Chapter 22: The Hidden Agenda Behind the Grand Meeting

Even after the Grand Meeting of Elite Talents concluded, the atmosphere in the hall remained charged. Diệp Lạc Duật Vân's victory had shaken the entire landscape, leaving both the audience and his competitors in stunned silence. But behind the victor's dazzling triumph, the backstage area seethed with turbulent emotions.

The Inner World of the Defeated

Minh Hoàng sat quietly in the waiting room, the neon lights casting a pallid glow on his face etched with disappointment. His name was absent from the final rankings. It was a bitter pill to swallow. He clenched his fists, replaying each wrong move from the competition in his mind. All his efforts, all his strategies, had fallen short of bringing him to the pinnacle of glory.

"Where did I go wrong?" He asked himself, but no answer came.

The soft footsteps of Ngọc Hân echoed in the quiet space. His friend stopped beside him, her eyes filled with sympathy. "It's alright, Minh Hoàng. You did your best. It just… wasn't your time."

Minh Hoàng didn't reply, his gaze fixed on the screen displaying the rankings. The feeling of defeat wasn't merely disappointment; it was the gnawing sense of being left behind.

The waiting room door swung open, and Thanh Khải entered. He looked at Minh Hoàng with concern. "You fought hard. That's what matters."

Minh Hoàng gave a faint smile, but couldn't conceal the sadness in his eyes. "I know… but this defeat… I can't accept it so easily."

Thanh Khải placed a hand on his shoulder, his voice warm and reassuring. "Defeat isn't the end. It's the beginning of a stronger comeback. You'll see."

The Hidden Emotions of the Victor

In contrast to Minh Hoàng's despair, Diệp Lạc Duật Vân entered his waiting room with an air of composure. There was no elation, no radiant smile. Only a pensive look.

He stood before the large window, gazing down at the city illuminated by countless lights. This victory, while seemingly glorious, carried more pressure than he had anticipated. The Diệp family had placed immense expectations on him, and from this day forward, he was no longer a sheltered young master. He had to become strong enough to protect what belonged to him.

"Tiểu Vân, you did exceptionally well." Diệp Lạc Duật Hải's voice sounded from behind him.

Duật Vân offered a faint smile. "Thank you, brother. But this is just the beginning. There are still many battles ahead."

Diệp Lạc Duật Liên stood beside him, arms crossed, a satisfied smile on her face. "You've lived up to the family name. But be careful, because after this victory, many will have their sights set on you."

Duật Vân wasn't surprised. He knew this world wasn't about just one competition. The Grand Meeting of Elite Talents had ended, but the real war had just begun.

The Movement of the Powerful

In a secluded corner, Lê Hạo Thiên and Dịch Thừa Hàn were in discussion.

"He's not as simple as we thought," Hạo Thiên said, his gaze still fixed on Duật Vân.

Dịch Thừa Hàn chuckled softly. "Of course not. But that's what makes it interesting. I don't like an opponent who's too predictable."

Hạo Thiên frowned. "I don't accept defeat. And I'm sure you don't either."

"Naturally. But there's no need to rush. There will be plenty of opportunities to turn the tables."

They exchanged a knowing look. This battle had ended, but the power struggle within the upper echelons of society was far from over.

Backstage and Secrets

While the contestants were lost in their own thoughts, in another room, a closed-door meeting was taking place.

"He really did well," a middle-aged man said slowly.

"But that means his responsibilities will be even greater," another voice replied.

Diệp Thiên Hoàng's eyes were sharp as he looked at the report in front of him. "Initiate the plan," he commanded. "We can't let anyone stand in his way."

The backstage of the Grand Meeting of Elite Talents wasn't simply a place of praise or disappointment. It was also where clandestine plans began to take shape, where powerful forces were secretly preparing for the battles to come.

And so, even though the competition had ended, the powerful were still moving forward in the shadows. A new chapter of the struggle had begun, with many schemes and challenges lying in wait.