Chapter 9 Father's Secret and Family Undercurrents
Chapter 9 Father's Secret and Family Undercurrents
Lin Chuyue sensed something amiss in Shen Fang's fund transfer operations, but her limited authority and resources within the company prevented her from conducting a thorough investigation. Despite reviewing numerous project documents and even attempting to decipher them with the help of technical personnel, she was unable to break through the access barriers.
Lin Chuyue realized that to uncover the truth, she needed someone with a deep understanding of the company's core operations who was also wary of Shen Fang. She turned her attention to a forgotten name—Wang Zili, the former CFO of the Lin Group.
Wang Zili had served as the CFO of Lin's company for many years, known for his meticulousness and integrity. However, due to Shen Fang's relentless pressure, he was eventually transferred out of the finance department, losing his real power and suffering a complete defeat in an internal power struggle. Several years ago, he quietly resigned and went abroad.
Lin Chuyue went to great lengths to find Wang Zili. She learned from within the company that Wang Zili had recently returned to China, and through personal connections, she discovered that he enjoyed spending time at an old teahouse. So, she personally visited him, hoping to glean clues from this former financial director.
The teahouse was filled with the fragrant aroma of tea. Wang Zili sat by the window, savoring a cup of Pu'er tea. Upon seeing Lin Chuyue, his brow furrowed slightly, then he put down his teacup and asked in a cold tone, "Miss Lin? What brings you to me?"
Lin Chuyue smiled slightly, sat down opposite him, and went straight to the point: "Uncle Wang, I'm here about the Lin family. I've found some unusual accounts, and I might need your guidance."
Wang Zili revealed a playful expression and shook his head, saying, "The Lin family's affairs have nothing to do with me anymore. That woman Shen Fang has completely taken control of the finance department. She's a formidable character; even your father turns a blind eye to her. As a junior, you probably can't change anything."
“But you can.” Lin Chuyue looked directly at him, her eyes filled with determination. “Back then, you were Lin’s best CFO. No one understood the group’s cash flow better than you. Now Lin’s is facing a crisis. Shen Fang is not only misappropriating company assets, but also trying to take over core departments. If no one stops her, Lin’s will be hollowed out sooner or later!”
Upon hearing this, Wang Zili's expression became complicated. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and remained silent for a moment before speaking: "Do you know why I left?"
“Because of Shen Fang,” Lin Chuyue said softly. “She framed you for financial misconduct and then undermined your father’s trust in you in front of the board of directors, forcing you to resign. I know all of these things.”
Wang Zili sneered, a flash of resentment in his eyes: "That's right, Shen Fang is cunning and ruthless. But do you know why your father lets her do this?"
Lin Chuyue was taken aback, then shook her head.
Wang Zili sighed and looked at her with a complicated expression: "Because she has something on your father."
"A handle?" Lin Chuyue's pupils contracted slightly, and she hurriedly asked, "What handle?"
Wang Zili waved his hand: "I don't know the details, but I'm sure it's related to the group's financial operations. Back then, I vaguely sensed that Shen Fang was using some offshore accounts to conduct improper transactions, but my authority was limited, and I only found some clues. I kept a backup ledger, but I haven't had the chance to dig deeper over the years."
Upon hearing this, Lin Chuyue immediately pressed, "Where is the backup ledger now? If I have this information, I might be able to uncover Shen Fang's true colors."
Wang Zili stared at Lin Chuyue, seemingly trying to gauge her sincerity. After a few seconds, he slowly spoke: "The ledger is in an old-fashioned safe in my house. I can give it to you. But you must understand that once Shen Fang finds out you're investigating these things, she will never let you off the hook."
"Thank you, Uncle Wang." Lin Chuyue nodded solemnly. "The Lin Group is the culmination of my mother's life's work, and I will never let it fall into Shen Fang's hands."
The following afternoon, Wang Zili handed Lin Chuyue a long-sealed backup ledger. The moment Lin Chuyue opened the ledger, she felt a chill run down her spine.
The ledger clearly recorded several unusual fund transfers involving multiple offshore accounts, and the final signatory of these accounts was none other than her father, Lin Zhengguo!
Lin Chuyue held the ledger, her fingers trembling involuntarily. She flipped through each page, trying to find an explanation for everything, but no matter how she analyzed it, the facts all pointed to the same conclusion—Lin Zhengguo was one of the masterminds behind the financial operations of "Plan D".
That evening, Lin Chuyue returned home, locked the account book in her safe, and then knocked on Lin Zhengguo's study door.
Lin Zhengguo was processing documents when he saw his daughter walk in. He gave a tired smile and asked, "Is there something you need so late?"
Lin Chuyue placed the ledger on the desk and calmly said, "Dad, I need an explanation."
Lin Zhengguo's expression changed slightly the moment he saw the ledger, but he quickly regained his composure. He closed the ledger and said in a low voice, "Where did you get these things?"
“Uncle Wang helped me find it.” Lin Chuyue looked directly at her father, her tone unyielding. “Dad, what exactly happened with these fund transfers? Why is your signature on them?”
Lin Zhengguo did not answer immediately. He lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and then slowly said, "Chuyue, back then, when the Lin family faced a financial crisis, everyone was watching me, but no one was willing to help me. I had no choice but to use the company's core assets as collateral to obtain that life-saving fund."
"But why did these funds flow overseas?" Lin Chuyue pressed. "And what role did Shen Fang play in it?"
Lin Zhengguo frowned slightly, his tone indifferent: "Shen Fang was the financial manager at the time, so it was the most reasonable arrangement for her to handle these matters."
"But she's using these accounts to siphon off the company's assets!" Lin Chuyue's voice trembled slightly. "Dad, can't you see that she's not helping you at all, but using your trust to destroy the Lin family business?"
Lin Zhengguo remained silent for a long time, and finally just waved his hand wearily: "These things are none of your concern, I have my own arrangements."
Back in her room, Lin Chuyue took photos of the key information in the ledger and saved them. She also contacted an expert from an international investigation agency, hoping to trace Shen Fang's financial flows.
"Dad, if you're unwilling to face reality, then I'll handle it." She murmured softly, a chill flashing in her eyes.
That night, Lin Chuyue stayed up until dawn, her mind filled with worries, while Lin Zhengguo's secret only widened the gap between father and daughter...
roccoschili