Fyren switched his phone to active mode.
EltonLeng's phone was dead.
Eliza remained unconscious in the hospital.
With no one left in the Leng family to take charge,
Fyren urgently contacted the Iron King Five, ordering them to proceed immediately to the Xu family's private hospital and gain access to the VIP ward under Xena's name to protect Eliza.
Next he called Maggie, instructing her to monitor the stock market and boost the Leng family's share prices to disrupt the hostile takeover.
Another call went to the Public Security Bureau to report EltonLeng's disappearance, suggesting its possible connection to the market takeover attempt.
He then contacted Mayor Ziv, explaining the stakes and requesting provincial intervention to restrict transfers of Leng family shares on the exchange.
Having made all possible calls, Fyren knew the pivotal point lay with EltonLeng.
The old man remained chairman of Qingfeng Group, holding over fifty percent of its equity. He had to be found.
Cora immediately mobilized the family's electronic information company, assembling a team of technical experts to track EltonLeng's whereabouts.
Soon, they reported success - they'd essentially pinpointed EltonLeng's location.
Stepping outside, Fyren addressed Copper King: "We have an address. You need to get there immediately for the rescue."
Copper King hadn't expected the mission to come so soon and grew excited.
"Don't worry, young lord! We'll complete the mission!"
"The opposition has experts there. Since my direct involvement isn't advisable, you'll need extreme caution. Fyren might be present as well."
"Worry not, young lord! Should we fail, we'll return carrying our own heads!"
As they turned to leave, Fyren called out: "Halt! Do you understand your orders?"
"We charge in, eliminate everyone, and rescue your specified target."
Fyren snapped: "Swine! If they dared take him, they'll have heavy security - not just a few rookies. You must strike unexpectedly, catch them off guard, and immediately neutralize their strongest fighters. Then extract EltonLeng. Remember - this is a rescue, not an assassination. No killings. Killing serves no purpose. Succeed in the rescue, and you'll have earned first merit!"
"Yes!"
"Also, surrender all phones. Zaring on the first floor will provide new ones. From now on, you answer only to me. No other commands exist for you. Starting today, you operate under my Otto's command - you're no longer Red Guards. Understood?"
The three men stood shocked, then tears welled in their eyes.
"Young lord treats us like a towering mountain! This grace stands higher than the heavens, deeper than the oceans, like gales scattering clouds, like typhoons sweeping the world..."
"No more delays—time is short. Move!"
"Yes!"
The three men handed over their phones and headed to the first floor.
Inside the elevator, the thin man rubbed his hands excitedly. "Big brother, it's done! We're the young lord's personal guards now!"
"Hmph." Copper King nodded. "Red Guards? Screw the Red Guards. From now on, those bastards will have to call us 'master'! Glory and riches are ours—let those still rotting in the 'Mighty Syndicate' choke on their envy."
"Big brother, hey... when are you transferring that twenty million to us? We... heh, we want to splurge a little too."
"Idiots!"
Copper King felt invincible—second only to the young lord and his woman. Naturally, his temper had grown alongside his ego.
"Why the rush? The young lord gave his word—you think he'd go back on it? Besides, the money's already in our hands. When we take it is up to us! This is our first mission—keep your eyes sharp! Success is the only option. Our future—living like kings in the city, basking in the young lord's glory—depends on this!"
The two men chorused, "Don't worry, Copper King! We'll go through fire and water for this!"
"Good brothers! Complete the mission, and the money's yours!"
...
Fyren had become the puppeteer.
He didn't know Otto and Hakan's exact arrangements, but he'd grasped the general scheme.
Hakan must have been ensnared by Sabrina, then dragged into Otto's plot.
With the daughters of the three major families now aligned with him, Otto had no leverage—so he controlled Sabrina, and through her, Hakan.
First, Eliza was incapacitated, removing her influence. Then EltonLeng's kidnapping left Qingfeng Group leaderless, allowing Otto—as its new president—to assist Hakan's hostile takeover.
Their first target was the vulnerable Leng family. A dirty move, but effective.
If Qingfeng fell, Otto would gain a foothold—then slowly consume the Chen and Xu families. Eventually, even the Zhangs would be isolated, swallowed in time.
As for Hakan?
He'd keep drowning in Sabrina's charms, willingly surrendering his Northlandia assets—or Otto would find another way to devour him. Either was possible.
Which meant the Lengs could not fall. Not ever.
Fyren had summoned Chloe to manage his operations here.
Cora had cleared the entire hotel floor to ensure his absolute safety.
Fyren wasn't certain, but if Otto had chosen to strike now... he might be ready to burn everything down.
He was his senior brother - he couldn't very well step in and beat himself to death. But who knew about their true relationship?
Furthermore, even if he didn't make a move personally, there was no shortage of people who could.
