Chereads / From Simp Loser to Billionaire / Chapter 7 - The Ascendant Tycoon

Chapter 7 - The Ascendant Tycoon

Morning at Horizon Hill – A Life of Luxury

The first light of dawn filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Joshua's new villa at Horizon Hill. The golden sunlight reflected off the infinity pool, casting shimmering waves onto the balcony.

Seated at an exquisite marble table, Joshua and Jia Yi enjoyed a quiet breakfast. Steam curled from freshly brewed coffee while a light breeze carried the subtle fragrance of jasmine from the gardens below.

Jia Yi, wearing a silk robe draped elegantly over her shoulders, absently stirred her green tea. She was gazing at Shanghai's skyline, a breathtaking view that symbolized the life she had suddenly stepped into.

After a moment, she turned to Joshua and rested her hand on his.

"Every day feels like a dream now," she murmured. "I never imagined we'd be here."

Joshua smirked, his thumb lightly brushing against the back of her hand. "Dreams come true when you dare to chase them." He took a slow sip of coffee before adding with amusement, "And sometimes, a little help from unexpected sources doesn't hurt."

Jia Yi rolled her eyes but smiled. "You always sound so mysterious."

Their peaceful moment was interrupted by the buzzing of Joshua's phone.

A message flashed across the screen—one from the Dragon Head Group.

As one of the most exclusive business networks, it consisted of second-generation tycoons and elite CEOs. Since Joshua's meteoric rise, his name had been causing a stir within their circles.

Mr. Kim (Dragon Head Group): "Chairman Lim, please join our luncheon at the Imperial Grand Hotel at noon. We have important matters to discuss."

Joshua immediately typed a response.

Joshua: "I'll be there."

Then, without hesitation, he forwarded the message to Jia Yi.

Joshua (private message): "Are you free later? I want you with me today."

A reply came instantly.

Jia Yi: "Of course—I wouldn't miss it for the world."

A Luxurious Commute – Jia Yi's Playful Challenge

Joshua's sleek Bugatti pulled out of the villa's driveway, its engine purring like a beast waiting to be unleashed.

As he navigated through Shanghai's bustling avenues, he occasionally stole glances at Jia Yi beside him. She sat cross-legged, her arms folded as she stared at him with amusement.

"You know," she said, "everyone in the Dragon Head Group is talking about you."

Joshua raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Mm." Jia Yi swirled her hair around a finger. "Your donations, the luxury villa, your AI company—it's like you stepped out of some legend."

Joshua chuckled. "Legends are made by those who dare." He shifted gears effortlessly. "But I prefer to let actions speak."

Jia Yi narrowed her eyes playfully. "Sounds like something a protagonist in a novel would say."

Joshua only smirked. "Well, I do have a supporting female lead beside me, don't I?"

Jia Yi huffed, looking away. "Hmph, more like the main heroine."

Joshua laughed softly, enjoying her confidence.

Just then, his phone buzzed again.

Jia Yi glanced over curiously. "Another business deal?"

Joshua checked the message and let out a short laugh.

Sung En: "Chairman Lim, how about dinner later? I'd love to continue our conversation."

Jia Yi's eyebrow twitched.

"…Sung En?"

Joshua noticed the shift in her tone and smirked. "Jealous?"

Jia Yi scoffed. "Who, me? Please."

She picked up her coffee cup and took a long sip, but her side-eye betrayed her.

Joshua couldn't resist. "You're gripping that cup awfully hard, Jia Yi."

Jia Yi set the cup down with a loud clink. "Hmph. Do what you want."

Joshua only chuckled.

The Imperial Grand Hotel – A Tycoon's Presence

The Imperial Grand Hotel was a symbol of power and influence. Every month, the Dragon Head Group's most elite members gathered here to discuss the future of business in Shanghai.

As Joshua stepped into the grand hall, whispers immediately rippled through the room.

Heads turned.

Men in tailored suits observed him with hidden curiosity.

Some admired him.

Some envied him.

But none dared to underestimate him.

Mr. Kim stood at the head of the table. He smiled as he gestured for Joshua to take a seat at the center.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let us welcome Chairman Lim."

Applause followed.

Joshua remained calm, composed—completely unfazed.

"His recent initiatives—from bold philanthropy to his AI empire—have set a new benchmark for all of us."

One CEO leaned toward another and muttered, "Who would have thought a man in his early 20s could command such respect?"

Another whispered back, "His business acumen is one thing—but the way he moves? It's like he's been in power for years."

Joshua took his seat. "Shall we begin?"

A New Reward & The Rise of LimTech

As the luncheon progressed, Joshua effortlessly engaged in corporate discussions.

Then, mid-conversation, a new system notification flickered before his eyes.

[System Notification]

✅ Reward Unlocked: Corporate Dynasty Reward

💰 3 Billion Yen Deposited

🎯 New Skill Unlocked: Master Negotiator – Enabling superior deal-making and influence in corporate settings.

Joshua's eyes flickered with intrigue.

He turned to Mr. Kim, his voice smooth. "By the way, I heard Kim Enterprises is expanding into AI manufacturing. Have you considered a partnership with LimTech?"

Mr. Kim's eyes widened slightly.

Joshua continued. "With Su Yan as Vice President, my AI firm will surpass global competitors within the year. If we collaborate now, Kim Enterprises will have first access to the most powerful AI software in the market."

Silence.

Then, Mr. Kim's lips curled into a slow, approving smile.

"…Chairman Lim, I believe we can discuss the terms immediately."

The other CEOs exchanged glances.

This young man had just entered the industry, yet he was already making major moves.

Mr. Sun, observing quietly, thought to himself:

"He's not just rich. He's strategic. Every move is calculated—like a king expanding his empire."

Joshua only smirked.

Epilogue – A City in Awe

That night, as Joshua drove back to Horizon Hill, his phone buzzed again.

A message from the system.

[System Notification]

⚡ Overall Reputation Increased: Your corporate influence now commands awe in multiple circles.

Another message popped up.

Sung En: "Looking forward to our dinner, Chairman Lim."

And another.

Jia Yi: "You still haven't told me what your next move is. Are you keeping secrets from me?"

Joshua leaned back against his seat, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

"The fun is just beginning."

As he sped through the city, the legend of Chairman Lim continued to unfold—one calculated step at a time.

[Current Favorability Points]

✅ Jia Yi: 85

✅ Sung En: 50

✅ Su Yan: 70