Phoenix’s Revenge: The Business Battle

Chapter15: Cross-Examin

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Shen Xubai held Gu Wanqing's hand tightly as they stood side-by-side before the hospital window, gazing out at the city gradually awakening below. The morning sun graced their faces, yet failed to dispel the heavy pall that lingered in their hearts. Shen Xubai had retrieved all his buried memories. The sanguinary images and the agonizing truths were now indelibly etched into his mind, haunting his every waking moment.

"What should we do, Xubai?" Gu Wanqing's voice was soft, tinged with weariness and a sense of being adrift. The weight of the truth was crushing, making it difficult to even draw breath.

Shen Xubai turned to face Gu Wanqing, his gaze resolute. "We must uncover everything, Wanqing. For your brother, for your father, and for ourselves. We cannot allow such iniquity to remain concealed forever."

Gu Wanqing nodded, a determined flame igniting in her eyes. Ten years of pain and waiting had transformed her from a fragile, helpless girl. She would seek justice for her family, no matter the cost.

Their immediate course of action was to revisit the long-dormant investigation report. Shen Xubai instructed his father's assistant to send them the electronic version of the document. They meticulously pored over each page, searching for any overlooked clues. The report detailed the police's investigative process from that year, including transcripts of witness interviews, crime scene photographs, and certain undisclosed internal documents.

As Shen's father had indicated, the report did contain a witness testimony mentioning a young man wearing an emerald signet ring. Based on the timeline, this individual was undoubtedly the then-young Shen Xubai. The scene described in the testimony largely corroborated Shen Xubai's recovered memories, further solidifying their conviction that Shen Hongyu, Shen Xubai's uncle, was the perpetrator of the shooting.

To corroborate their findings, Shen Xubai contacted some acquaintances in the United States, requesting their assistance in locating surveillance footage from the vicinity of Columbia University at the time of the incident, as well as any media coverage from that period. They hoped to unearth more evidence to reconstruct the events of that fateful day.

Meanwhile, within the Shen family, the resurgence of Shen Xubai's memories had stirred up a considerable commotion. Shen's father, upon learning that Shen Xubai remembered everything, became unusually despondent, isolating himself in his room and refusing to see anyone. Other relatives of the Shen family called incessantly, their voices laced with concern and reproach.

Shen Xubai paid little heed to these disturbances, channeling all his energy into the investigation. He knew that the paramount task was to secure irrefutable evidence to bring the true culprit to justice and to deliver long-overdue vindication to Gu Wanqing and her family.

Amidst their intensive investigation, Gu Wanqing faced a new challenge at Everlasting Capital. The artificial intelligence investment division had been progressing smoothly, with several of their invested projects showing promising results. However, a new competitor had recently emerged in the market. This company, named "Keen Vision Technology," also specialized in artificial intelligence investments and had entered the scene with considerable force, swiftly poaching a significant number of Everlasting Capital's potential projects.

"Wanqing, what exactly is the background of this 'Keen Vision Technology'? How could they be so intimately familiar with our investment strategies? Furthermore, their terms are even more favorable than ours, leading many startups to choose them," a concerned member of Gu Wanqing's team stated during a meeting.

Gu Wanqing herself felt a growing unease. Everlasting Capital's artificial intelligence investment strategy had always been highly confidential. Apart from a core team, few individuals were privy to the detailed investment directions and targets. Yet, "Keen Vision Technology" seemed to possess an uncanny understanding of their every move, leading her to suspect a potential leak within the company.

To ascertain the true nature of "Keen Vision Technology," Gu Wanqing tasked her staff with conducting a thorough investigation into the company. The results of the investigation revealed that "Keen Vision Technology" seemed to be backed by some mysterious financial support. Moreover, several of the company's key personnel had previously worked at well-known investment firms, possessing extensive industry experience.

What unsettled Gu Wanqing even more was the discovery that the Chief Investment Officer of "Keen Vision Technology" was none other than Cheng Yu!

