Chapter 105 - 106 – Breaths Between Storms: Lin Feng’s Crucible of Trust
The morning haze over Yanjing felt heavier than usual, as if the city itself sensed the shifting weight of alliances and betrayals. Lin Feng stood quietly on the balcony of the Apex Council’s central tower, the high-rise casting its shadow over the administrative district below. His coffee had gone cold, untouched.
The events of the previous night played on a loop in his mind—Cassandra’s velvet-toned proposal, the emergence of the unknown third-party actor who had upended a targeted Council deal, and the first signs of wavering loyalty among his loosely knit circle. It was too much too fast, and he couldn’t afford hesitation.
Inside, the council chamber buzzed quietly. Most of the core members had already arrived, seated according to the new configuration he’d arranged—a subtle move to foster collaboration and isolate those he suspected were leaning toward Cassandra’s influence. Zhao Yumo sat close to Tang Ning, a deliberate pairing that created mutual accountability. Xu Shanyuan was placed nearer the strategic division, far from Cai Yiran, who had started exhibiting signs of detachment.
Lin Feng re-entered the chamber, his silence immediately quieting side conversations.
"We have three issues today," he began without ceremony, his tone low and controlled. "First, a third-party interference that sabotaged our port development contract with Jinjiang Holdings. Second, Cassandra’s proposition—her ’Velvet Accord.’ And third—trust. Specifically, who among us still remembers why we started this."
He let that sit for a beat. No one looked away.
"I want to start with the sabotage," he said. "Xu Shanyuan, you reviewed the breach?"
Xu stood, nodding. "Yes. The breach wasn’t digital. Our systems are intact. But someone from within our extended network passed sensitive scheduling data to a competing firm. The saboteurs rerouted construction permits and redirected pre-ordered equipment to Qingdao, effectively killing our exclusive rights."
Tang Ning interjected, "Was it Cassandra?"
"No," Lin Feng said. "Cassandra may be many things, but subtle isn’t one of them. This was too clean, too quiet. I believe it’s an independent player. Possibly corporate-backed, possibly political."
Zhao Yumo leaned forward. "Another Zixuan?"
"Not quite. This one’s methodical, not loud. Which means they’re dangerous. They’re not trying to humiliate us; they’re trying to bleed us slowly."