Tang Wei didn't reach out through intermediaries.
That alone marked the shift.
The call came at 10:02 AM, routed through a private exchange Leon didn't recognize—but the encryption signature told him enough.
Leon answered.
"Leon Zhao," Tang Wei said, voice smooth and unhurried. "We haven't met, but we've crossed paths."
Leon leaned back in his chair. "Indirectly."
Tang Wei chuckled. "Indirectly is still contact."
Silence stretched—not awkward, but deliberate.
"I don't like hidden hands," Tang Wei continued. "And I don't like uncertainty."
"Then you must dislike markets," Leon replied.
Tang Wei laughed openly this time. "Sharp. I like that."
They met that afternoon.
Neutral ground.
A private dining room in a members-only club that prided itself on discretion.
Tang Wei arrived alone.
Mid-forties. Relaxed posture. Eyes that missed nothing.
"You moved regulators without leverage," Tang Wei said after they sat. "That narrows the list of people I worry about."
Leon met his gaze. "I didn't move them. I synchronized them."
Tang Wei nodded slowly. "Worse."
He folded his hands. "Join me."
No preamble.
No sugarcoating.
Leon raised an eyebrow. "That's direct."
"I don't recruit," Tang Wei said. "I acquire."
Leon smiled faintly. "And you think I'm for sale."
Tang Wei shrugged. "Everyone is. The price just changes."
At the same time, inside Horizon's boardroom, Zhao Ren read a brief report.
Leon Zhao: External Engagement Confirmed
He frowned.
This was sooner than expected.
He sent a message.
Come see me.
No timing.
No explanation.
Back in the club, Tang Wei leaned forward.
"I'll give you capital, reach, protection," he said. "You'll never have to hide again."
Leon considered that.
Then shook his head. "I don't want protection."
Tang Wei's smile thinned. "Then what do you want?"
Leon's voice was calm.
"Constraint."
Tang Wei blinked once.
Then laughed softly.
"You're dangerous," he said. "You know that?"
Leon didn't deny it.
The system interface ignited—bright, intrusive.
[Permanent Alignment Decision Detected]
[Option A:] Bind to Helix Capital – Rapid Growth / External Control
[Option B:] Remain Board-Affiliated – Institutional Leverage / Limited Autonomy
[Option C:] Independent Architect – Maximum Freedom / Maximum Hostility
[Warning:]
Choice will lock primary progression path.
Tang Wei watched Leon carefully.
"You don't have long," he said. "People like us attract collisions."
Leon stood.
"I'll give you an answer," he said. "Soon."
Tang Wei smiled. "I'll hold you to that."
Leon went straight to Zhao Ren.
The board lounge felt colder this time.
Zhao Ren didn't offer tea.
"You're being courted," Zhao Ren said flatly.
Leon nodded. "By someone who wants ownership."
Zhao Ren studied him.
"And what do you want?"
Leon met his gaze.
"To build something that doesn't collapse when I leave the room."
Zhao Ren's eyes narrowed.
"That requires sacrifice," he said.
"Yes," Leon replied. "Just not mine."
Zhao Ren exhaled slowly.
"The board will make a demand," he said. "Non-negotiable."
Leon waited.
"Stability," Zhao Ren continued. "You will publicly align with Horizon. No more ambiguity."
Leon felt the weight settle.
Public alignment meant visibility.
Visibility meant enemies.
But refusal meant war.
The system chimed softly.
[Final Lock-In Approaching]
[Decision Deadline:] 24 Hours
Leon left the building as night fell.
City lights flickered below.
Tang Wei wanted him owned.
The board wanted him branded.
The system wanted him committed.
Leon smiled faintly.
"Then I'll choose the one thing none of you can take back," he murmured.
Independence.
Even if it burned everything else.