The streets of the city gleamed under the fading twilight, the distant hum of luxury vehicles echoing through the avenues. But while the city's elite reveled in their grandeur, forces unseen began to stir.
Far from the glittering lights, in a dimly lit underground lounge, whispers of Zhao Feng's movements traveled like wildfire.
At the center of it all sat Luo Jian.
Clad in a dark gray suit, his eyes gleamed with curiosity and amusement. The enigmatic man had long thrived in the shadows, dealing in secrets and power. Yet, Zhao Feng's rise had piqued his interest — a man who controlled vast wealth without seeking the spotlight.
"Zhao Feng..." Luo Jian tapped the rim of his glass thoughtfully. "You hide well, but not well enough."
A low chuckle escaped him. In the world of power, those who remained unseen often posed the greatest threat.
Meanwhile, Su Mei was far from done. Despite the polite smiles and civil words exchanged at the private gathering, the questions in her mind only grew louder.
Back at her penthouse, the soft glow of the desk lamp illuminated the meticulous notes she had gathered. Flow charts, transaction records, and concealed corporate ties sprawled across the table.
"You've woven quite the web, Zhao Feng," she murmured, eyes narrowing. "But every web has its weak thread."
Just then, her phone buzzed. It was Liu Cheng.
"I traced the offshore accounts," he said, his voice tense. "But there's a catch. Some of them are linked to organizations operating... outside the law."
Su Mei's eyes darkened. "Criminal ties?"
"Not directly. More like powerful intermediaries. And the unsettling part? Someone's trying to cover the tracks just as quickly as I find them."
A dangerous game was being played.
"Keep digging," Su Mei commanded. "I want everything."
Ding!
[Investigation Progress: 65%]
[Su Mei Suspicion +12%]
At the pinnacle of a luxury skyscraper, Zhao Feng stood by the expansive window, gazing out at the city he quietly controlled.
"Boss," Xiao Ling's voice came through the encrypted line. "Su Mei's investigation is progressing. She's dangerously close to one of the proxy accounts."
Zhao Feng's expression remained calm. "She's thorough. But no matter how far she goes, she'll never find the core."
"And Luo Jian?"
Zhao Feng's jaw tightened. Unlike Su Mei, Luo Jian was a different beast — a seasoned manipulator with no allegiance. His interest in Zhao Feng could mean trouble.
"Keep a close eye on him," Zhao Feng ordered. "If he makes a move, I want to know."
Ding!
[Stealth Reputation +600]
The days passed, and the storm grew closer. While Zhao Feng remained veiled in shadows, Su Mei's investigation inched closer to the truth. Luo Jian, ever the opportunist, watched with amusement — waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
But Zhao Feng was prepared.
A single misstep from either side would ignite a chain of consequences. And in this silent battlefield, the one who could read the shadows best would emerge victorious.
Ding!
[The Game of Shadows Intensifies — Stakes Increased]