But amid the roaring applause, Zhao Feng remained vigilant. He knew the higher he climbed, the more eyes would be watching — and not all of them with admiration.  

---

Late at night, in a luxurious skyscraper on the other side of the city, a darkened boardroom buzzed with muted conversations. The soft glow of a massive digital screen illuminated the space, displaying financial charts and media headlines.  

At the center of it all sat a man in his early forties, exuding an aura of calculated power — Lu Zhenhua, the CEO of Black Dragon Corporation. With a reputation for crushing rivals and monopolizing industries, he had earned the title of the "Shadow Emperor."  

And right now, his piercing gaze was locked on Zhao Feng’s image.  

"He’s reckless," one board member sneered. "Skyward's success is nothing more than a temporary stunt. The media will turn on him the moment he stumbles."  

"That boy doesn’t understand how this game is played," another added. "Lu Zhenhua, shall we proceed with the planned acquisition of Skyward's competitors?"  

But Lu Zhenhua remained silent, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the table. After a moment, a thin smirk curled on his lips.  

"No," he said calmly. "Zhao Feng is no ordinary opponent. A direct assault won’t work. We’ll let him rise… and when he least expects it, we’ll strike where it hurts."  

His voice lowered, ominous.  

"Prepare to infiltrate Skyward. I want eyes inside their operations. And reach out to Luo Shao — I’m sure he’d be eager for a second chance at revenge."  

The room echoed with quiet laughter. The shadows had begun to move.  

---

The next morning, Zhao Feng stood at the window of his corner office, gazing out at the city below. The phone on his desk buzzed.  

"Zhao Feng, it’s Cheng Tianlong."  

"Chairman Cheng," Zhao Feng greeted, his voice calm. "What can I do for you?"  

"You’ve done well with Skyward," Cheng Tianlong praised. "But be warned. Success breeds enemies. And I’ve heard whispers that **Black Dragon Corporation** is already making moves."  

Zhao Feng’s expression remained stoic.  

"I expected as much," he replied. "Lu Zhenhua won’t stay idle for long."  

"The question is," Cheng Tianlong continued, "how will you respond?"  

Zhao Feng’s lips curled into a faint smile.  

"Simple. I won’t wait for them to strike. I’ll make the first move."  

Ding!

[New Mission: Counter Black Dragon Corporation's Schemes.] 

[Objective 1: Identify Black Dragon’s Spies Within Skyward.]

[Objective 2: Sabotage Their Upcoming Business Acquisition.]

[Reward: +60 Million Simp Coins, Business Influence +700]

A dangerous game had begun. But Zhao Feng thrived in the face of challenges.  

"Let’s see if the Shadow Emperor can handle the light."