Just as Gu Bai figured things out, the long-absent system reappeared.
"Host’s Confidence Value increased by 12%, currently at 15%, 120 million dream funds have been fully disbursed."
After saying that, the system disappeared again.
The phone in Gu Bai’s pocket vibrated a few times, probably indicating the dream funds had been credited.
Seeing Gu Bai take a while to respond, Li Zhun continued, "It’s fine if you don’t want to talk about it, it won’t affect our friendship."
Gu Bai smiled and said, "I was just lost in thought. I’m from Anhui Province, currently studying at the Shanghai Theatre Academy."
"Still studying? What year are you in?"
"Wow, seriously wow. Looking at you, I’d guess you’re just about twenty?"
Li Zhun gave Gu Bai a thumbs up again: "Awesome, I really can’t find another word for it.
A sophomore buying a sports car worth over ten million, when I was a sophomore I was driving a beat-up Audi.
Your family either spoils you to the sky or has so much money it can’t be spent fast enough."
As for whether Gu Bai earned the money himself, Li Zhun didn’t even think about it. How could someone at just twenty earn a sports car all by themselves? Such a person probably hasn’t been born yet.
Gu Bai merely smiled, not offering much of an explanation.
There really was no way to explain it.
"But it’s impressive how you play, Gu Bai. Others enter the entertainment circle to pick beauties, you nurture them right at their base. So, how is it? Are there many beauties at the Shanghai Theatre Academy? Find some time to pave the way for your brother here, I want a taste of it too."
Although Li Zhun was joking, the scorn for the entertainment circle in his words was unmistakable. He truly thought Gu Bai was nurturing a harem at the academy.
The hierarchy of disdain has always existed, ancient or modern.
In ancient times, they blatantly divided society into scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants.
In modern society, there’s talk of everyone being equal, career equality, but the underlying hierarchy of disdain is indelible.
After several laps, Li Zhun had his fill, and it was around noon.
"Gu Bai, I have a gathering at noon. If you don’t mind, why don’t you come along? You’re going to be in Shanghai for a while, I’ll introduce you to some friends. More friends, more opportunities, as cheesy as it sounds, it’s true."
Originally intending to decline, Gu Bai reconsidered after hearing Li Zhun’s latter words and agreed.
No one can remain uninfluenced in the vast social whirlpool; it’s truly impossible to stay aloof. Blending in is the only way, besides, no matter how wealthy one might be, social networking remains essential. And knowing more people means more connections.
Li Zhun, knowing Gu Bai to be someone who avoids trouble, reassured him, "It’s just a regular meal with friends. If things work out, great, if not, we can just leave."
................................
Once the most luxurious hotel in Shanghai, it boasts an exterior that truly captures old Shanghai’s grandeur. This was Gu Bai’s first time at such a high-end venue, but it was Li Zhun’s usual hangout for gatherings.
Li Zhun took Gu Bai straight to the inner Chinese restaurant, the Dragon and Phoenix Hall.
After winding through the corridors, they reached a relatively quiet private room.
Pushing the door open, three people were already seated inside, all seemingly around Li Zhun’s age, about twenty-seven or twenty-eight.
"Hey Old Li, can’t you get rid of your damn habit of being late? We always end up waiting for just you."
The speaker was a young man wearing sunglasses with slick shiny hair, leaving Gu Bai wondering what kind of quirky show-off fix he’d developed by keeping those sunglasses on indoors.
Ignoring him, Li Zhun simply pulled Gu Bai to take a seat.
"Brought a friend along, hope that’s okay?"
The three displayed varied expressions, and one even furrowed his brow unnoticed.
Gu Bai noticed it, but said nothing, maintaining a calm demeanor. After all, this was Li Zhun’s private gathering. Although invited, he could still be considered an uninvited guest.
Despite some discomfort, no one openly embarrassed Li Zhun, all eyes now on him.
"Gu Bai, let me introduce you. The guy with the sunglasses is the show-off king Tian Shu. Don’t bother with him for now, he’ll come crawling to you later.
This is Zhu Jialin, you can just call him Old Zhu like I do.
And this overly indulgent-looking fellow is Zhao Weiwei. You two share a hobby, maybe you can chat about it. This guy has a modeling agency, burning millions a year into it, yet treats it like a treasure."
Upon hearing Li Zhun, Zhao Weiwei jovially cursed back, "Stop talking crap, next time try not calling me when you want girls sent over."
Li Zhun burst into laughter himself.
Then he introduced Gu Bai.
"This is a buddy I met today, named Gu Bai, a certified moneyed dude."
Hearing this, the others perked up with interest.
"You know that Night Shadow I’ve been struggling to offload, right? It’s been a headache lately. If no one buys it soon, my 6 million will be wasted, but someone finally took it today."
The others weren’t fools, instantly grasping Li Zhun’s implication.
