131: Chapter 131 Lin Chen has doubts about the invitation from the bigwigs.

Lin Chen held the invitation, his fingertips pausing slightly.

The off-white invitation had a delicate texture, with the words "Global Capital" embossed in gold, but the seal at the bottom was somewhat blurry, its smudged golden edges clashing with the overall exquisite framing.

He rubbed his fingertips over the blurry seal, his skin sensing the uneven ink traces beneath the paper, and his brow furrowed involuntarily.

Inside the Chenxing Investment office, the blinds were drawn halfway, and sunlight from outside slanted through the gaps, casting mottled light and shadows onto the documents on the desk, yet it failed to disperse the heavy atmosphere in the air.

"Mr. Lin, I have seen this invitation." Sister Ella walked over carrying a cup of warm water and placed it gently on the corner of the desk, her gaze falling on the invitation, her tone filled with obvious vigilance. "This invitation is likely a trap."

Lin Chen looked up at her and pushed the invitation to the center of the desk, tapping the signature area with his fingertip. "Tell me, what seems wrong?"

His voice was steady, revealing no emotion, but his slightly tense jawline betrayed his inner caution—as an industry giant, Global Capital had always been aloof and had never proactively extended an olive branch to a burgeoning investment firm like Chenxing Investment, let alone such a hasty invitation that did not even mention a specific direction for cooperation.

Sister Ella leaned over and tapped the invitation time with her fingertip. "Look, tomorrow at 3 PM, the location is selected as a temporary conference room at Global Capital, not their core office area."

"Furthermore, the invitation only mentions 'discussing important cooperation,' without even specifying the field of cooperation or a preliminary plan; this does not align with Global Capital's style of operation."

She paused and added, "What's even more suspicious is the signature seal. I have compared it with Global Capital's official seal; the font spacing is different, and the ink color is too light. It doesn't look like the seal they usually use."

Lin Chen tapped his fingertips on the desk, his gaze returning to the invitation, his tone calm yet carrying an unquestionable caution. "Don't rush, let's wait and see."

"Global Capital's strength is evident. If there is a real opportunity for cooperation, we cannot miss it, but if it is a trap, we must be prepared in advance."

He knew deeply that Chenxing Investment was developing rapidly, which would inevitably attract the covetous eyes of peers. Global Capital's invitation was either a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity or a snare set for Chenxing Investment.

Just then, the phone on the desk suddenly rang, with the name "Jack" flashing on the screen.

Lin Chen picked it up, and immediately, Jack's voice, suppressing anger, came from the other end of the line. Faint office noises could be heard in the background, allowing one to imagine the oppressive and stifling atmosphere in the investment bank office where he was.

"Mr. Lin, that old man John has set me up again!" Jack's voice was filled with obvious frustration and unwillingness. "That old man John is suppressing me so hard I can barely breathe."

"I had a few high-quality client resources in my hands that were about to be closed, but he forcefully intervened, snatched the clients away, and even told the boss that I was incompetent, targeting me at every turn."

Lin Chen was silent for a moment, waiting until Jack's emotions had calmed slightly before speaking slowly. "I know you've been wronged, Jack."

"But now is not the time to be impulsive. You have been by John's side for so long; you know his operating style and the investment bank's operational model better than any of us."

He changed the subject, his tone becoming serious. "By the way, keep an eye on John's recent investment movements, especially whether he has any dealings with Global Capital. If there is anything unusual, tell me immediately."

"Global Capital?" Jack's voice paused, his tone laced with a bit of confusion. "I haven't heard that John has any cooperation with Global Capital, but he has indeed been acting strangely lately. He often gets off work very late, the lights in his office are always on until late at night, and he often avoids us to make secret phone calls."

"I didn't pay much attention to it at the time, but thinking about it now, it really is suspicious."

"Good, keep a close watch, and remember not to alert the enemy." Lin Chen urged. "Keep those client resources safe for now; don't be in a rush. There will always be an opportunity to use them."

After hanging up, just as Lin Chen was about to discuss the anomaly Jack mentioned with Sister Ella, the office door was gently pushed open, and Chen Xi walked in carrying a stack of documents, her face showing a trace of fatigue, yet her seriousness remained undimmed.

