Chapter 21: The Corporate War Begins

The morning sun cast a golden glow over the city skyline, but within the walls of Skyward Technologies, the atmosphere was tense. The traitor had been removed, yet Zhao Feng knew the battle was far from over.

Lu Zhenhua wouldn't back down. In fact, the Shadow Emperor's retaliation was already in motion.

Seated in his sleek office, Zhao Feng's eyes gleamed as he reviewed the latest intelligence reports. The system had traced multiple movements from Black Dragon Corporation — their goal was crystal clear.

[Objective Identified: Black Dragon Corporation Plans Hostile Acquisition of CloudLink Industries.]

CloudLink was one of the most promising startups in the AI field. Their groundbreaking Neural Adaptive Processor was rumored to be a game-changer. If Black Dragon succeeded in acquiring them, it would give them the technological edge — and Skyward would be backed into a corner.

But Zhao Feng had no intention of letting that happen.

"System," Zhao Feng commanded, "Analyze CloudLink's financial status and vulnerabilities. Find any opportunity for counterplay."

Ding!

[Analyzing…]

[CloudLink Valuation: $8.5 Billion]

[Pending Acquisition Bid from Black Dragon Corporation: $9 Billion]

[Remaining Time Before Contract Signing: 72 Hours]

"Three days," Zhao Feng muttered, his gaze sharpening. "That's all I need."

---

Zhao Feng's first move was swift. Within the hour, a secure call was placed to **Wei Jiancheng**, the CEO of CloudLink. The holographic screen displayed the middle-aged man's calm yet wary face.

"Mr. Zhao Feng," Wei Jiancheng greeted, though suspicion lingered in his voice. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I understand you're considering a buyout from Black Dragon," Zhao Feng began, his tone composed. "But I urge you to reconsider."

Wei Jiancheng raised an eyebrow. "Black Dragon offered us a generous deal. They have resources we can't ignore."

"And what if I offered you something better?" Zhao Feng countered. "A partnership with Skyward. No hostile takeover. Full operational independence — and access to our global networks."

For a moment, Wei Jiancheng seemed uncertain. But Zhao Feng wasn't finished.

"Moreover," he continued, "Black Dragon's reputation precedes them. How long before they dismantle your innovation for their own agenda? But with Skyward, your vision remains yours."

The CEO's expression shifted. Zhao Feng could sense the hesitation — the opening he needed.

"I'll have my legal team draft a proposal," Zhao Feng said firmly. "You'll have it within the hour."

Ding!

[Acquisition Disruption Plan Initiated. Probability of CloudLink Rejecting Black Dragon's Offer: +40%.]

---

While the proposal was in motion, Zhao Feng knew a corporate war wasn't fought with business strategies alone. Black Dragon Corporation thrived in the shadows, and now it was time to bring them into the light.

"System," Zhao Feng ordered, "Retrieve all public and internal data on Black Dragon's recent acquisitions. Find any irregularities."

Ding!

[Scanning…]

Minutes later, the system displayed a flashing report.

[Data Identified: Black Dragon Corporation Involved in Multiple Illegal Asset Transfers.]

[Evidence of Corporate Espionage and Unethical Business Practices Detected.]

Zhao Feng's grin widened. Lu Zhenhua thought he was untouchable, but even the Shadow Emperor left footprints.

"System, compile the report and send it to major financial media outlets," Zhao Feng commanded. "Ensure it reaches the regulators as well."

Ding!

[Report Dispatched. Impact Expected Within 12 Hours.]

---

## Phase Three: The Decisive Blow

The following morning, news headlines exploded across the industry.

- "Black Dragon Corporation Under Investigation for Illegal Dealings!"

- "CloudLink Reconsiders Black Dragon Buyout After Scandal Emerges!"

- "Skyward Technologies Offers Counter-Deal — Experts Call It a Genius Move!"

Lu Zhenhua's carefully constructed empire was suddenly under siege. Investors pulled back, regulators launched probes, and public confidence plummeted.

But Zhao Feng wasn't done.

The system's notification flashed once more.

Ding!

[Mission Complete: Disrupt Black Dragon Corporation's Acquisition Plans.]

[Reward: +80 Million Simp Coins, Business Influence +1000]

[Current Simp Coins: 99 Trillion 356 Million]

---

Later that evening, Zhao Feng stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of his penthouse office. The city's lights flickered like stars below, a symbol of his growing dominance.

His phone buzzed. It was a message from Cheng Tianlong.

> "You move fast, Zhao Feng. Lu Zhenhua won't forget this. Stay sharp."

Zhao Feng's smirk didn't fade.

"Let him come," he thought. "The Shadow Emperor has fallen from his throne. And soon, I'll be the one standing above all."