Chapter 24: Phoenix Industries

Feng Yan sat quietly in her room, the faint glow of the evening sun filtering through the curtains. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, memories of her past life mingling with the events of the present. As she reflected on the people she had encountered before her death, one name stood out clearly: Lu Sicheng.

In her previous life, the Feng family had mercilessly crushed their competitors, and Lu Sicheng was one of their most unfortunate victims. Despite being a righteous man who adhered strictly to ethical business practices, Lu Sicheng had found himself targeted by the Fengs. His refusal to engage in underhanded methods had made him an easy target. The Feng family had driven him into bankruptcy, forcing him to sell all his properties to pay his employees. Unable to handle the pressure from loan sharks and with no other way out, he had sent his family to safety before taking his own life.

The memory of Lu Sicheng's tragic end weighed heavily on Feng Yan's heart. She recalled how his son had dropped out of school afterward, and she had never heard from them again. It was an injustice that had left a deep impression on her. But now, in this second chance at life, she had the power to change the fate of those around her. And she knew exactly what she had to do.

Determined, Feng Yan quickly made up her mind. She was going to save Lu Sicheng, but not out of sheer kindness. She saw in him the potential to become a valuable ally—a loyal follower who could help her build the empire she envisioned. The time had come to start gathering people who would stand by her side, not out of fear or coercion, but because they believed in her vision.

The next morning, Feng Yan set out for Lu Sicheng's office. His company was barely holding on, and the stress of dealing with suppliers and loan sharks was taking its toll. She knew that in her previous life, this was the point where Lu Sicheng had lost all hope. But this time, she would offer him a lifeline—a way out of the abyss.

When she arrived at his office, she saw the chaos firsthand. Suppliers were crowding the entrance, demanding payments, and loan sharks were lurking nearby, waiting to pounce. Lu Sicheng himself was inside, trying to keep everything from collapsing, but it was clear that he was at the end of his rope.

Feng Yan decided to wait for the right moment. She observed the scene quietly, assessing the situation, and noting how the once-proud businessman was now reduced to a shadow of his former self. After a while, the crowd thinned, and she knew it was time to make her move.

Walking confidently to the reception, Feng Yan asked to meet with Lu Sicheng, stating that she was an investor interested in his business. The receptionist, who had seen nothing but troublemakers all day, was skeptical but relayed the message. When Lu Sicheng heard that an investor wanted to meet him, he was surprised. He had been abandoned by most of his former associates, and the idea that someone wanted to invest in his failing business seemed too good to be true.

When Feng Yan was ushered into his office, Lu Sicheng was taken aback by the sight of a 17-year-old girl standing before him. His initial reaction was disbelief; he suspected that this was some kind of prank or that the girl had no understanding of the business world. But Feng Yan's calm demeanor and the confidence in her eyes made him pause. She was not here to play games.

Without wasting any time, Feng Yan laid out her plan. She detailed a strategy that involved significant investments in real estate and construction—a line of business she knew had the potential for immense growth. She spoke with such clarity and precision that Lu Sicheng was astonished. He had never seen someone so young possess such a deep understanding of the market and business dynamics.

The more she spoke, the more Lu Sicheng felt like he was living in a dream. The plan she presented was not just viable; it was brilliant. But there was one question that he could not ignore. Why would a 17-year-old girl, no matter how knowledgeable, want to invest in his dying business?

"What's the catch?" Lu Sicheng asked, his voice tinged with suspicion. "There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world. What do you want from me?"

Feng Yan met his gaze, her eyes unwavering. "I want your loyalty," she said firmly. "I want you to work for me as the vice chairman of the company. To the outside world, you will be the leader of the company, but in reality, I will be the one making the key decisions. You will handle the day-to-day operations, but when it comes to major deals, I will have the final say."

Lu Sicheng listened intently, still trying to process what was happening. He realized that this was not just an offer—it was a lifeline. He had been on the brink of suicide, seeing no way out of the crushing debt and endless harassment. But here was a chance to not only survive but to rebuild his company and his life.

However, he also knew the dangers of getting involved with someone as mysterious as Feng Yan. She was offering him salvation, but at what cost? "And if I refuse?" he asked cautiously.

Feng Yan's expression hardened slightly. "Then you will continue down the path you're on now, and we both know where that leads. But if you accept my offer, I promise you success beyond your wildest dreams. I can make you powerful, wealthy, and respected again. But you must understand that I demand absolute loyalty. If you betray me, you will wish for death."

There was something in her eyes that made Lu Sicheng shiver. Despite her youth, there was a darkness, a depth to her gaze that spoke of someone who had seen more than their fair share of suffering. He realized that she was not someone to be taken lightly.

Weighing his options, Lu Sicheng finally nodded. He had nothing left to lose. "I accept your offer," he said, his voice firm with a mixture of gratitude and fear. "I will work for you, and I will be loyal. You have my word."

Once the agreement was reached, Feng Yan wasted no time. She handed Lu Sicheng a check to settle his debts, a gesture that left him both relieved and deeply grateful. The immediate burden of the loan sharks was lifted, giving him the space to breathe and think clearly for the first time in months.

Next, she presented him with another check—this one for 5 million yuan—specifically for the development of the company. "Follow the strategy I outlined," she instructed. "Within two years, Phoenix Corporation will be one of the leading companies in the industry."

Lu Sicheng was overwhelmed. This young girl was not only saving his life but was giving him the opportunity to rebuild everything he had lost. He quickly moved to make the necessary legal changes, including renaming the company to Phoenix Corporation, a name that Feng Yan had chosen to symbolize her own rebirth and new beginning.

As the paperwork was completed, Feng Yan felt a sense of satisfaction. Lu Sicheng was now hers to command, and Phoenix Corporation would be the first building block in her larger plan. With Lu Sicheng's experience and her strategic mind, they would rise to dominate the market. 

Feng Yan left the office that day with a sense of accomplishment. She had secured her first follower, a man who would prove invaluable in her quest for revenge and power. The Feng family would not know what hit them.

As she walked away, Lu Sicheng watched her go, a mix of awe and trepidation in his heart. He had no doubt that this girl was destined for greatness, and he was both honored and terrified to be a part of her rise. For the first time in a long while, he felt hope—hope that he could rebuild his life and that, under Feng Yan's leadership, Phoenix Corporation would soar to heights he had only dreamed of.

And so, with a new sense of purpose, Lu Sicheng began working on the revival of his company, guided by the brilliant and enigmatic girl who had saved him from despair. Little did he know that this was only the beginning of a journey that would change both their lives forever.