Lin Chen's phone buzzed in his pocket. It was a text from an unknown number, and the message was short, but it sent a surge of anticipation through him.
"Meet me at The Velvet Room at 8 p.m. — Li Chu."
Li Chu—the woman who had both intrigued and mystified him from the moment they met. Lin Chen knew that the enigmatic woman wasn't just another wealthy socialite; she was a key player in the financial world, a woman with power and influence that few could match. But tonight, it seemed like she wanted more than just casual conversation.
He had only just received his promotion, and now it appeared as though the next step in his journey involved a trial of sorts, orchestrated by none other than Li Chu herself.
The Velvet Room was a high-end lounge, known for its exclusivity. Located on the top floor of one of the tallest buildings in the city, it offered a panoramic view of the skyline, making it the perfect place for those in the upper echelons to test the mettle of anyone they deemed worthy. As he arrived, the city lights illuminated the night, casting a glow over the building that matched the magnitude of what he was about to face.
Inside, Li Chu was seated at a private table by the window, her back to the view. She looked as poised and composed as ever, dressed in a sleek black dress that shimmered under the dim light. Her gaze flicked to Lin Chen as he approached, a small but knowing smile curling at the corner of her lips.
"Sit," she said simply, gesturing to the chair across from her. Lin Chen obeyed, taking a seat.
Without wasting time, she slid an elegant folder across the table towards him. "I've been watching your progress," she began. "And I think it's time you prove you're more than just a product of luck. Business is not just about making the right moves—it's about understanding the core of every decision. And tonight, I'm going to test that."
Lin Chen's fingers brushed over the folder, opening it slowly. Inside were several pages filled with intricate business scenarios, stock analyses, and case studies. Li Chu's challenge was clear—she wanted to see how well he could analyze and solve complex financial problems under pressure. She wasn't going to hand him success on a silver platter. This was a test of his instincts, his business judgment, and his ability to think quickly and strategically.
The challenge was simple: He had one hour to answer a series of business-related questions that would test his understanding of the market, financial strategies, and risk management. Each question was designed to push the boundaries of his knowledge.
Lin Chen felt a slight tension in his chest, but he quickly tamped it down. He'd faced far worse challenges in his life. This was just another opportunity to rise.
The first question was straightforward but deceptively complicated:
**** "A major tech company has just experienced a scandal. Their stock prices are plummeting, and investors are panicking. What steps would you take to stabilize their position, and what key factors would you consider in your risk analysis?"
Lin Chen's mind immediately went into overdrive, evaluating the different angles. He had already encountered similar situations in the past, both through his work at Polaris Capital and his extensive learning within the system. He knew that the primary concern here would be managing the public relations aspect to avoid further damage to the company's reputation. From there, he would need to reassure investors while finding ways to demonstrate that the company was still financially sound, despite the scandal.
He quickly jotted down his answer. He didn't need to overthink it. He had learned the art of balancing between theory and practicality. His response included a detailed risk management strategy, a plan for restoring public trust, and an outline for long-term recovery.
Li Chu's expression remained unreadable as she glanced at his answer. "Not bad," she commented, leaning back in her chair.
The next few questions were more specific, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, the intricacies of debt restructuring, and strategic partnerships. Each time, Lin Chen answered confidently, applying both the business acumen he had developed and the insights provided by the system's knowledge enhancements.
However, as the final question arrived, Lin Chen knew that this was the real test. It was a scenario involving a global financial crisis, where a major bank had collapsed, sending shockwaves through the market. The question wasn't just about how to survive the situation—it was about what steps to take to position oneself as a key player in the aftermath.
Lin Chen felt the weight of the question, but the system provided him with the necessary tools to analyze the potential repercussions. He answered with precision, highlighting the importance of liquidity management, leveraging undervalued assets, and creating strategic alliances with other players in the industry to consolidate power.
Li Chu looked up from the pages, meeting his gaze. "Impressive. You're far more capable than I gave you credit for."
Lin Chen allowed himself a brief, quiet smile. "Thank you."
But the atmosphere in the room shifted. The subtle tension between them had deepened. It wasn't just admiration or respect—it was something else. A challenge had been set, one that neither of them had spoken aloud.
She paused for a moment before speaking again. "I've seen many rise to power through sheer luck or manipulation. But the truly great ones rise by understanding not just the game, but the players within it. I'll be watching you closely, Lin Chen."
For a moment, Lin Chen thought he saw a flicker of something in her eyes—something that wasn't entirely professional. It was fleeting, but it sent a ripple through him.
As he stood to leave, Li Chu's voice stopped him. "We'll meet again, soon. And the next time, I expect even more from you."
System Update:🟢 Hidden Mission Completed: The Goddess's Trial💎 Reward: 300 Gold Coins + +2 System Growth Points🎯 Mission Objective: Develop a high-level business instinct. Recognized by Li Chu.
Lin Chen left The Velvet Room, the quiet hum of the city outside serving as a stark contrast to the intensity of the evening's events. The system had rewarded him with more growth points, but it wasn't the points that lingered in his mind—it was the complex and unsettling dynamic between him and Li Chu.