Chapter 20: Closing the Net

The office remained quiet, but tension hung heavy in the air. Employees tried to focus on their tasks, but whispers about the attempted breach spread like wildfire. Even with Zhou Wei cleared of suspicion, the knowledge that a spy still lurked among them cast a shadow over Skyward Technologies.

But Zhao Feng thrived in moments like these.

Seated in his office, he tapped his smartwatch, summoning the holographic interface of the Licking Dog System. The sleek blue display glowed as he issued his next command.

"System, initiate Counter-Surveillance Mode. Track any unauthorized data access attempts and analyze employee behavior in real-time."

Ding!

[Counter-Surveillance Mode Activated.]

[Time Remaining: 5 Days to Identify the Mole.]

A grin tugged at Zhao Feng's lips. "Let's see who dares to make a move."

That afternoon, Zhao Feng called for an emergency all-hands meeting in the Skyward conference room. Every department head, engineer, and staff member gathered, anxiously awaiting their CEO's words.

He stood at the podium, the sunlight streaming through the massive glass windows behind him. With his sharp suit and unwavering presence, Zhao Feng radiated authority.

"Skyward Technologies has faced challenges," Zhao Feng began, his voice calm but commanding. "But we did not rise from the ashes of failure to be brought down by cowardice."

He paused, scanning the crowd.

"A traitor walks among us," he continued, his eyes narrowing. "Someone who would rather sell us out than stand with us. But I promise you this — that traitor will not succeed."

The room fell into a tense silence. Employees exchanged nervous glances.

"And to ensure that," Zhao Feng added, a sly grin forming, "I've initiated a new security protocol. Every keystroke, every data access — it will be monitored. The moment they slip, we'll have them."

The mole, wherever they were, had just been warned. But Zhao Feng knew that fear would only make them act faster — and that's exactly what he wanted.

Ding!

[Psychological Pressure Applied. Increased Probability of Mole Activity: +30%.]

By nightfall, the Skyward building had mostly emptied. But in a dimly lit corner of the development floor, one terminal remained active. The glow of the screen illuminated the tense expression of a lone figure.

Chen Xiang.

A mid-level IT specialist, unremarkable to most, but now trembling as sweat dripped down his forehead. His fingers flew over the keyboard, desperately attempting to bypass the company's firewall.

But unbeknownst to him, Zhao Feng had been waiting.

Ding!

[Unauthorized Access Detected. Tracking in Progress.]

In his office, Zhao Feng watched the system feed with satisfaction. A clear red trail traced Chen Xiang's every movement.

"Found you."

Minutes later, Chen Xiang was dragged into the executive conference room, flanked by two Skyward security guards. Zhao Feng leaned against the long glass table, his cold gaze locked on the trembling man.

"You really thought you could get away with it?" Zhao Feng's voice was low, filled with restrained anger.

"I-I had no choice!" Chen Xiang stammered. "Black Dragon Corporation approached me. They threatened my family!"

"Threats," Zhao Feng scoffed. "And you thought betraying Skyward was the solution?"

Tears welled in Chen Xiang's eyes. "They promised me money! Enough to disappear, to keep my family safe!"

Zhao Feng's gaze didn't waver. "And what did you send them?"

"I didn't get that far," Chen Xiang sobbed. "The firewall was too strong. I swear!"

Zhao Feng's smartwatch buzzed. The system had already confirmed it — the breach had been blocked. No sensitive data had been leaked.

Ding!

[Mission Complete: Identify and Remove the Mole.]

[Reward: +60 Million Simp Coins, Business Influence +700]

[Current Simp Coins: 99 Trillion 276 Million]

Zhao Feng gave a slight nod to the guards. "Turn him over to the authorities. Let the law handle him."

As Chen Xiang was escorted away, Zhao Feng's expression remained cold. The mole had been dealt with — but the true mastermind, Lu Zhenhua, was still out there.

"This was only a test," Zhao Feng murmured. "And now I know exactly how Black Dragon operates."

A notification flashed on his smartwatch.

[New Mission: Disrupt Black Dragon Corporation's Acquisition Plans.]

[Deadline: 10 Days]

[Reward: +80 Million Simp Coins, Business Influence +1000]

Zhao Feng's eyes gleamed.

"Time to go on the offensive."