The Game Beneath the Surface
Qin An and Chen Mei Arrive Home
Qin An’s apartment, late at night. The living room is dimly lit. The pair enter together, exhausted. Qin An is wearing her plaid jacket, while Chen Mei, still in her event attire, kicks off her heels as soon as they step inside.
Chen Mei
(groaning and collapsing onto the couch)
Remind me never to host a nighttime fashion show again. My feet are practically begging for mercy.
Qin An
(hanging up her jacket and rolling her shoulders)
You’re complaining about sore feet? I almost fell from the rafters and had to be saved by him.
Chen Mei
(smirking, propping her feet on the coffee table)
Oh, him? You mean the tall, brooding CEO who seems to keep popping up wherever you go?
Qin An
(sitting on the armrest of the couch and glaring at her)
Yes, him. Jiang Wei. I swear, I can’t seem to avoid that man.
Chen Mei
(teasing)
Well, considering he saved you—again—you could at least say thank you.
Qin An
I did. Sort of. But then he reminded me about the ten million I "owe" him.
Chen Mei
(laughing)
Classic Jiang Wei. But, honestly, that swing down the cable was pretty impressive. He’s like some corporate Spider-Man.
Qin An
(rolling her eyes, but a small smile escapes)
Yeah, well, Spider-Man doesn’t send invoices.
Chen Mei
True. (pauses, looking more serious) But are you okay? I mean, you’ve had a lot going on lately.
Qin An
(softening)
I’m fine, Mei. Just tired. Between the investors and... everything else, it’s been a long day.
Chen Mei
Alright. But if you ever need to vent—or need someone to kick Jiang Wei in the shin for you—you know where to find me.
Qin An
(smirking)
Thanks. But I can handle him.
(They share a small laugh. Qin An stands, stretching.)
Chen Mei
So… not to pry, but do you think he’s interested in you?
Qin An
(raising an eyebrow)
In what world? Jiang Wei’s only interested in one thing—business. And I’m not about to let him turn me or PhoenixTech into his next project.
Chen Mei
Suit yourself. But if he keeps saving you like this, you might have to reconsider.
Qin An
(walking toward her room, waving a hand dismissively)
Goodnight, Mei.
Chen Mei
(calling out as Qin An disappears into her room)
You’re lucky I’m too tired to interrogate you more!
(Qin An shuts her door with a small chuckle, finally able to let her guard down after the eventful night.)
Private lounge at the Qin Dynasty Hotel. Qin Ling is seated on a velvet armchair, scrolling through her phone, while Qin Rui pours himself a glass of whiskey.
Qin Rui
(sitting opposite her)
I saw the photos from tonight. Jiang Wei saved her again.
Qin ling
(snapping her head up, her tone irritated)
What is it with him and that little upstart?
Qin Rui
(smirking)
Doesn’t matter. He doesn’t know who she really is. And we’re going to make sure it stays that way.
Qin ling
(crossing her legs, her tone sharp)
He’s already noticed her company. If Bluejay starts backing PhoenixTech, we’re in trouble.
Qin Rui
Then we make sure he doesn’t. I’ve already reached out to his team for a meeting. If we play our cards right, we can convince him to invest in our company instead.
Qin ling
(leaning forward, her expression devious)
And what about An An?
Qin Rui
(coldly)
She’s a distraction. Once we secure Bluejay’s investment, she’ll be out of options.
Qin ling
Good. Let her see what it’s like to lose everything—again.
(The two clink their glasses, sealing their pact to sabotage Qin An’s growing success.)
The sleek conference room at Bluejay Investments. Jiang Wei sits at the head of the table, his black jacket and trousers with a white T-shirt and composed demeanor making it clear who’s in charge. Qin Rui and Qin Ling, dressed to impress, sit across from him. Alan stands to the side, silently observing.
Jiang Wei
(leaning back in his chair, his expression unreadable)
So, Mr. Qin, you requested this meeting to discuss…?
Qin Rui
(smiling confidently, sliding a folder across the table)
Our company, Titan Games, has been expanding rapidly in the past year. We’ve launched two new titles that have gained traction in the domestic market, and we’re looking for investors to help us scale globally.
Jiang Wei
(glancing at the folder but not picking it up)
Interesting. But global expansion requires more than a solid portfolio. It demands innovation and a strong foundation. What makes Titan Games worth my time?
