Chapter 33: Shadows
The morning sun peeked through layers of cloud, casting a golden hue across Tianxu City. Yet even in light, darkness stirred.
At the Gallant Villa, Chen Yu sat in silence on the balcony, a cup of untouched tea cooling beside him. His gaze was distant. Below, the city moved as usual, unaware that war was quietly creeping into its veins.
Inside, Meiyun was typing away on her tablet, seated at the lounge table. Dressed in a white blouse and slim black skirt, she looked every bit the professional—but the subtle way she glanced toward Chen Yu betrayed concern.
"You didn't sleep again," she said, not looking up.
"I did," Chen replied, sipping the tea at last. "Just not with my eyes closed."
Before Meiyun could respond, Bai Ruxue entered the room. Her long hair was tied in a loose bun, a soft blush coloring her cheeks from the brisk morning air. "Breakfast is ready. Or are we skipping meals again in favor of brooding?"
Chen smiled faintly. "I can't afford to skip meals. Too many people want me dead."
Ruxue's expression darkened slightly. "Don't joke about that."
He met her eyes, and for a brief moment, the armor of ambition dropped. "I'm not joking."
A heavy silence followed. Meiyun broke it.
"The Win Family made another move," she said, placing a report on the table. "They funneled ¥300 million through a fake textile company. We traced the money to three offshore accounts."