The night was cold, but Zi Ning's heart burned with fire. In her private study, the glow of her desk lamp cast sharp shadows against the walls. The silence was heavy, broken only by the soft rustle of papers as she reviewed the latest report on Qiang Holdings.
Lu Yichen stood beside her, his tall figure leaning slightly as he scanned the documents. His expression was calm, but beneath the surface, a dangerous light flickered in his eyes.
"Zhang Qiang is more ambitious than I thought," Zi Ning murmured, flipping to another page. "He's not just supporting Zi Yue—he's expanding into areas that directly threaten our business."
Lu Yichen nodded. "He's targeting your international partnerships. If he succeeds, Zi Corporation could lose billions."
Zi Ning's lips curled into a cold smile. "Ambitious—but reckless. He's underestimating me."
Lu Yichen's fingers tapped lightly on the desk. "We should strike first. If we wait, he'll only become harder to control."
Zi Ning leaned back in her chair, her eyes narrowing with thought. "Zhang Qiang is cautious. He won't make a move unless he's sure he can win. But… everyone has a weakness."
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.
"Come in," she said.
Liu Mei stepped inside, her expression tense. "Chairwoman Zi, there's a problem."
Zi Ning's gaze sharpened. "What is it?"
Liu Mei hesitated before speaking. "Someone leaked our upcoming merger plans with Hongfeng Group. The news is spreading fast, and Zhang Qiang is already making offers to block the deal."
Zi Ning's jaw tightened. "Who leaked it?"
"We're still investigating," Liu Mei said quietly. "But it must be someone close."
Lu Yichen's expression darkened. "Another mole."
Zi Ning's mind raced. If Zhang Qiang succeeded in blocking the merger, it would cripple her expansion plans and give him a major advantage.
Her voice was cold and sharp. "Find the mole. And make sure they regret betraying me."
"Yes, Chairwoman," Liu Mei said, turning to leave.
As the door closed, Zi Ning sighed softly, tension weighing on her shoulders.
Lu Yichen's warm hand covered hers. "You don't have to do this alone, Ning. Let me help."
For a brief moment, her heart softened at his touch. "I know. And I trust you."
His grip tightened slightly, his voice low. "Zhang Qiang won't stop until he destroys everything. But I won't let that happen."
Zi Ning's lips curved into a fierce smile. "Neither will I."
The next morning, the city buzzed with the news of the leaked merger. Financial analysts predicted chaos, and competitors circled like vultures. But Zi Ning moved swiftly.
By noon, she held a private meeting with the Hongfeng Group executives.
Seated at the polished conference table, her posture was graceful yet commanding. Across from her sat Chairman Wu, a sharp-eyed man in his sixties who had built Hongfeng Group from the ground up.
"Chairman Wu," Zi Ning began smoothly, "I understand your concerns about the leak. But let me assure you—this merger will proceed without delay."
Chairman Wu's gaze was thoughtful. "I admire your confidence, Chairwoman Zi. But Zhang Qiang's offer is tempting. He's willing to pay above market price for our shares."
Zi Ning smiled faintly. "Zhang Qiang is good at making promises. But can he deliver long-term stability?"
She slid a folder across the table. "Inside, you'll find evidence of Zhang Qiang's hidden debts. His company is overextended. If you align with him, you'll risk everything when he falls."
Chairman Wu opened the folder, his expression darkening as he scanned the documents.
"Where did you get this?" he asked quietly.
Zi Ning's smile remained calm. "I have my ways."
After a long silence, Chairman Wu nodded slowly. "Very well. The merger proceeds as planned."
Zi Ning extended her hand. "A wise decision."
As they shook hands, the first battle was won. But the war was far from over.
That evening, Zi Ning returned to the mansion. Despite her success, her heart remained heavy. She knew Zhang Qiang wouldn't stop here.
As she entered her bedroom, Lu Yichen was waiting for her. He stood by the window, the city lights reflecting in his dark eyes.
"You're back," he said softly.
She walked over, her body relaxing slightly in his presence. "The merger is secured. But Zhang Qiang won't take this loss lightly."
Lu Yichen's expression turned cold. "Let him come. I'll destroy every move he makes."
Zi Ning smiled faintly, brushing her fingers against his. "Together."
He leaned closer, his voice a soft murmur. "Always."
For a moment, the tension melted away as she rested her head against his chest. But deep inside, her resolve only grew stronger.
Zhang Qiang had made the first move.
Now, it was her turn to strike back.
The next day, a storm broke over Zhang Qiang's empire.
Confidential reports exposing his company's illegal dealings flooded the media. Financial regulators launched an investigation, freezing several of his key accounts.
In a matter of hours, his perfect image shattered.
At Zi Corporation, Zi Ning stood in her office, watching the news unfold. Liu Mei stood beside her, struggling to hide her satisfaction.
"The damage is severe," Liu Mei reported. "Zhang Qiang's stock price dropped ten percent. His investors are panicking."
Zi Ning's smile was cold and unforgiving. "Good. But we're not finished yet."
Her phone buzzed. An unknown number.
She answered without hesitation. "Zi Ning."
A cold laugh echoed through the line. "Enjoying your little victory?"
It was Zhang Qiang.
Zi Ning's voice was smooth as silk. "You attacked first. Did you think I wouldn't strike back?"
His tone darkened. "You're playing a dangerous game, girl."
Zi Ning's eyes flashed with fierce determination. "And I play to win."
The line went dead.
Liu Mei exhaled slowly. "He won't stop here."
Zi Ning's smile sharpened. "Neither will I."
Behind her, Lu Yichen's voice was steady. "Whatever comes next—we face it together."
Zi Ning turned, her heart pounding with fierce resolve. "Let them come. I'm ready."