Framed

"Chairman," the head of the technical department spoke again, "this virus is integrated with our game. It was likely embedded during the development process."

Lin Chang's expression darkened as a thought struck him.

It must be Lin Xuan—Lin Xuan set a trap for him to fall into!

To confirm his suspicions, Lin Chang contacted his daughter, Lin Qingwan. "I need you to investigate something immediately. Find out everything about the mole we planted in Starlight Group."

He wanted to confront the person face-to-face.

To see if Lin Xuan had orchestrated this.

"Yes, Dad."

After hanging up, Lin Qingwan frowned deeply.

Why was her father investigating this?

Though confused, she quickly carried out Lin Chang's orders.

Ten minutes later,

Lin Qingwan paled as she read the contents of her phone.

"How is this possible?"

Disbelief filled her face. She couldn’t trust the information and immediately ordered a second verification.

But the findings were indisputable.

Without delay, Lin Qingwan rushed to the chairman’s office.

"Dad, the daughter of the man we bribed has already recovered from her illness," she reported.

Lin Chang frowned. "Wasn’t she diagnosed with leukemia? How could she be cured? Are you sure you didn’t make a mistake, Wan'er?"

"There’s no mistake," Lin Qingwan replied, her face still pale. "She did have leukemia, and her condition was severe even after treatment. But five months ago, her medical reports showed all her indicators had returned to normal."

"She’s already back in school, living a normal, healthy life."

"Who the hell cured her?" Lin Chang gritted his teeth.

Curing a leukemia patient wasn’t something an ordinary person like Shi Peiran could afford. Even if he could find such a doctor, it would cost millions.

Where did Shi Peiran get that kind of money?

"I couldn’t trace that," Lin Qingwan admitted.

"And, Dad," she added hesitantly, "he’s already left the country. He flew out the day after our game was released."

The Lin Family had many underhanded tactics, but this time, the situation involved Starlight Group’s core interests. Lin Xuan, fearing Lin Chang might harm Shi Peiran, had arranged for him and his daughter to relocate abroad.

He even secured Shi Peiran a job at Su Corporation’s overseas branch.

SLAM!

Lin Chang slammed his palm on the desk, his face twisted with fury.

"We’ve been played."

Shi Peiran was undoubtedly Lin Xuan’s plant. Lin Xuan had known about their plan to steal his game and turned the tables on them.

He secretly cured Shi Peiran’s daughter, allowed them to bribe him, then had Shi Peiran deliver the game code—embedded with a virus.

Damn it!

He’d underestimated Lin Xuan.

Who knew the man had such a ruthless move up his sleeve?

"Dad, Shi Peiran left this in his house." Lin Qingwan handed Lin Chang an envelope.

The cover was clearly addressed to Lin Chang, so she hadn’t opened it.

Lin Chang tore it open. Inside was a single line:

—Chairman Lin, those who dig pits for others will fall into them themselves.

His face turned ashen.

Lin Qingwan read the message too and pressed her lips together. Wasn’t this exactly what had happened?

If they hadn’t been so greedy, trying to claim Lin Xuan’s game as their own, they wouldn’t be in this mess.

This was entirely their own doing.

"Chairman, our company is now three billion in debt. Our accounts are empty. We need to think about our next steps," the technical director reminded.

"I have plenty of money!" Lin Chang snapped.

Then it hit him—the stocks!

He had to sell his Starlight Group shares before the news spread further.

Frantically, he pulled up the stock market page—only to see Starlight Group’s stock had already plummeted to a halt.

"What’s going on?" His face drained of color.

The stock had been stable just an hour ago. How had it crashed so fast?

A quick search revealed the reason.

Starlight Group had held a press conference, publicly declaring that King’s Glory was their original creation.

They denied plagiarism, vowing to present evidence to clear their name.

They even used Tiger Sound as collateral—if they were proven guilty, the platform would be donated to the state.

The announcement sent Starlight Group’s stock into freefall.

Lin Chang’s hands trembled.

His life’s savings—gone in an instant.

"Dad, what do we do now?" Lin Qingwan’s voice was shaky.

At this point, their company was beyond saving.

"No. I won’t accept defeat," Lin Chang muttered. "There has to be a way."

Pacing the office, he suddenly stopped, eyes lighting up.

"Wan'er, send someone to investigate Starlight Group’s top computer experts. Offer them a fortune to remove the virus."

The hackers they’d hired had said only the person who implanted the virus could remove it without damaging the game.

If they could eliminate the virus, King’s Glory could be revived—and Lin Xuan’s entire scheme would collapse.

Also, the breach of Starlight Group’s systems was likely orchestrated by Lin Xuan through that same man.

"Understood. I’ll arrange it." Lin Qingwan nodded.

This was their only hope now.

Outside the office, Lin Li overheard everything.

He clenched his jaw.

This time, Lin Xuan had won.

Gaming and entertainment were Starlight Group’s main revenue streams. With both sectors crushed by Starlight Group, how long could they last?

At least he had the Jiang Family’s backing.

After relentless effort, Jiang Manting’s attitude toward him had softened. She was now managing the company’s affairs.

Even if Starlight Group went bankrupt, Jiang Manting wouldn’t abandon him.

But then—

A dark thought crossed Lin Li’s mind.

Starlight Group might rise to new heights with this game.

Even without Su Hua, Lin Xuan would thrive.

Lin Li’s eyes burned with resentment.

He couldn’t stand the thought of Lin Xuan succeeding. A man like him deserved to be trampled underfoot forever.

After leaving the chairman’s office, Lin Qingwan immediately launched the investigation.

Lei Hui reported the situation to Lin Xuan. "Boss, Starlight Group is digging into who implanted the virus. They’re probably trying to remove it."

I regretted sending that message yesterday. But looking at the gifts, I might not have to post that photo after all. What a relief.

Thanks to Lin Yiming for the shower of flowers.

Thanks to 15ww51 for the showstopper.

Thanks to the mysterious Tan Bei, An Shang, Rose Snowfall, the slothful Capybara, Little Panda~Kindness, Snowless North City, and other dear friends for the gifts.

Uu.