Chapter 10: The Bait Protocol

The threat posed by the Deep Blue Alliance made Xu Yunchuan realize that this confrontation was no longer a simple matter of commercial competition, but a high-stakes gamble where survival was on the line. He had to devise a plan within three days that would allow him to both escape their clutches and launch a counterattack.

Upon returning to his hotel, he immediately summoned Shen Qingwan and his technical team for an emergency video conference.

"The Deep Blue Alliance is demanding our next-generation battery technology, but handing it over is clearly out of the question," Xu Yunchuan stated. "We need to create a decoy to divert their attention, while simultaneously exposing the technical flaws of the Tiansheng Group."

Shen Qingwan nodded. "Understood. You mean to deceive them with a falsified set of data?"

"Exactly," Xu Yunchuan said with a firm gaze. "We will craft a technical proposal that appears authentic yet contains fatal flaws. We must lead the Deep Blue Alliance to believe in this data, and at the same time, we need to ignite public opinion before the summit ends, pushing the Tiansheng Group into the spotlight."

**Falsified Technical Proposal**

After a night of deliberation, the technical team designed a set of disguised data. This proposal covered the design concepts, material selection, and manufacturing processes of the next-generation battery technology, but it hid several critical vulnerabilities that would render it impossible to implement if the Deep Blue Alliance attempted to use it.

"We also need a technical verification report to further enhance the credibility of this data," suggested Zhao Ming, the technical director.

"Leave that to me," Shen Qingwan said from the other end of the line. "I will have some senior company executives cooperate to produce a professional verification document."

"Excellent," Xu Yunchuan said with a faint smile. "But we must ensure that this data flows only to the Deep Blue Alliance and does not spread elsewhere."

**Dual-Track Operation**

While implementing the decoy plan, Xu Yunchuan began arranging another crucial operation: exposing the technical hazards within the Tiansheng Group.

He contacted Li Ran, an influential independent journalist in the new energy vehicle sector, and provided him with detailed information regarding the problems inherent in Tiansheng Group's "Core Intelligence Power" technology.

"Are you saying that Tiansheng’s technical marketing is entirely exaggerated?" Li Ran appeared both shocked and intrigued.

"That is correct," Xu Yunchuan replied. "Furthermore, I can provide you with some evidence. But you must publish it at the right moment."

"Rest assured, I won't miss out on such a major scoop," Li Ran promised.

**Clash at the Summit**

Three days later, Xu Yunchuan returned to the Deep Blue Alliance venue with the forged technical proposal. He handed the documents to the man in sunglasses and said tentatively, "I hope these data points will allow us to reach a cooperation agreement."

The man in sunglasses flipped through the files, a trace of satisfaction appearing in his eyes. "Very good. This looks even more detailed than I anticipated. If you maintain this cooperative attitude, the Deep Blue Alliance will consider establishing a long-term relationship with you in the future."

Xu Yunchuan sneered inwardly, but his expression remained composed. "Thank you, then."

However, just as he thought he could make a clean getaway, a stranger in a high-ranking position suddenly entered, placed a document before the man in sunglasses, and whispered a few words.

The man in sunglasses’ expression turned cold instantly. He looked up at Xu Yunchuan, his tone icy. "It seems we underestimated your audacity."

"What do you mean?" Xu Yunchuan feigned ignorance.

"We have discovered that someone is leaking Tiansheng Group's technical information to the outside world," the man said slowly. "Do you think this is a coincidence?"

**Sudden Crisis**

Xu Yunchuan’s heart sank. He knew that Li Ran’s report had likely alerted the Deep Blue Alliance, and this had placed him directly in the crosshairs.

"I don't know what you are talking about," he said, struggling to remain calm. "I am merely a businessman; I have no interest in Tiansheng’s affairs."

The man in sunglasses sneered. "Is that so? Let’s put that to the test."

He gestured, and several security guards immediately surrounded Xu Yunchuan, ushering him into a secluded room.

"If you don't tell the truth, we have plenty of ways to make you talk," the man in sunglasses said coldly.

**The Counter-Strike**

Trapped in the room, Xu Yunchuan quickly analyzed the situation. He understood that the Deep Blue Alliance could not have definitive proof, or they would have taken action against him long ago. This meant he still had one final chance to turn the tide.

"Fine, I admit it," Xu Yunchuan said suddenly, his tone tinged with helplessness. "A journalist did contact me, but I did not provide any substantive information."

The man in sunglasses paused, taken aback. "Really?"

"You can verify it. If I had truly leaked critical information, the focus of public opinion right now would be on the Deep Blue Alliance, not the Tiansheng Group," Xu Yunchuan said. "I am not that foolish."

The man in sunglasses pondered for a moment, seemingly convinced. Finally, he waved his hand. "Very well, we will investigate this thoroughly. If we find out you are lying, you know the consequences."

**Tide Turns**

Once released, Xu Yunchuan immediately contacted Li Ran to confirm the status of the report’s publication.

"Don't worry, I only mentioned the issues at Tiansheng; I did not involve the Deep Blue Alliance," Li Ran said. "However, public opinion is already starting to ferment."

Indeed, within half a day, major media outlets began reprinting Li Ran’s report. The Tiansheng Group’s technical flaws were exposed, consumer trust plummeted, and their stock price began to slide.

Meanwhile, the Deep Blue Alliance’s suspicion toward Xu Yunchuan gradually dissipated. He had successfully leveraged the pressure of public opinion to extricate himself from danger.

**A New Plan**

Upon returning to the country, Xu Yunchuan met with Shen Qingwan immediately.

"Although we escaped unscathed this time, the Deep Blue Alliance clearly won't let this go easily," Shen Qingwan noted. "How should we respond next?"

"The more aggressive they become, the more it shows how wary they are of the threat we pose," Xu Yunchuan said with a smile. "Next, we need to further solidify our technical advantage while seeking more opportunities to expose the dark secrets of the Deep Blue Alliance."

"It seems our battle has only just begun," Shen Qingwan nodded, her eyes flashing with determination.