The First Move

Wenna had always believed that information was power, and in her world, power was everything. The moment she returned to her penthouse after the gala, she activated the Shenhao System for guidance.

"System, analyze Victor Huang."

A moment later, the familiar voice of the system replied:

"Victor Huang. Age: 33. Education: Graduate of Harvard Business School. Background: Wealthy family with deep-rooted connections in the tech industry. Current assets: $2.8 billion and rising. Primary strengths: Strategic thinking, aggressive acquisitions, and influence in the energy and tech sectors. Warning: Victor Huang's network poses a significant threat to your ventures."

Wenna's brows knitted together. As much as she hated to admit it, Victor wasn't just skilled—he was dangerous. He wasn't a self-made entrepreneur clawing his way to the top like she was. He had the connections, the resources, and the kind of generational wealth that could make his moves nearly unstoppable. But if he thought she would let him outshine her, he had underestimated her resolve.

Her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. It was Zhang Wei.

"Miss Wenna," Zhang's voice came through, measured and calm. "I heard you met Victor Huang tonight."

Wenna walked to her floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking the city bathed in night lights. "I did. He's already proving to be a thorn in my side."

Zhang chuckled softly. "Victor has a reputation for disrupting industries. He doesn't build empires; he takes them over. If you're not careful, he'll see your businesses as stepping stones."

"I'm aware," Wenna replied, her voice cold and sharp. "I won't allow that."

There was a pause on the line before Zhang spoke again. "I suggest we meet. If Victor is targeting you, it won't just be your businesses at stake. I've seen what he does to rivals. It's not just financial—it's personal."

The Alliance

The next morning, Wenna arrived at Zhang Wei's private estate. His villa was a fortress of modern design, tucked away in the city's most exclusive district. Marble floors, priceless art, and crystal chandeliers reflected his status, but Wenna had little time to admire it. She was here for answers.

Zhang greeted her in his study, where a massive mahogany desk sat under a wall of bookshelves. "I've been researching Victor since I heard about his recent moves," he began without preamble. "He's not just targeting your industries—he's targeting you."

Wenna's eyes narrowed. "Explain."

Zhang gestured to a folder on his desk, which she picked up and opened. Inside were documents detailing Victor's recent acquisitions. Each move was eerily close to her ventures. A factory she had planned to purchase had been snapped up by him days before. A technology patent she had her eyes on was now under his name.

"He's been watching you," Zhang continued. "Victor doesn't just compete—he eliminates."

Wenna's jaw tightened. The gall of this man to target her so openly infuriated her, but she wouldn't let her emotions cloud her judgment. If Victor wanted a war, she would give him one.

"Zhang, I need allies," she said, her tone decisive. "Victor may have power, but so do I. Together, we can outmaneuver him."

Zhang smiled faintly. "I was hoping you'd say that. Consider me in."

Striking Back

Later that week, Wenna made her first counter-move. She focused on securing the acquisition of a renewable energy startup that Victor had shown interest in. It was a high-risk gamble—the startup was small but had patented technology that could revolutionize the industry. If Wenna acquired it, she would gain a foothold in an emerging market, one that Victor was already trying to dominate.

Using the Shenhao System, she strategized every step. The system provided her with a detailed analysis of the startup's worth, the key stakeholders, and the most effective negotiation tactics.

The next day, Wenna met with the startup's founders. They were a pair of young engineers with big dreams but little funding. They seemed skeptical when she first walked into their modest office, dressed in an understated designer pantsuit.

"Miss Wenna, we appreciate your interest, but we're already in talks with another investor," one of the founders, a man named Leo, said cautiously.

Wenna smiled, unperturbed. "I know Victor Huang has approached you," she said bluntly, surprising them. "But let me tell you why partnering with me is your better option."

She laid out her vision for their company—a plan to not only fund their research but also expand their operations globally. She promised them autonomy in their work and shared her connections in the industry. Unlike Victor, who was known for taking over companies and gutting their teams, Wenna offered them a future where they could thrive.

By the end of the meeting, the founders were convinced. The contract was signed the next day, and the acquisition was finalized.

Victor's Retaliation

Victor didn't take the loss lightly. A few days later, Wenna received word that one of her major investors was pulling out of a lucrative real estate deal. The investor, a long-time partner, cited "unforeseen circumstances," but Wenna knew the truth. Victor was behind it.

She didn't panic. Instead, she leaned into the Shenhao System's guidance.

"System, identify new investors to replace the lost funding."

Within seconds, the system presented her with a list of potential backers, including profiles, interests, and strategies to approach them. Wenna wasted no time.

She arranged meetings with two of the wealthiest investors on the list. The meetings were held at her penthouse, where the luxurious surroundings served as a testament to her success. She presented her plans with precision, showcasing the potential for massive returns.

By the end of the evening, both investors had agreed to fund her project, replacing the lost capital and then some.

A Public Challenge

The next major confrontation between Wenna and Victor occurred at a high-profile business summit. Both were invited to speak on a panel about the future of sustainable energy.

Wenna arrived dressed in a sleek emerald-green gown that turned heads as she walked into the room. Victor, as always, was dressed impeccably, his calm demeanor hiding the storm brewing beneath.

The panel discussion was polite at first, with each speaker sharing their insights. But when the moderator asked about competition in the market, Victor couldn't resist a jab.

"Sustainable energy is a complex field," he said, his tone smooth but pointed. "It requires more than just ambition—it requires experience and the ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges. Not everyone is equipped to handle that."

Wenna's eyes locked onto his, a challenge blazing in her gaze. "Experience is important," she said evenly. "But innovation often comes from those willing to take risks and break new ground. Playing it safe only gets you so far."

The audience murmured, sensing the tension between them.

Victor smiled faintly, but there was no warmth in it. "Let's hope your risks pay off, Miss Liu."

"They already have," Wenna replied, her voice cold and confident. "And they will continue to."

Preparing for the War Ahead

As the summit ended, Wenna returned to her penthouse, her mind buzzing with plans. Victor had declared war, and she was ready to fight.

The Shenhao System chimed in.

"Congratulations! You have secured a major business acquisition and successfully countered an attack from Victor Huang. As a reward, you have unlocked a new asset: a private island in the Caribbean."

Wenna smiled. The rewards were only growing, and so was her empire. Victor Huang may have been a formidable rival, but he had underestimated the lengths she was willing to go to secure her place at the top.

This was only the beginning.