"The two departments must immediately check the extent of our recent losses. I need the results within two days. Meeting adjourned," Hua Xiaomo said swiftly. He then stood up and quickly returned to his chairman’s office.

Sitting in his chair, his mind felt dazed. Why have so many things happened all at once? He hadn’t even processed it all. First, Zi Yunsui had a car accident and was hospitalized, and now the company was facing such a difficult problem. It all made him feel utterly overwhelmed.

Hua Xiaomo clenched his fist tightly. He told himself that he couldn’t fall; he had to persevere, to overcome this crisis. None of us can afford to collapse.

「Two days later.」

The finance and sales departments had prepared their loss reports.

When the reports were presented to Hua Xiaomo, one look was enough to startle him. In just three or four short days, their losses had already reached 50 million.

My God, that’s an astronomical figure!

Hua Xiaomo’s brow furrowed deeply.

They had released hundreds of online software products, and now nearly half of them were receiving complaints. Among the software targeted by complaints, the majority were accused of containing violent content. A smaller portion was criticized for promoting pornographic or vulgar content. Therefore, they had to be taken down from the platforms for a complete overhaul.

"Get the director of the technical department here immediately," Hua Xiaomo demanded, his brow furrowed.

Soon, the director of the technical department entered.

"How are things progressing on your end?" Hua Xiaomo asked.

"Chairman, we’ve been working overtime continuously, but due to the sudden surge in workload, we’re short-staffed. If we have to overhaul all the gaming software within their stipulated timeframe, I’m afraid it’s simply impossible to complete the task," stated Zhang Wang, the director of the technical department.

"If you’re short-staffed, then hire more people immediately. Have the HR department manager cooperate with you to quickly recruit skilled technical personnel. Get them into practical work right away, and ensure these problematic game titles are revised as soon as possible," Hua Xiaomo said gravely. This situation was truly making him feel overwhelmed.

Losses had reached 50 million in just three or four short days. If this continued, the losses would only escalate. Fine, financial losses are one aspect, but the crucial point is the severe damage to the reputation of our Purple Demon Immortal Inquiry in the gaming industry.

That is the true intangible loss!

"Understood," Zhang Wang replied, then quickly excused himself.

Watching Zhang Wang’s retreating figure, Hua Xiaomo suddenly felt a strain in his eyes. He involuntarily propped his forehead with one hand and gestured for the others to leave.

"All of you, leave now. I need to think carefully about how to prepare this report and explain our situation to the higher-ups," Hua Xiaomo said, then he furrowed his brow in deep thought.

Everyone left, and the office became very quiet. Just then, however, Hua Xiaomo’s cell phone began to ring.

Hua Xiaomo glanced at the caller ID. It was a very familiar number; he recognized the last eight digits—it could only be that person’s phone.

Hua Xiaomo hesitated for a moment. What could it be about? He answered the call anyway.

"Hello, President Qi. Were you looking for me?" Hua Xiaomo asked politely, managing to conceal his anxiety and apprehension for the moment. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

"Yes, I was. I’ve been in City B for quite some time now, and we still haven’t had a meal together. We’re old friends, after all. Let’s go out for dinner!" Qi Longbing said readily.

Hua Xiaomo considered it. Too many things have happened recently. I’m really not in the mood to deal with anything else.

Besides, he still had to figure out how to write the official report that needed to be submitted to the authorities. This report was crucial to the future and development of their game company. If it wasn’t written well, they might even have to shut down completely!

That would be the absolute worst, the most disastrous outcome.

"I’m sorry, President Qi. I’m very busy right now and afraid I really don’t have time to entertain you," Hua Xiaomo replied, his eyes narrowing slightly. He truly didn’t want to say much. At this moment, he had no time to dwell on messy emotional entanglements; he had to resolve the problems at work.

Unexpectedly, Qi Longbing replied in a calm, unhurried tone, "Director Hua, surely your work can’t be *that* demanding, can it? However, Director Hua, I can tell you this: if you come out and have this meal with me, it will absolutely be more effective than you slaving away all night trying to solve your company’s problems."

Hua Xiaomo was taken aback. He instantly thought of something. Could these company problems be related to Qi Longbing’s Qi Imperial Court?

They had recently gone to City A to discuss a game development cooperation project, but the negotiations had failed. And now, their game company was facing numerous issues. Could the Qi Imperial Court be pulling strings behind the scenes?

Moreover, what was even stranger was why Qi Longbing wasn’t staying in City A but had suddenly shown up in their City B. Is this a coincidence? Unlikely!

Hua Xiaomo grew suspicious. Gripping the phone tightly, he retorted.

"Qi Longbing, how do you know my company is having problems? What do you mean by that?" Hua Xiaomo asked sharply. He could already sense a hint of conspiracy from the call. He was afraid it might be true because if it were, it would be an unimaginably insidious plot.

"If you want to know what I mean, Director Hua, why not come and ask me in person? Flora Black Rose Hotel, top-level VIP room 115. I’ll be waiting for you," Qi Longbing said, his voice icy, before abruptly hanging up.

Hua Xiaomo froze for a moment. He gripped the phone, which had grown warm in his hand, before slowly putting it down.

Qi Longbing’s sudden call... what on earth does he mean by this?

After a moment’s thought, Hua Xiaomo quickly slipped a voice recorder into his bag, gave himself a quick once-over, and then drove his Ferrari towards the Flora Black Rose Hotel.

Qi Longbing, you’d better hope this has nothing to do with you. Otherwise, I will never forgive you.

「Flora Black Rose Hotel.」

As soon as Hua Xiaomo got out of his car, he headed straight into the hotel. He took the elevator directly to the top-level VIP room, number 115.

He arrived at the door of room 115. After spotting the room number, he hesitated for a moment, his expression hardening, then knocked.

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK. The sound echoed from within.

A moment later, someone from inside pulled the door open.

The person who opened the door looked at the one standing outside, a peculiar smile playing on his lips.