*Chapter 24: Shadows of Rivalry*
The investor friend was in a foul mood. Markets had turned against him, and even his sharp tongue carried less bite that evening.
"Lost another fortune?" Zhao Liang teased flatly.
"Mock me all you want. One day, you'll beg me for tips."
Li Xue, sitting with Mei Yan, watched the exchange. She could see it — the rivalry between the friends. It wasn't just banter. It was survival. They thrived on competing, but beneath it, there was exhaustion, fear of losing the empire they had built.
Mei Yan leaned closer. "Even rich men get headaches, huh?"
Li Xue smiled faintly. "Money doesn't cure loneliness either."
That night, when the friends left, Zhao Liang stood by the window. His reflection in the glass seemed heavier, burdened.
Li Xue dared to whisper, "Even your friends are human, Liang. Why can't you be?"
His reply was soft, almost inaudible. "Because humanity is weakness."