Hidden truth, intricate love

Lin Yue's life seemed to have returned to normal, but she remained vigilant. Although she hadn't confronted Gu Yao directly, the person behind the rumors had become clear. She knew Gu Yao wouldn't give up easily, and the only thing she could do was remain unchanged in the face of change, using calmness and strength to dispel any conspiracy.

Meanwhile, Li Hao didn't give up his investigation into Gu Yao. He knew Lin Yue's apparent strength couldn't mask the crisis behind it, and his only hope was to expose Gu Yao's conspiracy by any means necessary. He began mobilizing a wider range of resources, tracing the connection between Gu Yao and the executives who had spread the rumors, hoping to gain stronger evidence.

One day, Li Hao and Lin Yue met again during the final stages of a project. This was a crucial coordination meeting before the project's completion, and with senior executives from both companies in attendance, the atmosphere was tense and formal.

Lin Yue stood at the front of the conference room, calmly outlining the project's progress and final implementation plan. Her tone was steady, her logic clear, and every detail precise. Li Hao sat nearby, his eyes filled with mixed emotions. He was both impressed by her excellence and stung by her indifference towards him.

After Lin Yue finished her speech, someone raised some detailed questions, which she patiently answered one by one without missing a beat. However, when Li Hao opened his mouth to add his opinion, Lin Yue chose to remain silent.

"Mr. Lin, regarding this part of the content, our team suggests that it can be further optimized to ensure that there is no waste of resources during the implementation process." Li Hao's voice was low and steady, with a hint of temptation.

Lin Yue nodded slightly, her tone cold: "We will consider Mr. Li's suggestions, but the final plan will be decided based on actual needs."

Her response was formulaic and distant, and the atmosphere in the conference room suddenly became tense. Li Hao felt his heart tighten, but he didn't continue to ask. He knew that Lin Yue's indifference was a form of defense, and also her way of refusing to establish any additional contact with him.

---

After the meeting, Lin Yue left the conference room alone, preparing to go to the next meeting. In the corridor, a familiar voice suddenly sounded from behind him.

"Lin Yue, long time no see." Gu Yao walked forward slowly with a hypocritical smile on her face.

Lin Yue stopped and looked at her coldly: "Gu Yao, what's the matter?"

Gu Yao feigned an innocent smile and said, "I just came to see you. I heard that your work has been going well recently. Congratulations. However, some people may not like that you are doing so smoothly."

Lin Yue's eyes flashed with a hint of coldness, and her tone was emotionless: "If you mean those despicable means, I advise you to save your energy. My career depends on it, and it can't be shaken by your rumors."

Gu Yao's smile froze slightly, but soon returned to normal, with a hint of provocation in her tone: "Lin Yue, you are really confident. However, aren't you trusting some people too much? After all, some people once stood by my side and had no trust in you, right?"

Her words were suggestive, and she hinted at Li Hao's past, making the atmosphere tense in an instant.

Lin Yue's expression didn't change at all. She said coldly, "Gu Yao, you seem particularly interested in my affairs. But no matter what you say, it can't change my choice. Your existence is just a passer-by in my life."

Gu Yao's face turned pale and blue. She gritted her teeth and said angrily, "Lin Yue, don't think you've won. I'll make you realize how naive you are."

After saying that, she turned and left, with unwilling anger in her steps.

---

When Li Hao learned that Gu Yao was close to Lin Yue again, he was furious. He found Gu Yao and warned her mercilessly.

"Gu Yao, this is the last time. Don't get close to Lin Yue again, and don't try to hurt her." Li Hao's voice was cold and low, with a strong sense of oppression in his eyes.

Gu Yao sneered and refused to give in: "Li Hao, you really protect her so tightly. Unfortunately, she doesn't care about you at all. What you're doing only makes me feel more pitiful."

Li Hao's eyes were like knives, and his tone was threatening: "I don't need you to judge my feelings. If you continue to pester me, I will make you lose everything."

Gu Yao's expression changed slightly, and a trace of panic flashed in her eyes, but she quickly concealed it and said coldly: "Li Hao, let's wait and see. I want to see what you can do."

She shook off Li Hao's hand and left angrily. Li Hao's heart was filled with anxiety. He knew that Gu Yao's madness was close to being out of control. If he did not take action, Lin Yue might suffer greater harm.

---

Li Hao began to take tougher measures to investigate Gu Yao, trying to thoroughly expose all her conspiracies. However, in this secret contest, he was unable to break the barrier between him and Lin Yue.

Lin Yue remained calm and distant, choosing to ignore Li Hao's efforts no matter how obvious they were. She understood that her life did not need to rely on anyone, especially Li Hao's so-called "protection."

However, fate's twists and turns seem unstoppable. Gu Yao's threat persists, while the emotional entanglement between Li Hao and Lin Yue grows increasingly complex. The distance between them seems to be growing, but crisis forces them to draw closer once more.

The storm is coming, and whether they can find each other in this storm remains unknown.