THE REAL PROTEGE-Chapter 514: XU CORPORATION: THE COARDROOM STORM

By dawn, rumors were spreading rapidly.

An intercepted internal memo circulating in Tokyo.

An unusual surge of bidding aggression from a Seoul-based conglomerate.

A Berlin analytics firm is quietly canceling negotiations without explanation.

Executive inboxes are filled with urgent inquiries. Hedge funds began to reposition, and analysts intensified their scrutiny.

The breach was both technical and symbolic, undermining confidence in Xu Global’s stability. Competitors saw an opportunity, and investors recognized new risks. Leadership immediately prioritized containment by isolating affected servers, deploying emergency security protocols, coordinating with cybersecurity consultants, assessing vulnerabilities, and reassuring stakeholders.

Xu Global Corporation

Within hours, Xu Global’s leadership initiated emergency containment, isolated compromised networks, and assembled a crisis task force. Secure channels were used to update stakeholders, and executive teams prepared a coordinated public statement. The response was swift and focused on regaining control.

It was blood in the water.

And somewhere in the quiet spaces between servers and satellites, rival corporations were already smiling.

Festival calm collapsed into crisis before the sun rose fully over the glass towers.

Another battlefield awaited.

Not one of fireworks and fanfare.

But one of steel, glass, and deadlines that did not forgive.

Xu Global Corporation’s headquarters stood prominently in the financial district, its mirrored façade reflecting the city’s activity and skyline.

When Four Eyes arrived that morning, the building felt different.

Not louder.

Sharper.

Security checkpoints operated with increased scrutiny. Staff moved quickly and spoke quietly. Lobby screens displayed financial updates that few stopped to read.

Conversations died when he stepped through the revolving doors.

It was not fear.

It was an expectation.

The elevator ride to the executive floor felt longer than usual. The digital display climbed in silent increments. Four Eyes watched his own reflection in the steel interior — glasses perfectly aligned, expression composed, jaw set.

Only the faint tension at the corner of his eyes betrayed that he had not slept.

The boardroom doors were already open when he arrived.

Jack was inside.

Reports were spread across the table, with charts annotated in red and tablets displaying live metrics. A half-finished cup of coffee sat near Jack’s elbow, untouched.

Jack’s usual composure was visibly shaken. His tie was askew, his forehead deeply creased, and he ran a hand through his hair before stopping as Four Eyes entered.

"Boss."

His voice carried both relief and dread.

The Projects in Motion — The Breaches in the Armor

Four Eyes did not respond immediately. He walked to the head of the table and took his seat with deliberate calm, placing his phone face down beside the documents.

"Begin."

No wasted words.

Jack swallowed.

"We’re under pressure from all sides." His words came too quickly at first, breath catching. He forced himself to slow down. "Schedules are tightening. Investors are asking for immediate assurance. The breach has shaken confidence across every division. If we misstep even once, competitors will move in."

He pushed a folder forward with shaking fingers.

"Market share declined 3.4% last quarter. Our share price dropped eleven percent in two weeks. If project delays continue, projected losses could reach one hundred fifty million dollars."

A tense silence filled the room as the numbers’ impact became clear. Each loss threatened both confidence and livelihoods, directly affecting Xu Global’s ability to invest, compete, and negotiate. Declining share prices and mounting losses could force delays or cancellations of strategic initiatives.

Executives recognized that every percentage point lost increased both competitive and operational risk. In response, they implemented a temporary cost freeze on non-essential projects, accelerated progress reporting, and set aside contingency funds. A task force was assembled to assess risks and recommend actions, with leadership focused on restoring stability and confidence.

The numbers seemed to thud in the air.

Four Eyes adjusted his glasses with two precise fingers. The small gesture was surgical, controlled.

"Then we will not falter," he said evenly. "Show me the progress."

The room’s temperature seemed to drop.

One by one, executives presented.

Each stood straighter than usual.

Each avoided meeting the others’ eyes for too long.

They were not merely reporting.

They were defending themselves.

Green Energy Expansion

Lina Wu, a young executive with three years at the company, stepped forward. She was known for her efficiency, ambition, and strong performance.

Today, her hands trembled as she activated the screen.

Maps of Southeast Asia illuminated the room — wind farms dotting coastal ridges, solar grids branching across rural provinces.

Images showed engineers stranded at ports, wind turbine blades delayed by storms, and local communities waiting for grid installations.

"Monsoon systems disrupted shipping lanes," Lina began. Her voice wavered before she steadied it. "Two critical turbine shipments are delayed by five days. Costs are escalating. Investors are demanding reassurance."

Her throat tightened on the last word.

Jack leaned forward sharply.

"Five days?" His frustration flared. "Each delay costs millions. The board is circling like falcons."

Lina reacted visibly to the comment.

Four Eyes leaned forward, focusing intently on the map.

"Then we cut through the storm," he said.

His tone was not loud — but it carried.

"Redirect assets. Air freight critical components if necessary. Negotiate temporary grid support contracts for affected communities. We have seventy-two hours before the shareholders’ emergency vote."

He looked at Lina directly now.

"Every hour lost is another chisel at our foundation. Failure is not permitted."

"Lina, you own point on the recovery plan. Daily status reports are to be sent directly to me and Jack by 7 p.m. local time. Any additional delay beyond twenty-four hours requires immediate escalation to the entire executive committee. Your team leads are empowered to escalate critical blockers without waiting for your sign-off. There will be no ambiguity. Accountability rests here — you, your division, and my oversight. Coordinate with Supply Chain and Operations to secure alternate transport, and loop in Communications for updates affecting external partners. Resource needs that cross division lines are to be flagged and shared immediately so teams can mobilize support without delay. Is this understood?"

Lina felt the weight of responsibility and a brief moment of doubt, followed by pride in being trusted with this task. She steadied herself to respond with determination.

Her shoulders straightened despite the fear.

"Yes, sir."

For the first time during her report, she appeared confident.

Smart City Infrastructure

Blueprints of Shanghai and Beijing replaced the map. Digital traffic systems pulsed across the screen in flowing lines of simulated data.

Chen Rong, the executive in charge, appeared exhausted.

"The AI miscalculated traffic flow last week," he reported grimly. "Downtown congestion escalated into citywide gridlock. Media coverage is escalating. Regulatory committees are requesting oversight."

Jack’s jaw tightened.

"The press is circling," he added sharply. "They’re framing it as technological arrogance."

A quiet murmur spread among the executives.