Chapter 10 A New Round of the Game

Suddenly, a ruckus arose from the crowd. The swaying mass of people began to back away, clearing a path. A man in his thirties, surrounded by an entourage of men and women, headed towards the couch where Zhou Zhi was seated.

"Mr. Zhao," Zhou Zhi took the initiative to stand up and greet him.

Everyone knew that this Zhao heir, Zhao Hanyin, was not only wealthy, but his family held considerable power in Jiang City. In this circle, everyone had to address him as "Master," and Zhou Zhi was no exception.

"Sit down and have a drink, sit down and have a drink," the man smiled and then waved to the people around him, "Everyone, come and sit."

Those who had previously flattered Zhou Zhi consciously made room for them.

For a moment, this couch became the most eye-catching area in the bar. Anyone seated with Mr. Zhao was either rich or noble, their family backgrounds not much different from Zhou Zhi's. The women in the club were even craning their necks to look at them, for being noticed by anyone here could be a big break, perhaps even a chance to soar to the heavens and become a wealthy lady.

The group sat around boasting and drinking, creating an incredibly lively atmosphere.

Zhou Zhi used to enjoy these moments; at home, he was not favored by his father, finding a sense of belonging only here. But today, he was noticeably distracted. When several people came to clink glasses with him, he merely raised his hand to respond perfunctorily.

After about an hour of revelry, Zhao Hanyin finally brought up business.

"The structure of Dingsheng Club is almost ready. If you think highly of me, you can start investing now, no matter the amount – it's the thought that counts. When there's a profit, I will also return it according to the investment ratio. As long as the club doesn't fall, there will definitely be a share of the proceeds for you brothers."

"What are you talking about, Mr. Zhao? This deal is definitely going to make a killing!"

"I've been a bit tight on funds recently; I'll transfer ten million for now. Mr. Zhao, you won't mind, will you?"

If I minded, I wouldn't have invited you," Zhao Hanyin laughed, "You can always add more later on."

"That won't count as original stock then, right?" someone joked, "I'll add in twenty million right away!"

"That's our Brother Guang, quite impressive!"

"Hey, it's just the price of two fewer luxury cars!"

Zhou Zhi, departing from his usual jest, stayed silent. He knew what the Dingsheng Club project was about – Zhao Hanyin planned to consolidate Jiang City's entire underground entertainment chain for unified planning, with both a low-end market for the masses and a high-end brand for the rich. Of course, whether targeting the high or low end, there was always a portion operating on the fringes of legality, and such intricacies of interest were abundant. Only a Zhao family heir would dare to snatch food from the tiger's mouth.

The intent was to attract many wealthy heirs for the investment, valuing not just their money, but also their family backgrounds. The more who participated, the more weight the club's words would carry. And the wealthy heirs were happy to see it succeed - after all, most were in a similar position to Zhou Zhi, either not the eldest son or not valued for their abilities by the family. Aside from having money, they had no other talents; so rather than spending extravagantly, why not invest in seeking pleasure? Moreover, if the plan really succeeded, the dividends would be substantial.

That way, they could "prove" their abilities to their families and give a harsh slap to their elders' faces.

Zhou Zhi had also intended to invest a few million, had he not encountered that game on his travels.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Zhao, I won't be participating for now," he finally spoke up.

The boisterous atmosphere suddenly froze.

"Are you all right, Zhou?" someone immediately patted his shoulder.

"Didn't you just go on a trip to Europe? How come you can't even come up with the joining fee, not giving Mr. Zhao face?"

"Enough, I've said it's not compulsory. What are you blabbering about?" Zhao Hanyin glared at the man before turning to Zhou Zhi, "What's the matter, Zhou Zhi, run into some trouble recently?"

"This..." He opened his mouth to speak, but in the end, he couldn't bring himself to mention Paradise. A virtual game indistinguishable from reality? Saying that would only invite peals of laughter. Moreover... deep down, he wasn't so keen on sharing this unexpected discovery. "I'm fine, it's just that I've used up all my money."

Of course, there was still money in his card, but Zhou Zhi knew well that this money came from wheedling and pestering his family, and with his father's temperament, it was absolutely impossible to get another handout anytime soon. And compared to the club business, he really wanted to take another look at Paradise.

"Then let's forget about it," Zhao Hanyin didn't make a fuss about it either, "What about the others? Surely they haven't run out of money too."

"How could that be, I'd even smash the pot to sell the iron to support Boss Zhao!"

With a burst of laughter, the atmosphere once again became lively.

However, this time, everyone deliberately or inadvertently ignored Zhou Zhi.

Zhou Zhi didn't want to stay there any longer; pretending to be drunk and needing to use the restroom, he staggered out of the bar's lobby.

After crossing the outdoor constant-temperature swimming pool, he climbed up to the rooftop of the bar, which was also the highest point of the building—in fact, the bar was not situated on a street corner but on the top floor of the most luxurious commercial building in Jiang City. Standing by the railing, guests could see the undulating cityscape and the river view that cut across the district.

Blown by the cold night breeze, Zhou Zhi suddenly sobered up a lot and a sense of unease surged in his heart.

Perhaps he shouldn't have refused Zhao Hanyin.

He had heard plenty of rumors about Zhao's heir, and no matter the nature of the rumors, one thing remained unchanged—he was definitely not an easygoing man.

Moreover, everyone chipped in money to continue mixing in this circle; by acting the way he did today, he was essentially cutting off his access to that comfortable environment of the past. Just a whisper from Zhao's heir would suffice, and his fair-weather friends who used to hover around him would likely vanish without a trace.

Should he… just put all his remaining money into it?

Zhou Zhi couldn't help but think.

Undoubtedly, if Paradise's entry ticket stayed at one million US dollars, with his ability, he could not afford to keep playing for long—he could probably go two more times before his savings would be completely depleted. In others' eyes, he was generous and needn't worry about running out of money, but he was painfully aware that the true wealth, or rather the ability to earn money, lay with his parents. If he couldn't get money from them, he was no different from ordinary people.

Just as that American had said, "Everyone knows who the real money comes from."

It was then that his phone began to ring.

Zhou Zhi took out his phone and noticed a new email in his inbox.

The name in the title made his heart suddenly constrict!

"Paradise."

It issued another invitation!

He held his breath and clicked on the email.

—The next round of the game is about to start, and Paradise awaits your presence.

In an instant, the hesitations and regrets swirling in his mind vanished, and the scenes he kept recalling appeared before his eyes again.

He still wanted to take another look at that world.

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

Zhou Zhi slid his finger and pressed the registration button.