Sunlight poured into the villa as Chen Yu stood by the mirror, adjusting the cuffs of his white dress shirt. His tie hung loose around his neck, his expression distant.
Today's meeting wasn't just business.It was with Lin Qianhong, the sharp, elegant CEO of Han Financial Group — a woman known for her political connections and ruthless deals.
Behind him, Meiyun leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, dressed casually in soft loungewear. Her hair was still a little messy from sleep.
"You're leaving early again?" she asked, voice calm but laced with something heavier.
Chen Yu glanced at her reflection in the mirror. "Important meeting."
"With a woman," she said, half-joking, half-not.
Chen Yu smirked. "Does that bother you?"
"No. I just hope she knows you're hard to tame."
He walked over, pulled the tie into place, and gave her a small smile. "I'm not anyone's to tame."
Meiyun raised an eyebrow. "Except maybe Ruxue's when she's in a mood."
"I heard that," Ruxue called out from the kitchen, walking in with a tray. She placed a warm glass of milk beside him. "Drink this before you go. You didn't eat much last night either."
"Thanks." Chen Yu took the glass, his eyes softening.
Just as he took a sip, his phone buzzed.
Zhao Lingyun. Again.
[Lingyun]: I should've ignored you. But the more I try… the more I wonder what I meant to you. Or if I ever meant anything at all.
Chen Yu stared at the message for a moment. Then locked the screen without replying.
Meiyun saw the expression on his face."Her again?"
"Yeah."
"She's falling."
"Too late," Chen Yu said quietly.
LUXURY HOTEL — ROOFTOP BAR — SAME TIME
Qin Xuelin, the young master of the Qin Family's main branch, stood on a balcony overlooking Tianxu City. His grey suit was neat, his features calm, but his eyes sharp as knives.
He wasn't drinking. He was watching.
On a screen beside him, live footage of Chen Yu stepping into his car played.
"He's heading to meet Lin Qianhong," Xuelin said.
His assistant, a quiet man in glasses, nodded. "Should we intercept?"
"No. Let him move. I want to see how far he can go without our interference."
"But the Patriarch—"
"I know what my grandfather wants," Xuelin interrupted. "But I'm curious."
He turned away from the screen, walking slowly to the edge.
"This Chen Yu… he's different. Most people chase power because they fear being weak. But him?"He paused."He walks like he knows he's already won."
"You sound impressed."
Xuelin smirked. "Maybe I am. Or maybe I'm just preparing to deal with a future threat."
The assistant adjusted his glasses. "Or a future ally?"
Xuelin didn't reply. But his silence said enough.
CHEN YU — INSIDE THE CAR
The city passed by his window as he read over Lin Qianhong's profile again. He wasn't nervous, but he was focused.
A female CEO with family in politics. Smart, elegant, unpredictable.And dangerous — not because of her power, but because she knew how to smile while gutting her enemies with words.
Beside him, his phone buzzed again.
[Lingyun]: I'll stop if you say so. But please… just tell me the truth once. Did I ever matter to you?
He closed his eyes for a moment, then typed a reply:
[Chen Yu]: You mattered. But the world I'm building doesn't have space for half-hearts.
He hit send.
Outside the window, Tianxu City looked alive with promise. But beneath it all… shadows were moving.
BACK TO QIN XUELIN — PRIVATE ROOM
Xuelin stared at the wall, where photos of Chen Yu's recent moves were pinned.
Acquisition of Meiyun's family company.
Infiltration of Titan Corporation.
Interest from the Chen Family elders.
Unknown levels of support from hidden backers.
"Enemy?" the assistant asked.
Xuelin's voice was low.
"I don't know yet."
He reached for a red marker and drew a line connecting Chen Yu's face to a symbol: the Win Family crest.
"But I know one thing. If he keeps growing… he might be the only one who can keep the Wins in check."
He smiled faintly. Not cruel, not kind — just intrigued.
"Let's wait. Let's see who he really becomes."