Chapter 16: Into Long Aotian’s World, Day 16

Chapter 16: The Sixteenth Day of Transmigrating into the Dragon Tyrant

Chang Tongxin's efficiency was astonishing.

Within just a few days of receiving the early warning text, Tongxin Capital kicked into high gear like a finely tuned war machine.

Internal audits were flawless; the core team remained rock-solid after receiving sincere retention packages and clear career advancement paths.

The public opinion monitoring team worked around the clock in shifts, monitoring the internet like radar for any signs of trouble.

At the same time, Chang Tongxin's counterattack quietly began. She didn't target Du Guyuan directly—that would have been too obvious.

Instead, leveraging her vast network of connections and her sharp instincts, she started discreetly investigating Du Guyuan's shady businesses and their funding sources.

She even "accidentally" let a few well-informed investors in the industry "stumble upon" the "rumors" that Du Guyuan was trying to short Tongxin Capital, setting up defensive lines in the capital market in advance.

That afternoon, An Yi happened to be having coffee with Shao Xiuya.

When Chang Tongxin, who was passing by, saw them, she hesitated for a moment before deciding to have her driver pull over.

"Chairman An, CEO Shao, what a coincidence running into you two here. I had to stop and say hello. You don't mind, do you?" She had a clear goal and walked straight toward An Yi.

An Yi looked up from his conversation with Shao Xiuya, a glint of understanding in his eyes that said, "Here it comes." "Oh? If it isn't CEO Chang?"

Chang Tongxin approached them. An Yi stood up to greet her, and they shook hands, the atmosphere slightly tense.

"CEO Chang, your presence brings light to our humble gathering," An Yi said with a casual smile.

Chang Tongxin kept her composure, her smile perfectly appropriate: "Yes, I just finished a meeting nearby and didn't expect to see you two here having coffee. I had to come over and say hello. Your presence at the last conference was truly impressive."

Shao Xiuya glanced at the two of them exchanging smiles, then looked away, taking a sip of his coffee. "You flatter me." His tone was as flat as dishwater.

Chang Tongxin paused for a moment, her gaze subtly sweeping between An Yi and Shao Xiuya.

An Yi interrupted her train of thought, looking around and casually changing the subject: "You're in good spirits, CEO Chang. I take it... everything is going well?"

A deeper smile appeared in Chang Tongxin's eyes: "Thanks to Chairman An's good wishes, it's been relatively calm so far. However..."

She shifted her tone, looking at An Yi pointedly: "However, the tree yearns for stillness, but the wind keeps stirring things up. Some obnoxious flies keep buzzing around, disturbing the peace. Fortunately, the fly swatter is ready."

An Yi understood—Chang Tongxin had not only stabilized the situation but was also prepared to strike back.

He raised his glass to hide the smile tugging at his lips: "CEO Chang, you're resolute and impressive. Dealing with flies does require ruthless tactics; otherwise, they'll only multiply and become more nauseating."

The two exchanged a knowing look, the air filled with an unspoken understanding.

Shao Xiuya, who had been left on the sidelines like a piece of furniture, watched the two of them speaking in code as if no one else existed. His fingers tightened slightly around his coffee cup, his lips pressed into a thin line.

His voice carried a trace of barely concealed bitterness: "It seems you two have a close relationship... pretty enviable."

An Yi: ...

That tone was so sour.

"Speaking of which," Chang Tongxin suddenly changed the subject, a probing curiosity in her eyes, "Chairman An and CEO Shao... you two are truly 'inseparable,' aren't you? Standing shoulder to shoulder at the last conference, having dinner together afterward, and now having coffee here today."

She remembered the way Shao Xiuya looked at An Yi—completely different from how he looked at anyone else: "Even just from what I've seen, it's been quite a few times."

An Yi's heart skipped a beat, but he remained calm: "CEO Shao is a very insightful and capable partner. We share some business ideas that align, so we've been in more frequent communication."

Chang Tongxin nodded knowingly, a teasing glint in her eyes: "Oh? Just a partner? From what I can see, CEO Shao is so doting toward you, Chairman An." She deliberately dragged out her words.

An Yi: "..." The tips of his ears started burning.

This Chang Tongxin had way too sharp an eye!

Shao Xiuya, who had been silent, suddenly put down his coffee cup, raised his head, and curved his lips into a perfect smile. His gaze met An Yi's with a frank, honest look.

His voice was low and pleasant: "Chairman An is brilliant and exceptionally capable. He's... someone I greatly admire and look up to."

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In the evening, An Yi ended his workday and returned to his apartment building, a little tired.

As soon as he entered the lobby, he saw a familiar tall figure leaning against the wall by the elevator, looking down at his phone.

The warm yellow light outlined his chiseled profile and broad shoulders.

Hearing footsteps, Shao Xiuya looked up, and upon seeing An Yi, his smile naturally blossomed: "An Yi! What a coincidence! Just got back?"

An Yi looked at his "coincidental-meetup" pose, which seemed meticulously timed, and the undisguised joy in his eyes, silently complaining: Coincidence? I bet you've been staking this spot out on purpose, CEO Shao!

But looking at that warm smile, the tiredness in An Yi's heart somehow faded away.

He walked over, his tone carrying a lightness he hadn't noticed himself: "Yeah, just got back. You... waiting for someone?"

"No." Shao Xiuya put away his phone and moved naturally to stand beside An Yi, waiting for the elevator together. "Just took a stroll downstairs and picked up a few things." He held up the bag in his hand, revealing boxes of... fresh strawberries and blueberries.

"When I saw you coming back, I thought we could go up together."

The elevator doors opened, and the two walked in side by side. In the small, confined space, the refreshing, pleasant scent of Shao Xiuya once again surrounded An Yi.

"Work was tiring?" Shao Xiuya turned his head to look at him, concern in his eyes. "You seem a bit worn out."

"Not too bad. Just dealt with some trivial matters. They were mentally draining," An Yi said vaguely.

"Mm," Shao Xiuya didn't press further but said gently: "No matter how busy you are, you need to take care of yourself. I bought some fruit—it's very fresh. I'll bring some up to you later? To replenish your vitamins."

His tone was as natural as discussing the weather.

An Yi looked into his eyes, full of sincere care, and gave a resigned nod: "...Alright, thank you."

The elevator reached Shao Xiuya's floor. With a "ding," the doors opened.

"Goodbye, An Yi." Shao Xiuya's voice was low and soft, tinged with a hint of lingering tenderness: "Get some good rest."

He stepped out of the elevator but didn't leave immediately. Instead, he stood outside the doors, gently watching An Yi inside.

"Goodbye, Xiuya." An Yi said from inside the elevator.

As the elevator doors slowly closed, with Shao Xiuya's warm gaze still on him, An Yi's heart seemed to skip a beat.