I was a rookie reporter in the 00s

Chapter 291 The Identity of the Mysterious Person "X"

As the investigation deepens, Zhang Wanqing, Fu Siyuan and Li Wei gradually realize that there is a huge conspiracy behind Chen Xiao's disappearance, and the mysterious sender "X" is undoubtedly the key to solving the mystery.

Inside the "Project_X" folder, the three discovered a hidden folder called "Trust_No_One." The folder contained a series of encrypted emails and notes that seemed to reveal secrets within the company. The sender of these emails was none other than the mysterious "X."

"X" repeatedly mentioned the word "be careful" in the emails, warning Chen Xiao that he was being monitored. He also mentioned that "evidence has been preserved," suggesting that Chen Xiao might have discovered improper behavior by company executives. However, the emails did not reveal "X's" true identity, simply repeatedly emphasizing the need to "trust no one."

"If 'X' is Chen Xiao's friend, why would he contact Chen Xiao in this way?" Zhang Wanqing frowned. "Also, why did he mention 'don't trust anyone' in the email? It sounds like he's being monitored, too."

Fu Siyuan nodded. "'X' could be Chen Xiao's ally, but he could also be forced to remain anonymous. He could be inside the company, but unable to reveal his identity."

Li Wei then raised a crucial question: "How can we find 'X'? He may be the key to solving the mystery of Chen Xiao's disappearance."

Just as the three of them were at an impasse, Li Wei discovered a strange file on Chen Xiao's computer. Titled "Last_Hope," it contained an encrypted code. Li Wei attempted to decrypt it and discovered it contained coordinates pointing to a specific location within the company building.

"This might be a clue that 'X' left for Chen Xiao." Li Wei said, "We have to go there and take a look."

The three of them moved quickly, following the coordinates to the basement of the company building. It was dark, damp, and cluttered with debris. After a careful search, they finally found a small metal box hidden in a secluded corner. The box had a combination lock, and the combination was the same number "X" had sent to Chen Xiao.

Li Wei entered the password and the box was successfully opened. Inside was a USB drive and a note. The note read:

"Chen Xiao, if you see this, it means I can no longer help you. The contents of the USB drive are all the evidence, enough to expose the conspiracy within the company. Don't trust anyone, including your colleagues and superiors. They may have noticed your actions. Protect yourself, and the truth will eventually come out."

Zhang Wanqing and the other two exchanged glances, feeling a surge of unease. They realized that Chen Xiao's disappearance might be connected to someone within the company, and that "X" might have met with misfortune.

Li Wei inserted the USB drive into his computer and discovered a large number of files and videos stored inside. The contents shocked the three of them - they recorded illegal transactions, data tampering, and unfair tactics used by company executives against competitors.

"This evidence is enough to put the company's top management in trouble," Fu Siyuan said. "But why did 'X' give these things to Chen Xiao? Who is he?"

Zhang Wanqing suddenly remembered what Chen Xiao's family had said. Chen Xiao seemed to have been investigating some secrets within the company, and "X" might be his accomplice. She opened a folder on the USB drive and found a file called "Who_is_X."

The document records the conversation between "X" and Chen Xiao, as well as some key information. One of the conversations caught Zhang Wanqing's attention:

"X": Chen Xiao, I know you doubt me. But I do this to protect you. I'm also a victim. They forced me to do this, otherwise I would lose everything.

Chen Xiao: Who are you? Why are you helping me?

"X": I can't tell you. But I hope you can believe me, I'm a victim too. We're all being watched, and you have to be careful.

"'X' is also a victim?" Zhang Wanqing asked. "This means that he may be forced to remain anonymous, but he is still helping Chen Xiao."

Fu Siyuan nodded. “‘X’ might be someone inside the company, but he can’t reveal his identity. He might also be under surveillance.”

Zhang Wanqing opened a folder on the USB drive called "Hidden_Truth," which contained a video. In the video, a figure spoke in dim light, but the face was unclear.

"Chen Xiao, I know you are investigating this matter. I am also a victim, and they forced me to do this. But I can't tell you who I am, otherwise I will lose everything. These evidences are enough to expose their conspiracy, but you must be careful. Protect yourself, and the truth will come out eventually."

The person in the video had a trembling voice but a firm tone. Zhang Wanqing and the other two realized that this person was "X".

"Who is 'X'?" Fu Siyuan asked, "Why is he forced to remain anonymous?"

Li Wei suddenly remembered something and said, "Wait, I seem to have seen this person in the company. His voice is familiar, but I can't remember who it is."

As the investigation deepened, the three discovered that the connection between "X" and Chen Xiao seemed to go beyond emails. In Chen Xiao's notes, they found a mysterious code that pointed to a hidden server. This server stored a large amount of data related to Chen Xiao's project, but the data seemed to have been tampered with.

"This is so strange," Li Wei said. "Why would Chen Xiao store such important data on such a hidden server?"

Just as the three were investigating, Li Lei suddenly found them, looking panicked.

"I saw Xia Le holding a USB drive with Chen Xiao's name on it," Li Lei said. "He must be a suspect!"

Zhang Wanqing and the other two quickly found Xia Le and questioned him about the USB drive. Xia Le sneered, "You think I'm a suspect? Actually, I'm the mysterious 'X'. Chen Xiao discovered some illicit behavior among the company's top management, and he asked me to help preserve the evidence. Before he disappeared, he even emailed me, saying someone was plotting against him."

Xia Le's words shocked the three of them. They realized that the situation was far more complicated than they had imagined. Why would Xia Le, a technical backbone of a rival company, help Chen Xiao? What was the relationship between him and Chen Xiao?

"This is so strange." Fu Siyuan said, "Why would Xia Le help Chen Xiao? Isn't he afraid of exposing his identity?"

Zhang Wanqing shook her head. "Maybe he has his own plans. Chen Xiao's project is very important to the company. If he finds out something that's detrimental to the company, Xia Le might use that information to attack competitors."