Phoenix’s Revenge: The Business Battle

Chapter 6: The Black Swan Event

Gu Wanqing clutched her phone, her knuckles faintly white from the force of her grip. The chilling voice that slithered through the receiver echoed like a serpent's hiss, sending a glacial dread through her veins. Instinctively, her gaze flickered to Shen Xubai seated across from her, whose countenance also bore a trace of gravity.

"Who was it?" Shen Xubai's voice resonated with a low, magnetic timbre, subtly laced with concern.

Gu Wanqing shook her head, striving to compose her ragged breathing. "I don't know. It was an unfamiliar number. He said... he said my good days were over, and that there were some people I couldn't afford to offend."

Shen Xubai's brow furrowed deeply, a glint of sharp intensity flickering in his eyes. "Could you discern any accent? Or did he mention anything specific?"

Gu Wanqing strained to recall every nuance of the call, but the voice had been distorted, rendering any identification of an accent impossible. As for the content, the caller had merely uttered a few menacing phrases, divulging no substantive information.

"No, the voice was altered, making it impossible to identify. Nor did he mention anything specific, only issuing a warning," Gu Wanqing replied, her voice tinged with unease.

Shen Xubai fell silent for a moment, before stating with resolute firmness, "Don't fret, Wanqing. I will ascertain who is orchestrating this behind the scenes. No one shall threaten you."

He retrieved his phone and swiftly dialed a number, issuing instructions in fluent English. Gu Wanqing knew that Shen Xubai was undoubtedly arranging for an investigation into the unknown telephone number.

"Xubai, could it be Cheng Yu or someone from Fangda Technology?" Gu Wanqing speculated. After all, she had recently triumphed over them, ensuring they paid the due price for their actions, making it plausible they harbored resentment and were seeking retribution.

Shen Xubai demurred with a shake of his head. "Cheng Yu is currently in dire straits himself, and Fangda Technology is grappling with a significant crisis. They likely lack the resources to trouble you further. Moreover, their methods are typically less clandestine; this anonymous threat suggests the involvement of more shadowy forces."

A deeper disquiet settled in Gu Wanqing's heart. If it wasn't Cheng Yu or his associates, then who could it be? Could it be someone she had antagonized during her time in investment banking? Or perhaps the successful IPO of Golden Lin Technology had ruffled the feathers of certain vested interests?

"Regardless of their identity, we must exercise caution," Gu Wanqing asserted, her mind steeped in vigilance.

Shen Xubai nodded, taking Gu Wanqing's hand in his, his gaze softening with tenderness. "Rest assured, I will safeguard you. From this moment forward, I will arrange for discreet protection until we unmask the perpetrator."

Over the ensuing days, Gu Wanqing became acutely aware of additional eyes observing her. Wherever she went, it seemed as though she was under covert surveillance. Shen Xubai also intensified his investigation, leveraging his extensive network of resources in an attempt to trace the origin of the enigmatic phone call.

Concurrently, Gu Wanqing was far from idle. She meticulously revisited her past professional and personal life, endeavoring to identify anyone she might have inadvertently offended. She even reached out to former colleagues and acquaintances, inquiring if they had heard any unfavorable rumors concerning her.

However, despite her diligent efforts, Gu Wanqing unearthed no discernible suspects. The threatening call seemed to have materialized from thin air, leaving no discernible trail.

This lack of concrete leads amplified Gu Wanqing's unease. The unknown adversary often proves the most formidable. She remained ignorant of their motives and uncertain of their next course of action, a state of ambiguity that bred anxiety and apprehension.

To assuage Gu Wanqing's mounting tension, Shen Xubai made a concerted effort to spend quality time with her. They shared meals, attended films, or simply strolled along the riverbank, cherishing moments of rare tranquility. In Shen Xubai's company, Gu Wanqing's spirits gradually lifted, and the anxieties that had plagued her began to subside.

