The Art of Acquisition
Following his second decisive, low-effort baseball victory, Li Tianyi decided the perfect reward for his "strenuous" public duty was indulging in the simpler, more enjoyable efficiency of acquisition. He skipped all subsequent athletic obligations, citing the need for "prolonged strategic rest."
He was in his private, climate-controlled garage—a pristine hall displaying a collection of rare vehicles. He wasn't looking at them; he was looking at the vast, unfilled space.
"Qingyao," Li Tianyi instructed, reviewing data on his holo-pad. "The Dragon Capital Wealth System suggests that due to the geopolitical instability, the value of rare physical luxury assets is predicted to appreciate significantly faster than liquid commodities. An excellent opportunity for enjoyable investment."
Su Qingyao, ever the model of logistical efficiency, stood ready. "We have prepared a list of the world's highest-value luxury acquisitions, Chairman Li. All require immediate, decisive purchasing."
"Begin with the essentials," Li Tianyi directed, his gold eyes scanning the data.
Automotive: "Acquire the latest Bespoke Zenith Hypercar. Not for speed, but for the craftsmanship. Specify the 'Quiet Elegance' package—I require absolute silence and insulation from the chaotic noise of the outside world."
Timepiece: "Purchase the Patek Philippe Grand Complication reference 6300G. Not for telling time—my schedule is managed entirely by you—but for the complexity of its mechanism. Complexity executed flawlessly is a form of elegance I appreciate."
Art: "Secure the lost Renoir sketch currently held by the Duke of Wessex. Offer three times its market valuation. Its beauty is its only worth, but I dislike the inefficient drama of prolonged negotiation."
Qingyao logged each request instantly. "All assets will be secured and delivered to the penthouse by the end of the day, utilizing Dragon Capital's prioritized logistics network."
Li Tianyi nodded, satisfied. He wasn't collecting objects; he was refining his environment, eliminating the inefficiency of desire by achieving instant, flawless acquisition.
Li Tianfeng: The Twin of Force and The Security Flaw
Later that afternoon, the calm of acquisition was interrupted by the arrival of his older twin brother, Li Tianfeng, the head of the Dragon Capital Security Division and Special Assets. Tianfeng entered the penthouse, his presence radiating quiet, contained power—a necessity given his role.
"Tianyi," Tianfeng greeted him, bypassing the usual pleasantries about the new Hypercar that was already being detailed below. "I am here because your recent visibility has created a security flaw."
Li Tianyi, now meticulously cleaning the glass case holding his favorite vintage Himalaya Birkin, paused. "The baseball games were a political necessity. My personal security—The Shadow Contingent—is flawless."
"Their discretion is flawless," Tianfeng corrected, placing a sleek, encrypted device on the nearby granite counter. "Their deterrent is subtle. The groups who rely on chaos—specifically the remnants of the Bronze Tiger Syndicate—view that subtlety as weakness."
"Inefficient and predictable," Li Tianyi sighed, accepting the device.
"Predictable, but active," Tianfeng insisted. "My New Dawn Security team intercepted chatter indicating that the Bronze Tiger Syndicate is actively attempting to sabotage the delivery of one of your new assets—specifically, the Patek Philippe watch. They plan to use the chaos of the delivery route to launch a crude ambush, hoping to use the asset as a means of leverage against you."
Li Tianyi looked at the image of the exquisite timepiece on the device, mildly irritated by the attempt to contaminate his elegant acquisition.
"Their focus should be on bankruptcy management, not criminal activity," Li Tianyi noted.
"Their methods are crude, Tianyi. But they are violent," Tianfeng said sternly. "I am not asking you to engage. I am asking you to acknowledge that my solution is necessary. I have preemptively rerouted the delivery truck. The timepiece will be delivered by a fully armored New Dawn convoy, protected by an entire mobile unit."
Tianfeng looked his younger brother directly in the eye. "If they interfere, the response will be immediate, decisive, and overwhelming. Do not worry about the mess. The New Dawn will clean it up."
Li Tianyi finally smiled, a rare sign of genuine approval. "Thank you, Tianfeng. Your willingness to eliminate the potential for messy, chaotic interference is appreciated. Your security efficiency is the perfect counterpoint to my financial and aesthetic efficiency."
With the assurance that his new timepiece would arrive protected by overwhelming, overwhelming force, Li Tianyi returned to admiring the space in his garage. He already knew where the Bespoke Zenith Hypercar would sit.