The morning sun spilled across Lin Yi's desk as he booted up his laptop, Mei Ling's contract open in one window, Shenhao system glowing quietly in another.
The partnership had opened doors he never imagined.
Seed funding poured in, legal experts negotiated terms, and introductions to influential clients began to arrive.
But with every step forward, Lin Yi felt an invisible weight pressing down.
[System Alert: Increased External Surveillance Detected]
At Jiangcheng Tech Ventures, Xu Rong's eyes darkened as she watched analytics dashboards flicker with activity from GhostNet-related businesses.
"Someone's mobilizing resources," she muttered.
Chen Wei's calm voice answered, "We need to be prepared."
Back in his dorm, Lin Yi's focus sharpened.
He began running simulations on potential corporate espionage scenarios—attempts to infiltrate his system, data theft, sabotage.
The Shenhao system provided real-time defense updates:
[Firewall Reinforced – Intrusion Attempts Blocked: 3]
[Stealth Mode Activated – System Visibility Reduced by 15%]
[Countermeasure Module: Active]
But Lin Yi knew this was just the beginning.
His underground empire was no longer just a secret project.
It was a player in a dangerous game.
In meetings with Mei Ling and her legal team, Lin Yi negotiated fiercely.
Every clause in the contract was scrutinized.
Every ambiguity clarified.
He wanted control—not just money.
He wanted freedom.
Meanwhile, Liu Fan's role expanded.
The data crawler he developed was now integrated into several retail apps, feeding GhostNet with live market data.
Together, they formed a silent web of influence—growing beneath the city's nose.
One evening, Lin Yi's phone buzzed with an encrypted message:
[Anonymous]: "We know what you're building. Stop, or there will be consequences."
Lin Yi's fingers hovered over the screen.
The Shenhao system processed the threat:
[Threat Level: Moderate]
[Recommended Action: Increase System Security and Prepare Defensive Protocols]
He replied calmly:
"I'm just getting started."
The next days were tense.
Unexplained power outages near the university.
Network slowdowns affecting GhostNet nodes.
Subtle attempts to undermine his progress.
But Lin Yi's resolve only hardened.
As Lin Yi prepared for another late-night coding session, Chen Wei's message arrived:
"Lin Yi, meet me tomorrow at the office. We need to discuss recent developments."
The quiet mentor's tone was grave.
Lin Yi knew the road ahead was winding and fraught with peril.
But he was ready.
Because this empire wasn't just about technology.
It was about survival.