After what felt like an eternity, Fyren woke up.
A tear of despair slipped from the corner of his eye.
It was over.
All over.
I tried so hard to lose money, but now not only can't I lose it, I'm making a fortune instead.
Just let me lose some money! I can't become too powerful! Absolutely not! It'll interfere with Otto's plans!
I'm not afraid of him now, but I can't recklessly enter this powerful phase!
I need to bide my time, maintain a low profile, and stabilize the late stage!
If Dasheng Group grows too quickly, the conflict between Otto and me will become irreconcilable!
If I want to unify Northlandia, he's the biggest obstacle that must be eliminated!
Damn it!
Damn damn damn damn!
He lay sprawled on the three-million-dollar recliner he'd acquired at auction,
his head pillowed against Chloe's soft thighs, breathing in her delicate fragrance.
Chloe's scent was truly enchanting - neither gaudy nor vulgar, just naturally fragrant.
That youthful feminine aroma was so refreshing it was almost tantalizing.
Chloe looked down at Fyren. "You're awake? My, I never saw you this unhappy about making money before!"
Of all his women, Chloe was the only normal one.
Eliza was overly serious and starved for affection - outwardly dignified and virtuous, but secretly a sultry player. Worst of all was her ever-changing face, which was downright frustrating.
Cora appeared dignified too, but could turn into a madwoman at times, screaming accusations at him over nothing. Anyone watching would think he'd already taken advantage of her and refused to take responsibility.
Xena? Don't even mention her! That little demon schemed against him daily. Her acting was so convincing she'd fooled the whole world into believing he was some perverted brute who wanted to dispose of her after getting what he wanted.
But Chloe was good - smart, hardworking, attentive. She took excellent care of him, always obedient without being stubborn.
A relieved smile crossed Fyren's lips.
For a moment, he found himself unwilling to leave the comfort of Chloe's plush thighs and that intoxicating maidenly fragrance.
[I'll pretend to be unconscious a little longer... enjoy this a bit more.]
[This is the kind of woman you marry. The perfect wife - sweet or spicy as needed. It would be wonderful to play with her.]
Rubbing his temples, Fyren asked, "How long was I out?"
Chloe's heart blossomed with joy at Fyren's internal praise.
It might be a bit crude, but... what man wasn't like that? Girls had their fantasies too - about being flirted with, dominated, bullied by a tycoon like Fyren...
Hadn't she often fantasized about being "forced" to submit to Fyren's whims?
And he said I'm marriage material!
Could it be true? Could I really join the Zhang family? Am I worthy?
Her cheeks flushed crimson with happiness as she gently stroked Fyren's head.
Hehe! Sounds like Fyren doesn't actually like Eliza, Xena or Cora yet!
I'm so happy he sees all these good qualities in me!
"Chloe," Fyren said.
"Mmm?"
"Are you okay?"
Chloe was lost in thought, her mind split in two—one part gently massaging Fyren's head, the other drifting into sweet fantasies.
"I'm fine."
"Then what are you doing?"
"Giving you a massage, Fyren," Chloe replied, her voice softer than ever before.
"Look down. You're not rubbing my temples—you're gouging my eyes."
Chloe glanced down and gasped. Her thumbs were pressing directly onto Fyren's eyelids.
She jerked her hands away and giggled sheepishly. "Sorry, sorry, Fyren! I got carried away."
"I thought you were trying to finish me off while you had the chance."
"No way! I would never—"
Fyren sighed. "I'm getting up."
"Hey! No, don't move!" Chloe insisted, smiling. "Let me try again."
"No, you've been at it for half an hour. You must be tired."
"I'm not tired!" she said quickly. "Just lie back down. Be good."
Fyren frowned.
[What's wrong with her today? Why is she so jumpy?]
[Ah, whatever. Might as well indulge a little. I lost a fortune today—I deserve a pretty girl pampering me, right?]
[Heh. A sexy secretary giving me a head massage? Feels so good I could fly. Who'd trade this for godhood?]
Fyren relaxed, eyes closed, savoring the moment. Meanwhile, Chloe, eavesdropping on his thoughts, grew increasingly flustered.
[Chloe's aura is intoxicating. I just want to pin her down and tease her senseless.]
[If only she'd wear something sexy—lingerie with stockings—and give me a full-body massage. Just imagining it is enough to—]
Chloe's cheeks burned. "Fyren…"
"Hmm?"
"I'll… go buy some sexy lingerie later. So I can… serve you properly."
Fyren bolted upright. "What?!"
"N-Nothing!"
Chloe ducked her head, avoiding his gaze. "I just thought… you might like it."
Fyren was baffled.
[Is she… coming onto me?]
[No way. She's not the type to throw herself at me for money.]
[Her mom's been sick for years, and she's slaved away without resorting to that. What's gotten into her?!]
"Uh…" Fyren stammered. "They—they all panicked when they heard I fainted, right?"
Chloe shook her head. "They were excited because you're making money."
"Excited?!"
Fyren's nostrils flared. "Those savages!"
So they were thrilled about the profits, were they?
"Where are they?"
"Outside. Should I call them in?"
