TIANXU CITY — NIGHTChen Yu stood on the rooftop terrace of his villa, a cold wind brushing past his face. Below, the city lights glittered like stars that had fallen to the ground.
His sharp eyes scanned the skyline, but tonight, his instincts were louder than the view.Someone was watching him. Again.
He took a slow sip from his glass of red wine, then turned his head slightly. "Meiyun."
From behind him, Lei Meiyun stepped out onto the terrace, dressed in a soft robe. Her expression, though calm, hinted at concern.
"You felt it too?" she asked quietly.
Chen Yu nodded. "I've been watched for three nights now. Not the Qin Family this time. It's someone else."
He reached into his coat pocket and took out his phone. "Contact Shield Security. Get a high-tier surveillance team in place. I want infrared, AI pattern scans, aerial drones—the works."
Meiyun raised a brow. "That serious?"
Chen Yu's tone was low. "I don't believe in ghosts, Meiyun. But whoever is watching me… they're good at not being found. That makes them dangerous."
She gave a short nod. "I'll handle it."
Before she turned to leave, Chen Yu reached out and gently took her hand.
"Thank you," he said, his voice softer.
Meiyun froze for a second, startled. Then she smiled faintly and gave his hand a squeeze. "You don't need to thank me. I'm your partner."
She walked back inside, leaving Chen Yu alone again. He stared into the distance, then muttered under his breath, "Win Family… is it you?"
SOMEWHERE UNKNOWN — A HIDDEN ROOM
A single candle flickered in the darkness. Thick velvet curtains covered every window, and a strange symbol was etched into the wall—a twisting crest shaped like a rising serpent.
Five people sat around a long table. Each wore a dark suit, their faces obscured by black masks.
At the head of the table sat a man—calm, composed, and commanding. His mask was different—white, with crimson eyes painted over it.
"Chen Yu," he said, voice smooth and deep. "He's accelerated faster than expected. The Qin Family failed to suppress him. Even the Chen Family has begun to stir."
One of the masked figures leaned forward. "Should we move? Disrupt his current acquisition?"
The white-masked man shook his head slowly. "Not yet. Let him grow. Let him spread his wings. And then—"
He raised a gloved hand and clenched it into a fist.
"—we cut them off."
A shiver passed through the room.
The Win Family had remained in the shadows for decades. But now, a new player had entered the game.
And the game… was about to change.
CHEN YU'S VILLA — PRIVATE STUDY
Back inside, Chen Yu was reviewing the latest reports when his phone buzzed.
[Message: Zhao Lingyun]
"Hey... I know it's late, but I couldn't sleep. Just thinking about you again. About that night in the garden... do you ever think about it too?"
Chen Yu's eyes paused over the message. Zhao Lingyun — proud, composed, elegant — now showing cracks in her armor. She'd once ignored him. But now…?
He typed back.
"Sometimes. Especially when the night is quiet."
He didn't send a heart or a wink. Just a simple truth.
A moment later, she replied.
"You're annoying, you know that?"
"But I still wanted to message you. Goodnight, Chen Yu."
He stared at her last message, then locked his phone. Feelings were dangerous. And right now, he couldn't afford distractions. But still… a small smile crept onto his lips.
THE NEXT DAY — HAN FINANCIAL GROUP HEADQUARTERS
In the heart of Tianxu City's financial district, Chen Yu stepped into a tall building with mirrored windows. Lin Qianhong was waiting.
She stood in her office, dressed sharply in a burgundy business suit. Her eyes were cool, but behind them… curiosity lingered.
"You again," she said as he entered.
Chen Yu smiled. "Me again. I believe I now hold 60% of your company's shares. Bought quietly through proxy firms. One billion won."
Lin Qianhong's eyes narrowed. "Why?"
"I wanted to meet you."
She blinked, surprised for the first time.
Chen Yu walked past her and stood by the window. "When I was researching local financial firms, yours stood out. But it wasn't the balance sheets. It was your decisions. Risky. Bold. Almost reckless. And yet… every one of them paid off."
He turned back to her. "I like people like that."
Lin Qianhong's cheeks flushed slightly before she recovered. "So what now? You've made your move. Are you here to replace me?"
Chen Yu chuckled. "No. I'm here to empower you. With 60%, I can control this company. But I want you to lead it."
"And if I say no?"
"Then I walk out. But not before letting every competitor know this firm is up for grabs. You won't survive a week without my backing."
There was a beat of silence.
Then Lin Qianhong let out a breath and laughed softly. "You're dangerous."
"I'm effective."
She walked over and extended her hand. "Fine. Partner."
As their hands touched, she paused. "One question."
"Hm?"
"Why are you building all this? What's the endgame?"
Chen Yu looked her straight in the eyes. "To build an empire."
LATER THAT NIGHT — QIN FAMILY MAIN BRANCH
Qin Xuelin stood on a training ground, sword in hand. His assistant approached, holding a tablet.
"Chen Yu just took control of Han Financial."
Xuelin wiped the sweat from his brow. "He's moving fast."
"He hasn't noticed us yet. But he will."
Xuelin smirked. "Good. I want to see how far he goes. Whether he's just a flame… or a rising sun."
He turned and walked away.
In the shadows, the powers of Tianxu City were watching. Waiting. Plotting.
And Chen Yu?
He was just getting started.