In the aftermath of the cease-and-desist letter from SraTech, the atmosphere in Wei''s office had be charged with a mix of tension and anticipation. Li Hua, Wei''s personal secretary, had been tasked with drafting a response to SraTech''s serious allegations and was now entering Wei''s office once more, this time carrying the drafted email response for his review.
As she stepped inside, Li Hua found Wei staring intently at hisputer screen, his focus undeterred by thetest developments. Without a word, she approached his desk and ced the printed draft of the email response in front of him.
"Mr. Wei, here''s the draft response to SraTech''s cease-and-desist letter," she said, maintaining her usualposure despite the circumstances.
Wei finally shifted his attention from the screen to the document Li Hua had provided. He took a moment to read through the draft, his expression growing increasingly contemtive as he absorbed the content. The email read:
[To: Michael Reyes, CEO, SraTech Corporation
Cc: Atty. Maria Lourdes Salonga, Reyes, Salonga, and Associates
From: Chen Wei, CEO, CinkoSr Holdings
Subject: Response to Your Cease-and-Desist Letter Dated September 25, 2025
Dear Mr. Reyes,
I have received your cease-and-desist letter dated September 25, 2025, and have carefully reviewed its contents. CinkoSr Holdings ismitted to conducting its business in ordance with the highest ethical standards and in fullpliance with all applicablews and regtions.
We were surprised and concerned to learn about the allegations you have made against ourpany. I want to categorically deny any involvement by CinkoSr Holdings in the unauthorized cyber activities you have described. CinkoSr Holdings has always prided itself on its fair andpetitive business practices, and we do not condone any form of uwful conduct.
In your letter, you im to have "irrefutable evidence" linking ourpany to a series of cyberattacks against SraTech Corporation. As the CEO of CinkoSr Holdings, I take these allegations very seriously and ammitted to fully understanding the situation. However, as of this moment, we have not been provided with any such evidence that substantiates your ims.
Therefore, I respectfully request that you provide us with the specific details and evidence you have that purportedly links CinkoSr Holdings to these activities. It is only with a full understanding of the evidence you possess that we can appropriately address your concerns and work toward a resolution.
CinkoSr Holdings remains open to constructive dialogue and is willing to cooperate fully to rify this matter. We believe that through open and honestmunication, we can resolve this situation in a manner that is fair and satisfactory to all parties involved.
Please direct your response and any evidence you wish to share to my attention. We are prepared to review any information you provide promptly and respond ordingly.
Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. We look forward to your prompt response and hope to resolve any misunderstandings amicably.
Sincerely,
Chen Wei
CEO, CinkoSr Holdings
]
After reading the letter, Wei frowned.
"Why does it read like we are the ones begging?" Wei''s voice rose sharply as he addressed Li Hua. His frustration, previously contained, now seemed to spill over. "This doesn''t convey the strength of CinkoSr. It sounds too... conciliatory. Rewrite it.
Make it clear that we will not be intimidated by baseless usations…no matter if they are true."
Li Hua, taken aback by the sudden shift in Wei''s demeanor, nodded quickly. "Of course, Mr. Wei. How would you like to adjust the tone?"
Wei stood up, pacing the room as he dictated his thoughts. "First, let''s assert our position more strongly. Emphasize that CinkoSr Holdings categorically denies any wrongdoing. Make it clear that if SraTech proceeds with its unfounded allegations, we will not hesitate to defend our reputation vigorously. And sue them for defamation if necessary," Wei instructed with a firm tone.
"Sir…with all due respect, we are guilty of engaging in corporate espionage. Provoking them would only escte this situation further. We need to be cautious," Li Hua interjected carefully.
Wei halted his pacing, turning to face Li Hua with a look thatbined determination and a hint of defiance.
"Li Hua, remember, it''s not just about what you did; it''s about what can be proven in court. And with our connections and the legal team we have, I''m confident we can navigate this situation to our advantage," Wei stated with unwavering confidence.
He continued. "We have influential allies, both in the legal sphere and the government. Our position in the market and our contributions to the economy provide us leverage. SraTech, despite their evidence, will find it challenging to pin anything on us conclusively."
Li Hua listened quietly, understanding the depth of Wei''s conviction. She knew that Wei''s confidence stemmed not just from arrogance but from a calcted understanding of theirpany''s influence and the intricatework of rtionships they had cultivated over the years.
"Furthermore," Wei went on, "this situation presents us with an opportunity. An opportunity to show the industry and ourpetitors that CinkoSr Holdings will not be easily threatened or coerced. Yes, we took a risk, but business is about taking calcted risks. Now, it''s about managing the fallout."
Wei paused, his gaze returning to the draft email on the desk. "Revise the email. Make our stance clear but maintain a tone that leaves room for negotiation. We will not show weakness, but we won''t close the door on resolving this dispute amicably. And add a line that any unfounded allegations against us will be met with strong legal action."
"This is a double-edged sword," Li Hua muttered under her breath, knowing full well the risks involved but also aware that contradicting Wei further could be futile. She was caught between her professional duty and her personal ethics. Nheless, she understood her role and the expectations ced upon her.
"Understood, Mr. Wei. I''ll incorporate your feedback and ensure the revised draft reflects our firm stance while keeping open the possibility for an amicable resolution," Li Hua confirmed, masking her concern with a nod. She quickly gathered the printed draft and made her way out to revise the email ording to Wei''s directives.
Fifteen minutester, Li Hua finished the draft and sent it to Wei''s email. Wei approved of the revised draft, finding it struck the right bnce between assertiveness and openness to dialogue. The revised email now reads:
[To: Michael Reyes, CEO, SraTech Corporation
Cc: Atty. Maria Lourdes Salonga, Reyes, Salonga, and Associates
From: Chen Wei, CEO, CinkoSr Holdings
Subject: Response to Your Cease-and-Desist Letter Dated September 25, 2025
Dear Mr. Reyes,
Upon careful consideration of your cease-and-desist letter dated September 25, 2025, we must express our surprise and disappointment at the unfounded allegations leveled against CinkoSr Holdings. We categorically deny any involvement in the activities described and are prepared to vigorously defend ourpany against such baseless ims.
CinkoSr Holdings upholds the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in all its business operations. We find it regrettable that SraTech Corporation has chosen to confront us with allegations unsupported by concrete evidence.
As such, we request that you provide specific details and purported evidence linking CinkoSr Holdings to these alleged cyberattacks. We aremitted to resolving this matter; however, we can only do so upon receipt of the said evidence.
Should SraTech Corporation proceed with these allegations without substantiation, CinkoSr Holdings will take all necessary steps to protect its reputation and interests, including legal action for defamation.
We remain open to dialogue and hope to resolve this misunderstanding in a manner that respects the interests and integrity of both ourpanies.
We await your prompt and detailed response.
Sincerely,
Chen Wei
CEO, CinkoSr Holdings]
Upon Wei''s permission, Li Hua sent it back to SraTech.