Chapter 24: The First Step into Luxury

hao Feng stood before the towering glass windows of his penthouse, the cityscape sprawling beneath him. The world knew him as the technological titan who brought Black Dragon Corporation to its knees and turned Skyward Technologies into an unshakable empire. Yet, even with all that, Zhao Feng felt a void.

Wealth had come swiftly. Power followed. But now, the question lingered — what next?

"Boss," Xiao Ling's calm voice broke his thoughts. She approached with a tablet, her usual composed demeanor barely concealing the curiosity in her eyes. "Skyward's global revenue hit a record high this quarter. You've conquered the tech industry. Are we continuing to expand in this sector?"

Zhao Feng shook his head. "Tech is a tool. It changes lives, but it doesn't define how people see themselves." His voice was steady, filled with purpose. "Luxury does."

Xiao Ling blinked, surprised. "Luxury?"

Zhao Feng turned toward her, a faint smile playing on his lips. "People don't buy luxury for necessity. They buy it for identity. For status. And when I control that, I don't just own a business — I own their desires."

---

To Zhao Feng, luxury wasn't just a market — it was a kingdom, ruled by legacy brands and untouchable elites. Laurel Vogue and Eon Luxe had maintained their reigns for decades, commanding both fashion and lifestyle.

But Zhao Feng had no intention of standing in their shadow.

"Xiao Ling," Zhao Feng continued, his voice dripping with confidence. "Get me a full analysis of the luxury sector. From fashion and jewelry to resorts and private aviation."

She nodded, already tapping away on her device. "Consider it done, Boss. But..." She hesitated. "There will be resistance. The luxury world is built on reputation and legacy. Even with your influence, they'll see you as an outsider."

Zhao Feng's smirk widened. "Then we won't knock on their doors. We'll build our own palace — and make them watch."

---

Zhao Feng leaned against his leather chair as the familiar chime of the system echoed in his mind.

Ding!

[Luxury Empire Expansion Protocol Initiated.]

[Objective: Establish Feng International — A Global Luxury Conglomerate.]

[Target Sectors: High Fashion, Jewelry, Hospitality, and Premium Experiences.]

[Optional Bonus: Dominate Multiple Sectors Within 24 Months for a Special Reward.]

Zhao Feng's eyes gleamed. Unlike the corporate battles of the tech world, this expansion would be a test of finesse — influence over brute force.

The system provided him with detailed insights into the market:

- Maison Bellavance: A once-illustrious French fashion house, now struggling to stay relevant.

- Aurora Luxe: Known for its exquisite gemstone pieces, but plagued by poor management.

- EternaFit: A rising star in the athleisure scene, yet unable to expand globally.

These weren't just businesses. They were symbols. And soon, they would bear Zhao Feng's name.

---

The First Move: The Fall of Bellavance

Days later, Zhao Feng's sleek black Bentley pulled up in front of a lavish five-star hotel in the heart of Paris. The air smelled of fresh rain, the cobblestone streets gleaming under the city lights.

"Maison Bellavance's shareholders are expecting a formal acquisition offer," Xiao Ling said, stepping out beside him. "But their CEO, Henri Leclerc, is known for rejecting outside influence. He'll resist."

Zhao Feng adjusted his cufflinks, the subtle glint of his custom platinum watch catching the light. "Resistance?" He chuckled. "Then let's make him an offer he can't ignore."

The meeting room reeked of old-world luxury — velvet curtains, golden chandeliers, and hand-painted frescoes on the ceiling. Seated at the head of the table was Henri Leclerc, a thin man in his sixties, his expression a mask of disdain.

"Mr. Zhao," Henri began, his French accent thick. "Maison Bellavance is a legacy. Not a mere asset for billionaires to play with."

Zhao Feng met his gaze, unbothered. "And yet, it's a legacy on the brink of collapse. Last quarter's losses exceeded 300 million euros. Your latest collection was a disaster. The world no longer desires Bellavance."

A ripple of discomfort spread through the shareholders. Henri's face twitched, but he remained composed.

"And you believe you can change that?"

Zhao Feng leaned forward, his voice low and commanding. "I don't believe. I know."

He tapped the tablet Xiao Ling handed him, revealing a detailed strategy.

- Rebranding the Bellavance name, blending traditional French elegance with cutting-edge modern design.

- Exclusive Collaborations with global celebrities and influential designers.

- Tech-Enhanced Fashion — Limited-edition gowns with embedded smart fabrics that adapt to the wearer's mood.

"This is not just fashion," Zhao Feng declared. "It's an experience. One that the world will fight to own."

The room fell silent. Even Henri couldn't conceal the flicker of intrigue in his eyes.

"You have seven days to decide," Zhao Feng said, rising from his seat. "But when the world sees what Feng International has to offer, Bellavance will either stand at the top — or crumble beneath us."

Without another word, he turned and walked out, Xiao Ling trailing behind him.

---

That evening, Zhao Feng relaxed in his private suite, the city skyline twinkling beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. Xiao Ling stood nearby, phone in hand.

"Boss," she reported, a rare hint of excitement in her voice. "Henri just called. Bellavance has agreed to the acquisition. Effective immediately."

Ding!

[Maison Bellavance Acquired.]

[Luxury Market Influence +500]

[Next Target Identified: Aurora Luxe Fine Jewelry.]

Zhao Feng smiled. The first piece of his empire had fallen into place.

"Prepare the next move," he said calmly. "The luxury world isn't ready for what's coming."

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