The thunderous applause still echoed through the ballroom, but Zhao Feng remained composed, his expression calm and unreadable. Luo Shao's reluctant declaration of defeat had sealed the night's fate. Every pair of eyes lingered on Zhao Feng — admiration, curiosity, even envy.
But Zhao Feng paid no mind. He had won, and that was enough.
Ding!
[Mission Complete: Defeat Luo Shao in a Public Showdown.]
[Reward Claimed: +10 Million Simp Coins, Prestige +200, Influence +150.]
[Current Simp Coins: 99 Trillion 116 Million]
"Impressive," Su Ling murmured, her crimson lips curling into a smirk. "You handled that better than I expected."
Zhao Feng shrugged. "It was hardly a challenge."
Just as Su Ling opened her mouth to respond, a melodic voice called out from behind.
"Zhao Feng."
He turned to find Bai Xinyue approaching, her delicate features tense. She wore a pristine white dress that accentuated her ethereal beauty, but even her elegance couldn't mask the turmoil in her eyes.
"Xinyue," Zhao Feng greeted, his tone unreadable.
For a moment, she said nothing. Then, with a forced smile, she spoke. "You've changed."
Zhao Feng's lips curled slightly. "People change when they stop wasting time on those who never appreciated them."
Bai Xinyue flinched. She opened her mouth to retort, but no words came. The Zhao Feng in front of her wasn't the pitiful admirer she had once ignored. He was powerful. Confident. Untouchable.
"Excuse me," she finally muttered, before turning away and vanishing into the crowd.
But just as Zhao Feng thought the night's events had concluded, another figure approached.
"Mr. Zhao."
A middle-aged man in a crisp black suit stepped forward, his presence radiating authority. The silver emblem on his chest gleamed — the unmistakable mark of the Cheng Consortium, one of the most influential business conglomerates in the city.
Zhao Feng's brows rose slightly. "And you are?"
The man smiled faintly. "My name is **Cheng Wei**, director of the Cheng Consortium. My chairman has taken quite an interest in you."
"Your chairman?"
"Yes. Chairman Cheng believes that talent should never be overlooked. After your performance tonight, he wishes to meet with you personally."
A ripple of intrigue swept through the room. The Cheng Consortium wasn't just any corporation. Partnering with them meant instant access to unimaginable resources and influence. Luo Shao's face paled further as he realized how thoroughly Zhao Feng had outclassed him.
Zhao Feng's mind raced. A direct meeting with one of the city's most powerful figures? The system had undoubtedly set this opportunity in motion.
Ding!
[New Mission: Attend the Meeting with the Cheng Consortium.]
[Reward: +20 Million Simp Coins, Business Influence +300]
Cheng Wei extended a sleek black envelope. "The meeting will be held at the Cheng Tower, tomorrow evening. I trust you'll be there."
Zhao Feng accepted the envelope with a confident nod. "I wouldn't miss it."
As Cheng Wei departed, Su Ling crossed her arms, her gaze unreadable. "The Cheng Consortium doesn't offer invitations lightly. You really are full of surprises."
Zhao Feng smirked. "This is just the beginning."
The night may have ended in victory, but Zhao Feng's ascent had only begun. The world of power, wealth, and influence now lay wide open — and he intended to claim it all.