Chapter 3: The stock majority
The rhythmic drumming of the rain against the car mirrored the relentless pounding in Xianar's head. A throbbing ache pulsed at her temples, a physical manifestation of the turmoil within. As she stared out the window, the cityscape blurring into streaks of neon, her mind replayed the events of the past few days on a relentless loop.
From childhood, she had built an impenetrable fortress around herself. Strength, independence, and aloofness were her armor, protecting her from vulnerability and ensuring her rise to the top. Whether it was academics, beauty pageants, or business acumen, she excelled, driven by an insatiable ambition and an icy resolve. Even the engagement with Xu Feng, a mere political maneuver, was negotiated with ruthless precision. Breaking it had been a minor victory, a reaffirmation of her control.
But now, amidst the wreckage of the Su Pharmaceuticals scandal, her meticulously constructed façade lay in ruins. The company, once a symbol of her family's success, was teetering on the brink of collapse, its reputation sullied by accusations and mistrust. Investors scrambled, the media ravened, and Xianar, for the first time, felt the cold sting of failure.
"Where did everything go wrong?" she whispered, the question echoing in the cavernous silence of the car. Was it Xu Feng's anonymous tip, fueled by bitter rejection? Or was it something deeper, a flaw in her own strategy, a blind spot in her ambition?
Xianar stepped out of the car, the rain-slicked pavement reflecting the storm brewing within her. The Su Pharmaceuticals building loomed before her, once a symbol of power and prestige, now shrouded in the shadow of scandal. Taking a deep breath, she straightened her shoulders, steeling herself for the challenges ahead.
Reaching her office, the familiar hum of activity was replaced by a tense silence. She summoned Xiaolong, her sharp-witted secretary, the woman's worried expression mirroring Xianar's own disquiet.
"Madam," Xiaolong began, her voice laced with urgency, "did you call for me?"
"Yes," Xianar replied, her tone clipped. "I need a status update on the stock market."
Xiaolong's brow furrowed. "The situation is... unsettling, to say the least. A new major shareholder emerged overnight, acquiring a staggering 65% of our stock."
Xianar felt a jolt of surprise. "65%? Who in the world..."
"That's the mystery, Madam," Xiaolong interjected. "The buyer operates under a veil of anonymity. No prior connections, no known business interests, just a clean slate and a mountain of cash."
Xianar's mind raced. The timing was suspicious. Could it be Xu Feng, playing another gambit in his twisted game? Or was it Wei Long, wielding unknown resources to gain leverage? Neither option sat well with her.
"Is there any way to trace the funds?" she asked, her voice betraying a sliver of hope.
Xiaolong shook her head apologetically. "The transaction was meticulously executed, leaving no digital footprints. It's as if this person materialized out of thin air."
A tense silence descended upon the office, broken only by the rhythmic drumming of rain against the window. Xianar's gaze drifted towards the cityscape, her mind grappling with the unknown. This silent investor, whoever they were, held the fate of Su Pharmaceuticals in their hands.
Dismissing Xiaolong for the rest of the day, Xianar retreated into the solitude of her office. She needed time to strategize, to understand the motivations behind this audacious move. One thing was certain: the game had just shifted gears, and she, Xianar, the ice queen, would not be a passive player. She would adapt, strategize, and emerge stronger, leaving everyone guessing her next move in this high-stakes.
As the rain continued its assault on Su Pharmaceuticals, Xiaolong stepped out of the building, a relieved smile playing on her lips. Her early dismissal felt like a stolen gift, allowing her to escape the tense atmosphere and return to the familiar warmth of her hometown.
Dressed in her crisp suit, her crimson eyes sparkled in the sun as she opened her umbrella and navigated the bustling town square. Greetings flowed from every corner, her status as the successful city girl bringing smiles to the faces of elderly neighbors and playful shouts from curious children.
Reaching her childhood home, Xiaolong was met by her Aunt Shi, a cheerful woman holding two overflowing mesh bags. "Xia! Early today, are we?" Aunt Shi exclaimed, her eyes twinkling.
"A good day indeed," Xiaolong replied, returning the smile. "And for you as well?"
"Couldn't have been better!" Aunt Shi beamed. "A young man dropped by earlier, bought out all the fish from the vendors, said it was for some charity work. Such a kind soul!"
Intrigue sparked in Xiaolong's crimson eyes. "There are people like that?"
"Indeed, and a handsome one at that," Aunt Shi added, winking. "He even asked about you."
Xiaolong blushed, momentarily flustered. "Aunt Shi!" she laughed, taking the bags. "These are for my siblings, right?"
"Of course, of course. Though you shouldn't refuse gifts, dear," Aunt Shi chided playfully. "Especially not from such a generous young man."
"I know, I know," Xiaolong conceded, her mind drifting to the mysterious benefactor. "But I can't accept things so easily. What if they go to waste?"
"Then he wouldn't have offered, silly girl," Aunt Shi chuckled. "Now go on, your siblings are waiting."
With a wave goodbye, Xiaolong hurried towards her family's small house. Words of her hard work and dedication trailed behind her, whispered by neighbors who admired her resilience. They remembered the tragedy that had befallen her family, how she had shouldered the responsibility, becoming the backbone of their small unit.
Reaching the doorway, Xiaolong was greeted by two bouncing figures – her younger brother's .
"Big sis ..."
The rain fell in sheets, each drop exploding against the ground like tiny bombs. Xia Jun and Xia Chen clung to their big sister, Xiaolong, their small bodies barely reaching her waist. Their eyes sparkled with excitement, not from the weather, but from the bags their sister held.
"Big sis…" Xia Jun started, his voice barely audible over the drumming rain.
"Yes, Jun Jun?" Xiaolong replied, gently pushing back a stray lock of hair that clung to his forehead.
"What are those?" Xia Chen added, eyes glued to the bulging mesh bags.
Xiaolong chuckled. "exciting, some mussels for dinner."
The mention of food elicited a symphony of drool from both children. Their mouths watered, picturing the savory seafood in all its deliciousness.
"I'll be back soon," Xiaolong promised, patting their heads simultaneously. "Just wait here for your sister. I need to pick her up from kindergarten."
With a final wave, Xiaolong opened her umbrella and stepped back into the rain. Each step echoed with the responsibility she carried, a weight she shouldered without complaint.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone