Hidden truth, intricate love

As time passes, the collaborative project between Lin Yue and Li Hao nears its end. Although Lin Yue maintains a professional composure, her instincts tell her that this isn't truly over. Gu Yao's presence is like a hidden time bomb, poised to explode at any moment. Meanwhile, Li Hao secretly strives to defuse this crisis.

---

On the eve of the project's release, an anonymous email was sent to several media outlets and key industry figures. The email presented a series of "evidence" attempting to prove that Lin Yue manipulated the project through personal connections and even accepted kickbacks. Although this so-called "evidence" was riddled with holes, it still caused quite a stir at this sensitive time.

The media began to inquire, and executives from the partner company also raised doubts. Lin Yue's team was forced to suspend part of the project process to focus on handling this sudden public relations crisis.

In the conference room, Lin Yue calmly discussed countermeasures with her team. Her gaze was firm, and her tone was not a trace of panic. "We will clarify this matter with facts. First, notify the Legal Department to collect clues of these malicious slanders. At the same time, contact the relevant media and take legal action against the accounts that spread the rumors."

However, as she was about to end the meeting, an executive suddenly said, "Mr. Lin, this isn't the first time this rumor has spread. Is it because of you that the company keeps getting into these troubles?"

Lin Yue's eyes instantly turned cold, and she asked mercilessly, "Mr. Zhang, are you saying that this malicious attack is my fault? If the company's trust has been shaken by rumors, shouldn't we also examine whether there are any internal loopholes instead of blaming the victim?"

There was silence in the meeting room, and no one dared to say anything more.

---

When Li Hao learned of the anonymous email, his first thought was Gu Yao. Based on his previous investigation, he was almost certain it was her work. He decided not to wait any longer and must take more direct action.

One day, Li Hao met with the chairman of Lin Yue's company, a highly respected old man.

"Chairman, I want to make one thing clear. This anonymous email has nothing to do with your company's Director Lin Yue. I have some clues that prove that these are malicious slanders against her deliberately." Li Hao handed some of the collected evidence to the other party.

The chairman looked at it, pondered for a moment, and said slowly: "Mr. Li, I believe in Lin Yue's ability and character, but now is a sensitive time. Any doubts may affect the launch of the project. What suggestions do you have?"

Li Hao said firmly, "Clarify this as soon as possible, and take legal action against those who maliciously spread the rumors. The reputation of both your company and Director Lin Yue needs to be protected. I will fully cooperate with you on this matter."

The chairman nodded, approving of Li Hao's attitude. "Lin Yue is an outstanding talent, and her efforts shouldn't be buried by these nonsense rumors. Mr. Li, I would be very grateful if this matter could be resolved as soon as possible."

---

Li Hao's actions hindered Gu Yao's plan. She realized that she could no longer hide and decided to take more extreme measures.

Late one night, Gu Yao appeared downstairs of Lin Yue's apartment. She was no longer as hypocritical as usual, her eyes full of madness and jealousy.

"Lin Yue, you are so lucky. There is always someone to clean up the mess for you." Gu Yao sneered, with undisguised malice in her tone.

Lin Yue stood at the door and looked at her coldly: "Gu Yao, if you are here to continue threatening me, then I advise you to leave as soon as possible. I don't have time to waste on you."

Gu Yao approached step by step, her voice low and sharp: "Do you think Li Hao is really protecting you? He is just trying to atone for his sins. Don't you think it's ridiculous? You are still putting so much effort into someone who once doubted you!"

Lin Yue's expression remained calm, but there was a hint of vigilance in her eyes: "Gu Yao, what's the point of continuing to pester me? If you have time to talk like this, you might as well think about how to face legal sanctions."

Gu Yao's smile disappeared instantly, and her eyes turned gloomy: "Law? Lin Yue, you are just a bumbling woman. You took away everything that belongs to me, and I won't let you continue to be so proud."

Lin Yue's eyes were still cold. She said in a deep voice, "Gu Yao, you shouldn't blame others for the path you took. If you continue to provoke me, I will make you pay for your actions today."

Gu Yao was irritated by Lin Yue's calmness. She gritted her teeth, turned around and left abruptly, but swore in her heart that she would never let this matter go.

Ultimately, the project launch conference went ahead as planned. Thanks to the combined efforts of Li Hao and Lin Yue's team, the crisis was temporarily resolved. However, just as the conference was drawing to a close, an abrupt question disrupted the originally harmonious atmosphere.

A reporter suddenly stood up and asked, "Mr. Lin, there are rumors that you use your personal connections to influence project decisions. How do you respond to this?"

The atmosphere at the scene suddenly became tense, and everyone's eyes were focused on Lin Yue.

Lin Yue picked up the microphone, his gaze firm and calm. "Thank you for your question, reporter. Regarding the so-called rumors, I want to say that all project decisions are based on the evaluation of professional teams and have nothing to do with any personal relationships. As for these rumors, I have commissioned the legal team to investigate, and I will hold those involved accountable."

She paused and continued, "For anyone, facing doubts is not scary. What is scary is being shaken by these unfounded rumors. I believe that the facts will prove everything."

The reporter's follow-up questions were drowned out by the applause from the audience. Lin Yue's answers were straightforward and powerful, which made many people more resolute in their trust in her.

---

After the press conference, Lin Yue stood alone backstage, looking at the lights on the stage, feeling a little tired. She knew that all this was not really over yet, and Gu Yao's threat still existed.

At this time, Li Hao came over and handed her a glass of water, with a hint of concern in his tone: "Lin Yue, you have worked hard."

Lin Yue took the water and said calmly: "This is my job. It doesn't matter whether it's hard or not."

Li Hao was silent for a moment, then whispered, "I know these rumors have troubled you. I will continue to investigate and find all those behind the scenes."

Lin Yue looked at him with a complicated look in her eyes: "Li Hao, thank you for your kindness, but I don't need anyone to solve my problems for me. I can handle these things, you just need to do your job well."

Li Hao felt a sharp pain in his heart, but he didn't say anything. He knew that Lin Yue's indifference was her way of protecting herself, and all he could do was to silently guard her and wait for the day when she would accept him again.

---

Although the success of the press conference temporarily calmed the crisis, everyone knew that the storm was far from over. Gu Yao's conspiracy was still surging in the dark, and the rift between Lin Yue and Li Hao showed no signs of healing.

The intertwining of fate continues, and it remains unknown whether they can get out of this storm and find their own peace.