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Chapter 16 - THE RIVAL APPEARS

LATE NIGHT – INSIDE THE CAR

The city lights flickered like distant stars as the LMW Phantom cruised through Tianxu's night streets. Silence hung in the air inside the luxury vehicle, broken only by the soft hum of the engine.

Lei Meiyun sat in the passenger seat, still processing everything that had happened. Her voice was barely above a whisper.

"You just spent ¥2.5 billion in one day," she said, her tone laced with disbelief. "No hesitation. No fear."

Yiu leaned back in his seat, eyes closed, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"I didn't spend it," he replied calmly. "I planted it. Now let's wait for the harvest."

[DING!]

System Notification: Five Critical Investments Completed

Influence: +500

Temporary Title Gained: [Rising Tycoon]

Extra Reward Unlocked: [Skill Scroll – Dominion Aura (Lv.1)]

Skill Unlocked: Dominion Aura (Lv.1)

Type: Passive/Active

Grade: Rare

Cooldown: None (Passive) / 1 hour (Active)

Description:

A skill born only in those destined to command the world.

🔹 Passive Effect – Presence of Authority

Whenever Yiu enters a room, individuals with lower influence or weaker will instinctively feel pressure and respect.

Weak-willed people may hesitate to speak or even look directly at him.

In negotiations or social interactions, his words carry weight and are more likely to be accepted.

🔸 Active Effect – Aura of Dominion (1-hour duration)

When activated, Yiu emits an overwhelming aura that suppresses the will of others.

Low-tier enemies may experience fear, stuttering, or fainting.

Greatly enhances charisma, persuasion, and intimidation.

Can also be used in combat to shake opponents mentally and slow them physically.

System Note: This is just Lv.1. Higher levels will grant area control, mind suppression, and command over weaker minds.

Yiu's heart raced slightly. He could already feel the subtle shift in his presence. This wasn't just a skill—it was a declaration to the world.

Another system ping rang out.

[DING!]

"Extra Reward for completing the mission within 7 days has been activated."

A satisfied grin appeared on Yiu's face.

"This is insane," he muttered to himself. "With this skill… I can negotiate at an entirely different level. Save millions—maybe billions."

He clenched his fists with excitement.

"This is exactly what I needed. One more piece for the puzzle. I'm not just playing the game now… I'm about to control it."

But before he could dwell further on the victory, another notification appeared:

[DING!]

Reminder: There are a total of 10 unique skills available for the host to acquire. You have currently unlocked 2.

Once all 10 skills are unlocked, a hidden path will be revealed.

Yiu's expression turned serious.

"So it's not just about power or money…" he whispered. "There's something more waiting at the end of this—something big."

The car continued its silent journey through the night, but the fire in Yiu's eyes burned brighter than ever.

TITAN CORPORATION — CEO'S OFFICE, TIANXU CITY

From the top floor of the monolithic Titan Tower, the vast sprawl of the city glittered beneath the night sky. Inside, the air was icy, the silence sharp.

Qin Yuze, the legendary CEO of Titan Corporation, stood at the center of it all—calm, precise, and dangerous. Known for his iron grip on the market and rumored connections to shadowy networks, he was a man few dared to oppose.

The heavy door opened, and a lean man with glasses entered with cautious urgency. "Sir… an urgent development."

Qin Yuze didn't even glance up from the report in his hand. "Speak."

"Someone's interfering with the east sector acquisitions. The five companies we forced into decline last quarter… someone has just poured ¥500 million into each of them."

That made Qin Yuze pause.

He looked up slowly, his cold eyes narrowing. "Who?"

"We don't have a name," the assistant said carefully. "All investments were made through Lei Group. Lei Meiyun signed the deals. But the actual backer… is unknown. We ran a full trace—clean funds, no leads."

The temperature in the room seemed to drop.

"He's not hiding," Yuze murmured. "He's taunting."

The assistant nodded. "And sir… the contracts are ironclad. Equity deals, tight clauses, full control handed to the investor. He's not some amateur."

Qin Yuze stood and walked to the window, gazing out at the glimmering empire he controlled.

"Someone is undoing our work—investing in what we destroyed, reviving what we buried."

His voice was calm, but his eyes held a glint of danger.

"Find out who it is. I want his name, his face, and every deal he's touched. Tell the board…" He turned slightly, smirking.

"…The game has just begun."

CHEN YU'S PRIVATE VILLA – NIGHT

The moonlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a soft silver glow over the luxurious living room. The soft hum of jazz music played in the background, and the scent of fresh roses lingered in the air. Chen Yu leaned back on the velvet sofa, a glass of wine in hand, exuding effortless charm.

Across from him, Meiyun sat elegantly, sipping from her own glass, her eyes occasionally stealing glances at him. On the other side, Ruxue nestled closer, her head lightly resting against his shoulder.

It had been a long day, full of high-stakes investments, business meetings, and hidden enemies. But here, inside this private haven, time felt slower—softer.

"Chen Yu…" Ruxue said suddenly, her voice barely above a whisper.

He turned to look at her. "Hm?"

"Do you… love Meiyun?" she asked, her tone calm but serious.

Meiyun looked over, surprised. But she didn't interrupt.

Chen Yu didn't hesitate. "I do."

Ruxue bit her lip, then asked, "And me?"

He looked her straight in the eye. "You too. I never said otherwise."

There was a pause—tense, but not uncomfortable. Then Ruxue gave a small smile. "I know. I've always known. I don't care if you love someone else too… I just want to be your first."

Meiyun quietly set down her glass. "We've talked, Chen," she said softly. "Me and Ruxue. We both know how things are. You don't belong to just one of us… but tonight, we want you to know—"

"…you belong with us," Ruxue finished, sliding her hand into his.

Chen Yu raised an eyebrow, a rare look of surprise flickering in his usually composed gaze. "The two of you planned this?"

They both nodded, cheeks flushed but eyes determined.

He chuckled, leaning forward to set his glass on the table. "You know… I've faced billion-yuan negotiations with less pressure."

Meiyun giggled. "Then stop thinking so much."

As the night deepened, laughter echoed in the villa. They weren't just caught in a game of love—they had made a choice. A messy, complicated, and passionate one.

But Chen Yu wouldn't have it any other way.

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