The next morning, Zi Ning woke early. She stood by the window of the Lu family mansion, watching the sun rise over the city skyline. The warmth of Lu Yichen's embrace still lingered on her skin, but her mind was far from calm.
The Qin Group.
They weren't just another business rival. Their sudden interest in Zi Corporation meant something more—something dangerous. And Zi Ning wasn't the kind of person to sit back and wait for an attack.
As she turned from the window, her phone buzzed on the nightstand. A message from Liu Mei.
"Chairwoman Zi, the Qin Group is making a move. You need to see this."
Zi Ning's eyes narrowed. She quickly dressed in a sleek black suit, the sharp lines emphasizing her elegant but commanding presence. With a final glance at the bed where Lu Yichen still slept, she grabbed her purse and headed out.
By the time she arrived at Zi Corporation, the entire office was buzzing with tension. Liu Mei stood by the entrance to her office, a serious expression on her face.
"What happened?" Zi Ning asked as she strode inside.
Liu Mei handed her a folder. "The Qin Group just announced a major collaboration with the Lin Consortium. They're targeting the luxury entertainment sector—the same division we've been expanding."
Zi Ning flipped through the documents, her sharp gaze scanning every detail. The Lin Consortium was a powerful player in the industry. If they combined forces with the Qin Group, it would be a direct challenge to Zi Corporation's dominance.
"They're trying to box us out," she said coldly.
Liu Mei nodded. "If their partnership succeeds, they could steal our largest advertisers and weaken our market influence."
Zi Ning closed the folder with a snap. "We won't let that happen. Prepare a press release—we're announcing our new global talent project today. I want the world to know Zi Corporation isn't backing down."
"Yes, Chairwoman."
As Liu Mei left to carry out her orders, Zi Ning sat at her desk, her mind working fast. The Qin Group wanted a war. So be it.
But she wouldn't just defend—she would strike first.
By noon, the press release was live. News outlets and social media exploded with excitement as Zi Corporation's new global talent initiative promised to discover and launch the next generation of international superstars.
Within hours, applications flooded in, and public opinion shifted. Instead of focusing on the Qin Group's partnership, everyone was talking about Zi Ning's bold move.
But she wasn't satisfied yet. She knew this was only the beginning.
"Liu Mei," Zi Ning said, her voice steady, "schedule a meeting with our top investors. I want their full support."
That afternoon, the boardroom was filled with the company's most influential shareholders. Men and women in expensive suits sat around the long table, their faces unreadable as Zi Ning entered.
"Chairwoman Zi," an older man at the head of the table said. "We've reviewed your global talent project. It's ambitious—but risky."
Zi Ning met his gaze without flinching. "Innovation always carries risk, Mr. Zhao. But without bold moves, we will fall behind. The Qin Group wants to push us out. If we hesitate now, we lose everything."
A murmur spread through the room.
Another shareholder, Ms. Cheng, leaned forward. "How do you plan to secure our market position?"
Zi Ning's lips curved into a calm, confident smile. "I've already negotiated exclusive contracts with our top advertisers. The Qin Group won't touch them. And by launching this project worldwide, we're expanding our influence beyond their reach."
For a moment, the room was silent. Then Mr. Zhao chuckled softly. "You're as ruthless as ever, Chairwoman Zi. I like that."
The others nodded in agreement.
"You have our support," he continued. "But if this fails…"
"It won't," Zi Ning interrupted firmly. "I'll make sure of it."
As the meeting ended, Zi Ning returned to her office. Her heart pounded with adrenaline, but her expression remained cool.
She had won this round—but the war was far from over.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. Lu Yichen stepped inside, his dark eyes studying her carefully.
"You're working too hard," he said, closing the door behind him.
Zi Ning sighed softly. "I don't have a choice. The Qin Group won't stop until they destroy everything I've built."
Lu Yichen walked over, his presence filling the room. "Let them try," he said quietly. "I'll protect you."
His words sent warmth through her chest, but she couldn't afford to be distracted. Not now.
"There's something else," he added, his voice turning serious. "I investigated the Qin Group's recent activities. Someone powerful is backing them—but their identity is hidden."
Zi Ning's hands clenched into fists. "Whoever it is, they're going to regret coming after me."
Lu Yichen smiled faintly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "That's the woman I fell for. Strong, fearless."
For a moment, the tension lifted. In his arms, the weight on her shoulders felt a little lighter.
But she knew better than to relax.
Because the storm was just beginning.
The next day, news broke that the Qin Group's partnership with the Lin Consortium had hit a roadblock. Rumors spread that key investors were pulling out—thanks to Zi Ning's behind-the-scenes maneuvers.
In the high-stakes world of business, reputation was everything. And Zi Ning was proving she wouldn't be easily defeated.
At the same time, applications for Zi Corporation's global talent project soared past expectations. Overnight, Zi Ning had turned the tide in her favor.
But even as the company celebrated, Zi Ning remained on guard. She knew the Qin Group wouldn't accept defeat quietly.
And she was ready for whatever came next.
Late that evening, Zi Ning sat in her private lounge, reviewing reports. The city lights glittered outside the window, but her mind was focused on the battle ahead.
Her phone buzzed. A message from an unknown number.
"You think you've won? This is only the beginning."
A chill ran down her spine—but it didn't shake her resolve.
Zi Ning smiled coldly. Whoever they were, they had made one mistake.
They had underestimated her.
And they were about to learn—when Zi Ning fought back, she didn't leave survivors.