"Mr. Lin, Sister Ella," she placed the documents on the desk and tidied the stray hair on her forehead. "I have finished organizing the supplementary evidence of John's irregular operations. It includes specific records of him misappropriating investment bank funds and connecting clients in violation of regulations, as well as testimonies from several clients he has cheated."

Sister Ella reached out to pick up a document, flipping through it quickly, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes. "This evidence is critical. As long as it can be submitted to the regulatory authorities, John will at least be suspended for investigation."

"Not yet." Lin Chen shook his head, his fingertips gently brushing over the cover of the document. "Now is not the time. There are forces behind John. Submitting the evidence rashly will likely alert the enemy and even invite retaliation."

"Wait until we figure out the truth behind Global Capital's invitation, then combine it with this evidence and act together; that is the only way to deliver a fatal blow."

Chen Xi nodded. She knew Lin Chen's caution and understood the stakes involved, so she replied silently, "Okay, I will listen to Mr. Lin; I am ready to submit the evidence at any time."

The office fell into a brief silence again, with only the sound of the wind outside the window occasionally drifting in, making the room feel even heavier.

Just then, the office door was pushed open abruptly, and a tall figure walked in, carrying a faint scent of disinfectant, yet still full of vigor—it was Li Wei, who had returned after recovering from his injury.

"Mr. Lin, Sister Ella, Chen Xi, I'm back!" Li Wei had a smile on his face, his tone full of excitement. He raised his hand and patted his arm. "The doctor said I have fully recovered and can work normally. From now on, leave the company's security work to me!"

Lin Chen looked up, and seeing Li Wei's energetic appearance, a hint of a smile flashed in his eyes, and his tense expression softened slightly. "It's good to have you back. You've worked hard during this time."

He paused, his tone turning serious. "The company's situation is quite complicated right now. Global Capital has suddenly sent an invitation, and Jack has noticed some abnormalities with John. There may be variables in the future, so please be extra attentive to security work, especially regarding the company's core documents and the safety of the staff. There cannot be any slip-ups."

"Don't worry, Mr. Lin!" Li Wei straightened his back, his tone firm. "I guarantee that I will guard every line of defense for the company and will never let anyone take advantage of us!"

Having followed Lin Chen for many years, he knew the company's current situation deeply and understood the responsibility on his shoulders, his eyes filled with determination.

Sister Ella looked at Li Wei and nodded. "With you here, we can feel more at ease. If there are any abnormal situations later, communicate with us in time; do not act on your own."

"Alright, Sister Ella, I'll remember that!" Li Wei replied with a smile, his expression still bright, dispelling some of the heavy atmosphere in the office.

Lin Chen picked up the suspicious invitation and examined it carefully again, his fingertips still resting on the blurry signature area.

He knew in his heart that Global Capital's invitation was by no means accidental; it was either aimed at Chenxing Investment's development potential, or it was a trap set against Chenxing Investment in collusion with John.

And the abnormalities regarding John that Jack mentioned seemed to have an intricate connection with this invitation; everything appeared labyrinthine and confusing.

He looked at Sister Ella, his tone steady. "I will attend tomorrow's invitation in person. You stay at the company and organize the evidence of John's violations with Chen Xi, while keeping an eye on the news from Jack. Li Wei, arrange for two people to follow me secretly, just in case."

"Mr. Lin, I'll go with you!" Sister Ella said immediately, her tone full of worry. "The situation at Global Capital is unclear; it's too dangerous for you to go alone."

"No need." Lin Chen shook his head, his tone firm. "You staying at the company is more important than going with me. Only when the company is stable here can I have no worries behind me. Rest assured, I will be careful."

Sister Ella wanted to say something more, but was interrupted by Lin Chen's firm gaze, and in the end, she could only nod. "Alright, then you must be careful. If there is any situation, call us immediately."

Just then, the phone Lin Chen placed on the desk suddenly rang, with the name "Jack" flashing on the screen. Unlike before, this ringtone was exceptionally urgent, as if something urgent had happened.

Jack's phone rang suddenly and urgently.