Gu Wanqing had not contacted Cheng Yu since their last meeting at the teahouse. She had assumed their relationship was definitively over, never anticipating his reappearance in her life in such a manner.

Doubt and confusion clouded Gu Wanqing's mind. Why had Cheng Yu joined "Keen Vision Technology"? Was his appearance merely a coincidence, or was there a more sinister plot lurking beneath the surface?

Determined to unravel this enigma, Gu Wanqing decided to seek an opportunity to speak with Cheng Yu. She arranged to meet him at a coffee shop, and he readily agreed.

Upon seeing Cheng Yu again, Gu Wanqing noted that he appeared slightly more composed than before, though a hint of weariness and complexity still lingered in his eyes.

"Wanqing, long time no see," Cheng Yu said, breaking the silence, his voice calm yet slightly hoarse.

Gu Wanqing nodded, gesturing for him to sit down.

"I know you have many questions," Cheng Yu said, looking at Gu Wanqing with a placid demeanor, "regarding my decision to join 'Keen Vision Technology' and the origins of this company."

Gu Wanqing met his gaze, waiting for his explanation.

"'Keen Vision Technology' is backed by Fang Jianguo," Cheng Yu revealed slowly, his words landing like a bombshell in Gu Wanqing's heart.

"Fang Jianguo?!" Gu Wanqing exclaimed in disbelief, her eyes widening in shock. "Wasn't he already…"

"He hasn't been completely vanquished," Cheng Yu interjected. "Although Everlasting Capital thwarted several of his schemes, he has operated in the business world for many years and possesses deep roots. To completely uproot him is no easy task. He has been secretly amassing his strength, attempting to stage a comeback."

Gu Wanqing's heart sank. She had not anticipated Fang Jianguo's tenacity; even in his current predicament, he had not relinquished his ambitions.

"Then… why did you join his company?" Gu Wanqing asked, her voice laced with suspicion.

Cheng Yu offered a wry smile. "I had no other choice. Since the last incident, my reputation in the investment world has been completely ruined. No reputable firm was willing to hire me. Fang Jianguo approached me, offering a high salary and an important position, on the condition that I help him** Everlasting Capital."

Gu Wanqing looked at Cheng Yu, her eyes filled with disappointment. She had not expected him to align himself with Fang Jianguo once again.

"Cheng Yu, don't you understand? Fang Jianguo is a devious and treacherous man. He will never genuinely trust you; he is simply using you!" Gu Wanqing couldn't help but exclaim.

Cheng Yu nodded, his eyes reflecting a sense of helplessness and fatigue. "I know, but I have no other options. I have to take things one step at a time."

Gu Wanqing watched Cheng Yu, a wave of sadness washing over her. The once spirited and ambitious investment banking elite had been reduced to this, a truly regrettable state of affairs.

"Then why are you telling me all of this?" Gu Wanqing asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Cheng Yu looked at Gu Wanqing, his gaze complex. "Because… I don't want to see you get hurt. Fang Jianguo is an extremely dangerous man. His target this time isn't just Everlasting Capital's artificial intelligence investment division; he is very likely to target you and Shen Xubai as well."

Gu Wanqing's heart skipped a beat. She knew Cheng Yu's words were not mere hyperbole. Fang Jianguo was capable of anything to achieve his goals.

"What does he intend to do?" Gu Wanqing asked cautiously.

Cheng Yu shook his head. "I'm not entirely sure. He's very cautious and doesn't readily divulge his plans. But you must both be careful."

Her meeting with Cheng Yu left Gu Wanqing with an even heavier heart. She had not anticipated that while they were fully engaged in investigating the truth of ten years past, a new crisis was silently descending upon them. Fang Jianguo's resurgence undoubtedly added more pressure and challenges to their already burdened lives.

Upon returning to the hospital, Gu Wanqing recounted her meeting with Cheng Yu to Shen Xubai. His expression grew somber.