Qin ling
(jumping in, her tone sweet but calculated)
Titan Games is built on the legacy of the Qin family. Our connections in the industry are unparalleled, and with your resources, we can dominate the gaming sector.
Jiang Wei
(finally picking up the folder, flipping through it)
Legacy doesn’t guarantee success. And from what I’ve heard, PhoenixTech is making quite a name for itself.
Qin Rui
(his smile faltering briefly)
PhoenixTech is a gamble. It’s run by someone inexperienced, someone who doesn’t have the backing or the vision to compete long-term.
Qin ling
(adding quickly)
And frankly, the CEO has a history of being… difficult. I’m sure you’ve noticed that yourself.
Jiang Wei
(raising an eyebrow, his tone icy)
Are you implying I’m easily influenced by personal interactions?
Qin ling
(backpedaling)
Not at all, Mr. Jiang. I’m just saying that investing in PhoenixTech might come with complications.
Jiang Wei
(closing the folder, his expression unreadable)
I see. I’ll consider your proposal. Alan will follow up with you.
Alan
(stepping forward)
Thank you for your time. We’ll be in touch.
(Qin Rui and Qin Ling stand, exchanging polite goodbyes. As they leave, Jiang Wei watches them with a cold, calculating gaze.)
After Qin Ling and Qin Rui Leave: Jiang Wei and Alan
Alan
(closing the door behind them)
That was… enlightening.
Jiang Wei
(leaning back in his chair, steepling his fingers)
They’re desperate. Did you notice how quickly they tried to discredit PhoenixTech?
Alan
They’re clearly threatened by it.
Jiang Wei
(smirking slightly)
Good. That means I’m on the right track.
Alan
(hesitating)
Are you planning to work with Titan Games?
Jiang Wei
Not yet. I want to see how far they’ll go. In the meantime, keep an eye on PhoenixTech. I’m curious to see how Miss Qin handles this.
Bluejay Investments, Jiang Wei’s private office. The space exudes power and elegance, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the city skyline. Jiang Wei stands by the window, hands in his pockets, lost in thought. Alan enters with a tablet in hand.
Alan
Here’s the background check you requested on Titan Games and PhoenixTech. (hands him the tablet)
Jiang Wei
(takes the tablet, scanning through)
Titan Games is stagnant. Their recent launches are riding on nostalgia rather than innovation. Meanwhile, PhoenixTech... (pauses) This is interesting.
Alan
They’ve been making waves in the indie market. Their recent game was a hit with younger audiences, but they’re still struggling to secure larger funding.
Jiang Wei
(tapping the tablet, a small smirk forming)
Qin Rui thinks his connections can compensate for his lack of vision. That arrogance will cost him.
Alan
Are you planning to back PhoenixTech, then?
Jiang Wei
(placing the tablet on the desk, his tone sharp)
Not yet. I want them to prove they can handle the pressure. Besides, if I swoop in now, it’ll look like charity. Let them fight a little longer.
Alan
(nodding)
And Titan Games?
Jiang Wei
Let’s play along. Offer them vague interest but no commitments. The more they believe they have a chance, the harder they’ll push—and the more desperate they’ll become.
Alan
What about the siblings, Qin Rui and Qin Ling? They’re not exactly subtle with their scheming.
Jiang Wei
(chuckling darkly)
No, they’re not. But desperation makes people reckless. Keep an eye on them. If they try to sabotage PhoenixTech, I want to know about it immediately.
Jiang Wei
(leaning against his desk, a thoughtful expression)
I’ll also need to ensure PhoenixTech doesn’t crumble under pressure. Reach out to some of our secondary investors discreetly. Suggest they take an interest in PhoenixTech—just enough to keep them afloat.
Alan
(smirking)
So you’re playing guardian angel now?
Jiang Wei
(smiling faintly, his tone dry)
Let’s just say I don’t want my future investment to be ruined before it matures.
Jiang Wei
(pausing, his expression softening for a brief moment)
She’s resilient. But resilience isn’t enough in this world. Keep her company under the radar for now. No direct interference unless absolutely necessary.
Jiang Wei
(standing up straight, his commanding aura returning)
Set up a meeting with my PR team. I want them to start spinning this mysterious woman angle from the paparazzi photos. Make it work to my advantage without revealing her identity.
