Chapter 40: Ripples in the Dark — Su Mei's Growing Curiosity

In the world of luxury and power, ripples of influence were often invisible to the naked eye. Zhao Feng had ensured his hand remained hidden, but some were perceptive enough to sense the disturbance.

Among them was Su Mei.

Seated in her spacious office adorned with minimalist elegance, Su Mei absentmindedly stirred her coffee. The city skyline stretched before her, but her mind remained fixed on the unanswered questions.

The sudden shift in Celestial Motors' leadership.

The countless shell companies tied to anonymous backers.

The whispers of a "ghost investor" seizing control without ever showing his face.

"Who are you really, Zhao Feng?" she murmured, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

While others focused on their wealth and reputation, Su Mei pursued knowledge. She wasn't the type to accept uncertainty — especially when it involved someone as enigmatic as Zhao Feng.

Her sources had failed to trace any direct connection, and financial records only led to dead ends. Yet the pattern was clear.

"Low-profile moves, discreet acquisitions… and no unnecessary attention," she mused. "A ghost in the business world."

But there was one thing Zhao Feng couldn't fully conceal — human connections.

Su Mei's curiosity heightened as she recalled their last encounter. He had been calm, composed, and careful with his words. Not the behavior of a reckless investor. There was something more.

"I'll find out soon enough."

Meanwhile, Zhao Feng maintained his routine. Despite quietly controlling massive corporations, he lived without ostentation. Today, he visited a quiet lakeside park, dressed simply in a fitted jacket and dark jeans.

The breeze was gentle, the sounds of nature undisturbed. Zhao Feng preferred places like these — no prying eyes, no pretenses.

He sat on a wooden bench, watching the water ripple under the sky's reflection. Few recognized him, and those who did assumed him to be just another passerby.

"Boss," Xiao Ling's voice came softly through his earpiece. "Su Mei has been making inquiries about Celestial Motors."

Zhao Feng's eyes remained on the water, but his expression darkened slightly. "As expected."

"Shall we intervene?" she asked.

Zhao Feng shook his head. "No need. Let her look. Curiosity can be a dangerous thing — for her."

But deep down, Zhao Feng was intrigued. Su Mei wasn't like the others. Her intelligence was undeniable, and her growing interest in him was a game he couldn't ignore.

Ding!

[Su Mei Favorability +7%]

[Suspicion +4%]

As Zhao Feng prepared to leave the park, the distant hum of laughter reached his ears. A small group of people had gathered near the water's edge, feeding the swans.

And there, among them, was Su Mei.

She wore a light beige trench coat, her hair flowing freely with the breeze. The sophisticated air around her remained, but there was a rare softness in her gaze as she watched the swans.

"Fate, or design?" Zhao Feng murmured, his lips curving slightly.

Without approaching her directly, he walked past, his presence subtle. Yet, as if sensing him, Su Mei's eyes flickered in his direction.

"Zhao Feng," she called out, her voice calm and composed.

He paused, turning toward her with practiced ease. "Miss Su. Quite the coincidence."

"Is it?" Her smile carried a hint of amusement. "Or do you often frequent places like this?"

Zhao Feng chuckled softly. "Even busy men enjoy a bit of quiet."

Their gazes locked for a moment, an unspoken challenge lingering between them. While Su Mei sought answers, Zhao Feng remained an enigma.

"Perhaps we'll meet again," she said, her tone both curious and knowing.

"Perhaps," Zhao Feng replied, watching as she walked away.

Ding!

[Su Mei Favorability +10%]

[Suspicion +5%]