Chapter 6 | Making a Move in the Chess Game

Monday morning, nine o'clock.

The atmosphere in Chenzhou Capital's conference room was more tense than usual.

On the projection screen was the latest industry news—

[Shengyuan Group Announces Acquisition of Three Plots of Land Surrounding the C7 Plot in Nancheng]

Shen Zhiyi stared at the words, her heart sinking slightly.

The C7 plot was the core of their project.

Lu Chenzhou sat in the main seat, his expression calm.

As if he had expected this.

"Shengyuan is trying to encircle us," the vice president said in a low voice. "They've acquired the three surrounding plots; future planning approvals, road access, and commercial facilities will all be blocked by them."

The conference room fell silent.

For the first time, Shen Zhiyi truly realized—

This wasn't ordinary business competition.

This was a hunt.

She subconsciously looked at Lu Chenzhou.

He merely flipped through the document indifferently.

"How much did they ask for?"

"Twenty percent higher than the market price."

Someone gasped.

"Are they crazy?"

Lu Chenzhou's lips curled slightly.

"No."

"They just want me to back out."

Shen Zhiyi's fingers tightened slightly.

Back out?

This land was part of his two-year plan for her.

After the meeting.

She caught up with him.

"They're after you?"

He didn't deny it.

"Chairman Shengyuan was my former business partner."

"Later, we had ideological differences."

"Now it seems the differences have escalated."

She frowned.

"To what extent?"

He looked at her.

His tone was calm, almost cold.

"If C7 fails, Chenzhou Capital will be severely damaged."

The air suddenly became heavy.

"Then why are you so calm?"

"Because I know their next move."

"What?"

"To force you to back out."

She froze.

" “What do you mean?”

“If you leave the design team, this project will lose its core label as a ‘public space innovation demonstration.’”

“The approval advantage will weaken.”

“Capital confidence will waver.”

Her breath hitched.

“They’ll contact me?”

“They already have.”

She looked up sharply.

“When?”

“Last night.”

Her heart sank.

“You didn’t tell me.”

“I didn’t want you to get involved.”

She was a little angry.

“But I’m already in it.”

He was silent.

She continued:

“Lu Chenzhou, this isn’t just your game.”

“When you chose to involve me, you already put me on the chessboard.”

The air was tense.

He looked at her, his eyes complex.

“What conditions did they offer?”

She asked.

He said softly:

“Shengyuan is willing to give you an independent fund, with no upper limit on investment over three years.”

Her heart skipped a beat.

That was a resource every designer dreams of.

“What’s the price?”

“Withdrawal from C7.”

She fell silent.

This wasn’t ordinary poaching.

This was a precise strike.

If she wavered,

his ten-year plan would crack.

“You’re worried I’ll leave?”

She looked directly at him.

He didn’t speak.

But the silence was the answer.

She suddenly smiled.

“Lu Chenzhou.”

“Yes.”

“Don’t you know me well enough?”

He froze.

She approached step by step.

“I chose to return to China because I wanted to create works that were truly my own.”

“Not because of capital.”

“And certainly not because anyone gave me resources.”

“But because—”

She paused for a second.

“I believe in you.”

The air was deathly still.

Emotions surged in his eyes.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

Her gaze was firm.

“But I have a condition.”

“Speak.”

“From now on, you must tell me about any decisions I make.”

“Including risks.”

He was silent for two seconds.

“Okay.”

She took a deep breath.

“Then tell me now.”

“What else will Sheng Yuan do?”

He turned and walked to the window.

Overlooking the entire city.

“They will pressure bank loans.”

“They will create delays in the approval process.”

“They might even spread rumors detrimental to Chenzhou Capital.”

Her heart raced.

“Then what do we do?”

He slowly turned around.

His gaze was steady.

“Fight back.”

—

Three days later.

At an industry forum.

The chairman of Sheng Yuan was present in person.

When the host mentioned the C7 project.

The host smiled and said:

“Some idealistic projects may not be suitable for the market.”

Whispers rippled through the audience.

The camera panned to Lu Chenzhou.

His expression was calm.

When it was his turn to speak,

he stood up.

his tone was steady and powerful.

“The market has never belonged solely to capital.”

“It belongs to the city.”

“It belongs to people.”

The entire room fell silent.

He continued:

“C7 will not withdraw.”

“ Nor will it be sold.”

“Shenzhou Capital has completed its second round of financing.”

“Rational competition is welcome.”

His words fell.

A murmur rippled through the room.

Shen Zhiyi stood below the stage.

For the first time, she truly saw his sharp edge.

Not for her gentle side.

It was his calm and ruthless side in the business world.

She suddenly understood.

Liking someone.

It's not just about hugging.

It's also about standing side-by-side in the face of adversity.

After the forum ended.

She walked up to him.

“When was the financing completed?”

“Yesterday.”

“You didn’t say.”

“I was afraid it would distract you.”

She sighed.

“Lu Chenzhou.”

“Hmm?”

“I’m not gay.”

He chuckled softly.

“I know.”

“It’s just that I can’t bear to let go.”

Her heart skipped a beat.

In the distance, media flashes went off.

The storm had truly begun.

But this time.

She didn’t back down.

She stood beside him.

Clear and resolute.

“Then let’s fight this battle together.”

She said.

He looked at her.

His eyes held a light he’d never shown before.

“Okay.”