However, this period of respite proved ephemeral. A week later, Gu Wanqing received another call from the same unidentified number. This time, the voice on the other end was more brazen and direct.

"Gu Wanqing, did you think hiding would avail you? Let me tell you, you cannot escape! You would be wise to cooperate and heed my instructions, otherwise, the consequences will be dire!" the voice on the other end threatened.

Gu Wanqing gripped her phone tightly, striving to maintain her composure. "What exactly do you want?"

"What do I want? Hmph! I want the information on Shengshi Capital's artificial intelligence project! If you hand over that data, I might consider letting you off the hook," the caller finally revealed his true objective.

A jolt of alarm shot through Gu Wanqing. The target was Shengshi Capital's artificial intelligence project data! This project represented the cornerstone of her and Shen Xubai's current endeavors, encompassing a wealth of trade secrets and future development strategies. Its disclosure would inflict irreparable damage upon Shengshi Capital.

"You can forget about it!" Gu Wanqing retorted unequivocally.

A burst of raucous laughter echoed from the other end. "Is that so? Then you shall witness the consequences! I will make you understand the ramifications of defying me!"

With that, the line went dead. Gu Wanqing's complexion paled considerably. She had not anticipated that the assailant's objective would be Shengshi Capital's core proprietary information. This was no longer merely a personal threat but a direct affront to the entire corporation.

Gu Wanqing immediately relayed this alarming development to Shen Xubai. Upon hearing the news, his expression also hardened with grave concern.

"It appears we are facing a formidable adversary," Shen Xubai stated in a low, measured tone. "Their objective is clear: our artificial intelligence project data. They have likely been surveilling us for quite some time."

"Then what should we do now?" Gu Wanqing inquired, her voice laced with worry.

A sharp glint ignited in Shen Xubai's eyes. "Now that they have revealed their hand, we need no longer exercise restraint. Wanqing, rest assured, I will reinforce the project's security measures to ensure the data remains inviolable. Simultaneously, we must swiftly identify the perpetrator and their motives, and bring them to justice."

In the ensuing days, Shengshi Capital's artificial intelligence project team was placed on high alert. Shen Xubai mobilized the company's most adept technical personnel to comprehensively upgrade the project's security protocols, ensuring all sensitive information was rigorously protected.

Concurrently, Gu Wanqing and Shen Xubai intensified their investigation into the shadowy figure behind the threats. They meticulously analyzed the assailant's modus operandi and objectives from every conceivable angle, seeking any potential leads.

During the course of the investigation, a seemingly minor detail suddenly surfaced in Gu Wanqing's memory. At the annual meeting backstage, when Cheng Yu and the woman in the red dress, Zhao Lin, were together, Zhao Lin had mentioned a name – "General Manager Fang." At the time, Gu Wanqing had paid little heed to it, but upon reflection, she wondered if this "General Manager Fang" could be the mastermind behind the threats.

Gu Wanqing immediately shared this conjecture with Shen Xubai. Upon hearing it, Shen Xubai promptly instructed his team to investigate the identity of this "General Manager Fang." The results were swift in coming. This "General Manager Fang" was identified as Fang Jianguo, a long-standing rival of Shengshi Capital who had consistently coveted their artificial intelligence project.

"It is indeed him!" A flash of cold fury crossed Shen Xubai's features. "That old fox, daring to set his sights on us!"

Gu Wanqing also felt a surge of indignation. She had not anticipated that Fang Jianguo was the orchestrator of their troubles. He had exploited Cheng Yu and Zhao Lin to create chaos at the annual meeting and had subsequently employed anonymous threats against her, all with the aim of pilfering Shengshi Capital's artificial intelligence project data.

"President Shen, what should we do now? Should we notify the police?" Gu Wanqing asked.

Shen Xubai shook his head. "Involving the police prematurely might alert him. Fang Jianguo is a cunning individual; he will undoubtedly have taken pains to conceal any direct evidence. We must secure irrefutable proof before we can bring him to justice."

