The internet exploded.
Within hours of the press conference, the video of Chen exposing Liu Hao trended across every major platform. Headlines read:
> "Exiled Founder Chen Returns, Destroys Liu Hao's Fraud AI Launch!"
"From Broke to Billionaire? Chen Rumored to Be Backed by Mysterious Capital!"
Chen sat in the corner booth of a high-end lounge café, sipping black coffee. Wearing designer shades and an expensive suit, he no longer looked like someone who had slept on a bench just the night before.
> Ding!
System Update: Current Bank Balance — ¥2,687,000
Upcoming Feature Unlock: Life Extension (Spend ¥10M total to activate)
New Perk: Business Influence (Minor) — People will now offer you partnerships proactively
As if on cue, a young man in his late 20s approached Chen. Neatly dressed, nervous but determined.
"Mr. Chen," he bowed respectfully. "I'm Wang Zhihao. I was a former developer at HaoTech. After seeing the truth… I quit."
Chen raised an eyebrow. "Bold move."
"I believe in you, sir. I want to work for you… no salary needed at first. I want to help build something real."
> New Character Registered: Wang Zhihao — Loyalty: 75/100 (Potential Ally)
System Suggestion: Accept. His skills match future plans for Host's AI empire.
Chen nodded. "You're hired. I'm building something bigger than HaoTech ever dreamed of. You'll be part of the core team."
Zhihao's eyes lit up. "Thank you, sir!"
> Mission: Hire First Core Staff – Completed
+¥100,000 Cashback Bonus
+New Skill Unlocked: Talent Recognition (Basic)*
But just as Zhihao left, another figure entered the café.
She walked straight toward Chen—tall, elegant, and strikingly beautiful, with long black hair tied into a power bun, her high heels clicking like gunshots. She wore a red business suit and carried a Louis Vuitton laptop bag.
"Chen," she said, her voice cool. "You're making waves."
Chen looked up, cautious.
"Do I know you?"
"Not yet. I'm Xu Ruyan, CEO of Ruyan Investments. I came to buy Liu Hao's company after your little show last night tanked his valuation."
She sat across from him.
"But now I'm interested in you."
> Warning: Xu Ruyan is a High-Intelligence Potential Rival. Also categorized as Tier S Harem Candidate.
Charm Test in Progress... Successful
Current Interest: 62%
Chen smirked. "Careful. Investing in me might come with side effects."
Ruyan smiled back. "I like risk."
Across the city, Liu Hao sat in his ruined office, smashing his desk in rage.
Chen was no longer the boy he crushed.
He was a storm.
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