纽约市，2565 年，高耸的摩天大楼内

埃文·查尔斯 （Evan Charles） 斜靠在他的高科技游戏椅上，戴着一副时尚的虚拟现实眼镜。他宽敞的办公室里宁静祥和的气氛被敲门声打断了。

『进来吧， 』Evan说， 他的语气在将眼镜切换到现实模式时显得随意。他把注意力转向入口处，这时一个中年男人走了进来，小心翼翼地关上了他身后的门。

男人开始说话时举止恭敬。“先生，天体格斗馆已决定解雇洛根·米切尔。我还尝试使用不同的帐户联系他，但他再次拉黑了我。

『迅速而果断， 』Evan评论道，他苍白的脸上浮现出淡淡的笑容。“Logan Mitchell 和 Emily Chase——他们是一对有趣的二人组，不是吗？如此挑衅，如此......浪漫。这就是人们所说的“真爱”吗？哈哈哈...迷人。顺便说一句，埃里克·蔡斯呢？他是 Emily 的叔叔，对吧？

“埃里克·蔡斯亲自联系了艾米丽的父母，但他们似乎强烈支持洛根作为他们未来的女婿。他们甚至把埃里克赶出了家门，“这名男子报告说。

『可悲，』Evan嘲笑道，他的表情短暂地酸涩，然后软化为笑容。“艾米丽·蔡斯......她和其他艺术家不一样。她真的那么不在乎名利吗？

“她已经过渡到 MicroWorld 流媒体平台。她最近的现场表演就是在那里举行的，“该男子解释说。“她从未与我们签订过长期合同，每个月只直播一次，而且似乎完全不受经济压力的困扰。”

Evan歪着头，他的笑容稍微消失了。“有意思。艾米莉·蔡斯 （Emily Chase） 和洛根·米切尔 （Logan Mitchell） 都是公众人物，但他们的抵抗是值得称赞的。好吧，我现在先说这个。生活中有很多我喜欢的事情——无需执着于此。但请继续监视她。人是会变的，我怀疑她会永远对财富漠不关心。

“是的，先生，”男人恭敬地点头回答。“她可能只是年轻和理想主义。几年后，凭借一些现实世界的经验，她可能会开始看到名利的价值。

『也许吧，〝Evan轻蔑地耸耸肩说。“但如果她以后真的变得物质主义，我甚至可能不再感兴趣了。”他挥了挥手。“现在就够了。你被解雇了。

“是的，先生，”男人在离开房间之前回答道。

Evan 再次独自一人，将他的 VR 眼镜切换回沉浸模式。对他来说，Emily Chase 只不过是转瞬即逝的乐趣——在他精心控制的生活的浩瀚海洋中，涟漪一丝涟漪。

在沉浸式模式下，全球股市的庞大模拟笼罩着他，数据流和巨大的数字屏幕在他的视野中闪过。

“为什么 TigerShark Group 的股票今天下跌了 8%？没有重大的负面消息，“Evan咕哝着，皱着眉头分析这家大型科技公司股价的意外下跌。

他叹了口气，向后靠了靠。“父亲的命令很明确——我的投资必须独立于 Apex Media Group，以最大限度地降低风险。如果有什么问题，爸爸会处理的。

Apex Media Group Group 是 Charles 家族皇冠上的明珠，该家族拥有该公司 8.2% 的股份。虽然 Evan 的个人财富与公司是分开的，但它的表现自然激起了他的兴趣。然而，相信他父亲几十年的领导能力，Evan 对这种异常现象不屑一顾，并将注意力重新放在漩涡状的股票图表上，让 Emily 和 Logan 的思念逐渐消失在背景中。

New York City, Year 2565, Inside a Towering Skyscraper

Evan Charles quickly dismissed his musings about Emily Brooks and Logan Mitchell, turning his full attention back to the virtual stock market in his immersion mode.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the city, a vastly different scene was unfolding.

New York City, A Classical Mansion on the Outskirts

Inside a grand Chinese-style mansion, an elderly man with a broad, muscular build sat alone at the dining table. Before him lay a hearty meal consisting of garlic cloves, roasted beef, and steamed vegetables. He tore into the food with vigor, his strong teeth making quick work of the hearty fare.

This man was none other than the legendary "Tiger King" Harvey Liu, a name revered across the global martial arts community.

At 45, Harvey had participated in the inaugural World Martial Arts Championship, battling against the world’s finest fighters. At the time, he was already considered an aging competitor, yet he still dominated, securing a place in the top three for five consecutive tournaments. In the final tournament, he emerged victorious as the world champion. For two decades after his competitive retirement, Harvey served as the head coach of Team USA’s national martial arts team.

Today, at over 70 years old, Harvey still retained an aura of primal strength. His towering 6’3” frame and 240-pound physique exuded raw power. His piercing gaze, often compared to a tiger’s, was enough to make even seasoned fighters falter.

“Hmm?” Harvey grunted, his tiger-like eyes narrowing as he scanned a holographic display in front of him. The document projected on the screen detailed a recent incident involving one of his favorite proteges, Logan Mitchell.

“That bastard Evan Charles has gone too far,” Harvey muttered, his deep voice reverberating through the empty dining room. He reached out to a nearby console and pressed a button.

“Michael, come here,” he commanded.

Moments later, the holographic screen switched to display the face of Michael Carter, a seasoned entrepreneur and another one of Harvey’s longtime proteges.

“Master Liu, what can I do for you?” Michael asked with a respectful nod.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

“Logan Mitchell,” Harvey said, wasting no time on pleasantries. “I heard about what happened. What’s your take on this mess with Evan Charles?”