He paused in thought before continuing, "Wanqing, perhaps we can turn the tables on him. We could deliberately disseminate some fabricated data to lure Fang Jianguo into a trap. Once he takes action, we will have the opportunity to seize incriminating evidence."

Gu Wanqing concurred with Shen Xubai's strategic proposal. In the following days, they meticulously devised a "bait" plan, intentionally leaking some carefully doctored false information within the artificial intelligence project team.

Predictably, it wasn't long before Fang Jianguo dispatched individuals to secretly contact certain employees within Shengshi Capital, attempting to procure more project data. Shen Xubai had already anticipated this move and had deployed his own operatives to discreetly monitor Fang Jianguo's every move, swiftly amassing evidence of his industrial espionage.

On a moonless night, as Fang Jianguo's agents once again surreptitiously infiltrated the Shengshi Capital building in a bid to steal the core data of the artificial intelligence project, Shen Xubai's meticulously laid net sprang shut, ensnaring them all.

Confronted with irrefutable evidence, Fang Jianguo's denials rang hollow, and he was ultimately apprehended by the authorities. Shengshi Capital's artificial intelligence project was successfully safeguarded.

With the crisis averted, both Gu Wanqing and Shen Xubai breathed a collective sigh of relief. They had navigated a perilous ordeal and emerged victorious, successfully thwarting their adversary and protecting their interests.

Having weathered this storm together, the bond between Gu Wanqing and Shen Xubai had deepened immeasurably. Their mutual trust and unwavering support for each other, especially in the cutthroat arena of corporate warfare, had proven invaluable.

On a serene evening, Shen Xubai once more invited Gu Wanqing to the rooftop garden atop Shengshi Capital. The night sky was ablaze with starlight, resembling countless shimmering diamonds scattered across the vast expanse, illuminating the bustling metropolis below.

"Wanqing, thank you," Shen Xubai said, gazing at Gu Wanqing with tender affection.

Gu Wanqing offered a gentle smile. "It is I who should be thanking you, Xubai. Without you, I would not have reached this point."

Shen Xubai shook his head, gently clasping her hand in his. "No, Wanqing, it is your own diligence and acumen that have earned you this success. You are an exceptional woman, and I am privileged to stand alongside you."

A wave of warmth washed over Gu Wanqing. She gazed at the man before her – powerful, astute, gentle, and considerate. He was a beacon of light in her life.

"Xubai..." Gu Wanqing murmured softly, her eyes brimming with affection.

Shen Xubai lowered his head and tenderly kissed Gu Wanqing's lips. It was a kiss imbued with gratitude, affection, and a silent promise of a brighter future together.

Just as they were lost in their tender embrace, Shen Xubai's phone rang once more. He glanced at the caller ID – an unfamiliar number originating from the United States.

"Hello?" Shen Xubai answered.

A slightly husky male voice, tinged with weariness and a sense of the passage of time, spoke from the other end. "Shen Xubai, it's me."

Upon hearing the voice, Shen Xubai's expression instantly turned grave. He abruptly stood up, his eyes wide with shock and disbelief.

"Dad... is that you?" Shen Xubai's voice trembled slightly.

Gu Wanqing watched Shen Xubai from the side, a sense of bewilderment washing over her. She had no idea who was on the other end of the call or why Shen Xubai's reaction was so profound.

A soft sigh emanated from the phone. "Yes, it's me. I... I would like to see you."

Shen Xubai gripped his phone tightly, a moment of silence stretching before he responded in a complex tone, "Alright, Dad. I'll make arrangements."

After hanging up, Shen Xubai's composure remained shaken. He turned to face Gu Wanqing, his eyes reflecting a maelstrom of emotions.

"Wanqing, I may have to leave for a while," Shen Xubai announced.

"Has something happened?" Gu Wanqing asked, her voice laced with concern.

Shen Xubai took a deep breath and slowly explained, "It's my father. He... he suddenly contacted me, wanting to meet."