Chapter 26: Crafting the Eclipse Collection — A Masterpiece of Desire

The low hum of the private jet accompanied Zhao Feng's thoughts as he reclined in his leather seat, a crystal glass of aged whiskey resting in his hand. The sky outside was painted in hues of gold and purple — a sunset fit for a man at the helm of an empire.

Yet even with the weight of Skyward Technologies and the newly acquired Aurora Luxe under his command, Zhao Feng's ambition was far from satisfied.

The Eclipse Collection.

It wasn't just a name; it was a declaration. Nine pieces of unparalleled jewelry, each symbolizing a celestial phenomenon. They would be coveted by royalty, billionaires, and the untouchable elite. But Zhao Feng didn't want to merely sell luxury — he wanted to redefine it.

The system had set the objective, but the vision was entirely his own.

"Xiao Ling," Zhao Feng called, the slightest shift of his gaze prompting his assistant to step forward. She carried herself with unwavering composure, the tablet in her hands glowing softly with data.

"Boss," she responded, a trace of curiosity in her eyes. "We've gathered preliminary reports on material sources. The acquisitions will be… challenging."

Zhao Feng swirled the amber liquid in his glass, his tone calm yet commanding. "Good. Challenge is the birthplace of legend."

A Legacy in Ruins

Aurora Luxe had once stood as a symbol of timeless elegance. For over a century, royalty adorned themselves with its creations. But like many legacies, it had grown complacent. In its pursuit of maintaining tradition, it had resisted innovation.

Mismanagement. Scandals. Counterfeit accusations. Each blow chipped away at its prestige.

As Zhao Feng arrived at the Aurora Luxe Artisan Studio nestled in the Swiss countryside, the weight of that legacy was palpable. The studio, though grand, bore signs of neglect. The polished marble floors were pristine, but the air was tense. Some employees whispered, others cast furtive glances at the man now in control of their fate.

Yet Zhao Feng remained undeterred.

Stepping through the gilded archways of the workshop, he was greeted by Bernard Rousseau, the former CEO who had been retained as an advisor. The older man's neatly combed silver hair and well-tailored suit spoke of refined taste, though the lines on his face betrayed the strain of the company's downfall.

"Mr. Zhao," Bernard greeted, his voice composed yet wary. "I trust your flight was pleasant."

"It was," Zhao Feng replied coolly, his sharp gaze scanning the room. "But pleasantries won't restore Aurora Luxe. I didn't come to observe. I came to create."

Bernard stiffened, but Zhao Feng's tone held no malice. Only intent.

"The Eclipse Collection will mark the rebirth of Aurora Luxe," Zhao Feng continued, stepping closer. "Nine pieces — not simply to be worn, but to be revered. The world will no longer see Aurora Luxe as a relic of the past. They will see it as a symbol of desire."

The Vision Takes Form

Seated in the grand design chamber, Zhao Feng's presence commanded the attention of the world's most skilled artisans. Renowned jewelers, master gem cutters, and metalworkers had been summoned. Each of them knew the significance of the task ahead.

Before them, Zhao Feng laid out the concepts — each design inspired by celestial phenomena. But they weren't mere sketches. Every line, every curve spoke of boldness and intention.

The Black Sun — A black diamond as dark as the abyss, suspended within platinum tendrils like an eclipse swallowing the light.

Lunar Serenity — A crescent moon crafted from blue diamonds, glowing softly against a silver chain.

Eternal Zenith — A golden bracelet, adorned with rotating gemstone constellations that mapped the wearer's zodiac.

The artisans studied the designs in awe. Yet, the unspoken question lingered.

"These materials," one of the jewelers finally spoke, his voice hesitant, "are nearly impossible to source. Black diamonds of that purity are rarer than even the finest pink diamonds. And authentic celestial-grade blue diamonds are said to be long lost."

Zhao Feng's expression remained unmoved. "Then we will find them."

The Hunt for the Impossible

Days later, Zhao Feng stood in his expansive office atop Skyward Tower. Xiao Ling's reports filled the air around him as holographic projections displayed the scattered locations of the rarest gemstones in existence.

"Begin with the Black Diamond," Zhao Feng commanded, his voice low. "A gem like that will not simply be listed for sale. Its existence will be whispered — hidden among collectors, warlords, and tycoons."

Xiao Ling nodded, her fingers moving swiftly across the tablet. "There's a report of a flawless black diamond held by a private collector in Monaco. The Midnight Sovereign — rumored to be worth over 300 million euros."

"Arrange a meeting."

"And the blue diamonds for Lunar Serenity?" she continued. "The most promising lead traces to an undersea mine off the coast of South Africa. The excavation is costly and dangerous."

Zhao Feng's response was swift. "Secure the permits. Double the cost if necessary. I want the ocean floor searched."

"And the celestial fragments for Eternal Zenith?"

A brief pause followed before Xiao Ling's voice lowered. "Meteorite fragments of the purity you demand are exceedingly rare. One such fragment, however, is believed to be held by the Emir of Qatar — displayed as a family treasure."

Zhao Feng's eyes gleamed. "Invite him to the unveiling. When the world sees the Eclipse Collection, even royalty will yield."

The Weight of Ambition

That night, as the city lights twinkled beneath his penthouse, Zhao Feng stood in quiet contemplation. Power had never been the end goal. Influence, admiration, and legacy — those were what mattered.

The system had granted him the tools. Wealth beyond imagination. Yet Zhao Feng knew that even limitless money could not create legend. Only he could do that.

And soon, the world would witness it.