Nobody Messes with the Code Master

---- Chapter 7 I met with the CEO at an upscale restaurant. His expression was graver than I had ever seen. "Rex, first of all, please accept my apology for the injustice you suffered at our company." I gave a slight nod, keeping my composure. "I have ordered a full investigation into the selection process for the Technology Innovation Award, as well as the true ownership of the entire project." I tooka sip of red wine and replied calmly, "Isn't that a little late?" 'The CEO gave a wry smile. "It is.

But better late than never." The next day, the company's investigation team began large-scale interviews with staff from the technical department. Oliver messaged me: [Rex, everyone is telling the truth now! Nota single person thinks Jason was capable of doing that project! ] replied: (Be careful. Don't put yourself at risk for me.] He answered: (This isn't just for you. It's for all the tech people who work quietly like us.) That afternoon, Oliver privately sent me an encrypted file package.

Oliver: [1 secretly backed up all your work logs and code submission records and handed them to the investigation team. The evidence is rock-solid. They can't argue their way out of this anymore! ] ---- Warmth spread through my chest. I hadn't expected such loyalty in such acold place. That night, an urgent notice appeared on the company intranet: [After investigation, it has been confirmed that Peter and Jason colluded and engaged in fraud during the Technology Innovation Award selection process. Effective immediately, both are suspended from duty and placed under formal investigation.

] Oliver called me excitedly. "Rex! You have no idea how wild it was today! The investigation team announced the results in front of the entire department. Peter was escorted away on the spot by security!" I listened to his animated description, a smile unconsciously spreading across my face. "What about Jason?" Oliver laughed even harder. "Even worse! He was fired on the spot. HR handed him the termination notice directly, and two security guards stood over him while he packed up, like they were afraid he'd steal company secrets!" Ichuckled.

"He never had the ability to steal any technical secrets in the first place." Early the next morning, the doorbell rang. A well-dressed stranger stood outside, carrying a gift box. "Rex, hello. I'm Simon Patrick, the newly appointed Technical ---- Director." l invited him in. He set the gift box on the coffee table. "The company sincerely apologizes for what you went through. This is a small token of our regret." Then he got straight to the point. "We hope you'll return to the company and take the position of Chief Technology Officer." I raised an eyebrow.

"Chief Technology Officer?" simon nodded earnestly. "Yes. You would report directly to the CEO. Your annual salary will be triple what it was before, plus equity incentives." I poured two cups of tea and didn't answer right away. "How are the system repairs going?" He gave a bitter smile. "A complete mess. No one truly understands that algorithm. We need you." I thought for a moment. "I'll consider it." After seeing Simon out, I stood by the window, gazing at the distant city skyline. 'My phone rang. It was Oliver. "Rex, come back. The company has changed.

The people who bullied you have all gotten what they deserved." I took a deep breath. "Oliver, thank you for taking that risk to help ---- me." "Don't mention it. You're the most talented programmer I've ever met. You shouldn't have been buried like that." Ismiled, my decision already made. Fortune turns in cycles. This time, I would return with an entirely new stance.