Phoenix’s Revenge: The Business Battle

Chapter 7: Off-Exchange Transactions

A week had elapsed since Shen Xubai's departure from Shen City. The vibrant, bustling metropolis seemed to have lost some of its vivacity in his absence, feeling almost desolate. Gu Wanqing stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows on the top floor of Shengshi Capital, gazing down at the serpentine flow of car headlights resembling a river of stars, a faint ache of longing stirring within her. Since they had acknowledged their mutual affection, this marked their first prolonged separation.

Work remained relentless. The newly established Artificial Intelligence Investment Department placed a considerable burden upon Gu Wanqing's shoulders. She was tasked with assembling a proficient team, formulating investment strategies, and meticulously vetting promising projects, leaving her perpetually swamped. Yet, this demanding schedule provided a welcome distraction, allowing her to channel her energies and temporarily suppress thoughts of Shen Xubai, who was an ocean away.

They maintained daily contact through phone calls or video conferences. Shen Xubai's voice, though tinged with fatigue, retained its characteristic gentleness. He briefly mentioned his meeting with his father, his tone imbued with a complex blend of emotions, yet he refrained from divulging extensive details. Gu Wanqing did not press him, understanding that some matters required time for introspection and acceptance. Her role was to offer unwavering support from the other end of the line.

"I had a lengthy conversation with my father today," Shen Xubai had mentioned during their call the previous evening, his voice slightly hoarse, the background seemingly hushed. "Some matters are proving to be more intricate than I initially anticipated."

"It's alright, take your time. Everything will eventually fall into place," Gu Wanqing gently reassured him, sensing a note of gravity in his tone.

"Mm, I know. Is everything progressing smoothly on your end?" Shen Xubai swiftly shifted the topic, a habitual gesture to shield her from any negative emotions he might be experiencing.

"Everything is fine. The team is almost fully assembled, and we've conducted an initial screening of several projects. We are currently engaged in more in-depth evaluations," Gu Wanqing offered a concise update on their progress.

"That's good to hear. If you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to inform me," Shen Xubai instructed.

Upon concluding the call, a mixture of emotions stirred within Gu Wanqing. She could sense that Shen Xubai was encountering some difficulties in the United States, yet he was reluctant to elaborate. All she could do was offer silent prayers for his well-being and eagerly anticipate his return.

The relentless tide of professional challenges soon consumed the majority of Gu Wanqing's attention. The artificial intelligence sector was fiercely competitive, with a constant influx of novel technologies and concepts. Complacency could swiftly lead to obsolescence in the market. Gu Wanqing spearheaded her team, tirelessly poring over industry reports, consulting with experts and academics, and attending numerous seminars in a relentless pursuit of the most promising investment opportunities.

During one project evaluation meeting, a divergence of opinion emerged among the team members regarding a nascent company named "Starlight Intelligence." This startup focused on the research and development of a novel neural network chip, possessing a certain technological edge, yet its market prospects remained uncertain, presenting a relatively high level of risk.

Some members of the team argued that investing in such a high-risk venture at this juncture was premature, advocating for the selection of more stable and established projects. However, Gu Wanqing held a different perspective. She believed that once "Starlight Intelligence's" technology matured, it possessed the potential to revolutionize the entire industry, representing a significant investment opportunity.

"We cannot afford to be solely fixated on the immediate risks; we must also recognize the future potential," Gu Wanqing asserted firmly during the meeting. "Artificial intelligence is the trajectory of the future, and chips are the very core of this domain. If 'Starlight Intelligence's' technology achieves a breakthrough, it will emerge as a leader in this field. Our investment now would be to seize a crucial first-mover advantage."

Following a spirited debate, Gu Wanqing ultimately persuaded her team members to conduct a more thorough investigation and evaluation of "Starlight Intelligence." She personally led the delegation to visit the founder and CEO of "Starlight Intelligence," a young engineer named Lin Hao.

Lin Hao was a quintessential tech enthusiast, brimming with confidence in his technology but lacking experience in the intricacies of commercial operations. Gu Wanqing engaged in extensive discussions with him, gaining a comprehensive understanding of their technical specifications and future development plans. She astutely recognized the inherent potential within "Starlight Intelligence" while also identifying their shortcomings in market outreach and fundraising.

After careful deliberation, Gu Wanqing decided to extend an olive branch to "Starlight Intelligence." Shengshi Capital was willing to invest in their vision and provide comprehensive support, encompassing funding, market channels, and managerial expertise. Lin Hao expressed profound admiration for Shengshi Capital's strength and Gu Wanqing's professionalism, and the two parties swiftly reached a preliminary agreement on collaboration.

Just as Gu Wanqing was deeply engrossed in her work, an unexpected individual contacted her. It was Cheng Yu.

Since their acrimonious parting at the coffee shop, Gu Wanqing had not encountered Cheng Yu again. She had assumed their connection was irrevocably severed, never anticipating that he would initiate contact.

Cheng Yu proposed a meeting at a secluded teahouse. Gu Wanqing hesitated briefly before ultimately accepting. She was curious to ascertain the purpose behind Cheng Yu's sudden reappearance in her life.

Upon seeing Cheng Yu again, he appeared even more haggard and disconsolate than before. The once vibrant and ambitious investment banking elite now resembled a hollow shell, his eyes reflecting weariness and despair.

"Wanqing, long time no see," Cheng Yu's voice was raspy and subdued, carrying a note of ineffable bitterness.

Gu Wanqing offered a curt nod, gesturing for him to take a seat.

"I am aware that you have no desire to see me, but there are some matters that I feel compelled to bring to your attention," Cheng Yu stated, cutting straight to the chase.

