Lawyer Ma very effectively exercised her power, which was to say nothing...
As a seasoned financial lawyer, she was well aware that this was merely a perfunctory initial investigation.
As long as they had not found conclusive evidence, she, as the acting head of AtL, could remain silent on matters she was unclear about.
Lawyer Ma: "I am completely unaware of what you have told me, and I have said everything I know."
"Of course, I do not believe AtL would engage in insider trading or market manipulation. We did purchase shares in the education center, but that was all normal investment behavior."
"As you can see, AtL did not sell for profit when the education center plummeted. On the contrary, all the money we invested was lost."
Lawyer Ma: "If you are going to define losing money as market manipulation, that would be a great insult to AtL."
When the staff asked if they could verify the accounts, Accountant Chen was summoned to the office.
Lawyer Ma: "Of course. This is our Chief Financial Officer. He will show you the accounts."
Accountant Chen nodded to Lawyer Ma, who appeared confident. She was sure that anyone who dared to play dirty would have their company's accounts in impeccable order. Lawyer Ma had great faith in Ou Yunchen in this regard.
While the staff were heading to the finance department, Ruby whispered something in Lawyer Ma's ear. Lawyer Ma's face turned pale. She immediately took out her phone and stared at the message with wide eyes!
The Securities and Exchange Commission personnel hadn't even left AtL's premises, and yet someone had already posted news about the AtL acting executive being interviewed for violating regulations!
Looking at the earliest posting time, it was only half an hour ago. That meant it was posted just as the SEC personnel were stepping through the door!
Lawyer Ma: "One troublesome matter after another! Why was I targeted right when I took office!!!"
Ruby: "Ms. Ma, you haven't replied to Schwartz yet..."
Lawyer Ma: "Can't they resolve it themselves?"
Ruby: "Mr. Ou used to handle these matters..."
Lawyer Ma: "Mr. Ou? Is it true that a company as large as AtL cannot function without him?! I refuse to believe it! Put the call through. I want to ask how it can't be resolved!"
Ruby quickly opened her laptop. The video call was already active, and it seemed the overseas department had been waiting online for a long time.
Upon seeing Lawyer Ma online, both the level-one and level-two managers were eager to report. One after another, they bombarded Lawyer Ma with problems.
Lawyer Ma was unfamiliar with all the key figures they mentioned. Even with Ruby providing prompts, she couldn't keep up with the rapid-fire explanations of the project managers.
Perhaps due to the sheer volume of difficult issues lately, Lawyer Ma finally felt her head spinning. She couldn't process any more information.
With a snap, Lawyer Ma closed the laptop screen.
Ruby: "Ms. Ma..."
Lawyer Ma: "Can you give me a moment of peace?"
But before Ruby could leave, someone else forcefully entered.
Secretary: "Ms. Ma, the SEC personnel would like you to go to the finance department. It seems there's an issue with Mr. Ou's recent share transfer to you."
Lawyer Ma had just started to rise when she dared not offend public officials. She was quickly trying to think of an excuse when a phone ring interrupted her thoughts.
-- Lawyer Ma on the phone --
Lawyer Ma: "Mrs. Su."
Mrs. Su: "What's going on? Why is AtL being investigated?"
Lawyer Ma: "I am still looking into the situation..."
Mrs. Su: "I don't care what the situation is. Whether you bribe or offer gifts, or falsify documents, I don't want to see any more news about AtL's violations!"
Lawyer Ma: "I understand."
Mrs. Su: "You are the top lawyer I hired. You had better resolve this immediately. If this reaches Schwartz, my entire account could be frozen!"
Lawyer Ma: "Alright, I will handle it right away."
-- Call ended --