Chapter 129: Rumors Ablaze

“Sir, there is a group of internet mercenaries spreading several articles all over the web, all attacking Dream Technology but from different angles.”

Early in the morning, having only slept for little over two hours, Du Qiu was awakened by Star Ocean.

“Oh, what exactly is going on?”

Star Ocean explained, “There are articles attacking Chen Tao, attacking Qin Yun, and also attacking Yuan Minhua. Of course, in the end, they all rope in both you and Dream Technology.

There’s also an article claiming that at the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey, you exploited police connections to seize the location of the company’s headquarters through crafty means.

In short, reading these articles would lead one to believe you are the worst of the worst, committing every conceivable evil, and that Dream Technology is nothing but a den of iniquity.”

Just as expected!

Du Qiu immediately understood; it seemed that what at first glance appeared to be individual attacks on company executives was clearly orchestrated by an unseen, manipulating force.

Given the timing, had it not been for him using Star Ocean’s help to catch the Japanese female spy, Akita Minghui, last night, which subsequently led to the arrest of Kosuke Yasushi,

Du Qiu used the hype generated online to let Star Ocean fan the flames, securing an advantageous position first.

This invisible set of hands would definitely not have initiated this wave of public sentiment online today to stir up trouble.

After all, the incident regarding Chen Tao had not yet unfolded, and the situation with Qin Yun was even more puzzling.

Thinking of this, Du Qiu had a thought, and immediately asked, “Star Ocean, could you check if Chen Tao and Qin Yun have arrived at the company? Or locate where they are?”

“Just a moment, please!”

Du Qiu quickly freshened up in the laboratory’s restroom.

Being often stuck working in the lab on the development of ultra-precision CNC machining centers, the restroom was stocked with a full range of toiletries.

After he had finished and stepped out, he noticed that Star Ocean had not yet returned any information, which puzzled him.

With Star Ocean’s computing power, it should have been quick to find their locations via their mobile phone numbers, right?

“Star Ocean, is there a problem?”

Star Ocean’s voice hesitated, “Sir, it’s a bit strange. Chen Tao’s phone isn’t turned off, but it appears to be still at his home. However, I found that there is no one in his house.

I followed the surveillance footage from his home to the company but did not spot his car or him, which took some time.

As for Qin Yun, she is currently at the city’s Economic Investigation Brigade headquarters.”

Du Qiu was somewhat surprised, what was Qin Yun doing at the Economic Investigation Brigade early in the morning?

Wait, one of the articles online mentioned that she was accused of violating the financial accounting system, resulting in the loss of state-owned assets. Employing a chief financial officer with such a tainted record at Dream Technology might result not only in similar incidents occurring but potentially even worse ones.

“Connect me to Qin Yun’s phone!”

“Yes, sir.”

After a few rings, Qin Yun’s phone was connected.

“Hello, Director Du.”

“Why are you at the Economic Investigation Brigade?” Du Qiu asked directly.

“Director Du, how do you know?” Qin Yun’s voice sounded somewhat frantic.

“Never mind how I know. Is the issue with the violation of the accounting system serious enough for you to go to the Economic Investigation Brigade?”

“Yes, I am here to turn myself in.”

“This kind of case follows the principle that if the people do not report, the officials will not investigate. Has the shipyard filed a lawsuit or has the Economic Investigation Brigade filed a case against you?”

“No, but if I wait for them to sue, I won’t be eligible for the mitigating circumstance of turning myself in.”

Du Qiu was momentarily at a loss for words, thought for a moment, and then asked, “So you haven’t turned yourself in yet?”

“Not yet, we’ve just arrived at the entrance and are about to go in.”

“We? Who else is with you?”

“Mingliu, she’s accompanying me here.”

“Oh, wait there and do not go in just yet. I will send Lawyer Song to go over to accompany you.”

“Wouldn’t that be inappropriate? This is my personal matter, how can I use the company’s legal resources?”

Du Qiu, touched yet irritated, said: “I really don’t know what to say to you. You and the others think it’s a personal matter, not wanting to trouble the company.

Your consideration for the company is commendable, but not discussing it with me first is a big mistake. All these so-called personal matters are attacks launched against the company by its enemies!”

“What?!” Qin Yun was immediately shocked. Were there others who were in trouble?

“Stay at the entrance and wait. Do not go in until Lawyer Song arrives.”

“Alright, I’ll follow your advice.”

No sooner had Du Qiu hung up the phone than Star Ocean’s voice rang out.

“Sir, I’ve found it! Chen Tao was taken from his home last night at 12 o’clock by police officers from the Tianhong District Police Substation. After learning the reason behind the arrest, his wife immediately returned to her parental home.”

“That explains it. What about David Wu?”

“I’ve checked. He’s hidden himself in the Maple Country’s consulate in Magic City.”

“Quick reaction. I’m curious to see how long he can hide in the Maple Country consulate.”

“Has Lawyer Song arrived at the company?”

“She’s just entered her office.”

“Good. Keep an eye on this batch of internet mercenaries; freeze their accounts so they can’t post anymore!”

“Understood.”

Du Qiu rushed to Lawyer Song Xiangyu’s office, knocked on the door, and then entered.

“Lawyer Song, there’s an urgent matter that needs your attention.”

“What’s the matter, Director Du?”

“Qin Yun is currently at the entrance of the Economic Investigation Brigade. I need you to go over there immediately and get a clear understanding of her situation. If she really can’t escape the charges, then fight for a lighter sentence!”

“What happened to Director Qin?”

“It’s a mistake she made during her time at the shipyard. Someone used it to blackmail her into betraying the company’s interests, and she refused. They might thus expose and charge her.”

“I see. I have spoken with Director Qin about this before…”

“Has Qin Yun told you about it?”

