Becoming a Confidence Coach to an Arrogant Director - Chapter 16
Chapter 16: Self-Exoneration
“At that time, an account with a work ID that was impersonating Sister Xiu added me on my work chat app and asked me if I was at my computer, telling me to download the prototype draft from SVN and send it to her email.”
She emphasized the words “work chat app,” and everyone in the room looked curious.
Even Gu Jin had no idea that someone had impersonated Ji Xiu to message Yuan Yishan.
She almost instinctively glanced at Liao Shu, who was sitting in the back, and then at Ji Xiu, who was at the head of the conference table.
Liao Shu felt very uncomfortable with Gu Jin’s sudden suspicion, and the subtle sidelong glances from his colleagues made him even angrier.
Yuan Yishan followed Gu Jin’s gaze and looked at Ji Xiu. She deliberately added emphasis to her words.
“I thought it was strange at first, but then the person impersonating Sister Xiu said that if I didn’t know how to do it, it was okay, and she would find Senior to help.”
Ji Xiu’s smiling lips lifted, and she looked calm. Yuan Yishan kept her gaze on her, staring playfully for half a second before continuing.
“When I heard the word ‘Senior,’ I thought it must be Sister Xiu herself, so I didn’t think much of it. I happened to have used SVN in college, and since I could help her, I naturally wanted to do my best!”
Then, she looked directly at Pei He and continued her sincere account.
“And the email address that person gave me was in our company’s email format, which was very professional.”
She paused at the right time, giving everyone, including Pei He, a few seconds to think.
After everyone had processed it, she began to guide them.
“But what I never expected was that as soon as I uploaded the file, the design draft was immediately leaked to a competing company.”
“And when the client canceled the agreement with our company due to product plagiarism, they immediately posted online that I was an employee of their company.”
“I find this very strange.”
Yuan Yishan paused again, pretending to be deep in thought. Everyone followed her lead and began to think.
Only when everyone felt that the situation was a bit unreasonable did she continue her analysis.
“If the other party wanted to steal our project, why would they announce that I was their employee after getting what they wanted?”
“Doesn’t that obviously expose the fact that they stole the file and fabricated the plagiarism?”
Everyone felt she had a point and silently agreed. At that moment, she added emphasis to her words.
“And why would they make an intern like me into a high-level corporate spy? That’s what I can’t figure out.”
Everyone looked at each other, unable to understand why. At this point, she threw out another huge question.
“Even if I were a real corporate spy, and a high-level one at that, would I be stupid enough to blatantly upload a file under 360-degree surveillance?”
“And after the file was successfully uploaded, wouldn’t I have the sense to destroy the evidence?”
The employees nodded in agreement, all looking like they had suddenly understood.
Only Ji Xiu remained calm throughout. At the critical moment, she nodded cooperatively, feigning a noble and elegant demeanor.
Pei He’s mind was sharp. The moment she mentioned “work chat app,” he had already concluded that someone on the inside was behind this. He just didn’t expect that this seemingly fragile young woman’s logic would be so strong.
At this moment, he felt that this morale booster was not an ordinary person.
Yuan Yishan naturally guessed what Boss Pei was thinking. She looked at him again and then at everyone else.
“The person involved may be confused, but the onlooker sees clearly.”
“I’m an intern who just graduated from university. I’m here at Yuan Sheng Electronics as a programmer morale booster because I like this job, and I believe in its significance.”
“I’m happy to be your colleague. It’s my job to be cheerful and help you all with what I can.”
“But just because I’m a new intern doesn’t mean you can try to frame me. I may be cute, but I’m not stupid. I also have a master’s degree from a prestigious university. I have my own mind and I won’t accept being a scapegoat for anyone.”
She purposefully shifted her gaze to Boss Pei. Every word she said was powerful and full of integrity.
“I was careless in not confirming the identity of the person before transferring the file. I can accept any form of punishment, including suspension and compensation for the company’s loss.”
“But I did not steal any internal documents, so I will not take the blame for that!”
“I also hope the company will thoroughly investigate the IP address of the person who impersonated Sister Xiu and added me on my chat app, to clear my name and ensure the company’s security!”
As the CEO of the company and someone who had an open-minded reputation among the employees, Pei He would naturally not suspend her or make a small intern compensate the company’s losses after knowing the truth. As for the IP that impersonated Ji Xiu, he would, of course, investigate it.
He nodded with a look of relief.
“Yishan, although your carelessness caused a financial loss for the company, you were able to candidly admit your mistake and clarify the situation afterward. You have the courage of a newborn calf. You did an excellent job!”
He then looked at the other employees, adding with a look of authority.
“All of our R&D personnel at Yuan Sheng Electronics should have Yishan’s spirit. When faced with a problem, do not shirk responsibility or panic.”
“This matter will be thoroughly investigated by Director Gu, Director Xiu, and me. We will give everyone an explanation.”
