Empire of Desire: An Alpha’s Financial Reign - Chapter 2

After the freshman party came to a close, the once-playful atmosphere at Huaxin University began to settle, giving way to the solemnity and anticipation of a new semester. With the sun rising over the stately towers and glass-walled libraries, the ivy-lined pathways became rivers of motion—students bustling to their lectures, arms filled with textbooks and digital tablets, their faces alight with the thrill of learning and the unknown promise of the year ahead.
Among these students was Han Zaijing, who, unlike the many still reeling from late-night socializing, looked entirely focused. She moved with purpose through the campus grounds, her eyes scanning the buildings until she reached her destination: the large, wood-paneled lecture hall of the Business Management Department—a space usually reserved for second-year students. In her hands, she carried a thick, annotated book on business operations, and tucked under her arm was her laptop, sleek and worn from years of early mastery.
Though technically a freshman majoring in Software Engineering, Han Zaijing wasn’t here by accident. This wasn’t a casual lecture she stumbled into. She had chosen this particular class with calculated precision. Today marked the start of the introduction to Huaxin University’s most prestigious annual tradition: the Business Strategy and Innovation Competition—a crucible for the brightest entrepreneurial minds on campus.
This competition wasn’t just a university event. It was a reputation-maker. A playground for the elite to test their mettle in the real-world simulation of business development, strategy, and execution. Over the years, many participants had gone on to launch their own start-ups or been recruited by top-tier firms. Though primarily designed for third- and fourth-year students, particularly those in economics, management, or finance, ambitious freshmen and sophomores occasionally made it through the preliminary rounds—if they had the drive, skill, and vision.
Zaijing had all three.
She had already completed advanced-level programming and AI modeling courses during high school. She wasn’t here just to learn—she was here to build. To find the right team, tap into the innovation ecosystem, and begin what she referred to as her “initial capital accumulation stage.” Every move was part of her long-term blueprint.
Sliding into a seat near the tall window, she placed her coffee down beside her laptop and opened her notebook. Golden sunlight filtered through the trees outside, casting a warm, dappled pattern across her desk. But despite the calm light and studious ambiance, a flicker of agitation stirred within her.
As her eyes wandered the classroom, they landed on a familiar figure: the senior girl from the party—the one who had completely unsettled her. She was sitting up front, laughing quietly and leaning close to a well-dressed male student. They seemed deep in conversation, perhaps even flirtatious, and from their chemistry, it was obvious that they knew each other well.
A strange twist of emotion curled in Zaijing’s stomach. She shrugged it off and lowered her gaze, scolding herself silently. Don’t be ridiculous. Focus. Her jaw tightened slightly, but she forced herself to concentrate, eyes glued to her notes as the professor entered.
The lecture began promptly, the professor’s energetic voice resonating through the hall.
“Welcome to Business Model Innovation and Strategy,” he announced. “This semester, we will not only discuss theoretical frameworks, but also prepare you for the real-world experience offered by the Business Strategy Competition.”
The atmosphere in the room shifted; students sat straighter. Pens and keyboards clicked into motion.
“This competition,” the professor continued, “is your chance to design, develop, and pitch an actual business plan. It’s divided into three major phases—first, the business proposal and planning stage; then, the simulation and operational model testing; and finally, the live pitch and defense, which includes real-world metrics and performance analytics.”
Zaijing’s heart beat a little faster with anticipation. Her eyes glittered with excitement. She began jotting down every detail—market adaptation, monetization techniques, case-based strategies—while her mind was already spinning ideas for her future venture.
But just as she was absorbed in a particularly complex concept, her phone buzzed.
She glanced at the message.
“Little pervert~ Why are you taking classes in the Management Department? Aren’t you a Software freshman?”
Zaijing blinked. The number wasn’t saved, but as she looked up and scanned the lecture hall, she saw her—the senior girl—waving her phone slightly and grinning from the front row. Her eyes sparkled with mischief.
Suppressing the urge to roll her eyes, Zaijing quickly typed back:
“Because I want to enter the business competition. Also, I’m not a little pervert 😤.”
She hit send with a slight smirk, then turned back to her notes. A moment later, she noticed the senior glance down at her phone, chuckle softly, and then whisper something to her seatmate, who looked over with amusement.
Though her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, Zaijing couldn’t help but feel a little proud. Somehow, even in a room filled with ambitious upperclassmen, she had made her presence known.
As the professor shifted the lecture toward examples of past competition winners, the room filled with murmurs of interest. He pulled up a presentation on successful startups that originated from Huaxin’s competition. Some had gone on to raise millions in venture capital, while others had reshaped traditional markets with innovative applications.
Each example lit a fire in Zaijing’s mind.
When the class finally ended, most students packed up and left, but Zaijing remained seated, lost in thought. She opened her laptop, fingers dancing over the keyboard as she began outlining the core of her business proposal—something data-driven, AI-enabled, and ethically impactful.
She didn’t even notice the footsteps approaching until a soft voice broke through her focus.
“Already working on your plan?” the senior girl asked, peering over her shoulder.
Zaijing looked up, startled for a moment, before relaxing. “Yeah. I want to get a head start,” she said, her voice calm but her heart thudding a little too fast.
The senior crossed her arms and nodded thoughtfully. “That’s ambitious. My brother’s entering the competition too—he’s incredibly sharp. Watch out for him.”
Zaijing’s eyes lit with resolve. “Good. I like a challenge.”
The two locked eyes, a spark of understanding passing between them. The senior extended her hand, her voice gentle but firm.
“Well then,” she said with a smile, “best of luck. I hope we see each other again—maybe even on the final stage.”
Zaijing took her hand, returning the smile. “You will.”
And with that, they parted ways—one walking toward the exit, the other turning back to her glowing screen. The battle hadn’t started yet, but for Han Zaijing, the game was already on.