Chapter 15 – The Secrets We Keep

Chapter 15 – The Secrets We Keep

Ding!

[New Task: Investigate the Mysterious File]

[Objective: Uncover the truth behind a hidden file within the company's system]

[Rewards: +5 Intelligence, Skill Unlock – 'Digital Forensics']

Chen Yunran stared at the notification with a sigh. Another day, another mysterious file. At this point, he was starting to wonder if the system had a fascination with secret documents.

"What's next, System? Am I about to become a full-time spy?" he muttered under his breath.

Ding!

[No Response.]

"Well, that's just great," he continued, shaking his head. "I can't even get a decent conversation out of you anymore."

The Morning Rush

It was another hectic morning at the office. Xu Meilin had sent him an urgent message to meet her in her office, which was never a good sign. He walked briskly through the corridor, trying to ignore the growing tension in the air. Was he in trouble again?

When he entered her office, she was standing by her desk, arms crossed, a serious expression on her face. Her sharp gaze didn't leave him as he closed the door behind him.

"Chen Yunran," she started, her voice cool. "You've been poking around in places you shouldn't be."

Chen Yunran raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "I'm just doing my job, Meilin. Besides, someone has to keep things in check around here."

Her gaze softened, but only slightly. "You're not just an intern anymore, are you?"

He chuckled, trying to hide the surprise at her perceptiveness. "I'm afraid not. But I'm also not a corporate spy—at least, not yet."

Her lips quirked at the corner. "I don't know whether to be worried or impressed by how calm you are about all of this."

Chen Yunran shrugged. "Worrying gets you nowhere. Besides, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve."

Ding!

[Skill Update: Digital Forensics Unlocked]

[New Skill: Digital Forensics – Ability to analyze and track digital footprints, uncover hidden files, and expose unauthorized access.]

"Well, that's new," Chen Yunran muttered to himself, as the notification popped up on his screen.

Xu Meilin tilted her head, clearly catching the oddity in his expression. "You really don't hide anything, do you?"

"Not much to hide," he replied smoothly, trying to keep the conversation light. "But let's focus on the task at hand. What's the file about?"

The Tension Grows

She hesitated for a moment, then nodded toward her computer. "I need you to find out what's in that hidden file. It's in the company's main database, and I'm convinced someone has been using it for unauthorized purposes."

Chen Yunran walked over, his mind already racing through possibilities. What was so dangerous about a file that had to be hidden so carefully? Who could be behind it?

"I'll get to it," he said, already pulling up the necessary software. "You know you can count on me."

Xu Meilin's eyes flickered with something unreadable. "Just… be careful. Whoever is behind this won't hesitate to stop you."

Chen Yunran met her gaze, a smile playing on his lips. "I'm not worried."

The Search

With Xu Meilin's watchful eyes on him, Chen Yunran dove into the task at hand. His fingers flew over the keyboard as he navigated through the company's digital infrastructure, using the newly unlocked Digital Forensics skill to track down the hidden file.

It wasn't long before he found a trail—a series of encrypted files, carefully concealed deep within the database.

Ding!

[File Found: Mysterious File #0428]

[Decrypting...]

The file slowly came into view, but its contents were locked. Chen Yunran frowned. What could be so important that it required this much effort to hide?

Without hesitation, he began cracking the encryption, feeling a rush of adrenaline as the progress bar slowly filled.

"Almost there…" he muttered to himself, his eyes never leaving the screen.

The Revelation

The file finally unlocked with a soft ping. The moment the contents appeared, Chen Yunran's eyes widened. It wasn't just a file. It was a series of confidential documents—plans for a major corporate takeover, encrypted communication logs, and a list of employees involved in the conspiracy.

"Damn," he whispered. "This is big."

But just as he was about to delve deeper, a sudden notification popped up on his screen.

Ding!

[Warning: Unauthorized Access Detected.]

Chen Yunran froze. Someone was onto him.

"Crap," he muttered under his breath, quickly closing the file and locking it down. He couldn't afford to get caught, not now.

Just as he was about to leave the office, Xu Meilin walked in, her expression unreadable. "What did you find?"

For a moment, he hesitated. It wasn't a good idea to tell her everything, not yet. "I found the file. But I'll need more time to go through it," he said, keeping his tone calm.

Xu Meilin didn't press further, but her eyes narrowed, and Chen Yunran could tell she wasn't fully convinced.

"Fine," she said, turning away. "But don't take too long."

Ding!

[+5% Favorability with Xu Meilin. (Total: 65%)]

Chen Yunran watched her leave, his heart pounding. This was no longer just about being an intern. He had crossed a line, and there was no going back.

Status Update

[Host: Chen Yunran]

[Race: Human (Ascended – Sealed)]

[Physique: Weakened Cultivator Body (Suppressed)]

Stats:

Strength: 7

Agility: 6

Stamina: 7

Perception: 8

Intelligence: 27 (+5 from Mission)

Qi Reserves: Sealed

Innate Skills:

Perseverance (From First Life)

Fast Learner (From First Life)

Survival Instinct (From First Life)

Acquired Skills:

Multitasking

Digital Espionage (Temporary)

Observation Mastery

Persuasion (Beginner)

Crisis Management

Hand-to-Hand Combat (Beginner)

Basic Negotiation

Digital Forensics

Goddess Favorability:

Xu Meilin: 65%