The morning sun cast a golden glow across the city skyline, but inside Zi Corporation's headquarters, the atmosphere was anything but peaceful. The recent scandal surrounding Victor Chen had sent shockwaves through the business world, and Zi Ning wasn't wasting any time.
Seated at the head of a long, polished conference table, Zi Ning's presence was commanding. Her black tailored suit hugged her slender frame, and her sharp eyes scanned the group of senior executives before her. Each one of them was tense, aware that today's meeting would determine the company's future.
Lu Yichen sat beside her, his expression calm but his posture alert. He had spent the night preparing for this, ensuring every detail was accounted for.
Zi Ning tapped her fingers against the table once, silencing the low murmurs. "The situation with Victor Chen is under control—for now," she began, her voice cool and steady. "But Zi Yue is still moving in the shadows. We cannot allow her another opportunity to strike."
Mr. Liu, the company's chief financial officer, cleared his throat. "Chairwoman Zi, the damage to Victor's reputation has weakened his influence, but Zi Yue still controls key shareholders through private deals. If we don't act quickly, she may still attempt a takeover."
Zi Ning's lips curled into a cold smile. "Let her try. I've already taken steps to block any further share acquisitions. As of this morning, we've secured another 5% of the floating shares."
A ripple of surprise moved through the room. Mr. Liu's eyebrows lifted. "That gives us over 50% control…"
"Exactly," Zi Ning confirmed. "And I won't stop there."
Lu Yichen placed a folder in front of her. "We've identified two shareholders who are still in contact with Zi Yue. If we acquire their shares, her influence will be completely cut off."
Zi Ning flipped open the folder. Inside were profiles of the shareholders—both older men who valued profit over loyalty. "Offer them 20% above market value," she instructed. "By the end of the day, I want those shares in my hands."
"Yes, Chairwoman," Lu Yichen said, already drafting the necessary paperwork.
The other executives exchanged glances. Zi Ning's boldness was no longer surprising—she had proven time and again that she wouldn't back down from a fight.
"Dismissed," she ordered.
The executives rose and filed out of the room, leaving only her and Lu Yichen behind.
Once they were alone, Lu Yichen leaned back in his chair, watching her carefully. "You didn't sleep last night, did you?"
Zi Ning let out a soft sigh but didn't deny it. "There was too much to do."
"You can't burn yourself out," he said quietly. "Zi Yue isn't worth your health."
She glanced at him, her expression softer than before. "I'm not doing this just for myself, Yichen. This company carries my family's legacy. If I let Zi Yue destroy it, everything my father built will be gone."
Lu Yichen's hand brushed against hers on the table. "You're not alone in this."
For a moment, the cold walls she had built around herself seemed to crack. She allowed herself the comfort of his touch before straightening her posture. "I know," she said softly. "And that's why I can't afford to lose."
He smiled faintly. "Then let's finish this fight."
Later that afternoon, Zi Ning arrived at the private estate where the two shareholders lived. She believed in handling important matters personally—especially when the stakes were this high.
The first shareholder, Mr. Zhou, was already waiting for her in the study. His white hair and wrinkled face gave him the appearance of a harmless old man, but Zi Ning knew better. He had survived in the business world for over forty years—no one lasted that long without being ruthless.
"Chairwoman Zi," he greeted, rising from his leather armchair. "What brings you to my humble home?"
Zi Ning smiled politely but wasted no time on small talk. "I'm here to discuss your shares in Zi Corporation."
Mr. Zhou chuckled, settling back into his chair. "Ah, you're a direct one. I like that."
She placed a thick envelope on the table. "I'm offering 20% above market value. It's a generous deal—one that I won't repeat."
His smile faded slightly as he opened the envelope and scanned the terms. "You drive a hard bargain," he admitted.
"I drive a fair one," Zi Ning corrected. "Victor Chen's days are numbered, and Zi Yue is a sinking ship. If you stay with them, you'll lose everything."
He tapped his fingers against the table thoughtfully. "And if I sell to you?"
"You'll secure your profits and maintain a peaceful retirement," she answered smoothly. "I'm not here to play games, Mr. Zhou. This is a one-time offer."
Silence stretched between them before he finally nodded. "Deal."
Zi Ning stood and extended her hand. "Pleasure doing business with you."
By the time she returned to Zi Corporation, the second shareholder had also agreed to sell. Lu Yichen was already waiting for her in her office, a satisfied expression on his face.
"It's done," she announced, placing the signed contracts on her desk. "Zi Yue has no path left to regain control."
Lu Yichen nodded approvingly. "You've cut off every route she had. Without shareholder backing, she's finished."
A knock on the door interrupted them. Her assistant entered, looking anxious.
"Chairwoman Zi, there's an urgent matter. Someone leaked internal documents to the media."
Zi Ning's eyes narrowed. "What documents?"
"The ones regarding the overseas investments," the assistant explained. "They're accusing you of hiding company funds."
Lu Yichen's expression turned icy. "Zi Yue's last desperate move."
Zi Ning remained calm, though her heart burned with rage. "Prepare a press statement immediately. I want to address this head-on."
That evening, the media storm raged as news outlets broadcasted the so-called "Zi Corporation Offshore Scandal." Analysts speculated wildly, and social media buzzed with accusations.
But Zi Ning wasn't about to let the lies spread unchecked. At 8:00 PM sharp, she held a live press conference.
Dressed in an elegant black dress, she stood confidently before the cameras. Lu Yichen watched from the side, ready to step in if needed.
"I will not tolerate baseless accusations against my integrity," Zi Ning began, her voice cold and commanding. "The so-called 'offshore accounts' are nothing more than authorized overseas expansions—projects approved by our board and fully disclosed to the appropriate authorities."
She held up a set of official audit reports. "These documents confirm that every transaction was legal and transparent. Zi Corporation has nothing to hide."
Her words struck hard and fast, leaving no room for doubt.
As questions poured in, she fielded them with precision and grace. By the time the conference ended, public opinion had already begun to shift.
Back in her office, Zi Ning leaned against her desk, exhaustion finally creeping in.
"You did it," Lu Yichen said softly, handing her a glass of water.
She accepted it gratefully. "It's not over yet. Zi Yue won't stop."
"No," he agreed. "But you've made it clear—she can't win."
Their eyes met, and for once, Zi Ning allowed herself to breathe. The battle had been long and exhausting.