"Ms. Zhao, regarding the online rumors about the Marching Ant Company being hacked—it's reported that tens of millions of users' personal data were leaked. How do you respond to this?"
Surrounded by a sea of microphones and flashing cameras, Zhao Min stood calmly in front of the press.
This impromptu press conference had been Chen Mo's idea—an official public clarification about the so-called "leaked documents," the recent cyberattack, and the whirlwind of rumors that had followed.
Zhao Min's expression was composed as she responded.
"You said it yourself—these are rumors. Our company employs advanced protection mechanisms for user data. The hackers didn't gain access to any sensitive information. What they did steal was a few unencrypted product publicity drafts and a couple of internal call recordings. There were no real losses."
"But Ms. Zhao, a well-known foreign forum has documents and audio files that supposedly came from your servers. Are these recordings authentic?"
Zhao Min's voice remained even.
"Our systems did lose a few unencrypted files. As for the recordings, I haven't personally verified them, so I can't confirm their authenticity. Regardless of whether they're real or not, we hope relevant platforms will take down the content to prevent further damage. This is, without question, a crime involving the theft of trade secrets, and we strongly condemn it."
A third reporter quickly followed up.
"One leaked recording appears to be a phone call between you and your company's chairman, discussing a visit from Mr. Cook. Mr. Cook claimed he was invited to your company, but the recording implies it was the other way around. Could you clarify?"
Zhao Min's lips curved into a cool smile.
Ah, Cook's little PR trap.
Time to send that one right back with interest.
"Regarding Mr. Cook's visit—we were unaware of his arrival in Binhai City until after the fact. He attempted to schedule multiple meetings with our chairman, who declined due to prior commitments. Eventually, Mr. Cook took the initiative and came to our company himself to discuss cooperation."
There was a quiet murmur among the journalists.
Zhao Min's brief answer carried heavy implications.
Not only had the Marching Ant Company not invited Cook, but it was Cook who had been chasing the meeting, and even had to personally show up at their headquarters after being rejected.
The reporters, well-trained in dissecting every word, instantly caught the nuance.
"There are rumors your company has already reached a cooperative agreement with Apple. Can you confirm that?"
Zhao Min arched a brow.
"These 'network rumors' are incredibly damaging. Certain parties keep fabricating news to attack us. Who we cooperate with—and whether we cooperate at all—is our decision. We have a responsibility to our employees and stakeholders. As for Apple, there's currently no cooperation between our companies. Any speculation beyond that is exactly what you called it: rumor."
—
After the interview wrapped up, Zhao Min returned to the office. Her phone buzzed as soon as she walked in.
Chen Mo.
She picked up with a sigh. "No recorded call this time, Mr. Chairman?"
There was a beat of silence, then Chen Mo chuckled.
"Oh? Accident. My phone just happens to be always recording calls. You never know when someone will say something historic."
"Uh-huh. That line supposed to be famous?"
"Nope. I just say stuff," he replied breezily. "You did great out there, by the way. I think you've got a future in diplomacy. Might want to consider a side gig at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
"I work for you, and now you're mocking me?"
"Not at all. That was a compliment. A genuine one." Chen Mo smiled on his end. "Anyway, now that we've clarified things publicly, how people interpret it is no longer our concern."
Zhao Min gave a low laugh. "You really hate losing, don't you?"
"Of course. Isn't that normal?"
She hung up with a snort.
Chen Mo leaned back in his chair, then turned to his screen and began sketching a new robot design. Once the right materials arrived, they could finally begin construction.
Meanwhile, the internet was ablaze with discussion about the Marching Ant press conference.
"Did Cook try to trap Marching Ant and fall into his own hole?"
"Cook's panicking. This is damage control 101."
"Why lie, Cook? Did you really think that'd work?"
The hacker breach, once a hot topic, was now old news.
Now, all eyes were on Cook.
After all, he had claimed to be invited.
But the recording clearly showed that Marching Ant never asked him to come. Quite the opposite—he'd been chasing them.
And then came the final blow: rumors confirmed that Cook had left empty-handed.
With that, the online narrative flipped completely.
The Marching Ant Company was exonerated. The so-called "hacker leak" only revealed that Cook had come seeking a deal—and had failed.
Apple R&D Center.
Cook sat in his office, face grim.
What was supposed to be a strategic play against a rising tech rival had turned into a personal embarrassment.
The plan had been simple: apply pressure, get access, and maybe even acquire Marching Ant. At worst, walk away with a partnership.
Instead? He got publicly stonewalled, exposed as a liar, and outmaneuvered by a startup with less than a year of history.
And the hackers?
That was a joke.
Their best internal cyber team had tried breaching Marching Ant's system—and got nothing. Whatever had been "leaked" had clearly been planted. The entire breach had been a setup.
He had been baited into his own trap.
And the worst part?
There was nothing he could say to refute it without looking even worse.
As he sat fuming, his secretary stepped in.
"Mr. Cook, corporate has asked you to return to the U.S. The board would like to speak with you directly. The stock price has continued to fall."
Cook's jaw tightened.
"Book a flight for tonight."
This had become one of the most disastrous trips to China in his career.
But it wasn't over yet. The threat was real. Marching Ant's smart assistant posed a serious challenge to Siri. If they didn't act fast, Apple could become the next Nokia—relevant one year, obsolete the next.
Two options remained:
Accelerate Siri's evolution—fast.
Or do the unthinkable: convince the board to share iOS source code with a Chinese company.
The second option was suicide. He knew it. The board would laugh him out of the room.
And so, that night, Cook left China quietly.
No press statements.
No tweets.
No handshakes.
Just a silent retreat into the shadows.
He had come in like a tiger.
But left like a house cat.