When Fyren regained consciousness, he found himself in Sage Mode. Lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling, then glancing at Chloe beside him, he let out a frustrated sigh.
"It's over. I really messed up this time."
"It actually turned into the boss-secretary cliché."
"Sabrina's drug was too potent. I couldn't resist. Who knew even after she left, just traces of her scent could still affect me?"
"Damn it. Next time I see that woman, I'll avoid her completely! No contact whatsoever!"
Snuggled in Fyren's arms, Chloe was slowly waking up. Hearing his inner monologue, the corners of her mouth lifted involuntarily.
So Sabrina had drugged him. How vexing! She'd thought he'd wanted her.
But it didn't matter. Fyren was amazing. Amazing in every way.
Fyren sensed Chloe stirring: "Awake, Chloe?"
Chloe stopped pretending to sleep, opened her eyes, and gave him a shy smile.
"Chloe, I'm sorry," Fyren said.
She shook her head against his chest: "It's alright. I was willing."
Fyren sat up, looking at her: "I..."
Chloe sat up too, chuckling: "I know."
"What do you know?"
Adopting a deliberately relaxed manner, Chloe smiled:
"You're Trillion Group's president. What happens with your secretary is just... a fling. You can't marry me. I understand."
"It wasn't a fling. I was genuinely drugged..."
"I know."
"You know again?"
"Mm-hmm." Chloe nodded. "Sabrina must have poisoned you. This was an accident. Not your fault."
Fyren nodded: "I... I'll compensate you. Financially."
Chloe froze: "Fyren, I don't want money. I don't need you to take responsibility."
"Fyren, Chloe truly likes you. Admires you. Respects you. Loves you. I know my status is too low to be your wife. Actually... I used to dislike you. But recently, seeing your actions, I've been deeply impressed. Especially how you've treated me these past years - with respect. Compared to Hakan, that tycoon, your... interactions with women never go beyond words. At most, you just... ask everyone to wear short skirts."
Fyren was at a loss for words.
Chloe continued: "You've helped so many people - their families, careers, homes, marriages, children's futures, elders' healthcare. Working alongside you is an honor. And my mother's illness... you saved her. I could never repay that kindness."
Fyren shook his head: "That was just luck."
"Not where my mother's concerned." Chloe said firmly: "Regardless, I'm content being your... discreet companion. Your assistant. Your right hand. No expectations."
Fyren sighed: "I've wronged you. Give me time."
"Chloe, help me dress."
[Scene transition indicating time passage]
Otto had recovered significantly.
As the male lead, he naturally enjoyed the protagonist's privilege of resilience and rapid recovery.
Moreover, being a potion master himself, he had instructed Sherry to prepare basic recovery potions according to his formula. Accelerating his self-healing wasn't an issue.
His appearance had nearly returned to normal, and he'd personally brewed some bone-repairing potions.
Just then, Sabrina returned: "Subordinate greets the young lord."
"Hmm." Seeing the young lord about seventy percent recovered, Sabrina felt relieved: "The young lord's exceptional talent extends to potion-making as well. Your progress is remarkable. This subordinate is in awe."
Otto allowed himself a small, proud smile.
"What about Fyren? Have you dealt with him?"
At this question, Sabrina's cheeks flushed.
Not only had she failed to handle him, but Fyren had taken every possible advantage. Even worse - he'd stolen her first kiss!
This kind of hatred couldn't be washed away!
This humiliation wasn't something she could share.
She dared not mention Fyren kissing her. The fear of the young lord looking down on her kept her silent.
"Fyren proved more cunning than expected. He didn't take the bait."
Otto was genuinely surprised.
He'd specifically sent Sabrina to deal with the lecherous Fyren.
"You've never failed before. What went wrong this time?"
"He seems aware of my abilities. He never meets my gaze."
"With all your techniques, none worked?"
Sabrina's embarrassment deepened.
Like a top student suddenly scoring zero - even unspoken, the shame burned.
"Fyren is extremely cunning. This subordinate has failed. Please reprimand me."
Otto waved impatiently: "Never mind. What of Hakan's progress?"
Sabrina immediately brightened:
"He's completely under my control. Though I've only made him infatuated - no higher-level spells yet. I thought to wait until after he acquires Qianfeng before..."
"Wise. A puppet-like Hakan would struggle to acquire Qianfeng. Continue assisting him until he succeeds."
"Yes. Though if Fyren refuses to sell his shares, Hakan's path remains difficult."
Otto declared: "In this world, only I, Otto, am immune to your charms! No matter how cautious Fyren is, he'll eventually fall into your palm. Handle him quickly."
"Understood. This subordinate has another plan."
"Speak."
"To accelerate Qianfeng's acquisition, I could target Elton Leng. Make him my servant, force him to sell shares to Hakan cheaply. Then have Hakan manage Qianfeng for you. What do you think?"
