Aren suddenly spoke up. "I'll go. I can attend as a technical consultant representing Aetheris Group and guide the discussion toward product safety evaluation standards." Aspen looked slightly surprised. "Are you sure you want to attend under Aetheris Group's name?""As a technical consultant, it won't draw too much attention," Aren said gently. "And safety standards have always been a key focus for us, so no one will question it." Riley was gathering his documents to leave when Aspen called out, emphasizing, "Riley, we're not out to sabotage a competitor. We're here to protect industry standards and consumer rights."Riley nodded and left the room, and Aren quietly closed the conference room door behind him. He whispered, "Pen, Colin is definitely behind Omniwonder Corp. He understands our tech just enough to be dangerous, but not enough to get it right." "That's what worries me," Aspen said, resting her hands under her chin. "He has access to core concepts but lacks real unde
Aren leaned closer to the phone and asked quietly, "Do we have the data?"Riley replied, "We do. And we also found that they hid this flaw in their marketing and exaggerated the performance specs."Aspen ended the call and turned to Aren. "I need to head to the office right away."…At the company, the market research team presented detailed findings to Aspen and Aren. "We tested three different batches of Omniwonder Corp's product, and all had the same issue," Riley explained, pointing to the graphs on the screen. "They cut corners by using low-grade cooling modules to save costs." "That explains how they've been able to undercut the market on price," Aspen remarked as she studied the data. "They're compromising on quality and safety."Aren tapped the table lightly. "Omniwonder Corp's ads claim 'long-lasting stable performance'. That's clearly false advertising."Aspen gave it a thought before ordering, "Riley, I want you to form a special task force. Focus on gathering more
Meanwhile, in Aspen's apartment, Aren was busy in the kitchen. The air was filled with a pleasant aroma and the sound of the spatula stirring."Pen, just ten more minutes," Aren called out softly, skillfully tossing the ingredients in the pan.Aspen emerged from the study, amazed at the table full of dishes. "You made so much! How can the two of us possibly finish all of this?"Aren didn't answer her but instead asked, "How did it go today? Did Professor Brown agree?" "He agreed." Aspen's face showed a relief she hadn't felt in ages. "Thank you for introducing him to me, Aren. This is so important for us." Aren turned off the heat and plated the final dish. "Then it's worth celebrating properly. Come on, try these sticky ribs. I used that sauce recipe you love." Aspen took a bite and exclaimed, "This is delicious! When did you learn to make this?""During that time you were constantly working overtime. I thought I'd surprise you once you finished up," Aren explained as he
"I've heard a bit about Fuller Group's new energy project," Noah said, gently swirling his cup. "The technical approach is quite forward-thinking, though unfortunately, they're bleeding talent.""If you were there to guide them, things would turn around significantly." Noah set down his cup. "Mr. Jefferson, let me be frank. This project is too risky. Omniwonder Corp is coming on strong, and Fuller Group apparently has a mole. I'm too old to get dragged into that kind of mess again."Aren replied calmly, "Your concerns are valid, Professor Brown. But if this project succeeds, it could change the entire industry. Before you retired, you always hoped to see our local technology make a real breakthrough. This could be your chance."Noah chuckled. "You do know me well. Still, I need time to think it over."Aren nodded and stood up. "Of course. I'll leave the project materials here for you to review. Ms. Nicholls holds your work in high regard, and she'd be honored to meet you in perso
"What? Leo McGuire submitted his resignation too?" Aspen shot to her feet. "That makes him the third core tech staff to quit this week!"Aren immediately sensed something was wrong. He took the file from her hands and skimmed through it quickly. He said, "Quincy Brewer, Horace Tate, and now Leo. All of them are key players in R&D.""Omniwonder Corp's offer is too tempting. Word is they're tripling salaries." Aspen's expression was complicated. "They're also promising stock options and management positions."Aren's brow furrowed deeply. "This isn't just poaching... They're specifically targeting core members of our new energy project." Aspen let out a cold laugh. "Omniwonder Corp has never understood technological innovation. They only know how to copy and steal."Aren was puzzled. "The question is, why are they specifically targeting the new energy project? This information shouldn't have leaked."Aspen walked to the window and gazed down at the city's nightscape. "There's a mol
With the stock price continuing to fall for several days, the atmosphere at Fuller Group had become increasingly tense. By the time the meeting ended, it was already late at night. Aspen sat alone in her office, surrounded by stacks of reports and pages of market analysis. She rubbed her temples as the long hours staring at the computer screen made her eyes ache.Aren knocked gently on the door and walked in carrying two cups of coffee. "Are you hungry? I brought some late-night snacks.""I don't have an appetite." Aspen didn't look up and continued flipping through documents. "There's something wrong with this data, and I need to double-check it." Aren set down the coffee and stood behind her, gently massaging her tense shoulders. "Pen, it's already 1:00 am. You should take a break." "I don't have time to rest right now." Aspen shrugged off his hands, irritation creeping into her voice. "Omniwonder Corp is being aggressive, the board is pressuring me, and I need to find a sol