Empire of Desire: An Alpha’s Financial Reign - Chapter 13

Morning sunlight streamed gently through the narrow slits between the bedroom curtains, casting golden streaks of light across the room. The soft rays fell upon Han Jae-kyung’s serene face, stirring her from a restful sleep. Her lashes fluttered as she slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the light that caressed her skin like a warm whisper.

She lay still for a moment, relishing the comforting quiet of the early hour, and then turned her head slightly.

There, nestled beside her, was Ni Jia—peaceful and still within the folds of the blanket. Her face, partially framed by a cascade of dark, silky hair, radiated a kind of softness that took Han’s breath away. Strands of hair gently brushed her high cheekbones and fell over her eyes, closed in peaceful slumber.

The sunlight highlighted her fine, feminine features—delicate lashes casting faint shadows upon her cheeks, her small, tender lips slightly parted in unconscious innocence.

A wave of affection, deep and genuine, surged through Han Zaijing chest. She reached out with a tentative hand but stopped short of touching her, afraid to wake her from her dream. Instead, she lay still, studying Ni Jia’s face with a fondness that was both possessive and reverent. In that moment, happiness felt tangible—fragile, almost sacred.

As the memories of the previous night flooded back—the laughter, the kisses, the way their bodies had entwined in vulnerability and longing— Han Zaijing’s cheeks flushed softly. Her gaze dropped to the floor beside the bed, where clothes were strewn in haphazard piles, a silent testament to the intimacy they had shared. The sight stirred both embarrassment and warmth within her.

Moving as quietly as possible, she slipped out from under the covers, careful not to disturb Ni Jia’s sleep. Her footsteps were soundless against the floor as she gathered the scattered garments one by one, folding each piece with a gentleness that mirrored the way she felt. She placed them neatly on the chair beside the bed, as if returning the moment to order would preserve its magic.

Han Zaijing padded into the kitchen and rolled up her sleeves, her mind still full of Ni Jia’s sleeping face. She switched on the small coffee machine, its soft hum accompanying her movements as she cracked a couple of eggs into a hot skillet. The kitchen slowly filled with the aroma of butter, sizzling eggs, and toasted bread.

She prepared everything with practiced ease—adding slices of ripe fruit to the plate, placing crispy toast on the side, and pouring freshly brewed coffee into two ceramic mugs.

Everything about that morning felt heightened, more beautiful—perhaps because it followed a night that had changed everything. When she finally set the table, a picture of domestic peace awaited: golden eggs on warm plates, vibrant fruit arranged like art, and the earthy aroma of coffee curling in the air.

Back in the bedroom, Ni Jia stirred beneath the blankets. The smell of food, mingled with the comforting scent of Han Zaijing that still lingered on the sheets, coaxed her from her dreams. She sat up, rubbing her eyes and blinking into the soft light. Her hair was a tousled halo around her face, and her voice was husky with sleep.

“I didn’t even notice when you got up,” she said, her tone soft and affectionate.

Han Zaijing turned, smiling warmly. “I didn’t want to wake you. You looked peaceful. And… I thought you might be hungry.”

Ni Jia walked over and gently wrapped her arms around Han Zaijing from behind, resting her chin on her shoulder. The gesture was simple, yet full of intimacy.
“I could get used to mornings like this,” she murmured.

They shared a smile that needed no words—an exchange of trust, affection, and something quietly growing between them. They sat down together at the table, side by side, their knees brushing beneath the tablecloth as they ate. Outside, the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting a golden hue over everything it touched.

The city was coming alive, but within this little haven, it was as if time slowed for just a little while longer.

After breakfast, Han Zaijing grabbed her car keys and offered to walk Ni Jia to campus. They strolled hand-in-hand through the university paths, their fingers comfortably laced together. Students rushed past them, some groggy and others lively, but the two women were caught in their own quiet world.

