The second tier of the pyramid displayed three photographs.
The first was of the Shen Family.
The photo showed a sleek, modern media empire skyscraper.
Madam Gu leaned forward slightly, tapping the image with her fingertip. "The Shen Family has expanded far beyond just the entertainment industry these days."
"Global trade, luxury resort chains—they’ve spread wide enough to firmly secure their place in the second tier."
Her tone carried admiration. "That second son of theirs, Shen Que, is ruthless. He outmaneuvered his elder brother and now sits comfortably at the helm."
The second photo depicted the Zhou Family.
It showcased an elite private hospital catering exclusively to high society.
Madam Gu pointed at the image. "The Zhou Family controls the lifeline of global healthcare—truly lucrative."
"The heir, Zhou Yu'an, is the family’s sole successor and a prodigy in his own right."
"With a reputation as a top neurosurgeon and his innate business acumen, the Zhou Family is steadily advancing under his leadership."
The third photo belonged to the Qin Family.
The backdrop was solemn—a distant view of a military base.
Madam Gu sighed, her tone layered with complexity. "The Qin Family, a military-political dynasty, holds the most visible military power in S City and arguably the nation."
"But too many of their descendants have fallen across the world."
"The main bloodline now rests solely on Qin Yu, the last remaining heir."
Gu Chengyu’s gaze swept indifferently over the photos, his expression unreadable.
As a supercity where military-political power and elite commerce intersected, S City’s dynamics were second nature to him.
Beyond their traditional ventures in real estate and arms, the Gu Family—under his father’s and his own leadership—had diversified into internet technology, cutting-edge innovation, gaming, and e-commerce platforms, flourishing across the board.
They had even surged ahead to lead globally.
Blessed with an eidetic memory and honed by the Gu Family’s specialized training, he had mastered the tech sector, driving relentless innovation to fortify the family’s technological dominance.
In business management, he was peerless.
No financial discrepancy in the company escaped his scrutiny.
His managerial genius and investment instincts seemed innate.
Gu Chengyu was the sole acknowledged heir of the Gu Family.
Madam Gu observed her son’s nonchalance and continued, "Beyond the chaebols, let’s discuss state power."
"S Nation is the world’s foremost—and only—superpower. That’s indisputable."
"A few years back, S Nation transitioned from a constitutional monarchy to an electoral system. The figurehead on top is just a mascot; real authority lies with the chaebol families."
"If political power is a tool for wealth, then military might is the foundation of survival."
"Though the Qin Family holds most of the armed forces, the Gu Family has never relinquished control over the most advanced arms—quantum weapons, nuclear arsenals. We keep them firmly in our grasp."
She paused, her voice turning grave. "But the Gu Family’s dominance makes us a target."
The other families, alongside the nominal leaders, could unite against us through public opinion manipulation. It’s not impossible.
"Hmph."
Gu Chengyu let out a derisive scoff.
Leaning forward, his phoenix eyes—filled with arrogance—locked onto his mother. "You worry too much, Mother."
His finger tapped the pyramid model lazily. "Power struggles, bloodshed? Beneath us."
"These past years, I’ve offered to take minor stakes in their ventures in exchange for guiding their investments, reforms, and industrial upgrades."
"The results speak for themselves."
"They’re earning far more than before, clamoring to align with us."
"Who’d dare oppose the Gu Family now? There’s no gain in it—only the risk of losing everything."
Gu Chengyu reclined, his posture relaxed yet exuding dominance. "Rather than wasting energy on internal strife in S Nation, I’d have them channel it outward—follow the Gu Family to claim the world’s wealth."
"Elevating S Nation’s economy to unrivaled supremacy—that’s the real priority."
Madam Gu watched her son, pride and resignation mingling in her eyes.
Arrogant, yes, but with vision and tactics worthy of his title—Crown Prince of S City’s elite circles.
"Very well. As long as you’re aware."
Madam Gu nodded gracefully, then pivoted sharply, her true intent unveiled. "But Chengyu, I didn’t summon you today to discuss S City’s landscape."
Her gaze sharpened. "You’re not getting any younger. It’s time to settle down."
"The Gu Family needs a suitable young madam—one who can uphold our stature."
[Note: Set in a fictional modern world, with a transmigration premise. The worldview is entirely fictional.]
