Chapter 33: Shangguan Qianhua Visits

The emergence of "Galaxy Architecture" ignited a blazing flame of technological sacred fire within Qin Feng. He devoted nearly all his energy to refining the initial framework of the "Galaxy Plan" and recruiting global talent. With his revolutionary theoretical framework and his "money power" paving the way, a core "Galaxy" team of the world's top chip experts was rapidly taking shape.

The development of the "Stardust Guardian" coating had also entered its final sprint phase. "Light-Year Materials" kept sending good news; laboratory samples had met or even exceeded all theoretical performance benchmarks in the blueprint, awaiting only the final extreme-environment simulation tests.

Just as all these endeavors were advancing rapidly, an uninvited guest arrived at Yunshan Manor.

The visitor was a woman, seemingly in her late twenties, dressed in a sharply tailored navy-blue custom suit, her posture upright and her steps composed. Her beauty was extraordinary, yet not soft or gentle—it carried sharpness and chill, like a drawn ancient sword, her brow exuding an innate nobility and confidence. Most striking were her eyes: clear and bright, as if able to pierce the soul, yet unfathomably deep.

She had no appointment—only handed over a plain white name card bearing three iron-stroke-silver-hook characters: Shangguan Qianhua.

The head of security dared not delay; he immediately delivered the card to Qin Feng.

"Shangguan?" Qin Feng looked at the name, his brow slightly raised. In the Imperial Capital, a place teeming with hidden dragons and tigers, the surname "Shangguan" itself represented ancient, profound lineage. He had no memory of ever having met this person.

"Show her to the parlor," Qin Feng ordered. He wanted to see what this uninvited Shangguan Qianhua wanted.

Moments later, Qin Feng met Shangguan Qianhua in the manor's Chinese-style parlor.

She stood with her back to the door, admiring a hanging ink-wash landscape painting, her posture elegant and her aura distinct. Hearing footsteps, she slowly turned, her gaze landing calmly on Qin Feng—no trace of shyness or curiosity, as if merely inspecting an object long heard of.

"Mr. Qin, I apologize for the unannounced visit," Shangguan Qianhua spoke, her voice clear and resonant, carrying a unique rhythm—neither haughty nor flattering.

"Miss Shangguan is too kind. Please sit," Qin Feng sat in the main seat and gestured for her to do the same, his demeanor composed.

After the servant served tea, Shangguan Qianhua cut straight to the point: "Mr. Qin has risen to prominence in the Imperial Capital recently—first you had a pleasant discussion with Yang Lao, then you made a grand purchase of this Yunshan Manor. I've heard much of you, and today I've come specifically to propose a collaboration."

"Oh? What kind of collaboration did Miss Shangguan have in mind?" Qin Feng sipped his tea without expression.

"I hear your companies have made notable achievements in materials, transmission, and communications," Shangguan Qianhua's gaze sharpened slightly. "I represent Dragon Soaring Capital, and we wish to take an equity stake in your core tech companies—particularly Hong Kong's Jingwei Transmission, and on the mainland, Light-Year Materials and Dimension Tech."

Her tone was calm, yet carried an unshakable certainty—as if investing in Qin Feng's core assets was a matter of course.

Qin Feng sneered inwardly, yet his face remained calm: "Miss Shangguan has excellent information. But my companies currently have no shortage of capital, nor any intention to bring in outside investors."

"Mr. Qin may misunderstand," Shangguan Qianhua shook her head slightly, a cryptic smile touching her lips. "Dragon Soaring Capital brings more than just capital. In the Imperial Capital, and across all of Huaxia, certain domains, certain resources, cannot be reached by money alone. We can provide your tech companies with the highest-level policy advantages, the most seamless supply chains, and… a necessary 'umbrella of protection.'"

Her words were subtle, but the meaning was clear—your companies have great potential, but they're also targets. Without sufficient backing, your future will be fraught with obstacles. Partner with us, and we'll clear every barrier.

This was both enticement and veiled coercion.

To an ordinary entrepreneur, facing Shangguan Qianhua and the power behind her, they might already be swayed or intimidated. But Qin Feng had long transcended that level.

He set down his teacup, gazing into Shangguan Qianhua's eyes—eyes that seemed to see through everything—and suddenly smiled.

"Miss Shangguan's kindness is appreciated," Qin Feng's voice was quiet, yet carried an invisible force. "But I am accustomed to controlling my own fate. My companies are like my children—I'd rather raise them myself."

He leaned forward slightly, meeting her gaze, his tone tinged with amusement: "As for a protection umbrella?"

"I believe I myself am the best protection umbrella."

"Any difficulty with that?"

A faint ripple finally broke across Shangguan Qianhua's composure. She had anticipated Qin Feng's refusal, but not one so blunt, so… arrogant!

I am the protection umbrella? Does he know how deep the waters of the Imperial Capital run? Does he know how many eyes are fixed on him as a prize?

She studied Qin Feng, searching his eyes for any sign of bluster or hesitation—but all she saw was unfathomable calm and an almost absolute confidence.

This man was either utterly foolish… or he held cards far beyond her imagination.

The atmosphere in the parlor grew suddenly heavy.

After a long silence, Shangguan Qianhua suddenly smiled too—a smile like ice thawing, carrying an unusual allure.

"Mr. Qin is indeed as rumored—extraordinarily confident," she rose, no longer pressing the collaboration, as if her proposal had been mere idle words. "Then I shall not trouble you further. But Mr. Qin, the Imperial Capital is not Hong Kong, nor the mainland marketplace—some rules here may differ from what you've known. I hope our next meeting remains as pleasant."

Her words carried a faint warning.

Qin Feng also rose, escorting her calmly: "No need to see me out. As for the rules…"

He stood at the parlor door, watching her retreating back, and added softly:

"I am accustomed to making my own rules."

Shangguan Qianhua's steps paused almost imperceptibly, but she did not turn back—she walked away without hesitation.

After seeing Shangguan Qianhua off, Sun Zhe stepped forward, concerned: "Boss Qin, this Miss Shangguan has deep connections—rumor says she's tied to several of the most elite families. By refusing her like this, won't we…"

Qin Feng waved him off, cutting him short, his gaze deep: "Don't worry. She's not an enemy—at least not yet. This was more a test."

He replayed Shangguan Qianhua's piercing eyes and the power she might represent.

"It seems my quiet days in the Imperial Capital are ending," Qin Feng's lips curled slightly—not with worry, but with anticipation.

The "Galaxy" is about to rise, the "Stardust" awaits launch—this is precisely when storms are needed to temper the blade.

Shangguan Qianhua's visit may well be the harbinger of the coming storm.