Morning After Jia Yi's Confession
The first rays of dawn cast a warm glow over the luxurious Horizon Hill villa. In her spacious bedroom, Jia Yi stirred awake, still wrapped in the lingering emotions of the night before. Her mind replayed the memory of Joshua's unwavering strength—the way he protected her, the fierce declaration, "She's mine," and the raw emotion in his voice.
Sitting up, she hugged her knees, feeling both embarrassed and happy. I actually told him… I love him. The weight of her own confession made her cheeks burn. She grabbed her phone, hesitating for a moment before typing:
Jia Yi: Good morning, my hero. Did you sleep well?
Seconds later, Joshua's reply popped up.
Joshua: I did. Someone confessed their love to me last night, so I'm in a good mood.
Jia Yi's face turned red instantly.
Jia Yi: Shameless!
Despite her playful response, a small, satisfied smile spread across her lips. This was different. Their relationship had changed.
Just then, her phone rang—her mother's name flashed on the screen.
"Jia Yi, where's Joshua? I need to speak with him."
Jia Yi's brows furrowed. "Mom? What's wrong?"
Her mother's voice was laced with gratitude. "I just… I can't thank him enough. If he hadn't stepped in, I don't know what would've happened to us. Can you ask him to visit? Your father…" she hesitated, "…he wants to apologize."
Jia Yi's heart softened. Even after everything, Mom still believes in Dad.
"I'll let him know," Jia Yi said.
Invitation to the Business Gala
Later that morning, Joshua was reviewing new strategies for Lim Group's AI sector when his phone buzzed. It was a message from the Dragon Head Group's exclusive chat.
Mr. Kim: Chairman Lim, the business world is watching you closely. Are you interested in taking on Titan Dynamics?
Joshua's gaze sharpened. He had expected Titan Dynamics to make a move, but the timing was faster than anticipated.
Another message followed.
Mr. Sun: There's an exclusive business gala tonight at the Imperial Grand Hotel. All major players will be there—including Titan Dynamics' CEO, Robert Grayson.
Joshua smirked. Perfect. A chance to shake up the board.
Then, another message appeared.
Sung En: I'll be performing at the gala tonight. Let's see if you'll actually watch me this time, Chairman Lim.
Joshua chuckled. She had a way of teasing him, but beneath it, he could sense genuine concern.
He replied to the group:
Joshua: I'll be there.
The Business Gala – A Clash of Titans
The Imperial Grand Hotel was alive with wealth and power. The entrance was lined with luxury cars, and security was tight—only the most powerful figures in business were allowed inside.
As Joshua arrived, dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, he was met with subtle nods of acknowledgment. He wasn't just an up-and-comer anymore—he was a force to be reckoned with.
The grand ballroom was illuminated by crystal chandeliers, and the air was thick with hushed conversations and business negotiations. Among the distinguished guests were tech moguls, investors, and international business elites.
A soft melody drifted through the air. Sung En stood on stage, dressed in a stunning black evening gown, her silver-white hair cascading over her shoulders as she sang. Her voice was mesmerizing, commanding the attention of the entire room.
Joshua watched her from a distance. She really is talented.
As the song ended, polite applause filled the room, and Sung En stepped off the stage, making her way toward Joshua.
"I didn't expect you to actually pay attention," she said, a playful glint in her eyes.
Joshua smirked. "I'm full of surprises."
Before she could respond, a commanding voice cut through the room.
"Ah, so you're the so-called Chairman Lim I've been hearing about."
Joshua turned to face Robert Grayson, the CEO of Titan Dynamics, a towering man in his late 40s with piercing blue eyes and an aura of absolute confidence.
"I must say, you're quite bold for someone so young," Robert continued, swirling the whiskey in his glass. "Buying up AI companies, making noise in the industry. But tell me, do you actually have what it takes to compete with the best?"
Joshua met his gaze with unwavering composure. "I don't compete, Mr. Grayson. I dominate."
The room grew silent. Eyes turned toward them, sensing the tension.
Robert chuckled, but there was a dangerous edge to it. "Big words for someone who hasn't even gone up against Titan Dynamics yet. Let's make things interesting."
He took a sip of his whiskey before setting it down. "How about a business wager?"
Joshua raised an eyebrow. "I'm listening."
Robert smirked. "Three months from now, we both present our most advanced AI. If Titan Dynamics wins, you withdraw from the AI market entirely."
A murmur ran through the crowd. This wasn't just a bet—it was an industry-shaking challenge.
Joshua didn't hesitate. "And if I win?"
Robert's expression flickered with amusement. "If you win, Titan Dynamics will halt all expansion into the Asian market for the next five years."
Gasps echoed across the room. That was a massive concession.
A slow smile spread across Joshua's face. "Interesting. But let's raise the stakes."
Robert arched an eyebrow.
"If I win, not only will Titan Dynamics halt expansion in Asia, but you'll also publicly acknowledge that Lim Group's AI is superior."
The murmurs intensified. A public humiliation for Titan Dynamics? That was bold.
Robert's expression darkened for a brief moment before he let out a low laugh. "Alright, Chairman Lim. You've got yourself a deal."
The two men shook hands, sealing the wager.
Aftermath – Sung En's Concern
As the gala wound down, Sung En pulled Joshua aside.
"Do you really think this is a good idea?" she asked, crossing her arms. "Titan Dynamics isn't just some small-time company. They have resources beyond what you can imagine."
Joshua gave her a reassuring look. "I know what I'm doing, Sung En."
She sighed, clearly unconvinced. "Just… don't get reckless. I've seen too many people destroyed by their own ambition."
Joshua smirked. "Worried about me?"
Sung En scoffed, looking away. "I just don't want to see someone I admire crash and burn."
A system notification popped up:
[Sung En Favorability +5 → (Total: 75 Points)]
Joshua smiled inwardly. She's starting to care more than she lets on.
System Rewards & Next Steps
As Joshua drove home, another system notification appeared:
[Business Wager Accepted – Reward Unlocked]
• 500 Million yen deposited into Lim Group's R&D fund.
• New Skill: Strategic Vision (Enhanced Market Analysis and Forecasting).
• Attribute Points +10 (Intelligence).
He smirked. Now, let's crush Titan Dynamics.