Empire of Desire: An Alpha’s Financial Reign - Chapter 35

During her junior year internship, Ni Jia chose a challenging but prestigious opportunity—working with a Beijing Satellite TV program that specialized in interviewing high-profile figures from the world of politics and finance.

From drafting the initial interview outlines to participating in live hosting interactions, she approached each task with unwavering dedication and professionalism. Every detail was meticulously handled, and every moment on screen reflected her growing ambition.

Over the past six months, these experiences had deeply shaped Ni Jia. She frequently discussed the guests she interviewed and their political insights with Han Zaijing, who always listened intently.

These conversations slowly painted a picture of Ni Jia’s broader aspirations—she wasn’t just doing interviews to build a résumé; she had her sights set on becoming a voice in the country’s political and economic dialogue.

Recognizing her drive and vision, Han Zaijing began laying the foundation to support her dreams in a way only someone of her cunning and foresight could. Secretly, she began cultivating relationships with influential figures in political circles, especially those outside the dominant establishment.

She started aligning herself with rising opposition politicians—names like Lin Zhenguo, a national symbol after protesting the genetically engineered wastewater scandal, and Louis, dubbed the “Medical Insurance Hero” for his defiance against unfair practices by a major healthcare conglomerate.

It’s common for alpha social circles—especially those in elite universities—to debate political affairs. At one such gathering, Chen Rui and Ni Kuang happened to overhear a discussion that caught their attention.

The names being spoken were none other than Lin Zhenguo and Louis, now recognizable figures within the opposition. But despite their fame and growing influence, the political scene remained overwhelmingly one-sided. The ruling party held a massive lead in public polls, and the opposition had a long road ahead.

Still, momentum was shifting. After the controversial discharge of experimental wastewater made headlines, Han Zaijing saw a chance to boost the opposition’s visibility. She reached out to Lin Zhenguo’s team, helping them organize a hunger strike that quickly gained national attention.

Simultaneously, she orchestrated a scandal involving the country’s largest medical insurance provider. A staged “incident” strategically cast Louis as a defender of justice, standing up for victims of the corrupt system. The stunt painted Louis as a selfless brother figure—willing to put everything on the line for the people—and the image stuck. Public opinion swayed, and the opposition’s poll numbers surged.

Behind the scenes, Han Zaijing played an even more intricate game. Using dividends from her successful investments and hiding behind the pseudonym Alexander Wang, she started pouring capital into emerging new media platforms like TK.

She quietly took ownership stakes and developed content algorithms that prioritized stories and messages aligned with her political narrative. Soon, her media empire became a dominant force in shaping public opinion online, giving voices like Ni Jia a strong platform and a receptive audience.

Given this backdrop, Ni Jia’s potential to become a significant political and economic commentator was no longer a dream—it was a calculated, well-supported reality.

Meanwhile, the internal politics of the Jiang family were heating up. Every quarter, they held a major family meeting where uncles from various business sectors gathered to assess current affairs and test the acumen of the younger generation.

The latest topic on the agenda: the rise of Lin Zhenguo, Louis, and the growing power of Alexander Wang. A private investigator had uncovered something intriguing—both Lin and Louis had unusually close ties with a young man named Han Zaijing. They seemed to share no clear business or personal interests, yet their bond was undeniable.

Equally concerning was Alexander Wang himself. The source of his funds remained a mystery, and rumors hinted at a concealed connection between him and Han Zaijing. Their private relationship was never publicly acknowledged, which made the older generation deeply suspicious.

As the designated heir, Jiang Wan sat through the meeting in thoughtful silence. She knew this was more than a discussion—it was a test of her strategic thinking, a measure of whether she could see through the chaos and guide the Jiang family through turbulent times.

After the meeting, the car ride home was quiet. Jiang Wan stared out the window, her mind looping over Han Zaijing’s actions. So much didn’t make sense.

First, she thought about Han’s extraordinary abilities. Since childhood, she had rarely encountered rivals—her SSS-level Omega pheromones were rare and formidable. But Han Zaijing, who had no background or backing, had founded one of the fastest IPO-listed companies in recent history. The only logical explanation was that Han Zaijing was also SSS-tier, or possibly more.

Second, she recalled how Han Zaijing had refused to explain her “infidelity.” Her apparent craving for Omega pheromones seemed involuntary, almost instinctual—a trait current alpha biology wasn’t known for. It hinted at something more complex.

Third, she analyzed the development of the underground networks and political movements she was involved in. They were growing with alarming speed and precision. If she could afford to proceed cautiously, why did she seem in such a hurry?

Her instincts, honed from years of navigating elite environments, told her something deeper was at play.

Without hesitation, she instructed the driver to divert their route to the Huaguo Medical Research Institute—a top-secret facility owned by the Jiang Group, designed to handle highly confidential studies. If her hunch was right, the answers would be there.

Inside the institute, she requested a full pheromone profile scan. The results stunned even the head researchers: her pheromone level was categorized as SSSS—the first known case in the world. The report confirmed what she had begun to suspect.

Her condition came with significant instability: multiple susceptibility phases, an overwhelming concentration of pheromones, and no known inhibitors. In fact, any current inhibitor might provoke unpredictable resistance.

Everything clicked. Han Zaijing hadn’t betrayed her—she was reacting to biology, not desire. Her unexplainable cravings, the secrecy, the urgency—it all aligned with a rare case of pheromonal compatibility. Her intuition whispered the truth she had avoided accepting: SSS and SSSS weren’t just biologically compatible—they were perfectly matched.

Her gaze lingered on the report as her heart steadied. The chaos, the suspicions, the jealousy—they all dissolved into clarity.

Han Zaijing wasn’t lost. She belonged to her.