AT A LUXURIOUS MANSION – UNKNOWN LOCATION
The grand hall of the mansion exuded power—vintage paintings, crystal chandeliers, and antique relics stood as silent witnesses to generations of influence.
An elderly man, sharp-eyed despite his age, sat calmly in an ornate chair carved from black sandalwood. His aura was quiet, yet commanding—like a lion watching the world from its throne.
A loyal attendant knelt beside him, awaiting his orders.
The old man finally spoke, his voice slow but heavy with weight.
"Another dragon has awakened. Make sure he's looked after… from the shadows."
The attendant hesitated.
"Sir, don't you think we should let him face the storm on his own? If he's truly destined—"
The old man interrupted, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon beyond the mansion windows.
"He will face it. He must. But the Qin family's main branch… they are not to be underestimated. Power like theirs isn't just earned—it's guarded. If a clash comes too soon, it could cost him everything."
A long silence filled the room.
Then the old man added with a faint, knowing smile—
"He thinks he's walking alone. Let him. But if the fire burns too close… we'll be watching."
TIANXU CITY — CHEN YU'S VILLA, PRIVATE GYM
Sweat glistened on Chen Yu's back as he finished another set of intense reps, his muscles tensing with each breath. The weight room echoed with the sound of clinking iron and his steady breathing.
He dropped the dumbbells, exhaled, and stood upright, walking over to the mirror. His eyes—calm, sharp, and focused—stared back at him.
"Power alone isn't enough," he muttered, grabbing a towel. "If I want to survive what's coming… I need an empire. Influence. Control."
He tossed the towel aside and walked out onto the balcony, overlooking the cityscape.
His phone buzzed.
[DING!]
System Notification:
"Personal Net Worth: ¥3,810,000,000
Influence Score: 1,200
Skill Progress: 2/10 Unlocked"
Another buzz followed.
Mission Update:
"New Branch Quest: Expand Your Reach."
Objective: Acquire a majority stake in a Tier-2 company within 3 days.
Reward: Hidden Passive Skill + Influence Boost."
Chen Yu's lips curled into a slow smile.
"So the system's raising the stakes too, huh…"
He turned to his desk where a map of Tianxu City was spread out, red pins and marked circles showing business districts, influential families, and political ties.
"The Qin Family is watching," he muttered, eyes locking on a red circle around Titan Corporation. "But they're not the only ones who can play this game."
His fingers tapped the corner of the map.
"Lei Group… Bai Holdings… next is the Zhao Conglomerate."
Just then, footsteps echoed behind him. It was Bai Ruxue, dressed casually, holding two cups of coffee.
She handed one over with a sleepy smile.
"Already planning your next move, Mr. Empire Builder?"
Chen Yu took the cup, smirked.
"The world's moving, Ruxue. I can't afford to sleep."
From the doorway, Meiyun leaned against the frame with a teasing grin.
"Then it's a good thing we're not letting you sleep alone anymore."
Chen Yu chuckled, sipping his coffee as the morning sun bathed the room in gold.
Somewhere out there, the world was shifting.
Old forces were awakening. Hidden eyes were watching.
And Chen Yu—no longer just an orphan—was quickly becoming the most unpredictable piece on the board.
CHEN YU'S VILLA — LIVING ROOM
After breakfast, Chen Yu sat on the velvet couch in the living room, dressed in a crisp black shirt, sleeves rolled to his elbows. A tablet rested on his lap, flicking through company profiles.
Meiyun sat nearby, going through a few folders of her own. Since she'd become CEO of Lei Group under Chen Yu's investment, she'd grown into her role—fierce, reliable, and determined.
"Zhao Conglomerate is weaker than they pretend," she said, sliding a file over to him. "Their outer image is stable, but internally they've had two major losses this quarter. Their overseas projects are bleeding money."
Chen Yu skimmed the numbers. "Perfect."
He leaned back, eyes narrowing as he formulated a plan.
"If I can cut a deal with one of the Zhao elders, I can push for a hostile takeover from within. Meiyun, draft a meeting request for Zhao Lingyun. She's the youngest daughter, but she's been eyeing independence."
Ruxue entered the room, holding her phone. "You might want to see this."
She handed him the screen.
Headline:
Titan Corporation Mysteriously Pulls Out of Zhao Bid—Market Shaken
Chen Yu's eyes lit up with interest.
"Qin Yuze's already backing off"
He stood up.
"Now there's a power vacuum. And we're going to fill it."
LATER THAT DAY — LUXURY HOTEL, TIANXU BUSINESS DISTRICT
A private suite, elegantly decorated, had been booked under Meiyun's name. Zhao Lingyun arrived sharply at noon, dressed in a tailored suit, accompanied only by one personal bodyguard.
She looked wary—cautious but intrigued.
Chen Yu greeted her personally, his presence calm but commanding.
"Miss Zhao. I've been following your work. I admire your ambition."
She gave a polite nod, eyes sharp. "You've caused quite a stir, Mr. Chen. Buying up companies like chess pieces. Why invite me here?"
Chen Yu motioned for her to sit.
"Because you're not like the rest of the Zhao family. You have vision. I'm offering you a partnership. In exchange for support, I'll give you full control over the Zhao Conglomerate's medical tech division."
Her eyes widened slightly, the proposition clearly unexpected.
"And what do you want?"
He smiled.
"Only a seat at the table—and your help in bringing down your uncles."
There was a beat of silence.
Then she smirked.
"You're bold, Chen Yu. I like that."
The deal was struck. Quietly. Efficiently.