Qi Yuan nodded with interest after hearing that. "Then get me one later."
His family had always kept a tight leash on him, so Qi Yuan had never had any access to places like this.
After his first taste, it felt as though a brand-new door had swung open—he was hooked.
Qin Fen happily nodded in agreement.
Getting him to handle something for you is one way to blend into his circle.
It shows he accepts you and is willing to hang out.
"Got it. I'll pass the word in a minute and set one up—then you can drop in whenever you feel like playing."
After saying that, Qin Fen turned to Jiang Cheng. "Old Jiang, want one too?"
Seeing Jiang Cheng looked indifferent, Qin Fen added, "There's more than just this—golf, a shooting range, hot-spring baths, a wine cellar, a gym, a private cinema… loads of services. The difference from outside is the peace; it's not like some mall where you fight a sea of people just to watch a movie or work out."
In short, it was an upscale private club—no queues, every guest personally attended to.
Private, spacious, high-end service.
Naturally, the price tag matched.
You pay for what you get, after all.
Jiang Cheng wasn't especially interested in the women on offer; variety was fine, but few could hit the mark as soulmates.
Fast food was fine once in a while—he had no desire to make it a habit.
A sultry, sensible Yu Xiaoxiao, a water-spraying Qiao Yinyin, and a knowledge-hungry Wang Yuyan—
weren't they fragrant enough???
Maybe not as wild as the pros here, but exclusive beats crowded.
Still, the other amenities Qin Fen mentioned could be fun occasionally.
Jiang Cheng nodded. "All right, sign me up."
Qi Yuan noticed Qin Fen hadn't invited Wang Congcong and instantly understood.
He looked at Wang Congcong. "So you've got a card? How come you never brought me?"
Wang Congcong rolled his eyes. "You only turned eighteen two months ago. If I'd dragged you here earlier, my dad would've killed me."
Qi Yuan, looking every inch the landlord's dim-witted son, scratched his head. "Haha, right—forgot about that."
Watching them, Jiang Cheng now understood why these Girls were willing to take part-time jobs here.
Even the lowest-tier membership required proof of five million in liquid assets.
Think about it—someone with five million sitting in the bank,
plus cars, houses, investments and other assets,
has to be worth at least twenty million in total, right?
Twenty million is nothing in their circle,
but to an ordinary person,
it's a fortune many will never see in their lives.
In fact, these private clubs attract not just women but plenty of businessmen eager to join.
High-end venues offer opportunities for both women and entrepreneurs.
Such clubs are gathering spots for Second-generation rich and the seriously wealthy.
They filter out most ordinary folk and concentrate the truly loaded in one place.
Many tough investment deals are serendipitously closed in these special settings.
For small-time entrepreneurs, the club can indeed be crucial.
But for Jiang Cheng, Wang Congcong and Qi Yuan, it's just a playground.
At their level they don't need to court anyone; people come courting them.
For Qin Fen, Wang Zheng and Chen Hao, today's biggest break was linking up with Qi Yuan.
Normally they'd never get to sit and talk together.
Two different circles converged inside this club.
In truth, the reason they were all sitting here
was hardly shared hobbies.
So-called social fun is just resource exchange in disguise.
Jiang Cheng had first joined them because he wanted the family resources behind them.
Likewise, their prime interest in Jiang Cheng was identical.
The adult world is nothing but mutual profit.
Luxury-car meets or club gatherings are merely calling cards to enter each other's circles.
So some patrons of high-end clubs care less for food or fun than for access to certain circles.
Put bluntly, it's about latching onto big shots.
Cling to a big shot, then slide into his circle,
and so expand your own network and life.
Scrape a living under a titan,
like today, when Qin Fen deliberately set up this gathering.
Was his sole aim really just to fool around with women?
Clearly not.
After securing Jiang Cheng's attendance, he used that as leverage to invite Wang Congcong.
And Wang Congcong happened to bring Qi Yuan along.
Thus Qin Fen smoothly connected with Qi Yuan.
Today's outing alone would cost him several hundred thousand, yet he didn't feel the slightest pinch.
