The sky over Shanghai had darkened into a velvet dusk as the city's towering lights began to ignite, one by one, like stars born from steel and glass. Atop one of the tallest skyscrapers in the business district, the penthouse of Marvel Industries gleamed with opulence. Inside, crystal chandeliers scattered light across the polished marble floor, and the air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume, expensive wine, and carefully crafted smiles.
Vivian Park moved through the crowd like a conductor directing a symphony. Tonight's event was her masterpiece: a "philanthropy" cocktail party designed not for charity, but to consolidate power and silence dissent. The guest list was meticulously curated—key board members, top executives, influential investors—and conspicuously, one name was missing: Tian Marvel.
Tian's absence was not accidental. Vivian's message was clear: he was not welcome here, not yet. The old guard was gathering, circling like vultures sensing the final moments of a dying king.
In a quieter corner, Jin Mei Xue sipped her drink with clinical precision. Her sharp eyes flicked across the room, noting the subtle exchanges, the half-smiles that concealed razor-sharp intentions. She had been invited—on her own merit, or perhaps as a pawn to keep tabs on Tian. Either way, she felt the undercurrent of something more sinister beneath the glittering surface.
Vivian approached Jin Mei with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Jin Mei, so glad you could join us. Your work in Analytics has been… impressive."
Jin Mei nodded politely but didn't relax. "Thank you. This is quite the gathering."
Vivian's gaze sharpened. "It's more than a party—it's a statement."
Before Jin Mei could respond, Li Wei appeared by Vivian's side, his charm turned up like a dial to maximum. He moved through the crowd with effortless grace, whispering promises of promotion and power to carefully selected allies. The board was shifting beneath their feet, alliances realigning as the old order faltered.
Back at the base of the skyscraper, Tian sat alone in his office, watching the city lights blink like a digital heartbeat. His phone buzzed with a steady stream of messages—leaks to the media, rumors swirling like wildfire.
"Li Feng's son lacks discipline."
"Too reckless to lead Marvel."
"A liability, not an heir."
The words were designed to cut deep, to erode whatever support Tian might have left.
But tonight, Tian wasn't content to be sidelined.
With a cold, calculated fury, Tian rose from his chair, lit a cigarette, and stepped out into the night. The party on the penthouse floor was in full swing, but Tian had no intention of slipping quietly into the shadows.
He arrived unannounced, cutting through the crowd like a storm. Conversations halted, glasses paused mid-air, and all eyes turned to the unexpected guest.
Vivian's smile froze. Li Wei's expression tightened.
Tian's presence was a challenge, a public declaration that he refused to be written off.
He sauntered to the bar, ordered a whiskey neat, and downed it with the kind of reckless abandon that set the room on edge.
"Looking for the crown, or just trouble?" Li Wei's voice was low but sharp as he approached Tian.
Tian turned slowly, a poisoned smile curling on his lips. "I'm here to remind you that every throne has vultures. But only one of us gets to wear the crown."
Vivian stepped forward, her voice cold. "You're trespassing, Tian. This isn't your battlefield."
Tian laughed, a sound that was both mocking and defiant. "It is now."
The room held its breath.
Across the room, Jin Mei watched the exchange with keen interest. She caught a whispered conversation between two senior board members—words that sent a chill down her spine.
"If the Chairman dies," one said, voice barely audible over the music, "we bury the Red Heir with him."
Jin Mei's eyes locked with Tian's across the crowd. He saw the warning in her gaze. The vultures were circling, and the stakes had never been higher.
The night spiraled into a tense dance of power plays and veiled threats. Tian made his rounds, raising a glass with allies and adversaries alike, each toast a subtle jab at the fragile peace.
Vivian's controlled façade cracked when Tian pulled her aside. "You think you own this company, this city," he said quietly. "But you don't own me."
Her reply was ice. "You're a symbol, Tian. Nothing more."
He stepped closer, voice low. "Symbols don't last forever. Power does."
As the party wound down, Tian stood on the balcony, overlooking the city that seemed both a playground and a battlefield. The weight of his legacy pressed down, but so did the fire of rebellion.
Jin Mei joined him silently, her presence a steady anchor in the storm.
"Why did you come?" she asked softly.
Tian looked at her, the flicker of a smile breaking through. "Because every throne has vultures. And I'm not their prey."
The city stretched before them—alive, dangerous, waiting.