Michael sighed, shaking his head. “Master Liu, I’ve done some digging. It seems this conflict stems from a personal vendetta. Evan’s obsession with Emily Brooks has turned into an all-out crusade against Logan. I’ve tried to mediate, but Evan’s influence runs deep. It’s hard to shield Logan from the fallout.”

Harvey’s brows furrowed, his expression darkening. “That arrogant brat needs a reality check. Logan is one of the most talented fighters I’ve ever trained. He doesn’t deserve this nonsense. Tell me—what’s Logan doing now?”

“Logan has taken the high road,” Michael replied. “He plans to return to his hometown to open a private martial arts academy. He’s also been preparing to enter the World Martial Arts Championship again, aiming for the top.”

“Good,” Harvey said, his voice resolute. “Logan’s strength lies not just in his skills but in his determination. If he can achieve world champion status, even the likes of Evan Charles won’t be able to touch him.”

“Do you need me to intervene directly?” Michael asked.

Harvey shook his head. “No, not yet. I have another idea. I’ll use my personal recommendation slot for the national martial arts training program. Logan Mitchell will be one of the candidates.”

Michael raised an eyebrow. “That’s a prestigious slot, Master Liu. Are you sure? Competition for those spots is fierce.”

“Logan deserves it,” Harvey said firmly. “Send me the paperwork. I’ll write a detailed recommendation myself. Let’s see how the board handles it.”

“As you wish, Master Liu,” Michael replied before the hologram faded.

Harvey leaned back in his chair, his fierce gaze fixed on the holographic screen.

“Logan has what it takes to become a true champion,” he murmured. “Once he rises to the top, no one—not even Evan Charles—will dare to stand in his way.”

He returned to his meal, but his mind was already strategizing the next steps to ensure his protege's success.

Harvey Liu sat silently at the dining table, a piece of beef in his hand. Despite his large appetite, the food tasted bland as his thoughts lingered on Logan Mitchell.

"That kid is still physically too weak," Harvey muttered to himself, taking another bite of beef. "If he'd spent three more years building up his body before entering the World Martial Arts Championship… he wouldn't have broken his leg, and he wouldn't have ruined his career."

At just 20 years old, Logan Mitchell had entered the highest level of the World Martial Arts Championship. It was far too early.

"With his talent, if he’d waited until he was 23 or 24 to enter the tournament, he might’ve taken the world title," Harvey thought. "With a world championship under his belt, he’d have been untouchable. He wouldn’t be stuck in this mess now."

Harvey let out a long sigh, pondering ways to help his protégé. Despite his legendary status, he was still just a martial artist. His influence, while vast, had its limits.

“Gregory,” Harvey called out.

A holographic screen flickered to life in front of him, revealing an elderly man with graying hair sitting behind a polished desk. Despite being a figure of considerable authority, the man addressed Harvey with respect.

“Harvey, what can I do for you?” Michael Carter asked, his voice calm but attentive.

“Gregory you know about the national training program, right?” Harvey leaned forward, placing his beef aside. “I have a recommendation slot. I’ve thought it over, and I’ve decided to use it for Logan Mitchell.”

“Logan Mitchell?” Michael paused, furrowing his brow. “You do have the authority to recommend someone, but you know the rules. The final decision will be made after a thorough review. There are only 20 slots available nationwide. Twelve are already reserved for martial arts masters like you, five more for other combat disciplines, which leaves only three spots open for candidates like Logan. His chances of getting one of those spots… well, let’s just say they’re slim.”

“Logan’s only 29,” Harvey replied firmly. “He still has a lot of potential. Even with a severe leg injury, he managed to reach the top eight in the World Martial Arts Championship. Without that injury, he could’ve been the world champion.”

“We’re aware of his achievements,” Gregory said, nodding. “But I have to be honest with you, Harvey. The competition for those last three spots is fierce. Are you certain you want to use your recommendation on him?”

“I’ve trained a lot of disciples over the years,” Harvey began, his voice steady but resolute. “Most of them have won world titles or been ranked in the top three, earning the title of martial arts master. But Logan… Logan is different. He’s never given up, not once. Even with everything stacked against him, he trains every day like a monk. His dedication alone makes him worth the investment.”

Gregory considered this for a moment before nodding. “Alright, Harvey. If you’re sure, send me a detailed recommendation letter. The sooner, the better—preferably today. I’ll forward it to the selection committee for review. But as you know, the final decision is up to them.”

“Understood,” Harvey replied.

When the holographic screen disappeared, Harvey sat back in his chair, staring into the distance as he chewed on another piece of beef. His mind churned with thoughts of Logan’s potential.

"In the history of the World Martial Arts Championship, only 12 fighters from the U.S. have ever made it into the top three," Harvey mused. "Out of those 12, I’m the oldest. One is disabled, a few are out of shape, and one even has cancer. Yet all 12 of them are on the national training program’s priority list. Disability, illness, or age—they didn’t matter. They were still chosen."

He let out a wry chuckle. "They keep calling it an ‘unprecedented opportunity.’ They say it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance but won’t reveal the details. I wonder what kind of opportunity this really is."

Harvey’s worldview was straightforward. If his protégé was facing difficulties, the solution was simple: make the protégé stronger. Strong enough that the problems disappeared—or better yet, turned into problems for the other party.

“Logan,” Harvey muttered, standing up. “If this program can give you the edge you need, then I’ll make sure you get on that list.”

He grabbed another piece of beef and returned to his meal, his mind already drafting the recommendation letter he would write.