"It seems that old fox, Fang Jianguo, hasn't given up entirely," Shen Xubai said in a low voice. "His decision to strike at this moment is likely an attempt to catch us off guard while we are preoccupied with the events of ten years ago."

"What should we do now?" Gu Wanqing asked, her voice filled with worry.

A sharp glint appeared in Shen Xubai's eyes. "We will meet force with force, and cunning with cunning. Since he wants to play underhanded games, we will oblige him. Wanqing, don't worry. I will arrange for people to closely monitor the movements of 'Keen Vision Technology.' I will not allow him to harm you."

In the following days, Shen Xubai continued his investigation into the truth of ten years past while discreetly deploying resources to counter any potential actions by Fang Jianguo. Gu Wanqing also exercised increased caution at Everlasting Capital, closely observing every move made by "Keen Vision Technology."

Meanwhile, Shen Xubai's friends in the United States relayed some crucial information. They had located some surveillance footage from the vicinity of Columbia University from the time of the shooting. Although the footage was somewhat blurry due to its age, they could still discern a young man wearing an emerald signet ring appearing at the scene during the shooting. His figure bore a striking resemblance to Shen Xubai.

This discovery further solidified Shen Xubai's conviction that he had indeed witnessed the shooting and that his uncle was the one who had pulled the trigger.

To definitively uncover the truth, Shen Xubai decided to travel to the United States himself. He needed to return to Columbia University, to the very location where the incident had occurred, hoping to unearth any forgotten clues and awaken deeper layers of his memory.

Gu Wanqing, understanding Shen Xubai's emotional state, decided to accompany him to the United States. They needed to confront the past together to better navigate their future.

On the night before they were scheduled to depart for the United States, Shen Xubai received an unexpected phone call from a distant cousin who resided in the United States and had a relatively close relationship with Shen Xubai's uncle, Shen Hongyu.

"Xubai, I heard you haven't been feeling well lately and that something happened to you in the United States?" the cousin asked with concern over the phone.

Shen Xubai politely offered a few reassuring words before tentatively inquiring, "Cousin, do you remember my uncle, Shen Hongyu? Ten years ago, at Columbia University…"

Before Shen Xubai could finish his sentence, his cousin interrupted him. "I know a little about Hongyu's affairs. That incident caused quite a stir back then and had a negative impact on our Shen family. However, I'm not entirely clear on the specifics. Your father would probably know more than I do."

Shen Xubai did not give up. He continued, "Cousin, do you recall if my uncle had any particularly close friends or if he ever mentioned anything specific?"

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line before the cousin spoke slowly, "I think I remember now. Hongyu seemed to be quite friendly with a young man surnamed Gu back then. They even seemed to have partnered in some business ventures…"

Shen Xubai's heart leaped. He quickly pressed, "A young man surnamed Gu? Do you remember his name?"

"It seems like it was… Gu Zhenhua," the cousin said hesitantly, sounding uncertain.

Gu Zhenhua! Shen Xubai and Gu Wanqing exchanged a look, their eyes reflecting mutual shock and disbelief. It was indeed true! Their fathers and uncle had once been such close friends and partners, only to ultimately become enemies over matters of profit, leading to the tragedy that had befallen both their families.

This unexpected phone call undoubtedly provided them with another crucial lead in their investigation of the past. Shen Xubai and Gu Wanqing resolved that upon arriving in the United States, they would make it a priority to locate this cousin and glean more details about the events of that fateful year from him.

Night deepened, and a tranquil silence settled over the hospital room. Shen Xubai held Gu Wanqing close, and they nestled together, gazing at the bright moonlight streaming through the window. Their hearts were filled with a complex tapestry of emotions, woven with anticipation for the future and apprehension about the unknown.

They knew that their trip to the United States would be anything but peaceful. They would be confronting not only the brutal truth of ten years past but also the looming threat of Fang Jianguo and the seemingly insurmountable animosity between their two families. However, they also held onto the unwavering belief that as long as they loved and supported each other, they would surely overcome all obstacles and find their own happiness.