Amidst the clamor of the bustling metropolis, the tower of the Lu Corporation pierced the clouds. Sunlight spilled over its glass curtain wall, refracting into blinding brilliance. Yet beneath this facade of calm, a storm was brewing.
Lu Xue, outwardly sweet but inwardly seething with envy, had watched her brother Lu Ran's particular attention towards Lin Xiao with growing resentment. She couldn't bear that Lu Ran cared for Lin Xiao more than for her, his own sister. Thus, a sinister plot took root in her mind.
Lu Xue knew her brother had pinned immense hopes on a crucial upcoming company project. This project wasn't just vital for the company's future; it was a significant milestone in Lu Ran's career. She secretly infiltrated the company database, meticulously altered key data, and skillfully framed Lin Xiao.
Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows into Lu Ran's office. Lu Ran sat at the conference table with several executives, gravely discussing the project's progress.
"Mr. Lu, there's a serious deviation in the project data," said Li Hao, the CFO, his expression grim, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "This could lead to major delays and massive losses."
Lu Ran's brow furrowed deeply, etching a deep "å·" character between his eyes. His gaze was filled with confusion and anxiety. "How is this possible? Find out who's responsible immediately!"
Just then, Lu Xue rushed into the office, feigning urgency. A flicker of triumph glinted in her eyes. "Brother, I just discovered... it seems the problem lies with the data Lin Xiao was responsible for."
Lu Ran's face instantly darkened, like a sky threatening a downpour. "Lin Xiao? How could it be her?"
Lu Xue poured fuel on the fire. "I thought she'd been acting strangely lately, always secretive. Maybe she was bribed by a competitor to sabotage us."
Lu Ran's heart lurched. He didn't want to believe Lin Xiao capable of this, but faced with such a serious problem, his anger ignited instantly.
"Get Lin Xiao in here!" he commanded, his voice thick with fury and authority.
Moments later, Lin Xiao entered, puzzled. Her face still held a trace of focus from her work, completely unaware of the tempest awaiting her.
"Lin Xiao, why is the project data wrong?" Lu Ran demanded sternly, his gaze fixed on her as if trying to see through her.
Lin Xiao's eyes widened in shock. "I don't know, Mr. Lu!" she said urgently. "I followed the procedures exactly. I double-checked every piece of data. There couldn't be a mistake."
Lu Xue interjected sharply, her voice shrill and caustic. "Lin Xiao, the evidence is right in front of you! Still denying it?"
Lin Xiao turned on her, furious. "Lu Xue! Stop slandering me! I won't admit to something I didn't do!"
Lu Xue sneered. "Still lying? Brother, you can't trust her anymore. The potential losses are enormous."
Blinded by rage, Lu Ran addressed Lin Xiao. "Lin Xiao, effective immediately, you are suspended pending the investigation results."
Disappointment and hurt flooded Lin Xiao's eyes, tears welling up. "Lu Ran, you don't believe me? After all this time working together, you doubt me so easily?"
Lu Ran turned away, unable to meet her wounded gaze. "Until this is cleared up, leave," he said coldly.
Lin Xiao turned and left, her steps heavy. Tears she could no longer hold back streamed down her face.
Back at her desk, colleagues cast sidelong glances. The once-buzzing office area fell silent, the clacking of keyboards suddenly loud.
"Lin Xiao, never thought you'd do something like this," colleague Xiao Zhang shook his head, his voice thick with disappointment.
"I didn't! Someone framed me!" Lin Xiao exclaimed, her voice trembling with anger.
"Who would frame you? The evidence is there," Xiao Li chimed in, his eyes full of suspicion.
Overwhelmed by isolation and helplessness, Lin Xiao clenched her fists, silently vowing to uncover the truth and clear her name.
Meanwhile, Lu Ran sat in his office, his mind in turmoil. Part of him refused to believe Lin Xiao would betray him, yet the evidence forced doubt. He paced restlessly, deeply conflicted.
That evening, Lu Ran returned home exhausted. Lu Xue was waiting. She dutifully took his coat and handed him a cup of hot tea.
"Brother, you mustn't go easy on her this time. Lin Xiao must be punished severely," Lu Xue said, a flicker of anticipation in her eyes.
Lu Ran waved her off irritably. "I know. Drop it."
Undeterred, Lu Xue pressed on. "Brother, you were always too good to her. That's why she felt she could get away with it. Maybe she planned this all along to ruin the company."
Lu Ran shot to his feet, roaring, "Enough! I'll handle it!"
Lu Xue flinched, fear flashing in her eyes. She fell silent.
The next morning, Lin Xiao arrived early and began investigating the data discrepancy. She pored over files, checked countless records, scrutinizing every detail.
She uncovered clues, faint trails all seemingly pointing towards Lu Xue.
Lin Xiao decided to confront Lu Xue directly. She stormed to Lu Xue's office and shoved the door open.
"Lu Xue, you framed me, didn't you?" Lin Xiao demanded, fury blazing in her eyes.
Lu Xue feigned innocence, blinking. "Lin Xiao, what are you talking about? Why would I frame you?"
"Stop pretending. I found evidence," Lin Xiao retorted, slapping some files onto the desk.
Lu Xue's heart skipped a beat, but she maintained composure. "What evidence? Stop slandering me!"
Just then, Lu Ran appeared. Seeing the standoff, he asked, "What's going on here?"
Lu Xue seized the moment. "Brother! Lin Xiao is accusing me of framing her!"
Lin Xiao looked at Lu Ran, hope in her eyes. "Lu Ran, believe me. It was her."
Lu Ran frowned, hesitation in his voice. "Lin Xiao, don't make baseless accusations."
Lin Xiao's heart froze. She gave a cold laugh. "Lu Ran, you disappoint me."
At that moment, Lin Xiao's friend Zhao Min burst in, clutching a crucial document.
"Lin Xiao! I found it! This proves your innocence!" Zhao Min exclaimed excitedly.
Zhao Min had been secretly helping Lin Xiao investigate. Using her connections, she'd uncovered irrefutable proof that Lu Xue had altered the data.
Seeing the evidence, Lu Ran's face darkened with fury and profound disappointment.
"Lu Xue! It was you!" Lu Ran's angry voice echoed through the office.
Lu Xue panicked, tears streaming down her face. "Brother, I... I was just confused! I was so jealous of Lin Xiao! I was afraid you'd be taken from me!"
Lu Ran's voice was icy. "You've disappointed me deeply. Effective immediately, you are no longer an employee of this company. I cannot tolerate such behavior."
Lu Xue sobbed, pleading. "Brother, I know I was wrong! Forgive me! I'll never do it again!"
Lu Ran remained unmoved. He turned to Lin Xiao, his eyes filled with remorse.
He walked towards her, his voice low. "Lin Xiao, I'm sorry. I wronged you. I shouldn't have doubted you."
Lin Xiao's tears flowed again. "Lu Ran, do you know how much I've suffered these past few days? My reputation, my job... everything was damaged by your accusation."
Lu Ran stepped closer, reaching out to embrace her. "It was my fault. I won't doubt you again. I'll make it up to you."
Lin Xiao pushed him away, her voice choked but firm. "Not every apology deserves forgiveness, Lu Ran. You hurt me too deeply."
Lu Ran pleaded urgently. "Lin Xiao, give me a chance to make amends. I'll earn back your trust. You'll see I can change."
Lin Xiao fell silent. She looked into Lu Ran's eyes, filled with sincerity and regret, and felt a tremor of uncertainty.