Otto frowned.
He still wanted Fyren dealt with - not just for conquering the four families, but for personal vengeance.
Yet the greater mission took priority now.
Otto nodded: "Good. First help Hakan acquire Qianfeng Group. Fyren can wait."
"Yes. Subordinate has one more matter to report."
"What is it?"
"My funds are depleted. Please have Hakan provide money for our recent expenses."
At this, Sabrina allowed herself a small smile:
"I could have him transfer all his assets to you, young lord."
Otto waved dismissively: "Too conspicuous. Would alert their family. We can't jeopardize the greater plan for minor gains now. I've noticed their family hardly monitors transactions under ten billion. Understood?"
"Understood, young lord."
[Scene transition]
The Copper King had been living large these days! Though confined to a limited area - what couldn't you find in a major city? Nothing!
These nouveau riche had no concept of financial management or business operations.
Each now worth thirty million, they'd gone utterly wild with joy.
Villas, luxury cars, never asking prices - only demanding the finest.
These days had been pure, unbridled indulgence.
Several cars pulled up before the villa.
Fyren emerged, dressed in a short windbreaker and sunglasses, stepping out like a runway model.
Beside him stood his secretary in black stockings - alluring, provocative. Behind them, five hulking men in black suits and shades stood at attention, hands clasped behind backs, radiating intensity.
The Copper King's group rushed out to greet them. Three immediately knelt before Fyren: "Subordinates pay homage to the young lord! May the young lord enjoy eternal prosperity!"
Fyren smiled faintly: "Enjoying yourselves?"
The Copper King chuckled: "Young lord's generosity knows no bounds. These days have been paradise. We're eternally grateful."
Fyren nodded: "Otto's nearly recovered."
The three froze. Wait... aren't you Otto?
The Copper King gaped speechlessly.
Fyren smiled: "Iron King."
"Here."
After days of training, Iron King's group had transformed.
Though not yet meeting Fyren's exacting standards, they could certainly maintain appearances briefly. Understanding their purpose, each remained perfectly disciplined - backs straight, expressions grave.
One subordinate produced a chair. Fyren sat, crossing his legs.
Two others raised a sun umbrella.
Another unfolded a portable table.
Chloe arranged a fruit platter and drink.
Sipping his beverage, Fyren regarded the Copper King with amusement.
The Copper King paled: "Iron King!? You... young lord, he's not..."
Iron King's face hardened: "Fool! Look closely. This is our Fyren!"
The Copper King scrambled up, thunderstruck.
Fyren said coolly: "The man you beat to a pulp, the one whose legs you broke - that was Otto, your so-called 'young lord.' As for me? Fyren Zhang. Eldest son of the Zhang family. Head of Crystalpeak's Four Great Houses. President of Dasheng Group."
Copper King's mind went blank with a thunderous crash.
What the hell!?
He shouted in rage, "You... you... you dare deceive me!?"
Fyren roared with domineering authority, "You dare point at me!? You're pointing your finger at me!?"
Copper King actually shrank back, his finger dropping as his words came out in a stammer: "W-why... how did this happen?"
Iron King interjected coldly, "A nobody like Otto could never match Fyren. Even if Helmsman himself came, Fyren would play him like a fiddle until he was kneeling to polish Fyren's shoes."
The three Copper Kings' heads spun violently.
Remembering everything they'd done since arriving in Crystalpeak City, cold sweat drenched their backs.
They knew they were finished.
Not only had they sworn allegiance to the wrong master, but they'd also beaten the real young lord to a pulp, broken his legs before abandoning him, and handed Fyren 4.9 billion of the 5 billion in cash.
They'd even divided the remaining 100 million among themselves!
Forget other crimes - just cutting contact with headquarters and embezzling 100 million was enough to make the syndicate hunt them to the ends of the earth.
Iron King's expression turned grave: "Copper King, for old times' sake, I'll offer you a way out. You can't return to the Mighty Syndicate. You know better than anyone what you've done and what awaits you."
Copper King's fists clenched until his knuckles turned white: "Even if I die, I'm taking you all down with me!"
"Fine!" Iron King barked angrily. "You've got spirit. But what skills? What makes you think you can defeat us now?"
Four massive bodyguards stepped forward, forming a protective wall before Fyren.
Fyren waved them aside with a flick of his fan: "Copper King, there's no escape. Even if you kill me, then what? You've lost 5 billion in cash. Do you really think the Mighty Syndicate will show mercy?"
Copper King burst into uncontrollable tears.
He'd never imagined the tables could turn so completely.
Fury, rage, sorrow, regret, terror and confusion warred within him simultaneously.
"I won't serve some spoiled rich heir! Better to shatter like jade than live as common tile! Brothers!"
"Here!"
"Fight them to the death!"