He smirked.  

"Chairman Cheng," Zhao Feng began, his voice calm yet commanding. "It’s a generous offer. But I didn’t come here to accept without knowing exactly what I’m stepping into."  

A flicker of amusement crossed Cheng Tianlong's eyes. The old man liked this. Confidence — no, dominance. Zhao Feng wasn’t here to beg for scraps; he was here to negotiate as an equal.  

Ding!  

[Choice Selected: Negotiate Better Terms.]

[Mission Objective Updated: Secure a Favorable Deal from the Cheng Consortium.]

The system buzzed, but Zhao Feng ignored it. He was already fully in control.  

Cheng Tianlong chuckled, his voice low. "Bold. I expected no less. But tell me, Zhao Feng — what exactly do you want?"  

Zhao Feng tapped his fingers lightly against the armrest. "Partnership implies mutual benefit. While the Cheng Consortium offers vast resources, I bring influence, visibility, and momentum. After all, the headlines are still buzzing about how I humiliated Luo Shao."  

Cheng Xin, standing silently by the side, raised a brow. Even she couldn't deny the truth of his words. Luo Shao’s public downfall had shifted the campus hierarchy, and Zhao Feng’s name was now synonymous with power.  

"And what would you propose?" Cheng Tianlong asked, his interest piqued.  

Zhao Feng's smirk widened. "I’ll accept the partnership, but with revised terms. First, I want a 20% equity stake in the next Cheng Consortium venture. Not as a silent investor — as an active stakeholder."  

A murmur of disbelief escaped from Cheng Xin. Twenty percent? That was bold.  

"Second," Zhao Feng continued, his voice steady, "I want access to the Cheng Consortium’s elite social circle. Introduce me to the right people — people of real power. I plan to expand my influence, and I expect your full support."  

"And lastly," Zhao Feng’s eyes gleamed, "if I succeed in increasing the value of your new venture within six months, I want a permanent seat on your executive board."  

The words hung in the air, the sheer audacity sending a ripple of tension through the room.  

Ding! 

[Negotiation Progress: 80% — Final Response Pending.]  

Cheng Tianlong’s expression remained unreadable. The man had spent decades at the top, accustomed to dealing with billionaires and politicians. But Zhao Feng’s confidence — that unwavering belief in his own power — had clearly caught him off guard.  

Then, the chairman smiled. A slow, calculating smile.  

"Zhao Feng," Cheng Tianlong said, his voice low, "you’re either a genius or a fool."  

"Perhaps both," Zhao Feng replied smoothly.  

Cheng Tianlong leaned forward, clasping his hands together. "Very well. You have a deal. Twenty percent equity. Access to our elite network. And if you can increase the venture’s value in six months, I’ll personally ensure you have a permanent seat on the executive board."  

Ding!

[Mission Complete: Secure a Favorable Deal.]  

[Reward: +20 Million Simp Coins, Business Influence +300, Negotiation Mastery Unlocked.]

[Current Simp Coins: 99 Trillion 136 Million]*

"Pleasure doing business with you," Zhao Feng said, extending his hand.  

Cheng Tianlong’s handshake was firm, his grin tinged with approval. "Let’s see if you can back up that confidence, Zhao Feng. But something tells me… you will."  

As Zhao Feng exited the tower, the cityscape stretched before him — a kingdom of wealth and power waiting to be conquered.  

"Next."