If It’s Wrong, Then It’s Wrong - Chapter 55
Chapter 55: The Nineteenth Day
Everyone was watching Shenyin Technology's press conference, countless eyes glued to the live stream.
Mingtai was no exception. The company's executives were gathered in the meeting room, their faces grim from the start.
They had thought the timing of the accident was fortunate, coinciding with their notification, allowing them to shift the blame to Shenyin Technology and escape unscathed. They hadn't expected Cheng Liu to have recorded their conversation.
Her words in the recording were impeccable, clearly pointing out Mingtai’s breach of contract and theft of technology, while emphasizing her concern for customer safety.
Since the release of the recording, Mingtai had been dragged back into the spotlight, the blame for the accident shifting back to them.
After all, the recording clearly showed Cheng Liu’s immediate concern for user safety upon learning about the technology leak.
Online, Mingtai was being bombarded with criticism, accused of not only stealing technology but also disregarding customer safety, knowingly releasing a flawed system.
That morning, Mingtai had “graced” the trending topics, their past scandals resurfacing, dragged back into the mud by Shenyin Technology.
It was as if Mingtai, having fallen into the water and pulled Shenyin down with them, had managed to climb back onto the shore, then stepped on Shenyin’s head, trying to drown them.
But Shenyin had been prepared, grabbing Mingtai’s foot and pulling them back in, both companies now drowning in negative publicity.
“Let’s see what Shenyin has to say at their press conference,” Director Wu, the executive director of Mingtai, sneered, sitting at the head of the table.
The recording was already public. At worst, Mingtai would issue an apology, pay some compensation, and the incident would blow over.
Shenyin was different. They had obstructed too many people, and now, everyone wanted to kick them while they were down.
Before Mingtai could even attempt to suppress the trending topics, they had been automatically removed. By that afternoon, public opinion had shifted completely, focusing solely on Shenyin Technology, forgetting all about Mingtai.
Mingtai couldn't have achieved such a feat. Clearly, multiple forces were working together to target Shenyin.
“There’s no point in Shenyin holding a press conference. Explaining what everyone already knows is meaningless,” one executive said. Moreover, Mingtai had already sent representatives to H City to offer condolences and compensation to the victims’ families, accompanied by the media. Shenyin, however, hadn’t made any such move.
“Trying to drag Mingtai down with them? They don’t even realize who their real enemies are,” another executive scoffed. “Young people lack experience.”
The live stream of the press conference began. As everyone had predicted, the friendly media asked pre-arranged questions, until a reporter stood up and interrupted, disrupting the flow.
Director Wu leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs, one hand on the armrest, the other covering his mouth, hiding his smug smile.
This had nothing to do with Mingtai now.
But then Cheng Liu, seemingly unfazed, played a series of videos.
“What’s this?” Director Wu asked, seeing the accident investigation team in the video, his face changing, his legs no longer crossed.
Others might not recognize them, but as a car company executive, he knew who they were.
In just one night, Shenyin had managed to assemble accident investigation teams from all over the country, flown to H City, not just private teams, but several top government teams as well.
How had Cheng Liu managed that?
When Cheng Liu announced that the car hadn't even updated to the new system, silence filled the Mingtai meeting room.
Now, Shenyin Technology was completely cleared of any wrongdoing. It was all Mingtai’s fault.
Director Wu’s breathing grew heavy. He pointed at the head of the PR department: “Now! Amplify the claims about Shenyin Technology’s flawed technology! Keep pushing for them to withdraw from the autonomous driving field!”
As soon as he finished speaking, the reporter in the live stream started asking questions along those lines.
Director Wu relaxed slightly. If Shenyin Technology was suffering, he was happy.
But then, no one had expected Cheng Liu to announce that they were open-sourcing their technology.
Everyone in the meeting room gasped, stunned into silence.
“Is she insane?!” Director Wu shouted, slamming his hand on the table, pacing anxiously. “Is Shenyin Technology insane?! How could they do this?! This was her plan all along!”
As the live stream ended, some people were destined for a sleepless night.
Cheng Liu’s announcement had caught the entire industry off guard. They were both furious and eager to see the open-sourced technology.
The internet exploded. No one had expected the car involved in the accident to be running the old system, nor had they expected Cheng Liu to open-source their technology.
From the moment the live stream ended, Shenyin Technology’s PR department had started guiding the online discussion, shifting the focus from domestic competition to international rivalry.
