“So your code name is Pantsyrnik? Are you a double agent? This... this can’t be true!”

    After a momentary pause, Bai Lian suddenly recalled fragmented background details from when he entered the quest.

    “What about that guy?”

    “Boss, he’s already been neutralized. All his secrets are under our control now!”

    “This is what happens when you go against the corporation. Let this be a lesson to all of you!”

    ...

    It was clear that this “Mo Ers” had been an undercover agent infiltrating the company. However, when he began getting close to Xiao Qing, his identity was exposed, and he was forced out of the game after being fed “chicken soup.”

    Bai Lian couldn’t help but note how unprofessional that guy had been. How could he so easily blow his cover while interacting with Xiao Qing?! If it were Bai Lian, he’d never have been caught—even the board member supported him! Well... though that might have been an illusion too. Regardless, it no longer mattered. They’d all fled, and even if they wanted to retaliate against Bai Lian, there was no opportunity now.

    Returning to the matter at hand—the “boss” who had dealt with Mo Ers in the background... Was that Jian Ran standing before him? Until now, Bai Lian hadn’t considered this possibility. The image Jian Ran projected didn’t align with that of a ruthless executive. In his mind, such deeds were the domain of people like Zhu Hongshe—smiling tigers! But now, he had to reconsider.

    “What are you thinking about?” Jian Ran asked suspiciously, noticing Bai Lian’s brief distraction.

    Bai Lian snapped back, smiling and shaking his head. “Nothing. Just wondering how you, Boss, came up with such ideas. I get that the president wants the shares. He’s been here for years and must have solid connections. But you, Boss...” He trailed off, but the implication was clear.

    As a mere group leader, even with a decade at the company, Jian Ran’s influence seemed too limited for such a power play. The odds of her replacing the president and seizing shares were practically zero.

    “Do you think I’m a fool? If you can figure this out, do you think I haven’t?” Jian Ran glared at him. “The corporate archives hold evidence of the board and executives’ crimes. If I obtain that evidence and send it to Mingdu, they’ll send someone to clean house! My job is to secure the evidence and force shareholders to sign the stock transfer agreement before Mingdu intervenes!”

    Mingdu? Bai Lian noted the unfamiliar term. Likely an external authority that could influence the quest. He shrugged internally—no point overthinking it now.

    Two suited figures with company badges stood on the landing. At this hour, anyone remaining had to be part of the rebellion.

    The moment Bai Lian and Jian Ran stepped onto the floor, the men turned, cold smirks spreading. “Well, well. Manager Jian. Fancy meeting you here,” one sneered, though his tone suggested he’d expected this.

    Jian Ran didn’t answer, instead glancing at Bai Lian. Her expression seemed to ask, This was your brilliant plan?

    Seeing the guards, Bai Lian facepalmed.

    【Hahaha! Bai Shen’s plan backfired!】

    【Guys, this is historic—Bai Shen’s first failure! Screenshot this!】

    【Boss’s face says it all lol.】

    【Bai Shen: “Seriously?! These old foxes!”】

    【Who knew even Bai Shen could miscalculate?!】

    【Actually, his reasoning was right. The traitors prepared thoroughly—they’ve probably trapped both routes. Stairs are still safer than a rigged elevator.】

    ...

    Bai Lian rarely fought without cause, but this called for exceptions.

    “You two!” he barked abruptly, startling even Jian Ran. “Is this how you do your jobs?!”