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Chapter 10 - Storm Before the Calm — The Hidden Ally

The wind howled outside the penthouse windows as Li Zhen sat alone, his fingers drumming anxiously on the glass table. The government inquiry had rattled the foundations of his newfound empire. For the first time since activating the "Live Wild" system, uncertainty crept into his mind.

He had faced rejection, betrayal, and ruthless rivals — but the law was an entirely different beast.

Two days after the inquiry…

The headlines were mixed.

"Student Tycoon Under Investigation: Fraud or Miracle?"

"Live Wild System Raises Legal Questions"

"Is Li Zhen a Genius or a Cheat?"

Comments flooded social media, dividing public opinion. His followers stood by him fiercely, but detractors used the moment to attack relentlessly.

Li Zhen's phone buzzed nonstop — some messages of encouragement, others filled with doubt.

His balance was steady, but cashback rewards had paused, making him cautious.

System Notification:

"Cashback suspended temporarily due to regulatory status. Mental Fortitude skill activated. Host's resilience +30%. Duration: 72 hours."

Despite the chaos, an unexpected message arrived.

[Private] Liu Man:

"Zhen, I heard about the inquiry. Meet me at Luxe Club tonight. I may have a solution."

Liu Man—the CEO who had invited him to the Black Card Club—was his only link to the city's shadowed elite.

8:00 PM — Luxe Club, Hidden City Lounge

Li Zhen stepped through the velvet curtains, the music and chatter swirling around him. Liu Man waited at a secluded table, her expression serious.

"Sit," she said.

Li Zhen obliged.

"I know the system is… unusual," she began, "but I've got contacts in the government — powerful ones. People who understand that sometimes, innovation looks like rebellion."

He raised an eyebrow. "And you want to help?"

She smiled. "Because you're not just a threat. You're an opportunity. If you survive this, you'll be a symbol for a new era."

She slid a slim envelope across the table.

"Inside: confidential information and a legal team you can trust. Use it wisely."

Li Zhen's fingers curled around the envelope.

"Why help me?"

"Because," she said, leaning closer, "everyone loves a wild card. Especially one who plays to win."

The Next Day — Legal Fortress

Li Zhen met with a new team of elite lawyers. With Liu Man's backing, they mapped out a defense strategy blending tech innovation, legal precedent, and public relations.

They emphasized transparency, cooperation, and building alliances.

System Message:

"New Quest Unlocked: 'Navigate the Legal Storm.'

Objectives: Survive inquiry, maintain public support, restore cashback.

Rewards: 'Wild Visionary' title and increased cashback multiplier."**

Li Zhen felt a surge of determination.

Meanwhile, at WeiCorp

Fang Wei watched the developments with growing frustration.

"Liu Man is playing both sides," he growled. "If Li Zhen escapes this, we lose control."

Chen Hao clenched his fists. "We need a counterstrike. I'll handle it."

Back in the penthouse

Li Zhen stood on his balcony, city lights stretching beneath him.

He had come so far — from a dumped student to a CEO under siege.

Yet he wasn't alone.

He had the system, allies like Liu Man, and most importantly — his own wild spirit.

"Bring the storm," he whispered.

"I'll turn it into a hurricane."

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