Hidden truth, intricate love

Lin Yue had been feeling uneasy ever since the spray-paint incident in the underground parking lot. Although she had decided to pick herself up and continue focusing on her work, thanks to Li Hao's comfort, the situation had begun to ferment quietly within the company, with more and more rumors spreading among colleagues.

The next morning, when Lin Yue walked into the office, she vaguely heard colleagues whispering in the tea room. She didn't intend to pay attention, but as she passed by, she caught a few harsh words.

"Have you heard? Someone spray-painted words on Lin Yue's car. How embarrassing..."

"Yeah, I heard the words she used were pretty unpleasant. Some people say it's because she likes to show off and offend people..."

"Perhaps her competitors dislike her. After all, she has always been the focus of attention in the company."

Lin Yue's heart tightened. As she reached her seat, she suppressed her expression, trying to appear calm. However, the suppressed emotions within her gradually built up, along with humiliation and confusion. She had only intended to work diligently, but she hadn't anticipated the resulting discussion.

Several colleagues avoided her gaze as she passed by, and some even whispered behind her back. Lin Yue felt as if she had inadvertently become the subject of conversation, with some even questioning her position and performance in the company.

She felt a dull pain in her heart, feeling that no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't escape the jealousy and slander of some people. Her hands trembled slightly as she pondered: Had she really hurt others unintentionally to deserve such malicious retaliation?

At ten o'clock in the morning, Li Hao knocked on Lin Yue's office door. He walked in quietly and noticed that she looked uneasy, with a frown on her face and a wandering gaze.

"Lin Yue, are you okay?" Li Hao asked with concern.

Lin Yue suppressed her uneasiness and nodded gently: "It's okay, just... a little tired. I've been busy lately."

Li Hao sat down opposite her and was silent for a moment, as if considering how to speak. Finally, he whispered, "I know you must have heard some rumors. In fact, most of these rumors are unfounded speculation. You don't have to take them to heart."

Lin Yue raised her head, her eyes filled with confusion and grievance. "Li Hao, why am I just concentrating on my job, but I end up being a thorn in their side? I clearly didn't do anything wrong, yet they treat me like this."

Li Hao gently held her hand and comforted her softly: "Lin Yue, outstanding people will always attract some criticism. The more outstanding you are, the more likely you are to become the focus of others. As long as you live up to your heart, you don't have to care about what others think."

Lin Yue nodded. Li Hao's words calmed her down a bit, but she still felt a little lost. She knew she couldn't control other people's thoughts, but these groundless rumors still made her feel exhausted.

At noon, Lin Yue met Xiao Zhang, who had always supported her, in the tea room. Xiao Zhang was a cheerful girl who had a good relationship with Lin Yue and had been quietly helping her in the project.

"Lin Yue, are you okay? I heard some colleagues talking about the spray paint incident this morning, and I felt really bad for you," Xiao Zhang said with concern. "These people don't understand you at all. They just follow the crowd and talk nonsense. It's really boring."

Lin Yue smiled bitterly, shook her head, and sighed, "Xiao Zhang, thank you. But when it comes to rumors, the more you explain, the more guilty you seem. I can only pretend I didn't hear it."

Xiao Zhang frowned, his tone indignant. "I really don't know what those people are thinking. You're valued because of your abilities, so why should you be treated like this? Especially Chen Wan. That woman...she's simply jealous of you."

Lin Yue was slightly startled, a tinge of unease rising in her heart when she heard Chen Wan's name. She had suspected Chen Wan before, but without solid evidence, she couldn't draw a conclusion. She looked at Xiao Zhang, hesitated for a moment, and then slowly said, "Do you think... Chen Wan could really be the mastermind?"

Xiao Zhang nodded seriously. "Lin Yue, she's always had a lot of ill will towards you, and now that you've achieved project success, she's even more disgusted with you. Even though there's no evidence for this spray-painting incident, she definitely has a motive."

Lin Yue's heart sank, and she couldn't help but doubt Chen Wan again. She knew she couldn't just rely on her feelings to conclude that Chen Wan was the mastermind, but Xiao Zhang's words made her even more aware that she might be in a potential threat.

Over the next few days, the company's top management began to pay attention to Lin Yue's work performance. The general manager specially arranged a meeting to discuss the progress of Lin Yue's project.

During the meeting, the general manager's tone was even harsher than usual, as if implying that Lin Yue wasn't handling certain details perfectly. He repeatedly stressed the importance of project quality, his words hinting at pressure.

"Lin Yue, this project is of vital importance to the company, and we don't want to see any omissions. You have to be more careful with the details and make sure every step is correct." The general manager said coldly, with a scrutinizing look in his eyes.

Lin Yue's heart sank slightly. She sensed that the General Manager seemed somewhat displeased with her. She tried to remain calm and nodded in response, "General Manager, don't worry. I will be more meticulous in my upcoming work to ensure the smooth completion of this project."

After the meeting, Lin Yue sat in her office, feeling heavy-hearted. She knew the general manager's pressure wasn't just about the project; it was also likely due to rumors circulating within the company. Her work ability shouldn't have been questioned, but the rumors had inadvertently threatened her position in the workplace.

Later that evening, Li Hao came to her office. Noticing Lin Yue's downcast mood, he gently closed the door, sat across from her, and asked with concern, "Lin Yue, I heard about today's meeting. Are you okay?"

Lin Yue smiled bitterly, a hint of fatigue in her eyes. "Li Hao, I don't know why, but the general manager seems a little dissatisfied with me recently. The project is clearly progressing smoothly, but he always finds fault with some details. It seems that he is wary of me."

Li Hao patted her hand gently, his eyes firm. "Lin Yue, the general manager's pressure may just be to make you better, not necessarily targeting you. Your ability has long been proven. Don't let this pressure affect your confidence."

Lin Yue nodded. Although she still felt a little doubtful, Li Hao's encouragement gradually calmed her down. She took a deep breath and told herself that she must be more resolute and not be easily defeated no matter what obstacles she encountered.

With Li Hao's support, Lin Yue decided to put the rumors aside and focus on her work. She adjusted the project plan, optimizing every detail to ensure the highest quality standards. She poured her all into the project, even working overtime, to demonstrate her true strength.

As Lin Yue's performance at work became increasingly outstanding, her colleagues gradually began to change their attitudes. Instead of criticizing her, they began to admire her professionalism and focus. Lin Yue also gradually shook off the shadow of the rumors and regained her confidence.

However, even as Lin Yue threw herself into her work, Chen Wan refused to give up. She continued to secretly seek opportunities to undermine Lin Yue. Although Lin Yue ignored it, she knew that competition and undercurrents in the workplace still existed. Her only responsibility was to keep moving forward and respond with strength.

Amidst this workplace turmoil, Lin Yue gradually learned how to face hostility and misunderstanding. She knew that only by constantly improving herself could she gain a firm foothold in this undercurrent. Her relationship with Li Hao also deepened amidst the storm, and they became each other's solid support.