Hidden truth, intricate love

The brief lull after the storm gave Lin Yue some breathing room. However, this peace did not dispel her inner loneliness. She knew that no matter how peaceful the outside world was, the inner conflict and repressed emotions would always be there.

Li Hao's persistence, Gu Yao's threats, and the unknown future made every step she took extremely difficult.

One day, the company announced a new initiative: an international industry summit. Lin Yue, as the core person in charge, would be fully responsible for the company's presentation. This was not only a significant opportunity to enhance the company's brand, but also a platform to showcase itself to the industry's top leaders.

"Mr. Lin, this summit is of a very high standard, with many top international companies participating," the secretary said as he handed her the invitation. "Your speech will be the highlight of the company."

Lin Yue nodded and said, "Have the technical team prepare all the materials and make sure to complete the preliminary rehearsal before the meeting."

The secretary hesitated for a moment and whispered, "Mr. Lin, Li Hao's company will also participate in this summit."

Hearing this name, Lin Yue's hand paused slightly, but she quickly regained her composure: "I understand."

Although she appeared indifferent, she was filled with mixed emotions. This summit was not only a professional challenge, but also the possibility of another unavoidable clash between her and Li Hao.

Just as Lin Yue was fully preparing for the summit, Gu Yao's name appeared in her life again. This time, Gu Yao sent Lin Yue an "invitation" through an intermediary - a private meeting.

"Mr. Lin, Gu Yao hopes to speak with you." The secretary reported cautiously, "Her tone sounds a little... strange."

Lin Yue frowned slightly, then said, "Tell her I don't have time."

However, Gu Yao had clearly anticipated her refusal and quickly released some cryptic information through the media, suggesting that there were problems with Lin Yue's project. Although she didn't directly mention any names, it was enough to spark speculation.

"Mr. Lin, this public opinion will have a certain negative impact on us," the public relations director said at the meeting. "We need to take action as soon as possible to clarify."

Lin Yue said calmly, "Contact the legal department and prepare a relevant statement. At the same time, strengthen external public opinion monitoring. Any new false information must be blocked immediately."

On the day of the summit, Lin Yue appeared at the venue in a well-tailored business suit, looking elegant and capable. Her confidence and composure attracted a lot of attention and made her one of the focal points of the whole audience.

Li Hao, standing at the other end of the crowd, followed her with his gaze. His expression was complex, filled with admiration and a hint of emotion that was difficult to conceal.

Lin Yue's speech was the highlight of the day. In fluent English, she presented the company's latest technological innovations, each piece of data and case study precise and powerful. The audience erupted in applause, and Li Hao's gaze remained fixed on her.

When she stepped down from the stage, Li Hao came up to her.

"Lin Yue, your speech was wonderful." There was a hint of sincerity in his tone.

"Thank you." Lin Yue's answer was brief and cold.

"Lin Yue." Li Hao whispered, "I wonder if we can talk?"

Lin Yue looked up at him, a hint of wariness in her eyes: "Mr. Li, I'm very pressed for time. If it's a work matter, please tell me as soon as possible."

Li Hao was silent for a while, and finally whispered: "Lin Yue, you really don't leave yourself a little room? Even if it's just... try to believe me."

"Mr. Li," Lin Yue said calmly, "I don't have room for maneuver, nor do I need to. I've become accustomed to this way of life. Please don't try to change it."

A trace of pain flashed across Li Hao's eyes, but he didn't say anything more, just nodded lightly: "Okay, I understand."

After the summit, Lin Yue was about to return to the hotel to rest when she ran into Gu Yao in the parking lot. She was leaning against a black car, a sneer in her eyes.

"Lin Yue, you are always so annoying." Gu Yao said slowly, with sarcasm in her tone.

"What's the matter?" Lin Yue's tone was cold.

"I just want to remind you, don't think that this success can cover up all your problems." Gu Yao took a few steps closer, her eyes sharp. "Do you think your calmness and strength can win everyone's respect? It's just a hypocritical disguise."

Lin Yue was not angered, but simply said: "Gu Yao, your jealousy makes me laugh. If you think these words can shake me, then you overestimate yourself."

Gu Yao's expression instantly became distorted, but she quickly regained her composure: "Lin Yue, the higher you are, the harder I want you to fall. We'll see."

After saying that, she turned and left, while Lin Yue stood there with a hint of coldness in her eyes.

After the summit, the company quickly plunged into a new round of project planning. Lin Yue continued to handle each matter with a calm and professional attitude, but his inner fatigue was becoming increasingly obvious.

One night, she was sitting alone in the office, looking through project documents, when Li Hao's words unconsciously emerged in her mind.

"You really don't leave yourself any room?"

She took a deep breath, tried to suppress these thoughts, and told herself not to be swayed by emotions.

Li Hao's persistence

Meanwhile, Li Hao hadn't given up on Lin Yue. He quietly cleared the way for her through various means, but never took the initiative to approach her again. He knew that Lin Yue's rejection wasn't out of heartlessness, but rather because her inner defenses were too deep.

"Lin Yue, one day you will understand that I don't want to destroy your life, I just want to be a part of you." Li Hao stood in front of the window and said softly, with deep persistence in his eyes.

Lin Yue's tenacity earned her respect in the workplace, but it also left her feeling increasingly lonely emotionally. Li Hao's persistence was something she couldn't ignore, but she couldn't quite make that leap.

The distance between the two seems to be shortened by repeated crises, but is pushed further away by each other's persistence and contradictions.