chapter 19

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"So after finalizing your two projects, you saw it the next day in the news being broadcasted as the other companies plans? But you mentioned it was 2 organizations as well?"

"Yeah, I had Manaow investigate and she found that the leaders of those were cousins so it wasn't that strange. The question is who is or who are the people working for them."

Team and Win are in Yuan's coffee shop, finding it safer than inside the company where the unknown spy is in.

"Have you tried watching the cctv footages?"

"Yes, and nothing was strange. I think i saw one of the leaders in the past but i cannot really recall."

"That's strange, where would you be seeing that person? Do you have a picture of that person?"

Team throws Win a judging look, "Why would I be interested enough to save his photo on my electronics? I'm scared my things will have a virus."

"What—" and then Win bursts out laughing. If anyone would see them, they would probably think that they are couple simply dating and one is trying to make the other laugh.

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"Why am I seeing Win as if he's your loyal dog following you everyday?? What did I miss? Are you finally becoming dumb again??"

If people know them enough, they would know that the nosy ass that has been throwing Team questions since earlier is no other than his friend, Manaow. They were busy trying to catch the culprit that he wasn't able to talk to his friends if not about the problem that they are currently trying to sort. It has been going for weeks with Win helping them and he wanted to give his employees a 2-day break before letting them help him again. And that is also why Manaow has time to bombard him with questions.

Just like what the other said, Win is always on his side, regardless of the time, whether it be trying to think of a solution or taking a break. And maybe he is being dumb again as his heart has been feeling a little alive lately while he is with the other.

As if a plant growing its new flowers after the first ones turn rotten and dull.

He is giving Win another chance to prove himself.

No—Team is giving himself a chance to experience life again.

"Team? Team? Ai'Team?!!"

It was the same voice as the one asking him earlier, but with its tone, he thinks he gave himself away.

"Damn. You're really dumb when it comes to that jerk. Jeez, I give up. Good bye now."

When Team went back to his senses, he saw is Manaow's back as she walk towards the door, shaking her head.

Before opening door, her friend looked back once again, "By the way, boss. You have a meeting at 3 with Mr. Chen. Don't forget."

When Manaow opened the door, a paper fell in the floor which she didn't notice as she continued walking. Team frowned, the office is usually spotless as he doesn't like to see anything that is not properly arranged. Therefore, he requires every employees to organize their desk neatly regardless of how many things they would bring in. So seeing a paper on the floor,  he immediately stood up to pick up the paper to put it in the trash bin.

He frowned even more when he noticed that there is a note in the paper and decided to read it.

Heard you were looking for me, wanna play a game? You're the Tom and I'm the Jerry. You have to find me while I'm playing with you.

Team smirk at that, knowing someone is daring enough to play a game with hi. Too bad though, he's expert enough to make sure that he wins even before the game starts.

But okay, your wish is my command.




"How come everyone else is here before you and you're my secretary?" Team uttered to the girl who just entered the room.

"My apologies, sir. I was on my lunch when you suddenly called for a meeting." Manaow stated in return, knowing full well that her friend is just teasing her.

The CEO smiled, "Alright. Before we start, go ahead and write your names and sign for attendance. And all of you who attended today will have an additional salary this incoming month as I have observed that a reasonable amount of people is missing."

His expression turned blank, "Does any of you know why I called you all today?"

The room was filled with murmurs but only one dared to voice out his uncertain thoughts, "The stolen projects, sir?"

"Excellent. Now that the purpose of this meeting is on the table, could you please elaborate it, Mr...?"

"Evan from IT department, sir."

"Could you tell us what you know about the stolen projects, Evan?" Team leaned back in his seat, adjusting his tie while doing so.

With his ears red, the employee elaborated the topic professionally,  "A few months ago when the proposal about entering the food industry was approved, the Research and Development team began to look more into it. I heard they were almost done when all the files went missing at the same day the R company broadcasted the project as theirs. We tried to investigate but it was done faultlessly."

"Faultlessly, huh?"

Faultless crime is almost impossible.

"Thank you for that, Evan."

Team remains quiet for a moment before standing and he began walking around, "I know you all are smart enough to know that there is or there are someone in the company that couldn't be trusted, therefore, I want you all to be more careful when disclosing any information, especially if it is about any projects in the future. Secondly,  I'd like to apologize to you all about what happened, especially to our Research and Development team. Rest assured that I won't let this happen again in the future."

There was a pause, "Lastly, it seems that I was too kind to you that you dared invite me to play."

It wasn't directed to anyone specific but it was uttered so low that it made everyone shudder. They know for a fact that even though the CEO is friendly, he is one of the most powerful people in the industry. Thus, those who dared to betray him will know their place later on.

A few more minutes later, the discussion came to its end.

"If you don't have any more questions, clarifications, or violent reaction, you may leave now."

Just then, a hand was raised, it was when the man uttered the question that Team noticed his presence.

"May I know when exactly the files got stolen?"

"It was 4 months ago."

"Exact date, please."

"June 4."

Huh. It was the same day I showed up?

When Win looked at Team, he knew the younger is thinking the same.

*****
HERFINECRISIS

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