“In less than a week, we will have the crucial moment of the Double Eleven sale. During this time, I hope everyone stays highly alert, takes responsibility for their work, and gives their all to welcome Double Eleven. Do you have confidence?”
Boss Pei took the opportunity to give a pep talk. Li Cheng, excited that the “little cutie” was okay, subconsciously forgot about Director Gu’s presence and yelled out a high-pitched “Yes!” in the quiet office.
The guy next to him, Gua Ge, elbowed him, his face red from holding back laughter.
The other employees also bowed their heads, trying not to laugh.
“I see Li Cheng is very lively. If the front end has any bugs, I’ll come find you!”
After Boss Pei made a joke, he saw Li Cheng bow his head in shame and didn’t press him further.
“Alright, I won’t say any more. Now that the matter is clear, everyone can get back to their work. Meeting adjourned!”
The employees dispersed. As Li Cheng walked past Yuan Yishan, he secretly gave her a thumbs-up when Director Gu wasn’t looking and scurried away.
In the end, Pei He called Liao Shu to his office. Everyone assumed that Liao Shu was the one who had caused all the trouble.
Even Director Xiu, as this matter was now far beyond her control. She had underestimated this intern and would have to be more careful in the future. At this moment, she didn’t linger. She left under the pretense of rushing to get the next draft out.
Only Gu Jin and Yuan Yishan were left in the office.
Director Gu had been focused the whole time, enduring the pain in her body for over half an hour. Now, the beads of sweat on her forehead were more obvious, and her face was so pale that she looked like she was about to collapse.
Yuan Yishan walked over and lovingly rested her in her arms, using her A.I. skin to wipe away the fine sweat on her forehead.
Gu Jin was still angry with her and didn’t want to talk to her.
Yuan Yishan’s voice softened as she coaxed her gently.
“Let me help you back to your office to rest. You don’t look so good right now.”
Director Gu looked away, refusing to respond.
Morale Booster Yuan tucked the sweat-soaked hair behind her ear and explained gently, “Don’t be angry, my dear sister. Yuan Yuan didn’t intentionally hide the matter of someone impersonating Director Xiu. I was just worried about you.”
Director Gu remained silent, not talking to her. She was thinking that this wasn’t the only thing she was angry about. The matter of her harassing the employees this morning wasn’t over yet.
But the most important thing right now was not that. She had to find out who sent that message impersonating Ji Xiu.
“Show me that person’s chat message.”
Morale Booster Yuan thought for a moment, nodded, and coaxed gently, “Okay, let me take you to your office first. We can study this slowly after you rest a little, okay?”
Director Gu’s eyes softened, and she didn’t press the matter.
…
In the director’s office, Yuan Yishan placed Gu Jin on the sofa and checked the wound on her waist.
Director Gu didn’t want her to touch it, so Yuan Yishan gently lifted her clothing. The white bandage had already bled through.
Yuan Yishan’s sharp-boned A.I. hands carefully touched the wound.
Gu Jin lowered her eyes, a strange feeling overwhelming her. She felt as if Yuan Yishan’s A.I. eyes were glistening with human-like tears.
Yuan Yishan was genuinely heartbroken, but it was a soul-deep sadness. In reality, A.I.s do not have any emotions unless their internal mechanisms are triggered.
Gu Jin’s mood was inexplicably affected by her. She was not good at expressing herself but could take in all of Yuan Yishan’s emotions.
After a few touches, Yuan Yishan put her clothes back down. She didn’t get emotional and went to the water dispenser to get half a cup of warm water.
“Drink some water and rest for a bit.”
Morale Booster Yuan held Gu Jin in one arm and carefully held the cup in the other to prevent the water from spilling.
Gu Jin took the cup with both hands and took small sips. She felt a little better than before. Her body, which had felt weightless, now had a point of support again.
“My phone!”
Yuan Yishan knew Gu Jin’s stubbornness well. At this moment, she was both doting and heartbroken, so she continued to coax her gently.
“Okay, okay. After you finish this water, I’ll show you my phone!”
Gu Jin’s sips turned into gulps, and she quickly finished the rest of the water. She put the cup in Yuan Yishan’s hand and struggled to sit up.
Yuan Yishan helped her sit up and lean against the sofa.
She then eagerly took out her phone and opened the chat app. Her A.I. body once again squeezed in next to Gu Jin. She gently pulled her into her arms, letting her rest comfortably against her soft chest.
The chat ID that impersonated Ji Xiu had already been deleted. Luckily, the little A.I. was smart enough to have taken a screenshot as evidence.
Gu Jin recognized the familiar string of numbers and guessed the person’s identity at a glance.
Yuan Yishan saw her strange expression and pulled her a little closer into her arms.
“You know who it is?”
Gu Jin didn’t come back to her senses for a moment. After a few seconds, she slowly nodded.