The city pulsed with life as night settled in, neon lights illuminating the bustling streets. While the world moved on, a subtle game played beneath the surface — a game of shadows.
Su Mei leaned against the balcony of her luxurious apartment, the cool night breeze brushing against her skin. The encounter with Zhao Feng lingered in her mind. Every word, every glance, every subtle shift in his expression spoke volumes.
He wasn't denying her suspicions — he was daring her to continue.
"Very well, Zhao Feng," she whispered, a determined gleam in her eyes. "Let's see how deep your shadows go."
The next morning, Su Mei's phone buzzed with a message from Liu Cheng.
[Partial confirmation. Multiple shell companies under one network. Tracing origin — results pending.]
Su Mei smiled faintly. Zhao Feng's web of influence was vast, but even the most carefully concealed empires had weak points.
She began her next move — targeting those within Zhao Feng's circle.
Su Mei's first stop was Starlight Entertainment, recently acquired in Zhao Feng's expanding portfolio. While the world saw it as a business move, she suspected a more strategic motive.
"Miss Su, welcome!" The company's CEO, Liu Wen, greeted her warmly.
"Thank you, Mr. Liu," Su Mei replied, her tone polite but pointed. "I'm curious about your recent partnerships. Surely a company like Starlight wouldn't accept just any investor."
Liu Wen hesitated. "The deal was... beneficial. The backers were discreet, but their investments stabilized us. That's all that matters."
Su Mei's eyes narrowed. "And Zhao Feng? Any direct involvement?"
A bead of sweat formed on Liu Wen's brow. "Zhao Feng? He's merely an investor. Nothing more."
Liar.
Ding!
[Investigation Progress: 50%]
[Su Mei Suspicion +6%]
Back at his penthouse, Zhao Feng gazed at the city skyline, his expression unreadable. Xiao Ling's reports streamed in, confirming Su Mei's actions.
"She visited Starlight. Probing for information," Xiao Ling said.
"Expected," Zhao Feng replied calmly. "Let her search. She'll find nothing but shadows."
He admired Su Mei's tenacity. Most would have backed down by now, but she pressed on. It was a dangerous trait — and a fascinating one.
Ding!
[Stealth Reputation +500]
Later that evening, Su Mei received an unmarked envelope delivered to her office. Inside was a single card, embossed in black and gold.
"Curiosity is a luxury — one that comes at a cost.
Enjoy the game while it lasts."
There was no name. No signature. But the message was clear.
Su Mei's heart pounded, but she refused to be intimidated. If anything, the challenge only fueled her determination.
"Game on, Zhao Feng," she murmured, her eyes gleaming with resolve.
Ding!
[Su Mei Favorability +8%]
[Su Mei Suspicion +10%]