Location: Xiangyuan Club – Inner Circle Lounge
The room smelled of cedar, expensive ink, and silent tension.
Lin Feng sat across from a pair of Crimson Circle juniors — representatives from two smaller elite families, whispering doubts behind wine glasses.
"You've been quiet lately, Lin," one of them said, swirling a drink.
"Some are wondering if your spotlight's flickering."
Lin didn't answer. He passed his phone across the table.
The screen showed a silent video — a commercial zone announcement.
One of the projects Ji Haoran tried to blacklist had just been approved for landmark support, thanks to a counter-zoning investment Lin made last week through a ghost company.
The room went still.
"That's... a Luo family zone," the second junior murmured.
"Was," Lin replied.
Cut To: Luo Zixuan's Private Office
News came in fast.
"South Block re-approved. Cultural value claim rejected. Landmark partnership now under Silent Stake Holdings."
Zixuan slammed his tablet down.
