The entire country went buzzing after Aurexx Group dropped a statement on their social media accounts. Different comments flooded every platform.
What was already burning turned into a wildfire.
Hackers. Tech guys. Coders. Underground IT boys.
Everyone jumped into the challenge.
In a cheap gaming café, a young handsome boy of eighteen sat lazily in a chair. His body was well-muscled from street fights, his dark hair messy, a white headset resting on his head — a sharp contrast to his cold eyes.
The gamepad in his hands moved with smooth, effortless skill.
A lazy posture.
Deadly control.
A calm, cold focus that had become his signature look.
"Man, you need to see this!" a voice shouted excitedly.
Picker shook him.
"After I finish this round," Kim said flatly.
He was on the final level of one of the most trending games in the city.
So far, no one had ever beaten it.
Not that they hadn't tried.
"Come on, Slayer," his friend said, dragging his attention back. "That game won't give you millions of dollars. But you know what will? Creating an antivirus."
The boy paused the game and turned slowly.
He snatched the phone from his friend's hand and read the news with a bored expression.
"I hack systems," he said plainly. "I don't create antivirus, bro."
He turned back to the screen.
"You could try," Lan pushed. "You always learn fast. Just read a few books and boom — you've created something."
A gamer playing beside them shook his head and laughed.
"You guys have wild imaginations," he mocked. "Creating an antivirus isn't child's play. That's adult-level tech. Focus on your game, kids."
"Rover is doubting us," Picker said, turning to Kim. "Rover is doubting us."
Kim shoved him aside.
"It would be a waste of my IQ to pretend I don't know what you're trying to do," he said coldly.
"Like I said — I'm not interested."
"Bro, you've been boring lately," Picker snapped. "You have a chance and you're just throwing it away."
Kim sighed.
"I don't even have a proper license," he said. "What makes you think a company like that would take me seriously?"
Picker's face lit up. He looked around the café, then lowered his voice.
"That's not a problem. We fake one. When you create the antivirus, people will be too busy kissing our asses to care about a license."
Kim stood up, grabbed his backpack, and headed for the door.
"Not interested."
Picker followed him immediately.
"Bro, think about it. It won't hurt to try."
Kim stopped abruptly and turned.
"I just got a scholarship," he said calmly. "But I'll try it. Now leave me alone."
Kings Empire
"Mrs Lily Herbert, please leave. The president is not available," the receptionist said irritably.
She had been polite. Patient. Professional.
But the young woman still refused to leave without an appointment.
Lily forced a stiff smile.
"Then pass this to him when he returns," she said, dropping her business card on the desk with a slight slam.
The receptionist sighed in relief when she walked away.
Another arrogant socialite, she thought.
She was used to them — women claiming to be fiancées, girlfriends, future wives.
The last time she believed one, she almost lost her job.
"Useless people," Lily hissed angrily as she stepped outside.
Her PA hadn't even managed to secure an appointment.
She suddenly paused.
A familiar car drove into the parking lot.
A slow smile formed on her lips.
"Luck is on my side today," she muttered.
She moved quickly.
Finn rushed to open the door for his boss.
His eyes briefly paused on the young lady approaching.
"Mr Kelvin Kings," Lily said with a light chuckle, "I must be fortunate to meet you today."
Kelvin turned slowly.
Cold eyes.
Detached gaze.
No emotion.
Lily suddenly felt nervous.
She straightened.
"I'm Lily Herbert," she said quickly. "The Managing Director of Aurexx."
A frown settled on Kelvin's face.
"I expect the CEO of that company," he scoffed. "Not a managing director."
Finn flinched.
"Mrs Lily," he said politely, "my boss expects to see the CEO. If Aurexx wants peace, they should send their CEO."
"I'm here for the good of the company," Lily said smoothly, forcing a smile.
"I'm here to make amends."
She glanced around the parking lot.
"Can we find a private place to talk?"