The whispers started almost immediately after my conversation with Tang Yue.
"Skyline Media? Isn't that the company on the verge of collapse?"
"How did he afford it? Who is this Lin Feng?"
"He's either a genius or completely insane."
I ignored them all. Let them speculate. By the time they figured it out, I'd already be ten steps ahead.
The next morning, I sat in my new office on the top floor of Skyline Media's headquarters. The panoramic view of the city stretched out before me, a constant reminder of the heights I intended to reach.
The office itself was immaculate—modern furniture, sleek glass walls, and a massive desk that felt more like a throne. I leaned back in the leather chair, enjoying the moment.
"System," I said aloud, "what's the current state of the company?"
> Skyline Media is severely underperforming. Key projects have stalled, morale is low, and competitors are poaching talent. However, with the Host's resources and strategic intervention, the company can rebound quickly.
"Good," I said. "Give me a plan."
The System didn't disappoint. Within seconds, a detailed strategy appeared in my mind—a mix of aggressive marketing campaigns, internal restructuring, and high-profile acquisitions.
"Let's start with the leadership team," I muttered. "They need to know who's in charge now."
The boardroom was packed when I arrived. Executives and department heads sat around the long table, their expressions ranging from curiosity to outright skepticism.
I strode in, my tailored suit radiating authority. Without waiting for introductions, I took the seat at the head of the table.
"Good morning," I began, my voice steady. "I'm Lin Feng, your new boss. Let's skip the pleasantries and get straight to business."
A few of them exchanged uneasy glances. One man, an older executive with a receding hairline, cleared his throat. "Mr. Lin, with all due respect, do you have any experience in the entertainment industry? Running a company like Skyline Media requires—"
"Results," I interrupted. "And that's exactly what I'm here to deliver. Your job is to execute my vision, not question it."
The room went silent.
"I've already identified the issues plaguing this company," I continued. "I've also outlined the solutions. Effective immediately, all ongoing projects will be reviewed, and any dead weight will be cut."
A younger woman near the end of the table raised her hand tentatively. "Dead weight?"
"Underperforming departments, unprofitable projects, and anyone not pulling their weight," I clarified. "This isn't a charity. It's a business."
The tension in the room was palpable, but no one dared to challenge me further.
"Good," I said, standing up. "I expect progress reports by the end of the week. Dismissed."
Later that afternoon, as I reviewed the company's financials, the System's voice chimed in.
> Host, an individual of interest is approaching your office. Shall I allow entry?
I frowned. "Who is it?"
> Zhao Yue.
My stomach tightened. Zhao Yue. The woman who had once been my everything. The woman who had shattered me without a second thought.
"Let her in," I said, my voice cold.
Moments later, the door opened, and there she was. Zhao Yue hadn't changed much—her long hair still flowed down her back, and her delicate features still carried that air of innocence that had once captivated me. But there was something different in her eyes now—hesitation, regret.
"Lin Feng," she said softly, stepping inside.
"What do you want?" I asked, leaning back in my chair.
She flinched at my tone but pressed on. "I heard about your success. About Skyline Media. I… I wanted to congratulate you."
I laughed, the sound bitter. "Congratulate me? That's rich coming from you."
"Lin Feng, please," she said, her voice trembling. "I know I hurt you. I know I made mistakes. But I was wrong. I see that now."
"Oh, you were wrong?" I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Was that before or after you left me for someone richer?"
Tears welled up in her eyes, but I felt nothing.
"I didn't know what I was losing," she whispered. "I didn't realize how much you meant to me until it was too late."
I stood up, towering over her. "And now you think you can just waltz back into my life? That I'll forget everything you did?"
"No," she said quickly. "I don't expect you to forgive me. But… I want to make things right. Please, Lin Feng, give me a chance."
I stared at her for a long moment, the anger boiling beneath the surface. Then I smiled—a cold, calculated smile.
"Get out," I said quietly.
"Lin Feng—"
"Now."
She hesitated, then turned and left, the sound of the door closing echoing in the room.
> Host, was that wise? Her regret could be leveraged to your advantage.
"Maybe," I said. "But not yet. Let her stew in her guilt a little longer."
That evening, as the city lights glittered outside my penthouse window, I sipped a glass of wine and thought about the path ahead. Zhao Yue was just the beginning. There would be others—those who doubted me, betrayed me, underestimated me.
But I wasn't the same Lin Feng they remembered.
I was stronger. Smarter. Unstoppable.
And with the System by my side, the world was mine for the taking.