The sky was crimson by dawn.
Tianxu City awoke to the storm that was brewing behind its towering skyline—a storm not of nature, but of ambition.
In a private room on the 30th floor of Gallant Tower, Chen Yu stood facing the window, watching the streets below. The city looked peaceful.
But peace was only an illusion.
Behind him, iyun, dressed in a sharp navy-blue blazer, was finishing up a call.
"All preparations complete," she said. "The shell companies are in place. The dummy investors are ready. By noon, we'll have control of three major fronts connected to the Win Family."
Chen didn't turn around.
"Good. Let them feel the ground shifting beneath their feet."
Ruxue entered, carrying a tray of hot tea. "You didn't sleep again."
"I'll sleep after I own this city," Chen replied, finally turning with a faint smirk.
iyun narrowed her eyes. "There's one more thing. That young man from the Qin Family—he's finally asked to et."
Chen raised a brow. "So the heir of the main branch finally shows his face."
She nodded. "Today. At the Jade Pavilion."
Chen Yu's gaze sharpened.
JADE PAVILION RESTAURANT – PRIVATE ROOM
The room was elegantly minimal, with flowing white curtains and carved wood panels. Chen Yu entered alone, his steps calm and steady.
Across the table sat a young man in a black tunic, sipping tea. His posture was regal, his eyes cold. This was QIN XUELIN, the youngest heir of the prestigious Qin Family's main branch.
"You ca," Qin Xuelin said without looking up. "I'm surprised."
Chen sat without ceremony. "I don't waste ti avoiding shadows. I confront them."
A thin smile tugged at Qin's lips. "You're not what I expected."
"You watched . You ford your judgnt. What do you want now?"
Qin finally t his gaze. "To see if the man behind the noise is worth noticing—or eliminating."
The air thickened.
Chen leaned in. "I've bought companies, collapsed syndicates, and rewritten the economy of Tianxu in less than a month. If I wanted attention, I'd have set this city on fire."
"And yet," Qin said coolly, "you haven't touched the Win Family head-on. You're still dancing around them."
Chen smirked. "You don't strike at a snake's tail. You aim for the head. And I never miss."
Qin's eyes narrowed.
"Why tell this?"
"Because I don't need to be your enemy," Chen said. "But if you stand in my way—"
"I won't," Qin said suddenly, cutting him off.
Chen's brow twitched. "Oh?"
Qin leaned back. "The Qin Family needs Tianxu stable. The Win Family is a problem. If you're truly capable of uprooting them, then... we might have use for each other."
Chen tilted his head slightly. "So the heir of the mighty Qin is extending a hand?"
"For now," Qin said. "Don't make regret it."
Chen stood, offering a rare smile. "You won't. And one more thing..."
"What?"
"Next ti, if you want to observe , do it in person. I hate being watched from the shadows."
Qin's smirk returned. "Duly noted."
LATER THAT NIGHT – GALLANT VILLA
The wind howled. Rain lashed the windows again.
Chen Yu stood in his study, deep in thought.
He had secured the alliance of the Qin Family.
He had begun to shake the Win Family's empire.
And yet... sothing felt off.
He called out, "iyun."
She entered swiftly. "Yes?"
"I want a full security sweep. Call Shield Security. Increase detail around the villa and monitor any movent within a five-block radius."
"Did sothing happen?"
"I've had this feeling since that night Lingyun was lured to the Black Pagoda... soone's still watching."
iyun nodded. "Done."
Just then, a ssage flashed on Chen's phone.
[Zhao Lingyun → Chen Yu]:I don't know what you're facing, but I just want you to be safe. If you ever fall, I'll be the one who pulls you back. Don't forget that.
Chen stared at the screen.
He didn't reply.
But his grip on the phone tightened.
SOWHERE IN A SECRET ROOM – UNKNOWN LOCATION
In a darkened chamber, cloaked figures surrounded a glowing table. At the center was a digital projection of Chen Yu's face.
A gruff voice spoke.
"He's moving fast."
Another voice, smoother, replied. "Too fast. He's already cornering three of our fronts. At this rate, our Tianxu operations will be exposed."
"Then eliminate him."
"No," ca a third voice. "Let him get close. Let him think he's winning."
"Why?"
"Because we can't defeat a ghost with force. We lure him into our maze... and crush him from within."
The figures vanished into darkness.
BACK TO CHEN YU – MIDNIGHT
He stood outside, rain falling over him, soaking his coat.
Above him, the clouds were thick.
But his eyes—those sharp, unwavering eyes—held nothing but fire.
The city wanted a king.
He would give it one.
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