The Unseen Storm

The sterile scent of disinfectant clung to the hospital corridors as Ye Chen stared at the black card in his palm. Its matte surface absorbed the fluorescent light, a silent testament to the hundred billion yuan it represented. Tang Sihai's words echoed: "This is merely your living allowance."

Across the city, the Xiao family's laughter still reverberated through their gilded halls. Madam Xiao had declared him a "stain on their honor," yet here he stood, holding more power than their entire lineage could fathom. A bitter smile touched his lips. How quickly fortunes shift when shadows become kings.

He dialed the number on Tang Sihai's card. "Transfer two million to Union Hospital—anonymous donor. Clear Auntie Li's debt by dawn." The operator's stammered confirmation was drowned by the rhythmic beep of ICU monitors.

Meanwhile, in the Xiao villa, Xiao Churan faced a tribunal of scorn. Her mother's shrill voice sliced through the tension: "Divorce him! Marry Zhang Wenhao, or we'll be beggars!" The family's eyes—sharp as daggers—waited for her submission.

"No." Her whisper was steel. "I made a vow."

Madam Xiao's cane struck marble. "Then starve with your trash husband!"

Unseen by them, financial tremors had already begun. Di Hao Group's board convened at midnight, their new chairman's first order rippling through spreadsheets: "Terminate all partnerships with the Wang and Zhang conglomerates." By 3 AM, stock tickers bled red, and panic seeped into elite circles.

Ye Chen stood at the hospital rooftop, the city's skyline sprawled beneath him like a conquered chessboard. A text buzzed—Xiao Churan: "They've cut our funding. Grandmother says we're on our own."

His thumb hovered over the screen. Not for long.

In the darkness, a plan crystallized. He summoned Tang Sihai. "Acquire 51% of Xiao's Import Trading before sunrise. Route it through offshore shells."

"And the board?"

"Let them think it's a hostile takeover." His gaze hardened. "They'll kneel before they realize it's salvation."

As dawn broke, Xiao Churan opened her laptop. An email glowed—Subject: Investment Offer from Golden Horizon Capital. Attached, a contract granting her company 500 million yuan… with no strings attached.

Her trembling fingers traced the digital signature block. Who…?

Behind her, Ye Chen watched through the cracked door. The dragon emblem on his keychain caught the first light—a silent promise. Your war is mine now.