Chairman Yi's tone cut through the air like a blade. "This isn't a request, Zi Hao. It's an order."
Both Yi Chen and Zi Hao's expressions darkened instantly. The room, which had been alive with Zi Hao's humor just moments ago, now felt cold and heavy. Their eyes flickered with annoyance, but neither dared to challenge the authority of the man seated before them. The tension was palpable, wrapping itself around the small room like a vice.
Chairman Yi turned his sharp gaze toward Yi Chen and spoke with deliberate authority. "I've arranged your lunch with Bai Ning Jing this week."
Yi Chen's hand, which had been holding the silver chopsticks, froze mid-air. Slowly, he set them down on the table with a soft clink. His expression soured, his jaw tightening as he met his grandfather's unwavering stare.
"You know I'm not interested in her," Yi Chen said, his voice calm but laced with irritation. "And yet, you keep setting these blind dates."
Chairman Yi's eyebrows knitted together in displeasure. "You're thirty-two years old, Yi Chen. Old enough to get married. Do you plan on living alone for the rest of your life? Your brother Taisun is already getting married, and I want you to be engaged soon after his wedding. It's time you started your own family."
Zi Hao, sensing the brewing storm, wisely kept quiet. He focused on his food, his chopsticks moving mechanically as he watched the exchange like an uneasy spectator.
Yi Chen leaned back slightly, his fingers pressing against his temple in frustration. "Grandpa, marriage isn't a business deal. It's not something you arrange over lunch."
Chairman Yi's voice sharpened. "She likes you, Yi Chen. She's suitable for you in every way—intelligent, accomplished, and from a family that has been an ally to ours for decades."What more could you want?"
Yi Chen exhaled sharply, his frustration evident. "But I don't see her the way she sees me, and you know that."
Chairman Yi's frustration bubbled over. "You don't see her that way because you haven't given her a chance. How can you be so sure? Maybe if you got to know her, you'd start to like her. Feelings grow over time, Yi Chen."
Yi Chen's eyes narrowed. "Grow over time? What if they don't? What if I don't love her? Do you want me to condemn myself—and her—to a loveless marriage? I don't want to build false hope for someone who expects love in return. I don't want to ruin someone's life just because you think it's convenient."You know the consequences of such a union."
The room fell silent as the weight of Yi Chen's words hung heavily in the air. His statement was more than a refusal; it was a veiled reference to the fractures within their own family. Chairman Yi's expression tightened, the unspoken truths hitting their mark.
Zi Hao, sensing the tension rise to an unbearable level, glanced sympathetically at Yi Chen but remained silent. He knew better than to interject in matters involving the patriarch.
Chairman Yi, attempting to ease the atmosphere, sighed and adjusted his tone. "Fine. Take your time to think about it. I'm not asking you to marry her tomorrow. But you will meet her. I've already promised Chairman Bai." He paused, his voice turning commanding. "This week. At Paradise Hotel. That is final."
Yi Chen let out a long sigh, rubbing his temples as if trying to ward off a headache. "Understood," he muttered reluctantly, though his expression spoke volumes about his displeasure.
****
The Leixian mansion exuded an air of quiet luxury. The soft glow of chandeliers illuminated the expansive interiors, casting warm light over the antique furnishings and priceless artwork that adorned the walls. It was nearing 10 p.m., and Leixian was in her bedroom, a picture of elegance even in her downtime.
Draped in a dark blue silk nightgown that flowed around her like water, she reclined on her plush bed, a book resting lightly in her hands. The gown revealed her toned shoulders and fell just above her knees, hinting at her allure even in her late forties. She looked youthful and radiant, the kind of beauty that turned heads and commanded respect.
She had been in an excellent mood, her interview earlier in the day going exceptionally well. But her peaceful evening was interrupted by the sharp buzz of her phone on the bedside table. Glancing at the screen, she saw an unknown number flashing. With a small smirk, she set the book aside and picked up the call.
"Good evening, Miss Lei Xian," came an elderly voice. "This is Mayor Wen Zhong speaking. I saw your interview today on television."
Lei Xian's lips curled into a sly smile, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Ah, Mayor Wen Zhong. What an unexpected pleasure."
"I was quite impressed by your thoughts," he continued. "I believe there's much we could discuss. Are you available to meet tomorrow? Or perhaps later this week?"
Leixian's tone was light but firm. "Tomorrow works. Shall I have my secretary arrange a lunch?"
"No need," Wen Zhong replied quickly. "I can come to your mansion if that's more convenient."
Leixian cut him off with a hint of amusement in her voice. "Very well. My secretary will provide you with the details. I'll see you tomorrow."
Without waiting for a response, she ended the call and placed the phone back on the table. Her lips curved into a triumphant smile, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes.
She leaned back against the headboard, her fingers tapping rhythmically against her armrest. "Well, well," she murmured to herself, her tone dripping with self-assurance. "The game begins."
"Mayor Wen is as corrupt as they come," she said softly, her voice laced with derision. "If he's reaching out to me, it means he wants something. And when people want something, they're vulnerable."
Her smile twisted into something darker, her beauty taking on an almost sinister edge. She whispered to herself, her tone venomous, "Brother, your countdown begins now. One by one, I'll take the country's tycoons to my side. Then I'll crush your precious Yi Group mercilessly."
Her voice dropped to a chilling whisper. "You stole Yi Group from me. Now I'll steal it back. And when I'm done, there will be nothing left of your empire."
The room felt colder, as if her words had sucked the warmth out of the air. Leixian leaned back, her smile returning but with a dangerous edge. The game had indeed begun, and she was determined to emerge victorious.