Chapter 41: The First Layer of Mystery — Su Mei’s Investigation Deepens

The city thrived beneath the dazzling lights, its streets bustling with luxury cars and corporate elites. While the world admired the glamorous façade, Su Mei pursued what lay beneath.

Seated in her private study, a series of reports lay scattered across her sleek marble desk. Her slender fingers traced the timelines of acquisitions, stock movements, and whispers of unknown investors.

"Celestial Motors... Starlight Entertainment... even Sovereign Fashion," she murmured. "Too clean. Too calculated."

Despite the careful layering of proxies, the subtle fingerprints of a single entity remained. Su Mei's sharp intuition whispered the truth — someone was orchestrating these moves from the shadows.

And her instincts pointed to Zhao Feng.

Determined to confirm her suspicions, Su Mei called upon a trusted contact. Liu Cheng, a renowned financial analyst, owed her more than a few favors.

"Find out everything you can about the companies involved," she instructed over the phone. "No matter how minor the detail, I want to know."

Liu Cheng hesitated. "That could stir unwanted attention. Whoever's behind this is careful. Almost... deliberately so."

Su Mei's voice was calm, yet resolute. "That's why I need the truth. Call me when you have something."

Ding!

[Investigation Progress: 10%]

[Su Mei Suspicion +7%]

Meanwhile, Zhao Feng remained composed. From the comfort of his penthouse, he glanced at the subtle updates flashing across his laptop.

"Su Mei is moving," Xiao Ling reported, her voice carrying a tinge of concern. "She's digging deeper into Celestial Motors' acquisition trail."

Zhao Feng smirked faintly. "Let her."

"Should I initiate countermeasures?"

"No," Zhao Feng said firmly. "Interference would only confirm her suspicions. Besides, curiosity often leads people into their own traps."

He admired Su Mei's determination. Unlike others who only chased money and fame, she sought understanding. But while she pursued shadows, Zhao Feng was already ten steps ahead.

Ding!

[Stealth Reputation +500]

Days passed, and Su Mei's investigation inched closer to the truth. While the corporate shields still held strong, small cracks began to show.

"Miss Su," Liu Cheng's voice came through the phone. "There's something unusual. A series of minor transactions, barely noticeable. But they all lead to offshore accounts."

"Linked to Zhao Feng?" she asked, though she already suspected the answer.

"Not directly. But the timing aligns too perfectly. Every time a major acquisition happened, Zhao Feng was seen making seemingly unrelated investments."

Su Mei's eyes narrowed. "He's not just a low-profile investor. He's the one controlling the board."

Ding!

[Investigation Progress: 35%]

[Su Mei Suspicion +10%]

Despite the growing tension, Zhao Feng remained composed. He had anticipated this much. But instead of avoiding Su Mei, he welcomed the game.

Later that evening, Zhao Feng visited a luxurious members-only lounge, the warm glow of chandeliers illuminating the polished interior. Fine wine flowed, and hushed conversations filled the air.

And there, seated at the bar, was Su Mei.

Her presence was deliberate. She wasn't here to relax. She wanted a reaction.

"Mr. Zhao," she greeted, her lips curving in that signature knowing smile. "What a pleasant surprise."

"Miss Su," Zhao Feng replied, his tone calm. "Or should I say... Investigator Su?"

Su Mei's laughter was soft, but her eyes held a spark of challenge. "Merely curious. The world rarely notices those who move in silence. But I tend to pay attention to the whispers."

"And what have the whispers told you?"

"That you prefer to remain unseen," she said, leaning slightly closer. "But even shadows leave traces."

Zhao Feng's gaze remained steady. "Careful, Miss Su. Curiosity can be dangerous."

"Only for those with something to hide," she countered.

Their exchange was a dance of words, each testing the other. Neither willing to back down. But beneath the subtle tension, a flicker of intrigue passed between them.

Ding!

[Su Mei Favorability +12%]

[Su Mei Suspicion +8%]