"Do it!"
Fyren plopped onto an art lounge chair and sprawled his legs wide—uncouth as a peasant.
Chloe went out and called everyone inside.
A fat man at the end of the line was shouting the loudest:
"Do you get it or not? We've made a fortune today! Knowing Fyren's temperament, we're definitely celebrating! Don't even ask - book the biggest private room! I want the whole place reserved. No outsiders allowed! All the hostesses must come in - black silk and high heels are mandatory! What's that? Fishnet stockings? About time! Oh hell yes, fishnet stockings work too. I love fishnet stockings. Eliza's engagement got called off, so no restrictions now! Listen up! This is the last time I'm telling you!"
The fat man roared into his phone: "We Fyren are perverts now! Not some pathetic losers!"
He hung up angrily, then noticed Fyren staring at him expressionlessly. Completely shameless, he thumped his chest and pointed at Fyren as if to say: I understand you! Everything's arranged!
Fyren rolled his eyes, not bothering to waste words on him.
"Someone explain what's happening now."
Maggie stepped forward. "Fyren, our stocks have started rising and today's market is about to close. This actually works in our favor - it creates anticipation with our stocks gaining thousands per day. After the suspense of being untradable overnight, when the market opens tomorrow, our prices will skyrocket even harder!"
Fyren nodded. "Got it."
A vice president pushed forward. "Fyren! I'm completely convinced now! At first...well, all of us thought you'd lost your mind taking on the shantytown project. I'll admit - every time I pee, I imagine the urinal deodorizer ball is your head and I piss all over it! But today!"
The dramatic man suddenly dropped to his knees, hands, feet and head all touching the floor.
"What the hell are you doing?"
"Prostrating myself before you!"
"Stop groveling on the damn floor! Next time just focus on pissing and keep your stupid fantasies to yourself!"
"Yes sir!" The vice president scrambled up. "Investing 5 billion upfront to pacify the citizens - what a bold move! Could ordinary people do that? Would they dare? Only you, Fyren! Looking back, it was worth every penny!"
"You've completely fooled Crystalpeak City! Nobody realizes you're faking - they all think you're some kind of saintly entrepreneur!"
Fyren nodded slowly, then bent down, grabbed his shoe, and hurled it at the man through clenched teeth. "Get out! Get the hell out of here! And from now on! You're banned from company restrooms! Or I'll beat you to death!"
Completely unfazed, the man raised his fist as he exited. "Fyren's the best!"
Fyren wanted to chase after him and beat him up, but Chloe held him back.
At that moment, another vice president excitedly declared, "Fyren, please accept my kneel!"
Fyren pointed at him. "Wait a minute - what exactly were you thinking about while you were in the bathroom?"
"I would never compare you to a urinal deodorizer ball!"
His wide-eyed, utterly sincere expression of innocence pleased Fyren. Seeing Fyren nod, he continued, "I was just taking a shit, I simply—"
"Fuck you!" Fyren turned to Chloe. "Where's my knife? Get me my knife! I'm going to carve him up myself!"
Still buzzing with excitement, the man went on, "Fyren, that move of sacrificing the pawn to save the king was brilliant! Using that recording, you've built up your image as an honorable, upright humanitarian while pinning everything on the young master! Absolutely fucking genius!"
"My brother? Where is he now?"
"Arrested!" The man practically vibrated with excitement. "As soon as the recording went public, the Public Security Bureau took the Young Master away! Four police cars!"
He shook his head in admiration. "It took four cars to arrest our young master! The armed police looked so badass—they marched him out at gunpoint! All the neighbors came out to watch! Everyone's saying he'll get executed before the trial even starts! So damn cool!"
Fyren stared at the man, at a loss for words, then turned to Maggie. "Are all our company's vice presidents like this?"
Maggie could only laugh awkwardly.
"Fyren, don't worry," the man continued. "I've made inquiries. The young master's in a VIP white-collar crime cell—the kind they reserve for major corrupt officials and high-profile financial criminals! Soft bed with premium bedding, three gourmet meals a day plus fruit, forty-five minutes of daily outdoor time! Even has a private bathroom!"
Fyren scratched his head. "Get out. Just get out! Don't make me come over there, I swear!"
As the man reached the door, he raised his fist and shouted, "No regrets joining Dasheng in this life—I'll be Fyren's man in the next!"
Fyren grabbed his remaining shoe and hurled it. "I'll fucking end you!"
At that moment, the third vice president—the fat one—approached. He nodded at Fyren, tears streaming down his face.
Fyren clutched his chest. "I... I'm out of shoes now, so just talk normally!"
"Fyren!" The man choked up. "No words needed. I've arranged some college girls for you tonight—enjoy yourself! I know your tastes. All these years with Eliza must have suffocated you... This subordinate dares to speak boldly!"
He clasped his fists in salute. "For the sake of Dasheng Group's legacy! For the future of all Dasheng employees! For the continuation of your bloodline! Please hold back no longer! Tonight... at Infinity Nightclub, we await the triumphant return of your legendary Invincible King's Spear—"
Fyren launched himself forward. "I'll kill you!"