Staying here might be risky, but it would also make it much harder for Otto to pinpoint his exact location.
Chances were, Otto wouldn't even consider that he'd choose to remain here himself.
Fyren's greatest concern was Eliza. He couldn't show his face now - hell, he didn't even know where that Sherry might be waiting to ambush him.
He had Zaring send someone to take his car out, keeping it constantly moving through all the parking lots with CCTV coverage.
This was the final showdown.
Since Otto had decided to make his move, Fyren had no choice but to see it through!
You're the chosen son? Well I'm the chosen son's goddamn father!
Let's spar!
Maggie's call came through urgently: "Fyren, they're coming in hard - it's an all-or-nothing play. They've already dumped over twenty billion into the market!"
"Then we dump too."
"But... this is insane! It defies all business logic. The Leng family isn't worth that kind of money!"
"Did I ask for your opinion?" Fyren snapped. "I'll authorize remotely. You match them dollar for dollar! Remember - if they seize over fifty percent of Qingfeng Group, we'll all be left sucking wind."
"Yes, sir!"
Fyren hung up just as the police station called again.
Zoey's voice was tense: "Fyren, we've confirmed EltonLeng's disappearance. What's going on? Where are you right now? I need to see you immediately - I need full details."
"I can't disclose my location. Contact Zaring - he'll bring you to me."
"Stop with the mysterious act! I'm a police officer investigating a case, and you're legally obligated to cooperate!"
"I don't know who in your department might be leaking to the opposition. I only trust you. Come if you want the truth - otherwise, back off."
"You infuriating--"
Fyren ended the call.
The hospital team reported in: "Young Lord! We intercepted suspicious individuals attempting to remove Ms. Leng. They've been dealt with."
Fyren nodded. "Good work. Maintain protection. Excellent job. Copper King's on another assignment for me - don't worry about him."
"What?!" Iron King was stunned. "He's been compromised too?"
Fyren chuckled. "He's loyal to me now. Cut all ties with BRANCH."
"Fyren's might knows no bounds! You're practically divine!"
Smiling, Fyren replied, "Iron King, I believe you brothers made the right choice. This time, I can still take Otto down."
"Aye! We stand with you, Fyren!"
"Has Xena arrived?"
"Just now. She's examining Miss Leng."
"Keep her safe."
"Don't worry! We'd rather lose our heads than let Miss Leng and Miss Xu suffer even a scratch."
Chloe suddenly screamed, "Fyren! Come look at this!"
Fyren hung up and rushed to her laptop.
Chloe pointed excitedly, "Look here, here, and here - these shell companies have stopped their acquisitions. They can't keep fighting."
Fyren narrowed his eyes. "Something's not right... Hakan doesn't operate this conservatively. If he and Otto wanted to swallow Qingfeng whole, they wouldn't quit after just twenty billion. Tell Maggie to keep buying - keep driving the price up. Don't give them an opening!"
"Yes!"
Time ticked by minute after minute.
Only Fyren and Chloe remained in the hotel.
Fyren stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, swirling a glass of wine.
Chloe finally caught a break and turned to study Fyren.
[The boss is so handsome! How can anyone be this perfect?] she marveled internally. [After all this time working together, I never truly knew him until now. He's noble yet humble, magnificent yet pure. Wise yet brave, always protecting the weak. Humorous yet compassionate. Righteous, selfless, open-minded...]
Meanwhile, Fyren gazed out the window thinking:
[Damn, now that the adrenaline's fading, remembering that earlier scene... I really want to go out and cut loose.]
[All because of that devil woman - full of schemes yet still hitting on me! No good comes from her, but damn if she didn't get me worked up!]
[I envy Eason right now. How great would it be to have a sexy little thing in stockings to play with? After this wraps up, I'm finding him - he owes me a night out.]
Chloe froze. [Fyren was... thinking about that?]
After a hesitant moment, she gathered her courage and approached. "Fyren, you must be exhausted. Let me massage your legs?"
"Hmm? Oh, no need."
"Don't be shy! Come, lie down here. I'm quite skilled."
Fyren studied Chloe, feeling stirred.
[Such a sweet little thing... Would it really hurt to enjoy this?]
He reclined on the chair and closed his eyes.
As Chloe began massaging, Fyren's inner monologue continued:
[Higher... yes, right there... keep going, Chloe. These soft hands... oh!]
[Just a bit higher... almost... holy hell, this is amazing!]
Chloe smirked, following his unspoken cues perfectly until—
"Whoa! What are you doing?" Fyren jolted upright.
"Don't you... like this?" Chloe's roaming hands didn't stop as she smiled coyly. "It's fine - I volunteered. You're exhausted, let me help you relax."
Fyren was stunned.
[This girl! She's making a move on me!!!]