Zhan Bei Jue did not immediately address the rumors online, nor did he confirm whether A was truly going to jump off the building.
Upon arriving at the company, he and Ah Zhong split up and began investigating the recent daily movements of foreign trade employees A and B.
Soon, they discovered that in the week leading up to the product's release, both individuals arrived at work exceptionally early each morning.
Furthermore, they were seen carrying large black bags when exiting the underground parking lot.
Group employees needed to swipe access cards and pass through security scanners to enter. However, because the items were medicine, the machines could not detect any abnormalities, allowing them to slip through unnoticed.
This pattern continued for several days, suggesting this was the breakthrough point.
Zhan Bei Jue reported to the police, asking them to search the homes of the two individuals for any remaining medicine and to investigate their bank accounts.
After a busy afternoon, they successfully found suspicious activity.
In the storage room of foreign trade employee A's home, two large boxes of unsealed, unbranded medicine were discovered. In the trunk of a discarded car in B's garage, three unsealed boxes were also found.
Moreover, the wives of both individuals had accounts at a certain bank, receiving a deposit of twenty thousand yuan on the same day each month.
The sender's account indicated a foreign trade company in Nancheng. However, upon investigation, this company was found to be fictitious, never having been officially registered with the industrial and commercial administration, merely created to legitimize the transfers.
This had been happening for five consecutive months, indicating the duration of the preparation.
Foreign trade employee B was already deceased, but A had been rescued from the rooftop by firefighters.
B's wife and foreign trade employee A were taken in for questioning. Only then did Zhan Bei Jue instruct people to release the investigation results online.
The police also announced their findings, reminding everyone to be mindful of their wording online and to await the final outcome, refraining from spreading rumors.
The farce that had been playing out all day took a sharp turn, causing another stir online.
Zhan's company's popularity surged again.
The focus of public opinion now shifted entirely to business competition.
"Could it be that a rival company deliberately did this to frame Zhan's? It's too terrifying. Have people become this desperate for money?"
"Zhan's is truly unfortunate. Waiting for the truth!"
While the truth of the matter was being urgently investigated, before the end of the workday, Zhan Bei Jue personally visited President Ma's company.
As if anticipating his visit, President Ma was absent, as was the financial manager.
Moreover, the administrative assistant stated that President Ma had taken the financial manager abroad on a business trip and would not be back anytime soon.
Very well. Hiding abroad?
Waiting to return after the matter concerning Tang Nan Nan was settled, was that it?
Did they think they could get away with it by hiding overseas?
Zhan Bei Jue turned and asked Ah Zhong to book a private room at a high-end, members-only, secluded hotel. He invited a certain director and another director, with whom he frequently interacted and was familiar, for a meal.
He also requested the two of them to mediate and invite Mr. Gao to join them.
Zhan Bei Jue apologized profusely to the two gentlemen.
"As everyone knows, I am very competitive and never like to lose. After a project failure last time, I impulsively said some unpleasant things to Mr. Gao, which I deeply regretted afterward."
"As Mr. Gao keeps a low profile and is busy with his daily affairs, I haven't found a suitable opportunity to apologize to him."
"I heard that Mr. Gao is currently at leisure at home. I would trouble you two to help me arrange a meeting with him, so I can finally resolve this lingering issue. Otherwise, I am constantly restless and find it unbearable."
Although they were not in business, they were also very interested in such news.
Zhan Bei Jue had managed to shift public opinion within a single day, elevating Zhan's company to a new level, which everyone admired.
Although he was only thirty years old, it was rumored that he had a strong chance in the next election for the Chamber of Commerce president, with a promising future, making cooperation beneficial.
They agreed readily, calling Mr. Gao in his presence.
Mr. Gao declined, citing poor health, an inability to drink alcohol, and doctor's orders against going out.
Zhan Bei Jue had already set the stage and was waiting. If he couldn't get Mr. Gao to come, wouldn't it make the two mediators look incompetent?
Therefore, they earnestly persuaded him: "No drinking. My health is worse than yours, with ailments everywhere. The doctor even forbids me from having rich food. We promise to eat healthily. Don't worry."
"The location is secluded, don't be overly cautious. It's just the three of us, let's speak our minds."
"We've known each other for so long, surely you won't distrust us and refuse to give us this small favor?"
Normally, they didn't seek him out, but now that he was at leisure, they became enthusiastic.
Mr. Gao knew there was a trap, but being put on the spot, he had no choice but to agree.
However, Mrs. Gao accompanied him.
Upon entering the private room and seeing Zhan Bei Jue, they immediately understood what was happening.
Though they knew the situation clearly, they engaged in pleasantries and small talk, appearing to be on very good terms.
Zhan Bei Jue sincerely apologized to Mr. Gao and penalized himself with several drinks.
The hypocrisy employed by adult men in such situations was far more interesting than practicing Tai Chi. After an hour or two of back-and-forth pretense, it was getting late. Mrs. Gao intended for Mr. Gao to leave.
However, Zhan Bei Jue was unusually talkative that day and showed no signs of ending the gathering. She had to find an excuse.
"My stomach suddenly started hurting, possibly a stomach ulcer flare-up. It's getting late, perhaps we should head back?"
"We'll see each other again in the future. If you want to meet, we can arrange another time. Today, I apologize for not being a good host. Next time, I will personally cook a meal at home to welcome everyone. You won't blame me, will you?"
"Mrs. Gao is feeling unwell?"
Zhan Bei Jue looked over solicitously.
"What a coincidence. Last month, Zhan's donated over ten million yuan in medical equipment to a hospital in Nancheng. Their medical standards are among the best in the country. Would you like me to arrange a consultation with a specialist for you?"
How could Mrs. Gao not understand his intentions?
She smiled and refused, "No need, Mr. Zhan is too kind. You are usually very busy, and it would be too much trouble for you to bother with such a minor ailment of mine."
"Mrs. Gao, please don't say that. Mr. Gao and I get along so well, and he has taken such good care of me. Doing this small favor for you is hardly a bother."
"I'll call their chief physician right now and get you an emergency appointment."
As he spoke, he unlocked his phone.
Mrs. Gao leaned forward slightly, "No need, it's a minor ailment. I have medicine at home, and I'll be fine after taking it."
"Ah, many illnesses are not taken seriously when they are minor, and they worsen over time. Mrs. Gao, you cannot be careless. Shall I have my driver take you, or should they send a car to pick you up?"
Seeing Zhan Bei Jue so eager to be helpful, the other two thought he genuinely intended to apologize to Mr. Gao. Mrs. Gao's lack of appreciation made things awkward, so they chimed in to persuade her.
"Yes. Minor ailments, if not taken seriously, can lead to big problems over time. Stomach problems are also not to be ignored. Since we have the resources, why not use them?"
"What if the medicine you take at home doesn't work, and you still have to go to the hospital?"