Chapter 47: The Hidden Threat — Su Mei’s Investigation Crosses a Line

The night air was crisp as the city glimmered under a thousand lights. From the window of her penthouse, Su Mei stared out, the distant skyline serving as a backdrop to her thoughts. She had pursued countless leads, peeled back the layers of corporate deceit, and yet Zhao Feng remained an enigma.

But tonight, that would change.

A single email notification flashed across her screen.

[Liu Cheng: Subject Located — Confirmed Ties to Zhao Feng]

Her pulse quickened. Finally, the breakthrough she had been waiting for.

Su Mei clicked the encrypted link, and a cascade of documents unraveled on her screen. Hidden transactions, offshore accounts, and shell companies — all leading to one carefully obscured source.

"Jade Phoenix Holdings," she murmured, her eyes narrowing. "A front. And Zhao Feng's fingerprints are all over it."

But what shocked her wasn't just the financial network. It was the scale. Luxury resorts, entertainment companies, high-end fashion brands — all falling under Zhao Feng's shadow.

"He's building an empire," Su Mei whispered. "But why stay in the dark?"

A lingering question remained. If Zhao Feng had this level of power, why maintain such a low profile? What was he really hiding?

Ding!

[Investigation Progress: 85%]

[Su Mei Suspicion +15%]

But Su Mei wasn't satisfied. Not yet.

Driven by curiosity — and perhaps something more — she sent a command to Liu Cheng.

"Trace personal records. I want everything on Zhao Feng. Family, past affiliations, academic history. No exceptions."

The reply came swiftly.

[Understood. Proceeding with Level 3 Access.]

But as the digital threads began to unravel Zhao Feng's past, Su Mei felt an unfamiliar pang of hesitation. Was she truly prepared to confront the truth?

Across the city, Zhao Feng's penthouse remained shrouded in shadows. Xiao Ling's voice broke the silence.

"Boss, we have a breach."

Zhao Feng's eyes remained steady. "Su Mei?"

"Yes," Xiao Ling confirmed. "She's accessing deeper records. She's close."

A faint smile crossed Zhao Feng's lips. Su Mei's persistence was impressive — reckless, but impressive. Yet, there was no fear in his gaze. Only anticipation.

"Let her dig," he said calmly. "She'll only find what I want her to."

Ding!

[Stealth Reputation +900]

[Su Mei Curiosity +20%]

Back at her desk, Su Mei's heart pounded as the data poured in. But then —

ACCESS DENIED

The screen flickered. Every trace of Zhao Feng's records vanished in an instant.

"What?!" Su Mei gasped.

Then, a single message appeared.

"Curiosity is a dangerous thing, Miss Su."

The color drained from her face. Zhao Feng knew.

And now, the game had truly begun.

Ding!

[Su Mei Suspicion +25%]

[Unknown Threat Level Increased]