The downfall of the Wang family sent ripples through the business world. Overnight, a once-proud clothing empire crumbled like sand castles before the tide.
But what truly shook insiders was not the collapse itself—it was the mystery surrounding it.
The Wang family had enjoyed stable relations with suppliers for decades, and no rivals seemed capable of pulling such ruthless strings. Yet within weeks, contracts dissolved, shipments halted, and debts snowballed. The Wang patriarch tried appealing to officials, but doors that once opened with a smile now shut with silence.
People whispered.
"It must have been bad luck.""Perhaps the Wangs offended some hidden tiger in the government.""Maybe a foreign competitor pulled strings."
Even the Xu family, who had been closest allies to the Wangs, dismissed the collapse as "a misstep in politics". But none considered Liang Chen, the seemingly ordinary scholarship student at Zhonghai University, as the hidden hand that guided the storm.
In truth, Liang remained invisible in Beijing's gossip circles. His name carried little weight compared to the centuries-old clans and their gilded offspring. To his classmates at Zhonghai University of Business and Finance, he was still "the guy who owns that fancy restaurant, Twin Tower".
A few admired him, many envied him, and most simply misunderstood him.
But outside the capital—Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou—things were different.
Investors knew the truth. Officials whispered his name. Entrepreneurs studied his methods.
Liang Chen had founded Odoo Cab, an all-electric ride-hailing fleet that demolished outdated taxi monopolies.He had launched Food-i-Way, a food delivery platform that connected locals to their favorite cuisines in record time.He had pioneered ExpressCart, a rapid delivery company with fifteen-minute fulfillment, rewriting logistics standards across the country.
And of course—Twin Tower.
Once mocked as just another rich-boy vanity project, it now stood as Beijing's pride: a glittering monument of luxury and culture. Tourists flocked to its courtyards, officials courted its prestige, and billionaires reserved its private dining halls months in advance. It was no longer just a restaurant—it was the hub for business, diplomacy, and culture.
But on campus, none of this mattered. To most of his peers, Liang Chen was a mere "restaurant owner."
It was early spring when Zhonghai University buzzed with news of two new arrivals.
"They're coming from the Global Exchange Program.""I heard one of them is a Rothschild! As in the Rothschild family!""And the girl? A Russian princess or something—Petrov. She's supposed to be insanely beautiful and smart."
The lecture halls, dormitories, and campus cafés erupted with excitement. Professors spoke with rehearsed formality, while students gossiped with wide-eyed anticipation.
When they finally arrived, they did not disappoint.
Alexander Rothschild. Tall, golden-haired, with the kind of polished charisma born from old money and endless privilege. He walked with an effortless arrogance, as though the air itself bent to his presence. Professors nearly tripped over themselves to greet him, citing his family's historic prestige in banking and politics. Students fawned, eager to bask in the aura of nobility.
Elena Petrov. Elegant, sharp-eyed, with the poise of someone born into aristocracy but tempered by intellect. Her beauty was undeniable, but it was her mind that drew respect—fluent in multiple languages, with accolades in economics and diplomacy. To her peers, she instantly became the campus goddess.
Alexander thrived in the spotlight, smirking as crowds gathered around him. Elena, however, stood slightly apart, her gaze cool, assessing, uninterested in superficial adoration.
For weeks, Alexander dominated campus life. Every student event seemed to orbit his presence. When he entered a classroom, whispers followed. Professors quoted him in lectures, girls competed for his attention, and even some ambitious young men pledged themselves to his circle.
Xu Jian, ever eager to hitch his wagon to greater stars, quickly aligned with Alexander. He hung by his side, praising him loudly in public. "This is how true aristocracy carries itself," Xu Jian proclaimed, shooting glances at Liang whenever possible.
Liang Chen, however, remained unmoved. He attended classes as usual, participated in discussions, and returned to his businesses without fanfare. His quiet confidence neither wavered nor sought validation.
Elena noticed.
While Alexander basked in admiration, Elena's sharp eyes often drifted across lecture halls to where Liang sat, pen in hand, jotting notes with calm precision. Unlike others, she saw no insecurity in his composure—only an assurance born from someone who didn't need validation to know his worth.
It was at the Spring Cultural Gala, hosted by the university, that everything came to a head.
The grand auditorium glittered with decorations, filled with laughter, music, and the hum of conversation. Professors mingled with students, and the highlight of the evening was a speech by none other than Alexander Rothschild.
Dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, Alexander took the stage with practiced ease.
"My friends," he began, his voice smooth and commanding, "it is an honor to share this evening with the brightest minds of Zhonghai University. In every corner of this campus, I see ambition, passion, and the spirit of innovation. It reminds me of my family's journey, of how true wealth and vision are passed from generation to generation."
Thunderous applause followed. Xu Jian clapped the loudest, eyes glowing with reverence.
Alexander smiled graciously, then, with a casual air, added:
"Of course, not all 'innovation' is truly innovation. Some confuse convenience with progress. Take, for example, opening a restaurant and calling it visionary."
A ripple spread through the crowd. Heads turned instinctively toward Liang Chen. This comment was directly targeted at Liang who was in spotlight before the arrival of Alexander and Elena.
Xu Jian's eyes lit up with glee. Several students chuckled, eager to ingratiate themselves with Alexander. A few looked uneasy, while others fell silent, not daring to oppose a Rothschild heir.
Liang Chen, sitting near the back, raised his head slowly. His expression remained calm, his posture relaxed.
Alexander's smirk widened. "At best, he is a restaurant owner who mistakes convenience for innovation. True vision requires more than a kitchen and a menu."
The room buzzed. Xu Jian muttered loud enough for those nearby to hear: "Exactly! Finally, someone said it."
Elena's lips curved slightly—not in amusement, but curiosity. Her gaze sharpened, waiting to see how Liang would respond.
Liang rose. He didn't rush, didn't scowl, didn't flinch. He adjusted his jacket, walked toward the stage, and took the microphone when it was offered.
For a heartbeat, the hall was silent.
Then, with the faintest of smiles, Liang spoke.
"Build something yourself first."
His voice was steady, carrying effortlessly through the hall.
"Without family money. Without inherited networks. Without centuries of connections laid out like a red carpet. Build something from scratch. Put in the sleepless nights. Feel the weight of failure. Carry the responsibility of feeding not only yourself but the dozens—hundreds—of people who depend on your decisions to make a living. Do that. Then we'll talk about vision."
The silence was deafening.
Liang handed the microphone back and returned to his seat as if nothing had happened.
The auditorium was split. Some students exchanged stunned looks. A few whispered in admiration. Others—especially those enamored with Alexander—shifted uncomfortably, unwilling to cheer for either side.
Xu Jian clenched his fists, his face red with indignation. Alexander's smile faltered for just an instant before he regained composure, though his eyes now glinted with hostility.
Elena, however, smiled genuinely for the first time that night. It was faint, almost imperceptible, but there was no mistaking the spark of intrigue in her gaze. That was astatement that directly shattered everything Alexander had built. In the mind of these students now there was a seed of doubt about whether Alexander was truly worthy or just lucky. Was all his worth result of his family background.
In her mind, only one thought lingered: This one… Liang Chen... is no ordinary man.
As the night drew to a close, whispers spread through campus. Some said Liang had embarrassed a Rothschild heir. Others insisted Alexander had merely dismissed a "restaurant owner."
But one thing was certain: Liang Chen was no longer invisible. His calm defiance had left an impression—one that neither Alexander nor Xu Jian would forget.
And somewhere deep inside, a storm was brewing.