The streets of the city looked different when you weren't struggling to survive. Walking past the same busy intersections and crowded storefronts, I noticed things I'd never cared to before. People weren't just rushing to their destinations; they were trying to escape their realities. I could see it in their eyes—the frustration, the exhaustion.
It reminded me of the man I used to be.
But not anymore. Lin Feng was reborn, and it was time for the world to know.
The next step, as the System helpfully suggested, was to establish my presence in the upper echelons of society. Money alone wouldn't be enough—I needed connections, influence, and a reputation that demanded respect.
"System," I said, leaning back in the plush chair of my newly rented penthouse, "what's the fastest way to make an impact?"
> Host, consider acquiring a company or organization with high public visibility. Dominating a key industry will solidify your status and open doors to influential circles.
I nodded. It made sense. But which industry?
As if reading my mind, the System continued:
> The business world is dominated by finance, technology, and entertainment. Acquiring a well-known entity in any of these sectors will ensure immediate attention.
I grinned. "Let's go big, then. Give me options."
By evening, the System had compiled a list of companies within my financial reach. Some were struggling startups with promising ideas, while others were established giants with internal turmoil.
One name caught my attention immediately: Skyline Media, a top-tier entertainment company known for producing blockbuster films and hit television shows. Recently, it had been plagued by financial scandals and internal mismanagement, leaving its stock value plummeting.
Perfect.
> Host, acquiring Skyline Media will require swift negotiation. The board is desperate for a buyer, but their pride may lead to resistance. Shall I prepare a strategy?
"Of course," I said, already picturing the headlines.
The next morning, I arrived at Skyline Media's headquarters. The building was a sleek, towering structure that screamed "success," though the cracks in its foundation were becoming evident. Employees shuffled past, their faces grim.
Inside, the receptionist glanced at me, clearly unimpressed. Dressed in a tailored suit I'd purchased the day before, I looked the part of a businessman, but she didn't recognize me.
"Do you have an appointment?" she asked curtly.
I smiled. "Not yet, but they'll want to see me. Tell the board that Lin Feng is here with an offer to save their company."
Her eyes narrowed in skepticism. "I'll let them know, but don't expect much."
Minutes later, I was ushered into a grand conference room where the board members sat, their expressions a mix of irritation and curiosity.
"What's this about?" one of them, a balding man with an expensive watch, asked. "We're not in the habit of entertaining walk-ins."
I placed a thick folder on the table, containing financial projections the System had calculated for me. "I'm here to buy Skyline Media."
The room erupted into murmurs.
The balding man sneered. "Do you even know what you're talking about? We're not a bargain-bin enterprise you can pick up on a whim."
I leaned back in my chair, unbothered by his tone. "Let's not waste time. You all know your situation. The company is hemorrhaging money, your reputation is in shambles, and your competitors are circling like vultures. If you don't act soon, Skyline Media will crumble."
The room fell silent.
"I'm offering you 30 billion yuan to take full control of the company," I continued. "No loans, no negotiations. Cash, right here, right now."
One of the younger board members, a sharp-eyed woman in her thirties, frowned. "Thirty billion? That's… more than our current valuation. Why would you offer so much?"
I smiled. "Because I'm not just buying a company. I'm buying potential. With the right leadership, Skyline Media will dominate the industry again. And I intend to be that leadership."
They exchanged glances, uncertainty clouding their faces. The balding man spoke up again, his voice tinged with suspicion. "This sounds too good to be true. Who even are you? What's your background?"
"I'm Lin Feng," I said confidently. "And soon, everyone will know my name."
It took hours of back-and-forth arguments, but by the end of the day, the deal was sealed. I walked out of that building as the new owner of Skyline Media, the System's voice echoing in my mind.
> Congratulations, Host. Your first major acquisition is complete. This move will elevate your status significantly.
I smirked. "What's next?"
> Host should attend tonight's gala hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. Many influential figures will be present, including Tang Yue.
Hearing her name brought back the memory of our brief encounter. Her sharp wit and piercing gaze had left an impression, but I wasn't the same man she'd met before. Tonight, I would show her—and everyone else—what Lin Feng was truly capable of.
The gala was held at the Grand Imperial Hotel, a symbol of wealth and power. Arriving in a sleek black limousine, I stepped out onto the red carpet, the tailored suit clinging perfectly to my frame. Cameras flashed, reporters whispered, and attendees turned to look.
As I entered the grand ballroom, the atmosphere was electric. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the elegantly dressed crowd, the air filled with the soft hum of conversation and laughter.
Tang Yue was easy to spot. She stood near the center of the room, surrounded by admirers, her presence commanding as ever. Her sharp eyes flicked toward me as I approached, recognition flashing across her face.
"You again," she said, a hint of amusement in her tone. "I didn't expect to see you here."
I smiled. "Get used to it, Ms. Tang. You'll be seeing a lot more of me."
Her eyebrow arched. "Is that so? And what brings you here tonight?"
"I'm the new owner of Skyline Media," I said casually.
The crowd around her fell silent, their eyes widening. Even Tang Yue's expression faltered for a moment before she recovered, her lips curling into a sly smile.
"Interesting," she said, her gaze appraising me. "You've certainly been busy."
I raised my glass, the confidence in my voice unshakable. "This is just the beginning."
And it was. The night was mine, and the world was finally starting to notice. Lin Feng was no longer invisible. I was unstoppable.