Li Zhen's clash with Xiang Liang was a significant milestone, but it only ignited his ambition further. With his foothold in the domestic market secure, he knew it was time to set his sights higher. His next goal: the international stage.
Early in the morning, the system chimed with a new notification, offering an opportunity Li Zhen couldn't resist.
[New Mission: Establish a Stronghold in the Global Financial Market]
[Reward: Enhanced Financial Manipulation Skills and Network Expansion to International Markets]
Li Zhen's fingers tightened on his phone. Global influence was the key to ultimate power. But he'd need more than just investments to make his mark on an international scale—he needed allies, specialized expertise, and the tools to break into fiercely guarded foreign markets.
He summoned Zhao Feng and Liang Xue to his office to discuss their strategy.
"Gentlemen, it's time we go international," Li Zhen announced, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "We'll start with the financial sector and gradually expand into other industries. The key to this is establishing connections and destabilizing competitors discreetly."
Zhao Feng nodded. "I'll get in touch with some influential figures in Europe and North America. There are a few banks we can approach to secure a strategic foothold."
Liang Xue leaned forward. "We should be cautious, though. Expanding overseas means stepping into territory dominated by powerful families and corporations. They won't welcome newcomers, especially ones as aggressive as we plan to be."
"Which is why I've prepared something extra," Li Zhen said, tapping his screen to reveal his latest tool. Phantom, his AI, had been upgraded with advanced international market analytics. With this, he could predict stock fluctuations and currency changes worldwide, giving him an edge in foreign investments.
"Phantom will help us navigate these new markets and identify our best opportunities. With precise information, we can short stocks, influence market trends, and weaken our competitors from a distance."
Li Zhen's first target was the financial markets in Hong Kong, a gateway to international commerce. He began with minor investments, testing the waters, observing the competition. Soon, he was making waves, his name starting to circulate in elite business circles.
But his moves hadn't gone unnoticed. While in his office one afternoon, he received a message from an anonymous number.
"Impressive work, Mr. Li. But don't overstep. The Hong Kong market belongs to people who don't take kindly to strangers."
Li Zhen's eyes narrowed. He knew it was a warning, a subtle threat from one of the entrenched powers in the region. He quickly traced the message back, discovering it was from the Zhao family, one of Hong Kong's oldest financial dynasties.
Li Zhen smirked. This was exactly the kind of challenge he relished. If they wanted to keep him out, they'd have to try harder.
[System Alert: New Rival Detected - Zhao Family of Hong Kong]
[New Task: Undermine Zhao Family's Influence in Hong Kong]
Li Zhen immediately put Phantom to work, gathering data on the Zhao family's assets, connections, and financial weaknesses. Within minutes, a detailed report appeared on his screen.
That evening, Li Zhen hosted a meeting with Chen Yi and a few other influential businessmen he had met through recent ventures. His goal was to form a coalition—a network of allies who could work together to disrupt the Zhao family's hold on the Hong Kong market.
"As some of you know, the Zhao family is the main gatekeeper in Hong Kong's financial sector," Li Zhen began. "But they're stretched thin, relying heavily on old alliances and outdated methods. If we pool our resources, we can erode their influence."
Chen Yi raised an eyebrow. "You're playing a dangerous game, Li Zhen. The Zhao family has deep roots."
Li Zhen smiled, undeterred. "I've never been one to back down from a challenge. With your support, I'll make sure our coalition dominates Hong Kong's financial landscape."
The room buzzed with interest. One by one, his allies agreed, enticed by the promise of expansion and the allure of shaking up the status quo.
The next few weeks saw a flurry of covert activity. Zhao Feng executed precise financial maneuvers to destabilize Zhao family assets, spreading rumors about their waning influence and hinting at scandals. Meanwhile, Phantom monitored global markets, providing Li Zhen with insight into the best times to strike.
But just as he was making progress, a sudden crisis emerged. Phantom alerted him to an unexpected move from the Zhao family—an attempt to buy out one of his key allies, hoping to isolate Li Zhen from his support network.
Li Zhen quickly called a meeting with Liang Xue and Zhao Feng. "The Zhaos are trying to disrupt our alliance. We need to act fast and secure our partners."
Liang Xue suggested a countermeasure. "We could release information about the Zhao family's own financial instability. They're holding onto several risky assets; if we leak this information, we might cause their allies to lose faith."
Li Zhen nodded. "Do it. Phantom, prepare a campaign to circulate this information through trusted channels. Zhao Feng, I need you to meet with our partners and reinforce their loyalty. Assure them that sticking with us will be far more profitable in the long run."
Within days, the plan was in motion. Rumors about the Zhao family's unstable assets spread quickly, shaking the confidence of their allies. Li Zhen's partners stayed loyal, reassured by his bold leadership and strategic foresight.
The Zhao family, cornered and facing a crisis of trust, was forced to pull back from their aggressive moves. Their influence in Hong Kong had begun to wane, and Li Zhen's coalition filled the void, seizing new opportunities.
[Task Complete: Undermine Zhao Family's Influence in Hong Kong]
[Reward: 20,000,000 RMB and Access to Hong Kong's Top-Tier Investment Network]
Li Zhen leaned back in his chair, satisfied. His reach was growing, and with the Zhao family's defeat, he was now a force to be reckoned with in Hong Kong's financial world.
But he knew this was only a stepping stone. His ambition stretched far beyond one city. With the system's power and his allies' support, he was prepared to push his influence further—across borders, into the heart of global finance.
As he gazed out over the city, Li Zhen's thoughts were already racing ahead, formulating plans for his next conquest. He had no intention of stopping until he was at the pinnacle, not just as a wealthy man, but as a true ruler in the shadows of the financial world.