ARC Building — Lin Capital Headquarters
The ARC Building stood tall in the city's core, its glass exterior reflecting the morning sun with a restrained, authoritative brilliance. It wasn't ostentatious, yet everyone in the capital knew what it represented—Lin Capital, a financial giant whose reach quietly extended into nearly every major industry.
Xie Zihan adjusted the collar of his rented suit as he stood in the lobby, his gaze lifting instinctively toward the digital directory.
Entertainment — 3FTourism & Cultural IP — 5FGaming & Emerging Tech — 7FCapital & Investment — 9F
Xu Feng followed his line of sight and let out a low breath."…This place doesn't feel like it belongs to us."
Zihan said nothing. His spine was straight, his expression calm, but his fingers tightened slightly at his side.
The elevator doors slid open.
🔹 9th Floor — Capital Division
The ninth floor was quiet, solemn. The carpet muffled footsteps. Frosted glass walls bore understated logos of projects that had reshaped markets.
A conference room door stood open.
Inside, a man was already waiting.
He stood when they entered—mid-forties, sharp eyes behind rimless glasses, posture impeccable. His suit was understated but tailored to precision. He radiated competence, the kind honed by years of standing at the front of billion-yuan decisions.
"Mr. Xie. Mr. Xu."
His voice was polite, measured.
"I'm Qin He," he said, offering a handshake. "The external representative—the face—of Lin Capital."
Xu Feng quickly returned the gesture, a little stiff."Nice to meet you, Assistant Lin."
Zihan's grip was firm, controlled. "Thank you for seeing us."
Lin He gestured toward the seats."Please. Sit."
They did.
🔹 The Conversation — Investment Terms
Lin He opened a thin folder, though it was clear he already knew every detail by heart.
"Lin Capital currently operates across multiple sectors—entertainment, tourism, biotech, security, and capital investment," he said evenly."In the past year, we've begun expanding into interactive digital entertainment."
His gaze lifted, sharp and assessing.
"Gaming."
Xu Feng's breath hitched slightly.
Lin He continued, "Your project—Mythfall—has been evaluated. The prototype is complete. The core mechanics are stable."
He paused deliberately.
"We're prepared to invest 15 million yuan as initial capital."
Xu Feng's eyes widened before he could stop himself.
Zihan's expression didn't change—but his heart pounded once, hard.
Lin He went on, calm as ever."For the first year, profit sharing will be 50–50. After that, the ratio may be adjusted depending on the game's performance, as stipulated in the agreement."
He slid the folder forward.
"In addition, Lin Capital will provide a physical asset."
Xu Feng blinked. "A… physical asset?"
"The seventh floor of this building," Lin He said simply."It has been designated as the Gaming & Emerging Tech Division. The floor is already furnished with systems, servers, and office infrastructure."
Xu Feng turned instinctively toward Zihan.
Zihan finally spoke."…You're giving us an entire floor?"
Lin He nodded."You will have autonomy. Staffing, development pace, backend engineers—you decide."
A beat.
"As your prototype is already near one hundred percent," Lin He added, "we believe the game can be released immediately upon final testing."
Xu Feng swallowed. "Promotion?"
"For launch day," Lin He said, "you may choose to collaborate with a streamer, an artist… or"—his gaze settled briefly on Zihan—"you may appear personally."
Zihan stiffened slightly.
Lin He's lips curved faintly."Developers playing their own game tend to draw interest."
Xu Feng almost laughed, nervous and incredulous.
"And the game itself?" Lin He asked, flipping a page."Mythfall—a clash between mortals and immortals. Cultivation, destiny, rebellion against heaven."
Zihan nodded."It's about choice. Whether fate is imposed… or rewritten."
Lin He closed the folder.
"Then Lin Capital looks forward to rewriting this market with you."
A moment of silence.
Then Zihan stood.
"I accept."
🔹 The Hidden Witness
Behind the adjoining inner door—connected to the CEO's office—Tang Meilin stood quietly, Zimei nestled in her arms.
She hadn't moved the entire time.
Her expression was calm, unreadable, but her eyes were focused—on the voice she knew far too well.
So… this is your first step.
Zimei suddenly wriggled, letting out a soft bark.
"Woof."
Meilin's breath caught.
Outside, footsteps paused.
Zihan turned slightly, eyes narrowing toward the door—
—but it was already closed.
Meilin pressed a hand lightly to her chest, heart racing.
"…That was close," she murmured, exhaling silently.
Zimei blinked up at her innocently.
🔹 7th Floor — A New Beginning
Moments later, the elevator doors opened on the seventh floor.
Light flooded the space.
It was vast—rows of desks, glass meeting rooms, server racks already installed. Screens lined the walls. The air smelled faintly of new equipment and possibility.
Xu Feng stepped forward slowly.
"…This is ours?"
Zihan stood still, taking it in.
A battlefield before the war.
An origin point.
He clenched his fist once.
"Mythfall," he said quietly. "This is where it begins."
And somewhere above them, unseen, Tang Meilin smiled faintly, already calculating how far she would push this world for him—and how fiercely she would protect it.