It wasn't long before the negative news about Catherine disappeared, which surprised her greatly. She hadn't expected someone to help her at such a crucial moment. Was this a sign of last resort?
Although she maintained contact with that person afterward, they never met again. To this day, Catherine wasn't even sure of the person's true motives.
However, one thing she could confirm was that this person likely had an unspoken connection with the Zhan family, and might even be here for Zhan Mohan.
Catherine couldn't help but scoff, thinking that now, at least, Zhan Mohan finally had someone to contend with.
Catherine didn't need to do anything more. All she had to do was watch and see how Zhan Mohan would be dealt with by this new adversary.
A few days prior.
"Miss Catherine, we are here to help you, and naturally, we need your help in return."
Catherine looked at the man before her. Despite his refined demeanor, his small, shifty eyes made her uncomfortable. He looked like a cunning fox.
Initially, she thought his features bore a slight resemblance to Zhan Mohan's, but now, upon closer inspection, the similarity had faded.
"Who exactly are you? I'm not willing to help just anyone."
The man didn't seem offended by Catherine's question. Instead, he smiled and said, "As rumored, Miss Catherine is indeed capable and not easily manipulated."
"Of course. So don't assume you can get my help just by offering terms."
The man smiled faintly. "From what I understand, you are in quite a predicament right now, and no one is willing to assist you."
"So what? If they won't help me, it doesn't mean I can't find my own way."
"You are right. But if your opponent is Zhan Mohan, do you think you still have a way to deal with him?"
Catherine paused slightly. "Are you implying that Zhan Mohan was behind those news reports?"
The man offered no denial.
Catherine clenched her fists. Before, it was merely speculation. Now, with the truth laid bare, she found it hard to believe. Did Zhan Mohan truly know that the previous news was also caused by her?
"Miss Catherine, as I said from the beginning, I only need you to do me one favor, and I will help you clear all those news reports."
Catherine eyed the man warily. "You won't ask me to do anything illegal, will you?"
The man shook his head. "Certainly not. My request is much simpler than that. I only wish to understand the current situation of Zhan Corporation."
"Just that?"
"Just that." The man looked serious, not like he was joking.
If the condition was truly this simple, Catherine felt she was getting a great deal, as the information was practically worthless to her.
"Alright, in that case, I accept." Catherine smiled and extended her hand to the man.
The man grinned and shook hands with Catherine.
As expected, the removal of news concerning Catherine immediately alerted Zhan Mohan, as he was the only one in the entire city capable of such a feat.
This sudden development could only mean that a larger force had appeared behind Catherine. However, the suddenness of this force made it impossible to determine whether it was benevolent or malevolent.
"Fang Xun, what's the progress on the investigation?" Zhan Mohan asked, looking at Fang Xun.
However, Fang Xun shook his head. "Mr. Zhan, I've dispatched many people to investigate, but to this day, none have reported back."
Zhan Mohan frowned. He knew the capabilities of Fang Xun's subordinates. They had always been the ones assisting them in investigations, and he had never encountered a situation like this before.
Could the opposing party's strength have grown so much that even their Zhan family could not uncover any clues?
This thought sparked an idea in Zhan Mohan. Forces stronger than Zhan Corporation did exist. If someone within the Zhan family could achieve this much, then who could it be?
Zhan Mohan felt an unprecedented sense of crisis.
"The only thing we know for sure is that the other party seems to be very familiar with our actions, possessing extremely effective counter-surveillance capabilities."
This aligned perfectly with Zhan Mohan's own thoughts. Someone so familiar with Zhan Corporation's investigative methods could only be one of their own.
"Fang Xun, send people to follow Catherine. See if she has been in contact with any suspicious individuals lately."
Since that force was behind Catherine, they were bound to meet eventually. By keeping tabs on Catherine, they might uncover useful leads.
Catherine had been feeling exceptionally pleased these past few days, as all the negative news about her had been completely erased. Those who had once wronged her now avoided her.
While they didn't know what had happened, they did know one thing: whoever could help Catherine remove all the news was not to be trifled with, and it was best to avoid any direct conflict with her.
Today, Catherine heard that the man had opened a new company and decided to drop by to show her support, as they were now considered allies.
However, not long after she started walking, she felt as if someone was following her. She turned around but saw no one.
She dismissed it as her imagination, but then a force suddenly pulled her into a narrow alley.
"Who..."
Before Catherine could finish her question, her mouth was covered.
She then saw the person before her, who seemed to be someone close to that man named Zhan.
Zhan Mohan frowned. He hadn't expected them to lose track of Catherine even while tailing her. This was highly unusual.
But the troubles did not end there. The next day, Zhan Mohan was completely blindsided by how quickly the other party acted. Before they could uncover any clues, Zhan Corporation was in serious trouble.
"Mr. Zhan, what should we do in this situation?"
"Mr. Zhan, if this continues, our company will be in danger."
Zhan Mohan looked at the situation of Zhan Corporation's stock and frowned. The stock, which had always been in good standing, had inexplicably hit its upper limit today.
Such an event had never occurred before.
"Mr. Zhan, how should we handle this?"
Fang Xun quickly reassured the others. "Everyone, please rest assured. Mr. Zhan will provide you with an answer regarding this matter. Please remain calm."
Zhan Mohan had a premonition that this incident was definitely related to the force behind Catherine. However, with the other party in the shadows and them in the open, it was at a significant disadvantage for their actions.