The earlier calls for Shenyin Technology to withdraw from the autonomous driving field now seemed like a conspiracy.
The more vehemently someone had criticized Shenyin Technology, the more suspicious they now appeared.
Several official media outlets, having remained silent until now, finally published articles promoting technological advancement for national development. They didn't name names, but everyone knew who they were referring to.
Just ten minutes after the live stream, these articles appeared, clearly prepared in advance.
This meant Cheng Liu had already contacted the government.
The forces that had been trying to push Shenyin Technology out of the autonomous driving field retreated, no longer daring to manipulate public opinion.
The storm caused by the accident had finally subsided. But the online discussion started trending in an unexpected direction.
An hour after the live stream, the top trending topic was still Shenyin Technology’s open-sourcing announcement. But as time went on, more and more netizens shifted their attention to Cheng Liu herself.
Shenyin Technology’s rapid growth, its founder’s young age and self-made success, were all inspiring stories for netizens.
And Cheng Liu was attractive, her looks rivaling those in the entertainment industry, her story even more captivating.
[Our CEO’s final smile was so smug! I love it!]
[She’s not worried about other companies surpassing Shenyin at all.]
[Honestly, if other companies were capable, Shenyin wouldn't be leading the way. In the end, Shenyin will still be in control. Besides, with the technology open-sourced, at least within the domestic market, everyone will have to follow Shenyin's framework.]
[CEO Cheng looked great today, but does she only own that one outfit? She wore the same thing on the live stream program, even the same shoes.]
[I heard from someone in the industry that CEO Cheng is quite…frugal.]
[Not really, didn’t she have a watch on today? It looked expensive.]
[That watch…looks like a man’s watch?]
Netizens could be surprisingly observant. Following this thread, more and more people started focusing on the watch on Cheng Liu’s wrist.
[It definitely is a man’s watch, and it looks a bit big on her.]
[Did she borrow it?]
[No way, the founder of Shenyin Technology needs to borrow a watch?]
[Actually, it’s possible. This is the first time we’ve seen her wear a watch in public. Also, just saying, her assistant, He Bai, is a watch enthusiast.]
[So the watch is He Bai’s?]
Compared to Cheng Liu, He Bai appeared in public more often. Besides his role as Shenyin’s chief assistant, he also attended He family events, his presence documented in photos from various social gatherings.
He Bai did own a lot of watches.
Cheng Liu wearing a man’s watch, He Bai being her assistant and a watch enthusiast, it was hard not to make the connection.
[Didn’t CEO Cheng deny having a boyfriend?]
[Just wearing a watch doesn't mean anything. She probably just borrowed it.]
As the initial incident subsided, and fueled by netizen curiosity, the top trending topic became #CEOC hengsWatch#.
Many people were now convinced that the watch belonged to He Bai, even creating fan fiction about them.
Then, a watch enthusiast posted a comment: [I’ve looked closely at the screenshots and identified the watch. The dial is made of a special material. It was a limited edition, not many produced, only one imported to the country. I can confirm, this watch wasn’t bought by He Bai.]
[How do you know He Bai didn’t buy it?]
[Inside information.]
[Then who bought it? I want to know who lent CEO Cheng their watch!]
[I’m not saying.]
The internet was abuzz, trying to figure out who the watch belonged to.
Cheng Liu was completely unaware of the online discussions.
As soon as the live stream ended, she left for her dinner appointment.
He Bai followed her, his suspicions growing since her announcement during the live stream. But when he opened the door and walked in, he was still surprised.
Several people were sitting inside. He recognized one of them, a high-ranking official from S City. His father had dined with him once.
But this official wasn't sitting at the head of the table.
While He Bai was still processing the scene, Cheng Liu walked in, shaking hands with each person.
He finally realized who was sitting at the head of the table.
—The Deputy Minister of Transportation.
“Please, sit,” the Deputy Minister said, gesturing for them to sit down, his tone friendly. “I have a connecting flight and thought I’d take this opportunity to meet with such a promising young entrepreneur.”
Cheng Liu sat down, composed and unfazed: “It’s our pleasure, Deputy Minister.”
She had received assistance from higher-ups to obtain the preliminary investigation report from H City so quickly, along with the support of the official investigation teams.
The price had been open-sourcing their technology.
The Deputy Minister wasn't blind to Cheng Liu's calculations, but it was a fair exchange, beneficial to both sides. There was no reason to refuse.
