Night had already fallen over Jiang Cheng, and while the city's bright lights made the streets look lively and peaceful, the atmosphere inside the Zhao family headquarters was completely different, carrying a quiet tension that reflected the seriousness of the discussions taking place on the top floor.
Inside a large modern office surrounded by glass walls and dark wooden furniture, Zhao Mingcheng stood in front of a wide floor-to-ceiling window, calmly looking down at the glowing city below, his hands resting behind his back while the reflection of countless lights shone faintly in his cold eyes.
On the table behind him lay several open documents and financial reports, each filled with data about recent business movements in Jiang Cheng, and among them were detailed reports about both the Gu family and the Liu family's investment activities.
The room was silent for a few moments before a man in a formal suit spoke respectfully.
"Chairman Zhao, the Gu and Liu families held a private meeting this afternoon."
Zhao Mingcheng did not turn around.
"I expected that," he said calmly.
His voice was steady and low, carrying quiet authority.
"They are strengthening their alliance."
"Yes," the assistant replied.
"They are planning to merge one of their investment projects next year, and if that happens, their market influence will increase significantly."
Zhao Mingcheng's eyes narrowed slightly.
"That means they are preparing for long-term cooperation."
He slowly turned around and walked toward the table, his steps calm and controlled as he picked up one of the reports and glanced at it.
"The Gu family controls capital."
"The Liu family controls political and financial channels."
"If they fully cooperate, Jiang Cheng's economic balance will shift permanently."
He placed the file down slowly.
"That cannot be allowed."
The assistant lowered his head slightly.
"What is your instruction, Chairman Zhao?"
Zhao Mingcheng remained silent for a moment before speaking.
"Begin Phase Two."
The assistant looked slightly surprised.
"Phase Two already?"
Zhao Mingcheng nodded.
"The Gu and Liu families are moving faster than expected."
"We must disrupt their cooperation before their investment project begins."
He walked back toward the window and continued calmly.
"Pressure the Liu family's technology partners."
"Reduce their investment channels."
"Delay their project approvals."
"Create financial uncertainty."
The assistant nodded immediately.
"Yes, Chairman Zhao."
Zhao Mingcheng's gaze slowly turned colder.
"If Liu Zhentian begins worrying about financial stability, he will hesitate."
"And hesitation weakens alliances."
The assistant hesitated slightly before speaking again.
"There is also the matter of Young Master Zhao Yichen."
Zhao Mingcheng stopped walking.
"How is his progress?"
"He has already entered Gu Wen's kindergarten and has begun observing them."
Zhao Mingcheng nodded slightly.
"Good."
Then he spoke calmly.
"Call him."
A few minutes later, the office door opened quietly, and a small figure walked inside.
Zhao Yichen.
He stepped forward calmly and stood in front of his father without fear or hesitation.
"Father."
Zhao Mingcheng looked at him carefully.
"How is the situation?"
Zhao Yichen answered calmly.
"Gu Wen is more intelligent than expected."
Zhao Mingcheng showed no surprise.
"Explain."
Zhao Yichen spoke clearly.
"He does not react emotionally."
"He observes first."
"He builds influence with classmates and teachers."
"He protects Liu Ruyan indirectly."
Zhao Mingcheng nodded slightly.
"That means he understands environmental control."
"Yes."
Zhao Yichen continued.
"He is building social stability around himself."
"Simple misunderstandings will not work anymore."
Zhao Mingcheng walked closer and looked at his son.
"So what is your next plan?"
Zhao Yichen answered without hesitation.
"Expand the battlefield."
Zhao Mingcheng's eyes showed slight interest.
"How?"
"Use competition."
"Create situations where Gu Wen must choose between social influence and Liu Ruyan."
"Force pressure from outside instead of direct conflict."
Zhao Mingcheng smiled faintly.
"Good."
"You are thinking correctly."
He placed his hand on Zhao Yichen's shoulder.
"Then begin Phase Two in kindergarten as well."
Zhao Yichen nodded.
"Yes, Father."
"Introduce competition."
"Leadership selection."
"Public performance."
"Group activities."
"Force Gu Wen into visible positions."
Zhao Mingcheng spoke calmly.
"When someone stands at the center, they also become the easiest target."
Zhao Yichen understood immediately.
"If Gu Wen becomes the leader, pressure increases."
"Correct."
Zhao Mingcheng turned back toward the window.
"And when pressure increases, mistakes become inevitable."
Zhao Yichen nodded slightly.
"I understand."
"You may go."
Zhao Yichen left the office quietly, his mind already preparing the next steps.
Meanwhile, in another part of Jiang Cheng, inside the Gu family estate, Gu Wen was sitting in his study room, reading a simple economics book that most children his age would not even understand.
The desk lamp cast a soft light over the pages as he slowly turned them, carefully reading each concept and absorbing the information calmly.
At that moment, the system interface appeared again.
[Perfect Life System Notification]
[External Threat Activity Detected]
[Zhao Family Business Movement Increasing]
[Competition Environment Rising]
[New Mission Released]
Mission: Prepare for Social Leadership
Objectives:
Improve communication abilityIncrease public confidenceDevelop group coordinationStrengthen decision-making
Reward:
Leadership Trait +20%Strategic Mind UpgradeSocial Influence Growth
Gu Wen closed the book slowly.
So they are increasing pressure.
That means Zhao Yichen will create competition soon.
He stood up and walked toward the window, looking at the quiet garden outside.
Competition is not a problem.
Pressure is not a problem.
As long as the structure remains stable, the outcome can be controlled.
At that moment, his phone on the desk vibrated softly.
A message from Liu Ruyan.
"Good night, Gu Wen."
He looked at the message quietly.
Then replied.
"Good night."
A few seconds later, another message came.
"See you tomorrow."
Gu Wen placed the phone down calmly.
"Yes," he whispered softly.
"Tomorrow."
Because tomorrow would bring new challenges.
New competition.
And new opportunities.
The silent battle between the Gu and Zhao families was slowly moving to the next stage.
And Gu Wen was already preparing to take the lead.