Chapter 10

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Chapter 10 A New Round of the Game

Suddenly, a clamor arose from within the crowd. The swaying people parted to make way for a thirty-something man escorted by a group of men and women toward Zhou Zhi’s seat.

“Master Zhao,” Zhou Zhi greeted him courteously as he stood up.

Everyone knew that this young master, Zhao Hanyin, was not only rich but also held significant influence in Jiangcheng. In this circle, everyone respected him with the title “Master,” including Zhou Zhi.

“Sit down and drink with me,” the man said with a smile, gesturing at those around him. “All of you, come sit.”

The crowd swiftly parted to allow them through.

In no time, this soft cushion became the most noteworthy area in the bar; anyone fortunate enough to share it with Young master Zhao was either already wealthy or influential, their family histories no less impressive than Zhou Zhi’s. Even the women present couldn’t help but turn their gazes here and there, hoping to catch the eye of someone worthy—a chance encounter could catapult them straight into the lives of high society’s elite.

Those seated together boasted and drank, lively conversation filling the air.

Zhou Zhi used to enjoy these moments as well; his father disdained him at home, but here he felt like he belonged. Yet today, he seemed absent-minded—when many people raised their glasses toward him, he only lifted his hand and waved it off.

After roughly an hour of lively chatter, Zhao Hanyin finally got down to business.

“I’ve already made good progress on the framework for Ding Sheng Club. If everyone thinks highly enough of me, we can start investing now, regardless of how much you’re willing to put in. Once profits come in, I will return them proportionally according to your investment. As long as the club doesn’t go bankrupt, every brother here will have their share.”

“What is Master Zhao saying? This business will surely make a fortune!”

“My hands are currently tied right now, I’m transferring ten million first, Master Zhao won’t mind right?”

“If you did, you wouldn’t have called me over.” Zhao Hanyin smiled. “We can always add more later.”

“Then this isn’t considered an initial investment, right?” someone heckled. “I’ll throw in twenty million right now!”

“As expected of our dear Brother Guang! You certainly know how to play the game!”

“Oh, come now, isn’t it just the cost of two or three less fancy cars?”

Zhou Zhi’s demeanor shifted from his usual jovial self to silence. He knew what Zhao Hanyin’s ultimate goal with the Ding sheng Club was: Zhao intended to consolidate all of Jiangcheng’s underground entertainment businesses and place them under one umbrella, catering to both the masses at the lower end of the market as well as the affluent at the high end. Naturally, regardless of whether they aimed for luxury or affordability, both ends of the spectrum would involve ventures operating on the fringes of the law, which were riddled with complicated webs of interests—only someone like Zhao Hanyin, a young master of the illustrious Zhao family, dared to snatch such opportunities.

Zhao Hanyin wanted to recruit many rich heirs and scions as investors, but he sought more than just money; it was their social status behind those numbers that he valued. The more participants there were, the greater the influence this club could wield. Meanwhile, the wealthy youths were also eager to lend support—the majority of them, much like Zhou Zhi, were neither eldest sons nor heirs whose talents were recognized by their families. While they had money, they lacked other skills. Rather than wasting their wealth on frivolous matters, they might as well put it toward leisurely pursuits instead. Besides, if things really did work out, the rewards would be plentiful.

Then they could prove their capabilities to their families, and slap their elders in the face.

Zhou Zhi originally planned to invest tens of millions, had he not encountered that game during his trip abroad.

“My apologies, Master Zhao, but I’m unable to participate for now,” he finally said.

The lively atmosphere froze immediately.

“Come on, Brother Zhou! Didn’t you just get back from Europe?” someone beside him slapped his shoulder and chimed in. “How could you possibly not have enough money to contribute to your friend’s little game, even if it’s just a small fraction of the cost? Don’t you want to give Master Zhao some face?”

“That’s enough; I’ve already told you that this isn’t mandatory, so what nonsense are you all spouting?” Zhao Hanyin shot a glare at the person before turning toward Zhou Zhi. “What’s wrong, Zhou Zhi? Have you run into some trouble lately?”

“This…” He opened his mouth, yet ultimately couldn’t bring himself to speak of Paradise. A virtual game that was identical to reality? If he were to say such words aloud, they would only burst out laughing. Moreover…he didn’t quite wish to share this unexpected discovery with others. “I’m fine, I just ran out of money.”

Of course, there was still money left on his card, but Zhou Zhi knew well that he had scraped these funds together through pleading with his family. Given his father’s temperament, it would be impossible to receive another advance anytime soon. Compared to the club, he wanted nothing more than another glimpse inside Paradise.

“Then forget it.” Zhao Hanyin didn’t press further. “What about everyone else? Surely none of you are broke too.”

“How could I not? Even if it meant selling everything I have, I’d still support Master Zhao!”

With this declaration, the atmosphere once again grew lively with laughter.

This time, however, Zhou Zhi was purposefully, or perhaps inadvertently, overlooked by everyone else present.

Zhou Zhi didn’t want to stay any longer either; pretending he needed to use the restroom because of how drunk he had gotten, he stumbled out of the bar’s main hall.

He passed through the temperature-controlled outdoor pool and climbed onto the rooftop, which was also the highest point of the building. In truth, this bar wasn’t located on the street but atop the most luxurious commercial building in Jiangcheng downtown district. Standing beside the railing, one could see the sprawling cityscape stretching out below, along with the river that ran through the heart of the metropolis.

After being blown awake by the chilly night breeze, Zhou Zhi felt a trace of unease rising within his heart.

Perhaps he shouldn’t have rejected Zhao Hanyin.

The rumors about the young master of the Zhao family were numerous, but regardless of their specifics, there was one constant: Zhao Hanyin was no easy man to deal with.

Moreover, everyone invested money so they might continue participating in these circles. By doing what he did today, Zhou Zhi essentially severed his connection to the comfortable lifestyle he previously enjoyed. If word got out from Zhao Hanyin, all those foxes and dogs circling him would vanish without a trace.

Or…should I just invest all the rest of my money? Zhou Zhi couldn’t help but wonder.

Without a doubt, if the entry ticket to Paradise had always been one million dollars, he would have been unable to continue playing with his current abilities, and at most, he could have visited twice before running out of funds. To others, he appeared extravagant, as though money were no concern, but Zhou Zhi knew very well that it was his parents who held the true power; without their financial support, he was no different from any ordinary person.

Just like what the American said: “Everyone knows exactly whose money is being spent.”

At this moment, his phone rang.Zhou Zhi pulled out his cell phone, noticing a new email in his inbox.

The subject line tightened his heartstrings.

“Paradise.”

It sent another invitation!

He held his breath and opened the email.

A new round of games will soon begin. Paradise awaits your presence.

Instantly, the hesitation and regret lingering within him vanished, and the images that had once flashed through his mind reappeared before his eyes.

He still wanted to visit that world again.

He couldn’t give up on Paradise just like that.

Zhou Zhi swiped his finger across the screen and pressed the registration button.