Tian Shu carelessly remarked, "He bought it, didn’t he?"
Li Zhun laughed and nodded.
Zhao Weiwei offered Gu Bai a cigarette: "Bought at original price?"
Gu Bai took the cigarette and nodded.
"You’re just too honest. A lot of people want to take over that car, but it’s just too expensive. The guy just doesn’t want to take a loss. After some time, it’ll definitely end up in his hands. Then Lamborghini’s HQ will have to auction it off, saving at least a few million."
After speaking, he turned to Li Zhun and said, "You kid took advantage of Gu Bai, so shouldn’t you return the 200 you owe me?"
"Screw you! If I wasn’t broke, I wouldn’t want to let go of this car at all. I can’t accept selling it at a low price."
"Didn’t Uncle Li prepare a startup fund for you? Just skim some off the top, and the car’s yours."
"Get lost. If my dad finds out I’m using money meant for serious business to have fun, I’ll be eating dirt for years."
"Is there something Li Zhun wouldn’t dare to do?"
The group chatted and laughed, quickly bringing Gu Bai into their circle.
Actually, every second-gen isn’t dumb. They’ve received the best education since childhood, enjoyed the best resources, so how could they end up stupid?
As for the brainless arrogant rich kids you hear about online, they do exist, but they are a minority. Fınd the newest release on 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵~𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖~𝙣𝙚𝙩
Every social circle values equal friendship. Gu Bai having his own assets makes it normal for him to be accepted.
Everyone gathered, and the dishes came out quickly.
Li Zhun raised his glass towards Gu Bai: "What Old Zhao said might be unpleasant to hear, but it’s the truth. If it weren’t for you, Gu Bai, taking over, I would’ve lost several million for sure. No matter where you bring this up, I’m the one who gained from you. Saying thank you repeatedly is meaningless, it’s all in the drink!"
Gu Bai chuckled, raising his glass too.
"If you’re really saying that, I’ll accept your words. But you didn’t really take advantage of me, since I genuinely like that car. Spending a bit more money doesn’t matter, happiness is priceless.
Moreover, spending some money to get to know you friends, I think it’s not a loss at all."
Gu Bai’s words were elegantly spoken and pleasing to hear.
"You two don’t have to be so polite; it’s a win-win situation.
But Li Zhun, you said I must ask Gu Bai for help, was this your plan all along?"
Gu Bai looked at the two with a puzzled expression.
Li Zhun laughed and said to Gu Bai: "When I ordered the car, this guy kept begging me to list it with SSCC. Now that the car’s yours, he can’t bother me and has to turn to you."
Of course, Gu Bai knew what SSCC was.
It’s the largest supercar club in Shanghai.
But he only heard about it and didn’t know much more.
Tian Shu saw Gu Bai’s puzzled look and quickly explained: "I didn’t establish SSCC, the previous chairman, a guy with the last name Huang, did. But he got into trouble and went in, so now I’m the chairman.
The club now has all kinds of vehicles, from entry-level Porsche 911s to multi-million Bugatti Veyrons and lots of popular supercars like Ferraris and Lamborghinis, but very few that truly represent us."
"Even a Bugatti Veyron isn’t enough?"
Gu Bai asked, puzzled.
"It’s not that it’s not enough; they just don’t want to. That Huang fellow, although not a good guy, had his ways. When he was around, SSCC developed well, and these people were willing to contribute.
But since he left, now besides us folks from the Shanghai circle, hardly anyone cares about the club anymore.
If I’d known, I wouldn’t have taken over this mess. Now I’m overwhelmed with these trivial matters daily."
Gu Bai nodded, showing understanding.
"Alright, just contact me when you need the car, and handle it as you see fit."
Actually, it’s no big deal; just a couple of days of showcasing your car during club events will suffice.
Whenever you’re free, I’ll take you to register as a member of the club."
Gu Bai said it wouldn’t be a problem.
"Shouldn’t there be some gratitude towards me for this?"
Li Zhun teased on the side.
"Buzz off, what does this have to do with you?"
"Alright, alright, even if it has nothing to do with me, you won’t forget what you promised us, right?"
Hearing this, Zhao Weiwei and Zhu Jialin, who were watching the fun, couldn’t hold back.
"Exactly, I heard you became a shareholder of TAXX, shouldn’t you take us out for a spin?"
Tian Shu rolled his eyes from behind his sunglasses: "My 15% stake is called a share?"
"Why wouldn’t it be a share? Big or small, you’re still a boss, that’s worth a couple of million, isn’t it?"
"Alright, alright, tonight it is. I’ll cover the expenses."
He then looked at Zhao Weiwei: "And as for the ladies, I’ll leave that to you."
The pale face of Zhao Weiwei broke into a smile.
"Got it, leave everything to me."
Watching the joking group, Gu Bai scratched his forehead.
The people in this new circle all seemed like troublemakers.