Zhan Mohan glanced at Fang Xun. "What's the situation with Catherine?"
Fang Xun looked at Zhan Mohan, as if contemplating how to broach the subject.
"Spit it out."
"The bodyguard who was following Catherine today told me she spent last night in a hotel with General Manager Gu from a catering company."
Zhan Mohan frowned slightly. He was naturally well-informed about all projects in the city and had heard about this catering company's current development project.
It seemed Catherine, after contacting various shareholders, was now looking for suitable projects to establish her image within the company. Otherwise, even with shareholder recommendations, she wouldn't have an easy time assuming the CEO position.
"She's not entirely foolish."
Zhan Mohan knew that General Manager Gu was notoriously lecherous within their circle, and using her allure was no doubt the best method.
However, Zhan Mohan could never agree with Catherine sacrificing herself.
"What are the results from Kai's end?"
Fang Xun produced some documents. "I've reviewed the surveillance footage and cross-referenced it with the meeting times and locations provided by Wang Hua. While some parts cannot be verified, several locations still match Kai's movements during those days."
Zhan Mohan took the documents. Fang Xun had already highlighted the matching sections.
Fang Xun explained, "In reality, we didn't find any trace of Kai at that particular establishment. However, based on surveillance footage from nearby roads, our conclusion is that he could only have come to this place."
Zhan Mohan nodded. "It's normal that he wasn't captured on camera at the shop. He likely changed his appearance nearby before entering the shop to meet with Wang Hua."
All the evidence gathered so far seemed to indicate that Kai was definitely involved in this matter. Yet, there was still no direct evidence to implicate him.
With his disguise, even if suspected individuals were found in surveillance footage, they couldn't be absolutely certain it was Kai.
To completely resolve this, all aspects needed to be investigated thoroughly, leaving no room for escape.
"Has Kai's recent activity been unusual in any way?"
Fang Xun shook his head. "No, Kai's movements have been normal for the past two days, and he hasn't even met with Catherine."
Zhan Mohan couldn't help but wonder if Kai's inaction was precisely because Catherine hadn't contacted him.
Connecting all the dots, it wasn't difficult to reach a conclusion. Assuming Catherine had Kai carry out the previous actions, and after their scheme was exposed, they had proactively severed all potential investigative links. The matter would then temporarily conclude.
Meanwhile, Catherine had a new plan; she was busy positioning herself for the CEO role and had no time for Kai, leading to his return to normal life for the time being.
Although this theory aligned perfectly with the timeline of events, Zhan Mohan was still powerless. In the end, these were just his speculations.
Zhan Mohan felt a headache coming on. He could only admit that the mastermind behind this was far too clever. Regardless of whether Catherine was behind it, he was currently unable to do anything.
Was he to simply wait for them to reveal themselves?
But standing still and waiting was not Zhan Mohan's style. He wanted to find the mastermind as soon as possible, which would also ensure Wei Yumeng's greater safety.
Zhan Mohan's insistence that Wei Yumeng rest at home, citing concern for her health, was a cover. The truth was, as long as he hadn't found the culprit, that person might still target Wei Yumeng.
Their first attempt failed, but there was no guarantee there wouldn't be a second.
"Don't ease up on tracking Kai and Catherine. The usual procedure: inform me immediately if anything arises."
Fang Xun nodded. "Yes, I understand."
Catherine emerged from the hotel, feeling utterly disgusted. Indeed, she had been deliberately intoxicated by that General Manager Gu last night and had been forced to do the last thing she wanted.
This was never part of her plan. She had only intended to superficially charm General Manager Gu.
But she hadn't expected General Manager Gu to get her drunk on purpose, solely to possess her body.
"Miss Catherine, I believe our cooperation will be very pleasant."
Catherine, who had been feeling suffocated, reacted to his words. She gritted her teeth, constantly reminding herself that her sacrifice was not in vain. She had secured the cooperation rights, wasn't that a good thing?
With the cooperation rights and the successful completion of this project, wouldn't she be closer to that position?
General Manager Gu leaned closer to Catherine's ear and said, "Don't worry, even if any problems arise with the project, you don't need to fret. I will always help you."
Catherine turned and smiled at General Manager Gu. "Then I thank you, General Manager Gu."
"Linlin."
At that moment, a voice interrupted their conversation.
Catherine hadn't expected to encounter Kai at this time. They were right outside the hotel, and anyone would find the situation suspicious.
"What are you doing here?" Catherine's face turned pale. She truly didn't want anyone to witness this.
General Manager Gu looked at Kai, then at Catherine. "And who is this?"
Kai, his face dark, walked up to Catherine and pulled her to his side. "I'm her boyfriend."
General Manager Gu nodded thoughtfully. "I see."
Catherine took a deep breath and turned to Kai. "This is my future project partner, General Manager Gu."
"Hello," General Manager Gu said politely, extending his hand to Kai.
Kai seemed about to say something, but seeing Catherine's eyes, he ultimately said nothing, merely shaking General Manager Gu's hand.
"Since our business is settled, I'll be taking my leave."
Catherine nodded. "General Manager Gu, I wish us a pleasant cooperation."
"Pleasant cooperation."
As General Manager Gu's car drove away, Kai finally couldn't hold back and asked Catherine, "Linlin, what exactly is going on? You... I hope you tell me it's not what I'm thinking."
Kai's fists were clenched, showing he was suppressing intense emotions.
Catherine stepped forward and hugged him. "What are you thinking? Am I that kind of person? We were just here because it was difficult to park where we were meeting, so General Manager Gu's car was parked near the hotel. He was leaving, so I walked him out."
Kai breathed a sigh of relief at Catherine's words but still harbored some doubt. "Is that really true? You're not lying to me?"
"How could I lie to you about something like this? Or do you think I'm that kind of person?"
Kai quickly defended himself. "No, that's not what I meant, Linlin, you know that."