Gu Wanqing regarded him with a placid gaze, signaling for him to proceed.

"Regarding Fang Jianguo..." Cheng Yu paused, his tone tinged with hesitation.

A flicker of surprise registered within Gu Wanqing. She had not anticipated Cheng Yu's voluntary mention of Fang Jianguo.

"What do you know?" Gu Wanqing inquired.

Cheng Yu sighed, his gaze fixed on Gu Wanqing with a complex mixture of emotions. "In truth, my collaboration with Fang Jianguo was not entirely voluntary."

Gu Wanqing's brow furrowed in confusion, struggling to comprehend his meaning.

"Initially, driven by an eagerness for rapid advancement and a desire to establish myself within Shengshi Capital, I accepted certain 'assistance' from Fang Jianguo. He promised me a higher position and greater benefits in exchange for keeping him informed about Shengshi Capital's artificial intelligence project," Cheng Yu confessed, his voice heavy with remorse.

Gu Wanqing's heart sank. She had not suspected that Cheng Yu had been in league with Fang Jianguo all along.

"Then why are you only telling me this now?" Gu Wanqing demanded, a hint of indignation coloring her tone.

Cheng Yu offered a wry smile. "I am cognizant of the many transgressions I have committed, and I do not presume to seek your forgiveness. However, ever since you and President Shen exposed Fang Jianguo's scheme, I have been plagued by profound guilt. I did not want you to perceive me as an utterly contemptible individual."

Gu Wanqing regarded him, her heart remaining largely unmoved. Cheng Yu's explanation did little to alleviate the hurt he had inflicted upon her.

"Are you telling me this now in an attempt to solicit my pardon?" Gu Wanqing asked icily.

Cheng Yu shook his head. "No, I merely wish to convey the truth. Furthermore... Fang Jianguo is an exceptionally dangerous man, and he will not relinquish his pursuit easily. Although you successfully thwarted his initial plot, he will undoubtedly resort to other measures."

A sense of foreboding washed over Gu Wanqing. She knew Cheng Yu's words were not mere hyperbole. Fang Jianguo's long-standing rivalry with Shengshi Capital indicated a formidable and persistent adversary.

"Do you have any inkling as to his next course of action?" Gu Wanqing inquired.

Cheng Yu hesitated before replying, "I am not entirely certain. However, I once inadvertently overheard him mentioning that he had other 'contingency plans' in place, seemingly involving individuals within Shengshi Capital."

Gu Wanqing's heart plummeted. Fang Jianguo had moles within Shengshi Capital! This was undeniably a grave and perilous revelation.

"Do you know who these individuals are?" Gu Wanqing pressed.

Cheng Yu shook his head. "I do not. Fang Jianguo is an exceptionally cautious man; he would not readily divulge such sensitive information. However, you must exercise extreme vigilance."

Gu Wanqing regarded Cheng Yu, a complex tapestry of emotions swirling within her. She had never anticipated that her former boyfriend, who had once betrayed her, would now be providing such crucial intelligence.

"Thank you, Cheng Yu," Gu Wanqing said, her tone even.

Cheng Yu offered a bitter smile. "You are welcome. I merely hope that whatever I have done can, in some small measure, atone for the harm I have caused you."

Upon parting ways with Cheng Yu, Gu Wanqing immediately relayed this information to Shen Xubai. Upon hearing it, Shen Xubai's expression turned exceedingly somber.

"It appears that old fox, Fang Jianguo, has not entirely abandoned his machinations," Shen Xubai stated gravely. "The fact that he has planted informants within our organization poses a significant threat."

"Then what course of action should we pursue now?" Gu Wanqing asked.

A sharp glint ignited in Shen Xubai's eyes. "Since he wishes to engage in clandestine tactics, we shall oblige him. Wanqing, rest assured, I will immediately task personnel with conducting a thorough internal investigation to unearth all of Fang Jianguo's informants."

In the days that followed, a covert investigation unfolded within the walls of Shengshi Capital. Shen Xubai mobilized his extensive resources, meticulously scrutinizing the backgrounds and associations of every employee. Ultimately, they identified several individuals with suspicious connections to Fang Jianguo.

Confronted with irrefutable evidence, the implicated employees were compelled to confess their transgressions. They had all succumbed to Fang Jianguo's enticements of money and benefits, agreeing to furnish him with internal information pertaining to Shengshi Capital.

Shen Xubai decisively purged these treacherous elements from the company and further fortified the corporation's security protocols to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.

Concurrently, Gu Wanqing remained vigilant. She kept Cheng Yu's warning firmly in mind, cautiously anticipating any further actions Fang Jianguo might undertake.

Just as Gu Wanqing believed that the dust had finally settled, she received an unexpected phone call from the United States. The call was from Shen Xubai's assistant.

"Ms. Gu, something has happened to President Shen!" the assistant's voice conveyed palpable urgency.

Gu Wanqing's heart lurched violently, a profound sense of unease washing over her. "What happened?"

"President Shen... President Shen has been involved in a car accident and is currently undergoing emergency surgery in the hospital!" the assistant's voice broke with a sob.

Gu Wanqing's mind went blank, the phone nearly slipping from her grasp. She could scarcely believe her ears. Shen Xubai, with whom she had just spoken, had suddenly been in a car accident?

"Which hospital? I'm coming there immediately!" Gu Wanqing's voice trembled slightly.

After disconnecting the call, Gu Wanqing promptly booked the earliest flight to the United States. Her heart was heavy with worry and fear. She could not fathom what she would do if something untoward had befallen Shen Xubai.