“You’re the experts in autonomous driving technology,” the Deputy Minister said, pouring two cups of tea and handing one to Cheng Liu. “We’re responsible for developing the regulations and standards, ensuring we’re at the forefront internationally, leading the way.”
If they established the regulations first, any foreign companies wanting to enter the domestic market would have to play by their rules.
That was what they wanted.
It was supposed to be a dinner, but Cheng Liu barely ate anything. After a brief conversation, the Deputy Minister left for his connecting flight.
The S City official left with him.
Cheng Liu poured herself another cup of tea, finished it, and was about to leave when someone called out to her.
“CEO Cheng, well played.”
Cheng Liu and He Bai turned around. It was Feng Shi, the CEO of a rival company. Still relatively young, in his thirties, also a self-made entrepreneur, but overshadowed by Cheng Liu in recent years.
“CEO Feng, you flatter me. I’m simply contributing to national development,” Cheng Liu said, her expression unchanged.
“Such noble sentiments, CEO Cheng,” Feng Shi said, walking over. “I just booked a private room. We have to celebrate.”
He had clearly been waiting for her, a fire in his eyes, likely wanting to challenge Cheng Liu.
Cheng Liu, stopping He Bai from intervening, smiled: “I haven’t finished my dinner yet.”
Another round began.
This time, it was alcohol.
“CEO Feng, haven't you heard? I’m known for my ability to hold my liquor,” Cheng Liu said, her mood buoyant, deliberately using her left hand to drink, repeatedly glancing at the watch on her wrist, admiring it. “I can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk.”
“What a coincidence, so can I. Let’s see who can last longer,” Feng Shi said.
He Bai sat beside them, watching as they drank, even mixing different alcohols: “…”
He felt Cheng Liu was overly excited tonight.
It was understandable.
After the press conference, public opinion had completely turned in Shenyin Technology’s favor, even putting them on a moral high ground. It was normal to be excited.
He Bai looked at Cheng Liu. She was even more formidable than he had imagined.
When he had first decided to work for Cheng Liu, his family had been furious, accusing him of abandoning his responsibilities.
He Bai had been studying finance, his future path set, taking over the He family business.
Instead, he had chosen to follow Cheng Liu. His father had said he was throwing away a perfectly good future to become someone else's babysitter.
He Bai had never seen it that way. In these past few years, working with Cheng Liu, he had learned so much.
He had thought he understood her, her habits, her ways, but it seemed he had only scratched the surface.
He Bai looked down at his phone, opening the family WeChat group. They were discussing Cheng Liu, their admiration evident, but also tinged with doubt.
His sister had asked him if Shenyin Technology truly had the resources to stay ahead. If not, any company surpassing them would gain a significant advantage.
He Bai thought for a moment, then replied: [If she’s doing it, she’s confident.]
Just like when she had insisted on founding Shenyin Technology.
“I’m the one who can drink a thousand cups,” Feng Shi slurred, his hand shaking as he reached for his glass. “Cheng Liu, don't think you’re so great…just because you’re young! I’m not old!”
“But I’m younger than you,” Cheng Liu said with a smug smile, a single sentence deflating his ego.
“Damn it! You win!” Feng Shi, tears streaming down his face, grabbed a bottle and started drinking straight from it.
Cheng Liu, also slightly drunk, her youthful competitiveness flaring up, grabbed a bottle as well.
He Bai tried to stop them, but both of them yelled, “Don’t touch me!”
“…” He Bai sat back down, silently watching as they continued drinking.
Cheng Liu raised her left hand, deliberately showing off her watch: “My watch is nicer than yours.”
Feng Shi scoffed: “Mine is more expensive.”
“No, mine is definitely more expensive!” Cheng Liu thought. This was a gift from her beloved, more precious than anything.
Feng Shi ripped off his watch, threw it into a nearby glass, and looked at Cheng Liu, challenging her: “Do you dare?”
“I don’t,” Cheng Liu said, even drunk, still aware of the watch's significance.
He Bai, watching from the side: “…”
“Hey, sis!” Feng Shi slurred, grabbing Cheng Liu’s hand. “Is the open-sourcing thing for real? Show me!”
“It’s being released soon. You can see for yourself,” Cheng Liu said, coldly pulling her hand away.