Lawyer Song Xiangyu shook her head, “No, it’s not her. She had a friend who made a financial accounting mistake and she consulted me about whether it would result in a guilty verdict.

Based on what she described at the time, it seemed likely to be guilty, but now listening to you, there might be doubts.

I will go there right now and help Director Qin deal with the situation properly.”

Du Qiu immediately replied, “Okay, also, the sales director, Chen Tao, has been framed and the problem might be quite serious.

If you have any friends who are experienced criminal defense lawyers, please invite them on behalf of the company to act as Chen Tao’s defense lawyer.

Chen Tao was taken away and detained by the Tianhong District Police Substation, so the lawyer you bring in must explain to the police that the whole incident is a trap set by Maple Country spies.”

“What?!” Lawyer Song Xiangyu was suddenly bewildered, the case involved espionage?

Du Qiu said earnestly, “Lawyer Song, our company is now facing attacks orchestrated jointly by domestic and international enemies. The executives are being framed to various extents. Now is the time when we need you to step up.

I authorize you to organize the best team of lawyers. We must stand by our colleagues and overcome these hidden and open dangers.”

“Got it, Director Du. I will do everything in my power!”

++++++++

“In this instance, a million possibilities crossed my mind…”

Du Qiu returned to his office and his phone rang. He pulled it out to see it was a call from Tang Wenhai, and he answered right away.

“Xiao Qiu, have you offended someone?”

“Uncle Tang, what have you heard?”

“Your Dream Technology is quite hot right now. One moment it’s hailed as a national hero, the next it’s a den of filth. Starting with you, there isn’t a single good executive.”

“Uncle Tang, you’re also sensitive to online info? There are plenty of false information and rumors in there, you know.”

“Xiao Qiu, ‘a repeated rumor becomes a fact.’ If you hadn’t offended anyone, such a surge in public opinion wouldn’t have happened, and it wouldn’t have involved me too.”

“Uncle Tang, my company’s new products have taken away many people’s livelihoods, especially the foreigners who have suffered major losses in the domestic market. Their foreign masters naturally instruct some lackeys to cause trouble.”

“I heard from Su Jianming that you reported to the police last night, causing him to send people to Jiangbei City in Su Province overnight to make arrests with solid evidence.”

“Of course, while the enemy can spread rumors and chaos, we must take up the weapon of the law and make them taste the immensity of the net of heaven and earth that lets nothing through.”

“Good, as long as you are aware of this. I’m calling to remind you not to fear troubles. When they come, handle them according to the law!”

Du Qiu laughed. It seemed Uncle Tang was annoyed by these rumors, otherwise, he wouldn’t have made the call.

“Uncle Tang, for the Tianhong Substation, I’ve arranged a competent lawyer to defend my sales director, Chen Tao. Please keep an eye on it and prevent any miscarriage of justice.”

“Rest assured, with Uncle Tang here, no one dares to play the role of the Black Umbrella!”

Du Qiu said, “Then I won’t say thank you. I’ve been too busy lately, and I will visit you and Aunt Zhao to pay respects for the New Year.

You don’t know, the general manager of the company suddenly fell ill last night. I have to rush to the United States to attend an exhibition and release a new product, so I won’t keep you any longer.”

“Oh, business is important. Be careful going to the United States.”

“Sure thing.”

After the call, while Yuan Minhua had returned to the company, Du Qiu gathered the middle- and upper-level managers for a meeting to inform them of the recent actions by domestic and international competitors attempting to bring down the company through both overt and covert means.

The news shocked most participants.

The spy incidents they had previously only heard about in rumors were actually happening to their own company.

Seeing the uneasy expressions, Du Qiu said with a smile, “I am alerting you all, don’t think that we live in a flourishing age and that spy affairs are mere fictional plots.

Open your eyes and look at the world. Beyond our borders, how many places are in turmoil and bloodshed?

Moreover, in the business battlefield, our opponents will stop at nothing. However, we will crush the enemy with our honorable troops!

What are ‘honorable troops’? That’s our R&D products. We must keep innovating and leading the way. We will ensure that all our enemies fall before this technological innovation wave!

With General Manager Sun ill and Director Chen in trouble at this difficult time for the company, everyone must stick to their duties, avoid illegal actions, and not give our adversaries an opening.

Remember, the company is your biggest support. If there is any situation, please report back to the company promptly. We are confident that we will shatter all the enemy’s open assaults and hidden traps!

At this Las Vegas exhibition, our ‘Little White’ sweeping robot will amaze the whole world!”

After concluding the meeting with the middle and senior staff, Du Qiu called Liu Yaofeng and Yuan Minhua to entrust the affairs of the company.

“Liu, now that Brother Sun is down, you take charge of the company as Acting General Manager for the time being. Just make sure the company runs as usual while I am in the United States.”

“Boss, I know I am not the most capable, but in these trying times, I have to step up. Thankfully, you’ll only be in the United States for a few days.”

Yuan Minhua asked worriedly, “Director Du, with so many issues popping up in the company, won’t our adversaries do something drastic while you’re in the United States?”

Du Qiu reassured her, “Don’t worry, I will be fully prepared. Currently, our opponents are mostly Japanese and some domestic elements; we haven’t offended the United States.

Tang Country, it measures importance by foreign opinion. There’s a saying, ‘flowers bloom inside the wall but are fragrant outside.’

If ‘Little White’ stands out at the Las Vegas exhibition, domestic resistance and obstruction toward our company will be lessened.”

Liu Yaofeng nodded, “Right, initially Huawei was known because their phones sold well overseas, then people in the country gradually started to use them.”

Du Qiu sighed with a hint of self-mockery, “I never thought I would have to go to the United States to earn a gold label for myself.”