Alan
(grinning)
You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you?
Jiang Wei
(smirking)
Business is war, Alan. And I never lose.
(Alan nods, leaving the office. Jiang Wei picks up the tablet again, his gaze lingering on PhoenixTech’s profile, particularly a photo of Qin An at a conference. He runs a finger across the screen thoughtfully.)
Jiang Wei
(to himself)
Let’s see how far you’ll rise, Qin An.
Qin An's Office - PhoenixTech Headquarters
A small but bustling office filled with energy and creativity. The walls are adorned with concept art for their upcoming game, and the hum of developers typing fills the air. Qin An sits at her desk, dressed in black turtle neck, jean jacket and jeans, reviewing financial reports with a frown.
Qin An
(to herself, flipping through the pages)
We need more funds if we’re going to hit our production deadline. Cutting corners isn’t an option... but where are we going to find a reliable investor?
(Her assistant, Mei Lin, pokes her head in, looking nervous.)
Assistant
Miss Qin, there’s someone here to see you.
Qin An
(not looking up, distracted)
If it’s another reporter asking about that photo, tell them no comment.
Assistant
No, it’s… (hesitates) Mr. Zhou from Golden Key Ventures.
Qin An
(finally looking up, surprised)
Golden Key? They rejected our pitch months ago. Why would they show up now?
Assistant
I’m not sure, but he’s waiting in the conference room.
Qin An
(sighing, standing)
Alright, let’s see what he wants.
(She heads to the conference room, her stride confident despite the tension brewing inside her.)
Conference Room - PhoenixTech
Qin An enters to find Mr. Zhou, a polished and professional-looking man in his 40s, sitting at the table. He greets her with a smile.
Qin An
(extending her hand)
Mr. Zhou, this is unexpected. What brings you to PhoenixTech?
investor Zhou
(shaking her hand)
Miss Qin, let me get straight to the point. Golden Key Ventures has reconsidered our position on your company. We see a lot of potential in your upcoming title and would like to discuss a possible investment.
Qin An
(narrowing her eyes, skeptical)
Reconsidered? Last time we spoke, you said we were too risky. What’s changed?
investor Zhou
(chuckling nervously)
Let’s just say some influential voices have swayed our perspective.
Qin An
(crossing her arms)
Influential voices? Care to elaborate?
investor Zhou
(avoiding her gaze)
I’m afraid I can’t disclose that. But rest assured, our interest is genuine.
Qin An
(leaning forward, her tone sharp)
I appreciate the offer, Mr. Zhou, but PhoenixTech isn’t looking for investors who don’t trust us from the start. If you couldn’t see our potential before, why should I believe you see it now?
investor Zhou
(trying to regain composure)
Miss Qin, please understand. Business decisions are often about timing—
Qin An
(interrupting)
And my timing is now. If you want to work with PhoenixTech, you’ll need to bring more than vague reassurances to the table.
(She stands, signaling the end of the meeting. Mr. Zhou looks flustered but nods, standing as well.)
investor Zhou
I’ll prepare a more detailed proposal.
Qin An
(coolly)
You know where to find me.
(As Mr. Zhou leaves, Qin An exhales deeply, running a hand through her hair. Mei Lin peeks in nervously.)
Qin An
(sitting back down, shaking her head)
I’m not sure. Something feels off about this.
Qin An sits in her living room that evening, her laptop open as she reviews competitor reports. Chen Mei, back from her business trip, walks in with two cups of tea, plopping down on the couch beside her.
Chen Mei
Alright, spill. What happened while I was gone? You look more stressed than usual.
Qin An
(sighing, closing her laptop)
Golden Key Ventures came crawling back today, wanting to invest.
Chen Mei
(raising an eyebrow)
And you said...?
Qin An
No, of course. Well, sort of. I told them to come back with a better proposal.
Chen Mei
(grinning)
That’s my girl. But why do you look so uneasy? Isn’t this what you wanted?
Qin An
It is, but... I don’t trust it. They turned us down without hesitation before. Now, suddenly, they’re interested? It feels like someone’s pulling strings behind the scenes.
Chen Mei
(nodding thoughtfully)
Could be. Or maybe they’ve just realized PhoenixTech is a force to be reckoned with. Either way, stay sharp.
Qin An
(leaning back, a small smile)
Always.
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