Chapter Three: Three Minutes, Thirty Days

A rich heiress working reception in this dump—that’s a strange hobby.” The room erupted. Zhou Lan raised her eyes, calm and sharp. “My mother was a Shen. Seven years ago, they forced her off Tianheng’s board for opposing the takeover of independent gyms. I came here looking for accounts linking them to fixed underground bouts.” “So the gym and I were evidence?” “At first.” She did not look away. “Not anymore.” Comments divided between accusations of a scripted show and demands that she leave. Reputation swung wildly. Every light went out. Dark gold text filled the Data Wall, and for the first time a mission panel covered Lin Ran’s entire vision. [Regional monopolist confirmed: Tianheng Sports Industries Group.]