This was more than just an investigative report; it was a battle cry.
Meanwhile, the technical team was making final preparations for the release. Data packets were encrypted, segmented, and pre-planted like seeds on dozens of anonymous nodes worldwide. At the command, these seeds would simultaneously sprout, scattering the truth across every corner of the internet.
"All nodes confirmed ready."
"Ten minutes countdown." The team members' voices came through encrypted communication, carrying the resolute determination of a do-or-die battle.
Su Yuqing took a deep breath and checked the list in her hand one last time. She knew that once she pressed the confirm button, there would be no turning back. Not only would she and her team face unpredictable dangers, but the entire industry, and even a wider scope, would experience a major upheaval.
Just then, her backup encrypted phone vibrated, receiving a message from an unknown number. The message was short, containing only one sentence:
"Supplement to the chain of evidence: Liu and Lu's overseas account transaction records and nominee agreements have been sent to 'Lighthouse's' email address. Take care."
Su Yuqing's pupils contracted slightly. "Lighthouse" was her one-way, trusted contact point with a very small number of absolutely trusted informants. The person who sent this message was definitely not simple; they might be hidden within the enemy's inner circle! This supplementary evidence was undoubtedly a godsend, capable of completely sealing the fate of President Liu and his associates!
She immediately had her technical team receive and verify this new evidence, quickly integrating it into the data package to be released.
Time ticked by.
Five minutes left.
Three minutes.
One minute…
Inside the safe room, only the rapid clatter of keyboards and heavy breathing could be heard.
Su Yuqing stared at the red "Final Confirmation" button on the screen. Images flashed before her eyes: Lin Chen falling from the building, Xiao Zhao lying in the hospital bed, the blood-red characters on the wall of Chen Kai's studio…
She didn't hesitate any longer.
The instant the countdown reached zero, she forcefully pressed the confirm button!
"Deployment command issued!"
"Node synchronization initiated!"
"Data stream begins propagation!"
Almost simultaneously with the issuance of the command, the lights in the safe house flickered a few times before going out completely! Power was cut off to the entire area!
Immediately afterwards, hurried, heavy footsteps sounded outside the door, followed by the sound of ramming as if trying to break down the door!
"They've found us! Quick! Get out of the emergency exit!" a team member growled.
Su Yuqing quickly destroyed the core storage device, grabbed a spare emergency kit, and, under the cover of her teammates, rushed towards the pre-designated escape route. Behind her, the sounds of breaking down doors and shouts grew closer.
In the darkness, she ran frantically down the narrow fire escape, her heart pounding. She knew the hunt had begun, but she also knew the seeds of the truth had been sown and could no longer be extinguished.
Just as she burst through the back door, about to merge into the quiet streets of the early morning, she instinctively glanced back. The city remained asleep, but the world of the internet was being utterly awakened by a storm ignited by her and her team, by Lin Chen with his life.
The counterattack had begun.
And this was merely the prelude.