
All she had to do was protect her company and her family.
After the meeting, President Wang walked up to Liu Lu, patted her on the shoulder, and said with a hint of apology and praise, "Liu Lu, thanks to you this time, you did a great job." Liu Lu smiled slightly, a glint of shrewdness flashing in her eyes.
“Mr. Wang, there’s one more thing…” She lowered her voice and whispered a few words in Mr. Wang’s ear.
Mr. Wang's expression gradually became serious. He stared intently at Liu Lu and slowly said, "Are you sure?" Liu Lu nodded, her eyes resolute.
The office was silent, save for the ticking of the wall clock, which seemed to foreshadow an approaching storm…
Liu Lu's decisive and efficient work style and accurate judgment have further solidified her position in the company.
Her colleagues no longer just admired her, but respected her even more.
Those who previously doubted her abilities have now completely disappeared, replaced by admiration and respect.
Even the usually strict CEO Wang praised her highly, publicly expressing his trust in Liu Lu at a high-level meeting and hinting that he would give her greater responsibilities.
However, Liu Lu, who was at the center of the storm, was not blinded by victory.
She knew full well that Lin Qiang was just a pawn, and the real enemy was the hidden force behind him.
This victory is but a small battle; the real war has only just begun.
She didn't know what tactics the other party would use next, but she was prepared to meet any challenge.
The peaceful days did not last long.
An undercurrent was stirring within the company, and Liu Lu keenly sensed a subtle change in the atmosphere around her.
Some colleagues who were originally on good terms with her began to distance themselves from her, intentionally or unintentionally, with a hint of evasion and unease in their eyes.
She knew this was the calm before the storm.
After get off work, Liu Lu walked home alone, her shadow stretched long by the streetlights.
A gust of cold wind blew by, making her shiver.
Suddenly, a black sedan silently stopped behind her, and the window slowly rolled down, revealing a familiar yet unfamiliar face.
"Director Liu, what a coincidence." A gentle voice rang out, carrying a hint of barely perceptible coldness.
Liu Lu stopped, turned around, and stared intently at the person inside the car.
"Secretary Zhao, it is indeed a coincidence." Her tone was calm, but it concealed a sharp edge.
Secretary Zhao, the company's new secretary, is a seemingly refined, humble, and polite young man, yet he makes Liu Lu feel inexplicably uneasy.
His appearance seemed like an ominous sign, foreshadowing an even greater crisis to come.
Secretary Zhao smiled, a barely perceptible glint of coldness flashing in his eyes.
"Get in the car, Director Liu, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."
Liu Lu hesitated for a moment, but finally opened the car door...
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