Feng Shi started rambling drunkenly, pointing at He Bai: “Cheng Liu! Don’t get cocky! Just because you’re on top now…after the open-sourcing, I’ll catch up to you!”
He Bai: “…”
Cheng Liu, holding her bottle, suddenly cursed: “Damn renovation team!”
“Your place is being renovated?” Feng Shi slurred, picking up on her words. “Renovations are a scam! I…I know! Even if you spend a fortune, those teams never do a good job!”
Cheng Liu glared at him: “I like renovation teams that don't do a good job!”
The room reeked of alcohol. Finally, Feng Shi passed out, and Cheng Liu stood up, swaying slightly: “Call his assistant. Have him take CEO Feng home.”
“Alright, Senior. Let’s get you home,” He Bai said, reaching out to support Cheng Liu.
Cheng Liu nodded: “Home.”
She was rarely this drunk, but she still managed to walk steadily, getting into the passenger seat and fastening her seatbelt, the entire process smooth and practiced, leaving He Bai no opportunity to assist.
He Bai drove towards Villa Number Six. Cheng Liu fell asleep on the way, waking up briefly once.
He Bai, as if casually, asked, “Senior, where did you get that watch? You weren’t wearing it when we left the hotel.”
Cheng Liu, looking at the car ceiling, touched the watch, and smiled. Her beloved had given it to her!
“Do you want it?” Cheng Liu asked, her mind foggy, assuming He Bai liked her watch. “No.”
He Bai: “I don’t want it. Just asking.”
CEO Cheng, feeling dizzy, blamed it on He Bai and said, “Focus on driving.”
He Bai: “…”
He was driving his own car. Arriving at the villas, the gate, unable to recognize his license plate, wouldn't open automatically. He got out of the car to enter the code.
As He Bai walked towards Villa Number Six, Cheng Liu got out of the car, standing beside it, her head spinning. She shook her head, trying to clear it.
…
Ji Chaozhou, having returned from the press conference, had been watching the live stream. Cheng Liu on screen, or rather, Cheng Liu in work mode, was completely different from the Cheng Liu he knew, always calm and collected, seemingly in control of everything.
He had taken a screenshot of her final, defiant smile, staring at it, his finger unconsciously reaching out to touch her face on the screen, then quickly retracting it.
Ji Chaozhou exited his photo album and went to Weibo to check on the trending topics, a subtle unease settling over him as he saw countless comments about the watch on Cheng Liu’s wrist being a gift from He Bai.
He dismissed it as a tightness in his chest.
Ji Chaozhou had expected Cheng Liu to return after the press conference. He sat in the living room, waiting, but she didn’t come.
Finally, at 11 pm, he heard a car outside.
Ji Chaozhou hesitated, then walked outside. She should return his watch.
…
He Bai opened the gate, turned around, and saw Cheng Liu getting out of the car. He didn’t drive in, instead reaching out to support her.
Before Cheng Liu could react, the door to the villa next door opened. Ji Chaozhou walked out, looking directly at the two of them standing close together by the car, his gaze falling on their hands.
Seeing Ji Chaozhou, Cheng Liu’s mind exploded like fireworks. She instinctively wanted to rush over, but smelling the alcohol on her breath, she stopped, forcing a smile: “Neighbor, good evening.”
He Bai, his hand on Cheng Liu's arm, hearing her politely address Ji Chaozhou as "neighbor," felt a surge of inexplicable joy. They didn’t seem close.
Cheng Liu, overwhelmed by her own alcohol-infused breath, didn't want to subject Ji Chaozhou to it. As she walked towards her villa, she waved goodbye: “Get some sleep. Goodnight.”
He Bai nodded politely at Ji Chaozhou, then, supporting Cheng Liu, followed her inside.
Ji Chaozhou stared at He Bai’s hand on Cheng Liu's arm, then, just as they were about to enter the villa, he said, “Cheng Liu.”
Cheng Liu stopped: “Yes?”
“You left your jacket at my place,” Ji Chaozhou said slowly.
He Bai looked down, his expression hidden.
Cheng Liu, her mind foggy, just wanted to get away from Ji Chaozhou. She should have refused the alcohol earlier: “Can it…stay there for now?”
“Senior, I can get it for you,” He Bai offered, looking up, a smile on his face. “Would that be alright, Mr. Ji?”
Cheng Liu was about to refuse, but Ji Chaozhou had already turned around, his voice cold: “Have her come get it herself tomorrow.”
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