Ni Jia occasionally glanced up at Han Zaijing, her eyes filled with admiration and a hint of teasing curiosity. “What’s your plan for today? Going to conquer another boardroom?”

Han Zaijing nodded with quiet determination. “Meeting with Jiang’s Enterprise. We’re discussing the investment deal.”

Ni Jia’s eyes brightened with pride. “You’re really doing it, Han Zaijing. I believe in you.”

Han Zaijing stopped walking and turned to look at her. “That means more than you know,” she said sincerely.

They parted reluctantly at the school gates, exchanging one last touch, one last look, as if trying to extend the moment. Han Zaijing watched as Ni Jia disappeared into the sea of students, her heart oddly full and aching all at once.

Not far away, Chen Rui stood by a tree, his eyes dark and unreadable. He had seen everything—the walk, the handholding, the tender smiles exchanged between Han Zaijing and Ni Jia. Each gesture struck him like a blow. A bitter taste rose in his mouth as he pulled out his phone.

His fingers hovered over the screen before finally opening the chat with Ni Kuang, Ni Jia’s older brother.

Chen Rui: “Brother Kuang, I just saw Han Zaijing walking Ni Jia to class. They were holding hands. It looked… intimate.”

He hesitated before typing the next sentence.

Chen Rui: “You need to be careful. This alpha… she’s not from our world. Don’t let her take your sister away.”

After hitting send, he stared at the screen, his mind a tangle of jealousy and helplessness.

Meanwhile, Han Zaijing arrived at the sleek, glass-paneled headquarters of Jiang’s Enterprise. She adjusted her blazer, brushed back a strand of hair, and entered the lobby with the poise of someone who knew exactly what they were about.

Inside the boardroom, Jiang Shutong was already waiting. Dressed in an elegant yet minimalist suit, she looked up and smiled.

“Han Zaijing, good to see you. Please, have a seat.”

They quickly delved into business. Han Zaijing presented her vision with clarity and ambition: a new company, a staff expansion to 200 employees, strategic office locations, and a projected IPO timeline of 12 to 18 months. She spoke not as a student, but as a leader—someone with a dream and a detailed map to get there.

Jiang listened with keen interest, nodding along. “You’ve thought this through well. I’m impressed by the equity distribution. I want to be part of this—not just financially, but operationally.”

Han Zaijing didn’t hesitate. “You’ll be more than a partner. You’ll be my teammate.”

The two women exchanged a look of mutual recognition—kindred spirits who shared a hunger for success. Jiang’s sharp eyes gleamed with ambition. “Let’s aim to dominate not only Beijing and Shanghai but the second-tier cities too. Professional leagues, skin trading platforms, social functions—it’s more than a game. It’s an ecosystem.”

Han Zaijing smiled. “Exactly. A game that can also be a career, an investment, and a lifestyle. We’re not just selling entertainment. We’re creating value.”

They sealed their partnership with a handshake—one that promised fire and fortune.

Later, back at her apartment, Han Zaijing kicked off her shoes and collapsed onto the couch. She opened her laptop and checked WeChat. A message from Liang Zheng made her chuckle:
Liang Zheng: “Boss, a few Omegas came in today to apply. All here for you. You’re famous now.”

She replied with amusement, “Is that so? I just got back. Let me check their profiles.”

She scrolled through resumes, some impressive, others average. One photo stopped her cold—a young woman with bright eyes and a defiant grin.

Han Zaijing: “What about Lin Xiao? Something about her stands out.”

Liang Zheng: “She’s got talent, no doubt. Just a bit young. Think she can keep up?”

Han: “Youth isn’t a weakness. It’s energy. She’s worth a shot.”

Liang Zheng: “Alright. Interview tomorrow?”

Han: “Yes. Set it up.”

She put her phone aside and walked over to the window. The sun was setting, bathing the city in molten gold. She stood there in silence, watching the skyline flicker with life.

Another day had passed. Another step toward the future had been taken.

And somewhere out there, Ni Jia was smiling.