God-Level Tycoon: Rise of the Nobody

Outsmarting the Wolf

Ethan sat silently across the polished mahogany desk, watching the wolf smile.

Mr. Zhou Liang—the so-called angel investor—was a man whose reputation preceded him. Ruthless, shrewd, and known for devouring fledgling businesses under the guise of mentorship. Many had praised his “partnerships,” only to vanish into bankruptcy while he expanded his empire.

But Ethan wasn’t the same delivery boy who once begged for a job. Not anymore.

Zhou steepled his fingers. “Let me be clear, Mr. Cross. I’m not here to coddle dreamers. Your courier app has potential, but it needs muscle. I’ll offer you two million dollars in exchange for 70% of your company.”

Ethan didn’t flinch.

“Two million?” Ethan echoed, tapping his fingers calmly. “For seventy percent?”

Zhou leaned back. “You’re not in a position to negotiate. You have no backers, no network, and limited infrastructure. I’m offering you legitimacy.”

Ethan smiled faintly.

[System Alert] 🔹 Mission Unlocked: Outsmart the WolfObjective: Negotiate an investment deal on YOUR terms. Bonus Objective: Make Zhou Liang agree to less than 40% stake. Time Limit: 30 minutesReward: Negotiation Skill Upgrade Penalty: Public withdrawal of Zhou’s offer + sabotage from his network.

25:00

Ethan leaned forward, voice low. “You’re right. I’m small. But I have something you don't—momentum. My app has 12,000 downloads in its first week. Organic. My riders are doubling daily. And I’m targeting zones your logistics empire won’t touch.”

Zhou arched a brow.

“I built it with nothing. No loans, no mentors. Imagine what I can do with a quarter of your funding.”

Zhou’s smile faded slightly.

“Interesting pitch. But I don’t bet on emotion.”

Ethan tapped on his phone and swiped a file toward Zhou. “Here. Live delivery success rates. 92.4%. Average response time: 6 minutes. I’m faster than your entire urban branch—because I don’t rely on hierarchy. My team uses incentive algorithms. Every rider earns bonus points based on performance.”

Zhou skimmed through the report.

“And?” he said coolly.

“I want \$1 million for 30%. I retain control. You get first right of refusal in future rounds. And you become the name behind the fastest-growing logistics start-up in the region. Not the man who missed the wave.”

Zhou chuckled. “Bold. You’re confident.”

“Because I’ve already turned humiliation into leverage. What do you think I’ll do with capital?”

10:47

Zhou leaned back again. Silence stretched.

“You remind me of someone,” he muttered. “Me—before I became civilized.”

He stood, walking to the window. “Fine. 35%. You get your million. I want board access and monthly updates.”

Ethan stood too.

“You have a deal.”

[System Update] ✅ Mission Complete! ▪ Zhou accepted a 35% deal. ▪ Bonus objective achieved. 🎖 Reward Unlocked: Negotiation Skill Upgrade – Level 1 ▪ Your persuasion, bluffing, and logical manipulation abilities have improved. ▪ Effect: +20% success rate in business negotiations.

System Note: Zhou Liang is now a potential ally… or future threat.

Later That Night...

Ethan returned to his shared apartment. The single bulb overhead flickered, reminding him how far he still had to go.

His phone buzzed.

Text from Mia:

“You really met Zhou Liang? Is it true? You're all over the business feeds.”

Another buzz. Group Chat:

[Liam Stone has entered the chat]Liam: “Looks like the delivery boy finally found a suit. Don’t get too excited. Zhou chews kids like you for breakfast.”

Ethan stared at the message, his fingers tightening around the phone.

[System Alert] New Mission Available: “Crush the Stone.” Objective: Secure a deal Liam failed to get last quarter. Reward: Business Reputation Boost + Corporate Trait Upgrade Status: Pending…

Meanwhile…

Liam Stone slammed his glass against the table, whiskey spilling across the mahogany.

“What do you mean Zhou signed with Ethan Cross?”

Cassandra sat across from him, visibly uncomfortable. “He’s making moves, Liam. The media’s loving the underdog story. You know how investors love fresh blood.”

Liam’s eyes darkened.

“Then let’s draw blood.”