Wenna stood in front of the grand glass doors of her new villa, her heart racing in anticipation. It was nothing like the small, cramped apartment she had lived in before. This new home, perched atop a luxurious skyscraper, was a symbol of everything she had always dreamed of—everything she had worked so hard to finally claim for herself. The villa's sleek, modern architecture was breathtaking, with walls of glass offering panoramic views of the entire city. The city lights below twinkled like a sea of diamonds, a far cry from the dull, grey landscape of her past life.
She had always imagined what it would be like to live in a place like this—open spaces, natural light flooding in from every angle, and the freedom to live without limitations. But now, it was her reality. The black card had made this possible, and there was no turning back now.
Her fingers brushed against the cool, smooth surface of the door handle as she pushed it open. The first thing that greeted her was the sheer opulence of the interior. High ceilings, polished marble floors, and extravagant furniture. The entire space had been designed to impress, with every detail carefully chosen to convey an air of sophistication and power. It was no longer just a place to live—it was a statement.
Wenna walked slowly through the villa, admiring the open-plan living area that stretched out before her. There were state-of-the-art appliances in the kitchen, an indoor pool that seemed to stretch out endlessly, and a home theater system that would make even the most expensive cinemas envious. This was more than just a home; it was a fortress, a haven that would protect her as she climbed higher in the world.
She had already hired a team of decorators to personalize the space, selecting furniture that reflected her newfound status. Every room had been carefully curated to match her sense of style, blending modern elegance with a touch of timeless luxury. There was no corner that wasn't meticulously designed, no detail too small to escape her attention.
As she wandered from room to room, Wenna's mind wandered back to the moment she had first discovered the Shenhao System. That single, strange notification had been the catalyst for everything that had come since. It had opened doors she never thought possible, allowing her to reach heights that no one would have ever believed she could achieve. The sports car, the luxury clothes, and now this villa—it was all the beginning of her journey.
But she wasn't done yet. Far from it. Wenna knew that true power came from more than just material possessions—it came from influence. And with the power of the Shenhao System behind her, she intended to seize every opportunity to build her empire.
An Unexpected Visitor
As Wenna was settling in, she received an unexpected knock at the door. She wasn't expecting anyone—certainly not anyone she considered a friend. It was too early for any kind of business-related visit, so she was curious to see who it could be. When she opened the door, she was surprised to find none other than Zhang Lin standing there, her face flushed and her eyes darting around nervously.
"Wenna…?" Zhang Lin began hesitantly, her voice faltering. "I… I hope I'm not disturbing you."
Wenna raised an eyebrow. Zhang Lin? Here? It was clear that the other woman was feeling out of place, the opulence of the villa overwhelming her. Zhang Lin, who had once looked down on Wenna with arrogance, now seemed almost intimidated by the wealth that Wenna had accumulated in such a short period of time.
Wenna smiled, though it wasn't a smile of friendship. "Not at all," she replied coolly, stepping aside to allow Zhang Lin into the foyer. "What brings you here?"
Zhang Lin fidgeted, clearly uncomfortable. "I… I just wanted to come by and… apologize for the way I treated you," she said, her voice almost timid now. "I didn't know what you were capable of, and I was wrong to judge you like I did."
Wenna studied her for a moment, watching the woman squirm under her gaze. It was clear that she was only here because she had no other choice. She was trying to save face after being humiliated by Wenna's sudden rise to prominence. But Wenna wasn't interested in her apology.
"I appreciate your apology, Zhang Lin," Wenna said slowly, her tone cold but polite. "But I don't need your approval. You've already shown me exactly how you feel about me."
Zhang Lin's face reddened with embarrassment. "I—I'm sorry, I just… I didn't understand. You've changed, Wenna. You're someone to be respected now, not the woman we used to—"
"Stop," Wenna cut her off, her voice sharp. "You don't need to explain yourself. I don't need your respect, and I certainly don't need your pity. I've come this far without it."
Zhang Lin's mouth opened and closed as she tried to find the right words, but nothing came out. The silence between them stretched on, the tension palpable. It was clear that Wenna had no interest in rekindling any kind of relationship with her old coworkers. They had already made their choice when they decided to mock her for being "ordinary." She had no need to dwell on the past.
After a long pause, Zhang Lin finally managed to speak again. "I… I just wanted to say that if you ever need anything—anything at all—I'd be happy to help," she said, her voice now more meek than ever.
Wenna gave a small, dismissive nod. "Thank you for the offer," she said, but there was no real warmth in her words. "But I'm perfectly capable of handling things on my own."
With that, Zhang Lin seemed to understand that her presence was no longer wanted. She muttered a quick goodbye and left, her footsteps echoing as she hurried out of the villa. Wenna closed the door behind her and let out a quiet sigh, feeling a mixture of satisfaction and indifference. It wasn't that she held any particular grudge against Zhang Lin, but the reality was that the woman had underestimated her. And now, she was just another person trying to latch onto her success.
Setting the Foundation
As the days passed, Wenna spent her time planning her next moves. She wasn't just content with her new lifestyle; she wanted to build something that would last. She hired financial advisors, business consultants, and legal experts, putting together a team that could help her navigate the complexities of the wealth she now controlled. She made strategic investments, purchasing shares in promising companies and securing high-value properties that could generate even more income.
But Wenna knew that wealth wasn't just about money. It was about influence—the ability to control situations and people, to shape the world around her in her image. She began to attend high-profile events, rubbing elbows with the city's elite, using her charm and intellect to make powerful connections. Her presence at these gatherings didn't go unnoticed. There were whispers, of course—people curious about the mysterious woman who seemed to come out of nowhere, with wealth that seemed almost limitless.
Every interaction was calculated. Every smile, every word, every gesture was a part of the strategy she was putting into motion. Her name was becoming known, her reputation spreading like wildfire. She was no longer the invisible office worker. She was a force to be reckoned with.
Wenna knew that this was just the beginning. The black card had opened the door to a life she had once thought unattainable. Now, it was up to her to step through and claim what was rightfully hers.