Empire of Desire: An Alpha’s Financial Reign - Chapter 1

In the shimmering cityscape of the year 2047, where dazzling neon lights rival the stars above, the metropolis pulses with a life of its own. Information flows like electric bl00d through towering skyscrapers and the digital veins of interconnected systems. In this advanced society where six distinct genders coexist and identity is fluid yet fiercely protected, Han Zaijing, a highly gifted SSSS-level Alpha, masks her true self beneath the seemingly ordinary guise of a freshman student.
Since childhood, Han Zaijing, also known as Han Jae-kyung, had always stood out. Her intelligence, athletic prowess, and striking appearance placed her far beyond her peers. Her wide, curious eyes held a constant thirst for knowledge, a magnetic pull toward the unknown that seemed encoded in her very soul. From an early age, it was clear she was born to break boundaries and push the limits of what was possible. It wasn’t until high school that she began to comprehend the full scope of her identity as a rare SSSS-level Alpha—a classification that both elevated and isolated her.
That afternoon, golden beams of sunlight streamed through the gaps in her dormitory curtains, falling gently across a cluttered desk filled with books, gadgets, and a sleek tablet displaying a state-of-the-art research paper on artificial intelligence. Zaijing sat in quiet concentration, her fingers gliding lightly over the screen as she absorbed complex algorithms and neural network designs. To many, these were just numbers and cold logic. But to her, there was a kind of beauty in it—a living rhythm and a secret warmth only she seemed to feel.
“Zaijing, are you going to the freshman party tonight?” came a cheerful voice from the door, jolting her from her trance. It was her friend Lin Qianyang, vivacious and ever-curious.
Zaijing looked up, a playful smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “Of course. I wouldn’t want to miss the chance to meet the school’s famous upperclassmen.”
Her voice was light but firm. She reached into her drawer and retrieved a suppression patch, affixing it to the side of her neck with practiced ease. While most Alphas only needed them during the estrus period, her condition was less predictable. The suppression patch was a necessity, worn daily. Her deftness with the patch spoke of experience and caution. She understood well that her status as an SSSS-level Alpha was both a powerful gift and a dangerous secret.
Huaxin University, a prestigious institution known as the crown jewel of academia in China, was where the nation’s most elite youth converged. The children of high-ranking officials, corporate giants, and distinguished intellectuals populated its campus. Admission required more than just top grades; it demanded fluency in multiple languages, economic theory, physical aptitude, and a wealth of extracurricular skills. It was a place of brilliance and privilege, and the expensive tuition further cemented its exclusivity.
As twilight settled, the university’s campus came alive. The illuminated windows of the 24-hour library glowed warmly, while social hubs buzzed with students. Some whispered intently over laptops; others lounged on benches, chatting and laughing. There was a sense of anticipation in the air. For first-year students, the welcome party was a long-standing tradition, a crucial gateway into the university’s vibrant social web.
Back in her dorm, Zaijing stood before the mirror, carefully buttoning her freshly bought shirt. She had taken extra care with her appearance tonight. Her soft bangs framed a face that blended innocence with a simmering charisma. Since differentiating as an Alpha, subtle changes had reshaped her features—her once youthful charm giving way to a striking, almost magnetic allure. Deep-set eyes, a high nose bridge, defined cheekbones, and a chiseled jawline formed a face both cold and captivating. Beneath her shirt, lean muscles and faint abdominal lines hinted at her strength. At 178 cm tall, she towered over many peers, and her continued growth promised to elevate her stature even more.
Over the summer, Zaijing had wisely used her time to connect through the alumni network, forging friendships with Ai Li and Lin Qianyang. Ai Li was the epitome of sunshine energy—athletic, sociable, and charming. Lin Qianyang, on the other hand, was a popular beauty blogger, witty and endlessly resourceful. Despite being new to campus, both already had a strong presence and wide social circles. Zaijing felt fortunate to be accepted into their fold, hopeful that this marked the beginning of an exciting university journey.
When the trio arrived at the party venue, the atmosphere was already lively. Students mingled, the air filled with the sound of laughter, soft music, and the clinking of glasses. Taking low-alcohol champagne, they strolled through the crowd, exchanging greetings and scanning the scene.
A sudden murmur swept through the gathering. All eyes turned to a group entering the room—three men and three women, all exuding confidence and charm. Lin Qianyang nudged Zaijing and whispered, “That’s the legendary dream team from the sophomore year. See the girl in the white dress? She’s a total campus goddess.”
Zaijing’s eyes zeroed in on the girl. Her gaze instinctively dropped to the other woman’s chest, a magnetic force she couldn’t control. Her intense staring soon caught the goddess’s attention. The upperclassman noticed the bold gaze, holding it for a moment longer than necessary. After several seconds of mental comparison between the goddess’s figure and the other women around her, Zaijing realized her fascination might have been too obvious.
Before the situation worsened, Ai Li stepped in, blocking her line of sight. She and Qianyang dragged her to a quieter corner.
“Zaijing! I know she’s hot, but you can’t stare at someone’s b00bs like that in public,” Ai Li whispered, exasperated.
Blushing furiously, Zaijing ducked under her top hat in embarrassment. Her muffled voice emerged, “Then what am I supposed to do?”
“Simple,” Lin Qianyang and Ai Li said in unison. “You go over and toast her. Be confident. Say hello.”
Dragged back into the fray, Zaijing approached the goddess with hesitant steps. Holding up her glass, she smiled sheepishly. “Hi, senior. I’m Han Zaijing, a new freshman. Nice to meet you.”
The goddess crossed her arms, eyes twinkling with amusement. “Oh? Nice to meet you too. But if you’re really happy to meet me, how about a little drinking challenge? I drink one glass, you drink three. Then I might believe you.”
Zaijing’s heart pounded. Something about this woman unsettled her, electrified her. Still, she couldn’t back down. She leaned in close, and with a mischievous whisper asked, “If I win, will you tell me your… bust size?”
A crimson flush crept up the goddess’s ears despite her composed demeanor. “Confident, aren’t you? Fine. Get me drunk, and maybe I will.”
She downed a glass of red wine in one smooth motion. Zaijing gulped. Then, with a mix of anxiety and determination, she poured three glasses for herself. The first went down easily. The second was bitter, and she grimaced. The third was nearly unbearable, but under the goddess’s amused gaze, Zaijing forced it down.
Trying to maintain composure, Zaijing raised her eyebrows triumphantly. The upperclassman laughed behind her glass, enjoying the show.
“Now it’s your turn,” she said with a smirk.
“So fast?” Zaijing muttered, clutching her head.
“Come on, don’t quit now,” the goddess teased. Then, in a softer voice: “Pervert.”
The drinking contest ended soon after. Unsurprisingly, Zaijing didn’t last long. With her tolerance nearly nonexistent, Ai Li and Lin Qianyang had to escort the stumbling freshman back to the dorm.
Before they left, the goddess lingered for a moment. She turned to Lin Qianyang and quietly asked for Zaijing’s number. With a coy smile and a whispered “Bye-bye,” she disappeared into the crowd before Qianyang could respond.
Ai Li and Qianyang exchanged a knowing glance. Clearly, this was just the beginning of a much more interesting story.