Because he'd achieved his goal.
He'd not only curried favor with Jiang Cheng but also stepped into Qi Yuan's circle.
In the long run this move was anything but a loss.
Sometimes connections matter far more than money.
Spending a few hundred thousand to tighten relationships? Qin Fen couldn't be happier.
After chatting for a while Jiang Cheng got bored and opened honor of kings.
Wang Congcong heard the game's sound and immediately leaned over. "You're playing this? Queue with me later?"
Jiang Cheng nodded. "Sure, go online and I'll invite you."
Hearing the two were teaming up, Qi Yuan whipped out his phone. "I'll play too, I'll play too—Jiang Cheng, what role do you take?"
"I'll go Top Lane; we'll summon a Girl to Jungle."
"Oh-ho, a Girl jungling? Is she any good?" Qi Yuan asked.
"Not bad—she's a gaming Streamer."
"A Streamer? Isn't that the Bush Camper you mentioned?" Wang Congcong raised an eyebrow.
Jiang Cheng nodded. "Yeah, her handle's Little Crispy."
"Little Crispy—heard of her, looks pretty." Wang Congcong added, "My team's been doing well lately; the two players you introduced are already starting. Did you catch the matches?"
Knowing Wang Congcong's team, Qin Fen asked with interest, "Jiang Cheng, you running a team too?"
Jiang Cheng shook his head. "Not my thing, but his squad has two prospects I think can win China the 2018 world title."
Everyone froze at those words.
"World Champions? China's never taken a world title—those scrubs are winning??" Qi Yuan rolled his eyes.
"I don't follow it, but the year's not over; why can't they win?" Chen Hao asked curiously.
"Brother Wang's team is only decent this year," Jiang Cheng said, looking at Wang Congcong.
After this year they'll be done for.
"Still in the running, feels like luck, but I don't see hope," Wang Congcong replied, head down as he opened Honor of Kings.
"For that dog-tier squad, reaching quarters would be epic. I don't get why he keeps burning cash on esports," Qi Yuan grumbled.
After Qi Yuan spoke, Qin Fen awkwardly rubbed his nose.
He also ran a basketball team—another money pit.
Always the also-ran, nothing but sighs.
Wang Congcong shot Qi Yuan a glance. "What do you know? I'm a man with ideals."
"Fine, fine—since Brother Jiang says we'll win, I'll tentatively hope."
Jiang Cheng suddenly smiled. "Let's make a bet—will his team take the championship?"
Wang Zheng asked with a grin, "So you're betting Brother Wang's team wins?"
Jiang Cheng gave a firm nod.
"Old Jiang, do you already know next year's finals outcome?" Qin Fen exclaimed.
Jiang Cheng eyed Qin Fen; the guy was too sharp by half.
Jiang Cheng nodded cryptically. "No inside info, but my gut says he'll win next year."
Hearing Jiang Cheng affirm again, Wang Congcong felt a surge of gratitude.
His claim of ideals wasn't a lie.
He'd planned this team before even returning home.
Yet after all these years it still hadn't taken off.
Even his father didn't support the project.
Stubbornness alone kept it alive.
Everyone dismissed him; each defeat brought more naysayers to his face, driving him mad.
Only Jiang Cheng backed him.
And found him strong players.
Even declared he'd be champion.
It gave Wang Congcong an illusion.
He suddenly felt he and Jiang Cheng were kindred spirits.
Jiang Cheng understood his ambitions like no one else.
After a while Jiang Cheng stood, draped an arm around Xia Meng, and told everyone,
"I'll head off and unwind."
"Got it—room's ready," Qin Fen said with a grin.
"Old Jiang, coming back down later?" Wang Zheng asked.
"Down for what? Not watching; we'll talk tomorrow night."
Seeing Jiang Cheng leave, Qi Yuan rose too. "Big shots stay chill; I'll head up again later. Probably won't sleep tonight."
"Take an umbrella on your way out, bro."
"No worries, rock-solid—won't kill anyone."
…
P.S. One more chapter got stuck in review—too late, should pass tomorrow. Mighty-girl tears…