Chapter 16: The Hunt for the Saboteur

The sleek corridors of Skyward Technologies buzzed with tense energy. Employees pretended to stay focused on their screens, but Zhao Feng could feel their glances, their whispers. The entire company knew the new boss had arrived — and that he wasn't here to play nice.

Back in his makeshift office, Zhao Feng's gaze remained fixed on the glowing blue interface of the Licking Dog System. Unlike before, the system now displayed a new functionality.

Ding!

[Investigation Mode Activated.]

[Objective: Identify and Remove the Corporate Mole Within 7 Days.]

[Time Remaining: 6 Days 23 Hours 45 Minutes]

"System," Zhao Feng murmured. "Track suspicious financial activity within Skyward. Any abnormal patterns, large sums being transferred, or evidence of bribery — I want it all."

[Affirmative. Scanning Financial Records…]

The holographic screen flashed with streams of data — expenses, payroll, and budget reports. Zhao Feng's eyes narrowed.

"Let's see who's been playing dirty."

---

Hours passed as Zhao Feng meticulously combed through the data. Despite Skyward's apparent setbacks, one name appeared far too frequently:

Liu Xian — Senior Project Manager.

"Interesting," Zhao Feng muttered. "Frequent communications with external parties, unexplained bonuses, and —" His eyes gleamed. "Anonymous offshore transactions."

The evidence wasn't just circumstantial — it was damning. Liu Xian had been receiving large payouts from a competing tech company. The sabotage wasn't just for personal gain; it was corporate espionage.

Ding!

[Suspect Identified: Liu Xian.]

[Mission Progress: 60% Complete.]

"Time to pay him a visit," Zhao Feng said coldly.

---

Zhao Feng stormed into the Development Sector, his presence commanding instant attention. Engineers and programmers exchanged uneasy glances, some pretending to work while others barely concealed their curiosity.

"Where's Liu Xian?" Zhao Feng's voice cut through the tense silence.

The murmurs stopped. A moment later, a tall, sharp-faced man emerged from behind a row of monitors. Liu Xian. His nervous smile failed to mask the flicker of fear in his eyes.

"Mr. Zhao Feng," Liu Xian greeted, attempting a cordial tone. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Cut the act," Zhao Feng snapped. "I've seen the transactions. Offshore accounts, corporate leaks — did you really think no one would notice?"

Liu Xian's face paled. "I-I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't insult my intelligence." Zhao Feng's gaze hardened. "I'm giving you one chance. Confess and resign, or I'll make sure the authorities personally escort you out of here."

A heavy silence followed. The room's air grew thick with anticipation.

But then, to Zhao Feng's amusement, Liu Xian's expression twisted into defiance. "You think you can threaten me? You're just a kid with some money. You don't understand how this industry works!"

Zhao Feng chuckled darkly. "You're right. I don't understand how cowards operate. But I do understand how to win."

With a swift motion, Zhao Feng pulled out his phone and tapped the screen. A second later, a loud ding echoed through the room.

[Data Report Transmitted to Legal Authorities.]

Liu Xian's eyes widened in horror. "You… what did you do?!"

"I ended your career," Zhao Feng said coldly. "And that's just the beginning."

Two security guards entered the room, responding to the pre-arranged call. Liu Xian's bravado crumbled as they flanked him, grabbing his arms.

"You can't do this!" he yelled. "I'm — I'm important!"

"Not anymore," Zhao Feng replied, his tone devoid of sympathy.

As Liu Xian was dragged away, Zhao Feng addressed the stunned employees.

"Skyward isn't a playground for traitors," he declared. "From today, we move forward — stronger and smarter. Anyone who doubts that is free to follow Liu Xian out the door."

No one moved.

"Good," Zhao Feng said, his smile returning. "Now, let's get back to work."

Ding!

[Mission Complete: Remove the Corporate Mole.]

[Reward: +30 Million Simp Coins, Business Influence +300]

[Current Simp Coins: 99 Trillion 166 Million]

The first battle was over. But Zhao Feng knew this was only the beginning.

"Next stop — the AI product launch."