The next day arrived with clouds hanging low over Tianxu City, casting a gray pall over the skyline. Inside Chen Yu's office atop the Gallant Tower, the tension in the air was far from gloomy—it was electric.
Chen Yu sat at the long glass conference table, his sharp black suit immaculate, his fingers drumming lightly. A 3D projection hovered above the table—data about the Win Family's shell companies, offshore accounts, and suspected fronts.
iyun stood beside him, eyes narrowed. "I've run their corporate registry through seven dummy filters. Still can't trace the real owners behind the latest expansion project in the eastern district."
Chen Yu leaned back, deep in thought.
"They're like smoke," he muttered. "Every ti I reach, they vanish."
But that didn't worry him. What intrigued him was that they were moving—fast. Like soone had lit a fire under their feet.
Suddenly, the elevator beeped.
A tall, lean young man walked in. Cold-eyed, composed. Black coat, no insignia. Behind him trailed an assistant.
iyun's brows furrowed. "He doesn't have an appointnt."
But Chen Yu had already stood up, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
"I've been expecting him."
The man stopped in front of the table. His eyes locked with Chen Yu's.
"Chen Yu," he said.
"Qin Shenglai," Chen replied evenly.
A flicker passed between them—recognition. Like two apex predators sizing each other up.
Shenglai nodded. "Your na has been quite... loud lately."
"Better than silent," Chen replied, gesturing to the seat across from him. "Sit. Let's not pretend this is chance."
Shenglai sat. "You bought sixty percent of Han Financial. The Win Family didn't like that."
"I'm not here to please them," Chen said calmly.
"No," Shenglai agreed. "You're here to build an empire."
He leaned forward. "And empires attract enemies. Especially ones like the Win Family. They've been expanding underground—buying politicians, rcenaries, and most recently, your forr allies."
Chen Yu's eyes narrowed. "So you've been watching."
"I was told to," Shenglai said bluntly. "But I'm changing that."
There was a pause. The room felt heavy.
Chen Yu finally asked, "Why?"
Shenglai's eyes sharpened. "Because I don't see a reckless fool. I see soone... like ."
Chen Yu studied him. Then smiled faintly.
"You're offering an alliance."
Shenglai nodded once. "Temporary. Tactical. We both keep the Win Family in check until one of us has to make the final move."
Chen stood up and walked to the window, watching the clouds shift.
"And if I say no?"
Shenglai stood too. "Then I'll still be watching. And one day, I might not be alone."
The tension crackled. Then—Chen chuckled.
"You've got guts, I'll give you that."
He turned, extended his hand.
"For now... let's both win."
Shenglai gripped it firmly. "Agreed."
LATER THAT NIGHT — CHEN YU'S VILLA
Rain tapped gently against the windows. Inside, warm light filled the lounge. Ruxue sat curled up with a blanket, watching an old drama. iyun was in the kitchen, reviewing files while stirring a pot of soup.
Chen Yu walked in, shrugging off his coat.
Ruxue looked up. "Long day?"
He nodded. "Had to et soone from the Qin Family."
Her eyes widened. "Enemy?"
Chen sat beside her. "That depends. He might be useful... or dangerous. Or both."
iyun entered, drying her hands. "I don't trust him."
"You shouldn't," Chen replied. "But right now, the Win Family is the real threat. They're making moves. Covert ones. I need every edge I can get."
Just then, his phone buzzed.
[Zhao Lingyun]:I had a strange visitor today. Soone from a "real estate firm" asking about your old apartnt. You really are stirring things up, aren't you?
[Zhao Lingyun]:By the way... if you need soone to watch your back, I still owe you.
Chen stared at the ssage for a mont before replying:
[Chen Yu]:Then keep your eyes open. And stay close.
He put the phone down and looked out the window. Rain misted over the glass, and distant thunder rumbled.
There were no safe corners in Tianxu anymore. No more hiding. The giants had opened their eyes. The shadows had started moving.
But so had Chen Yu.
And he wasn't done yet.
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