The salty sea breeze slightly calmed Jiang Chen. Watching elderly couples strolling along the beach, newlyweds walking hand-in-hand, and tourists laughing and taking photos, he tiredly reached up to rub his temples.
He felt better, but still exhausted.
Having indulged lavishly all afternoon, Jiang Chen had already spent over two hundred thousand yuan. After the thrill faded, only fatigue remained.
He had taken a taxi to the seaside, inexplicably drawn to the sea breeze.
This place was a well-known scenic spot in Shanghai, with marble railings bordering golden sands, heroic inscriptions by founding leaders carved onto seaside monuments, and charming little wooden huts that evoked nostalgia. During university, his roommates had often talked about this place, usually focusing on the numerous beauties in swimsuits.
Now that he was seeing it with his own eyes, it was indeed true.
Yet, despite spending four years in Shanghai, this was his first visit here.
The reasons were simple: he had no money and no one to bring along.
Ironically, with money, companionship would never be lacking. Ultimately, it always came down to the lack of funds.
Shopping alone was lonely, and being alone at the beach was equally so.
However, although he was still alone, Jiang Chen no longer felt the hesitation he had when he was younger.
Now, he had money...
Sure, one million yuan was insignificant in Shanghai, where wealthy individuals were countless.
One million yuan couldn't even buy a decent apartment in the city.
But his perspective had changed drastically. Indeed, it was about perspective.
He wasn't boasting—his current wealth might even surpass Bill Gates.
The gold from just one bank could amount to billions; what about all the banks in Shanghai, or even the entire apocalyptic world he had visited?
Of course, selling large amounts of gold could cause trouble, and excessive selling could lower gold prices. Strategically, Jiang Chen decided that the gold from just one bank was enough for now—there were plenty of other ways to earn money.
And what about technology? Take the holographic computer pen, for example. If Jiang Chen started a company to sell it, its market value could easily exceed hundreds of billions. Or the virtual reality system used for educational purposes, and the sleep chambers—this company's valuation could potentially surpass trillions, in U.S. dollars no less.
Still, everything needed to proceed step by step. Abruptly revealing revolutionary technology could attract unwanted attention, not only from investors but possibly from government agents—especially the kind that preferred to stay in the shadows. Killing the goose that lays the golden eggs wasn't uncommon.
Once he secured that gold, he could begin accumulating his initial capital, preparing for the next phase. As his influence grew step by step, eventually, no one would dare move against him.
As for the million or so he had now, it was more than enough for personal enjoyment.
At this moment, standing here, Jiang Chen felt no sense of incongruity. Things he could only dream about were now within his reach—the beautiful young figures, luxurious mansions, and unimaginably expensive cars...
"Hic..."
Jiang Chen hiccuped, rubbed his aching forehead, feeling slightly intoxicated.
Throwing the beer can into a nearby trash bin, he took one last deep breath of the salty air.
"Hey handsome, want to join me?"
A woman in a swimsuit smiled at him, her bright eyes full of youthful charm. A regular reader of fashion magazines, she immediately recognized the value of Jiang Chen's attire. His melancholy gaze made him look like a heartbroken CEO—exactly the kind who would be vulnerable to emotional comfort.
Believing she knew the secrets of romance, Sophie had discreetly separated from her friends to approach Jiang Chen, smiling sweetly, looking innocent and friendly.
She didn't care how many women he'd had or if he was currently involved. She envied her roommate, who had a sugar daddy supplying endless pocket money, carrying LV and Hermes bags, and wearing Opium and Byredo perfumes. Sophie believed she was just as beautiful as her roommate, and confident she could attract a wealthy man—one far more handsome than her roommate's sugar daddy.
Her heart raced with excitement.
"Haha, no thanks," Jiang Chen replied, smiling faintly as he shook his head, surprising Sophie.
"Save your youth for someone more meaningful."
After saying this, Jiang Chen walked away without looking back, leaving Sophie frozen in shock.
...
That girl probably thinks I'm crazy.
Jiang Chen laughed freely, indifferent to the stares of others, strolling aimlessly along the streets. Thanks to his genetically enhanced metabolism, alcohol left his body faster than ordinary people. He enjoyed the tipsy feeling and wished the alcohol could linger a bit longer.
Why did he refuse that girl?
Simply because he had no interest now. Although attractive, she couldn't compare to Sun Jiao. And as for that pretentious line, he had simply wanted to say it.
Night gradually descended, but life in this city was just beginning.
Crowds thronged beneath the glowing streetlights, annoying Jiang Chen, who had hoped for some quiet.
It's far too noisy here. Perhaps he should spend the next few days on a relaxing vacation.
Thinking this, he walked into a less crowded street, unintentionally entering a quiet alley.
"Should I head back?"
Now fully sober, Jiang Chen muttered while looking at the darkening sky.
At that moment, a familiar figure caught his eye, causing him to pause with a strange expression.
...
Xia Shiyu graduated from Shanghai University, majoring in economic management. With her talent and beauty, she had spent her university years adored and admired, graduating with honors.
Her life was practically the opposite of Jiang Chen's, despite both having studied at the same university.
However, due to family reasons, she did not pursue graduate studies, instead choosing employment at a clothing store. Her exceptional abilities quickly earned her the position of store manager in a prime shopping area, giving her an ideal platform to showcase her capabilities.
Indeed, upon taking charge, Xia Shiyu implemented a series of policies that significantly boosted sales. Her strict management style earned her the nickname "Ice Beauty" among male colleagues and far less flattering titles among female staff.
Privately, Jiang Chen had joked that her perpetual frown was due to menstrual cramps.
But trouble came quickly, triggered by a careless joke overheard by Xia Shiyu. She quickly identified Jiang Chen as the "culprit" and promptly fired him from the place he had worked for a year.
Jiang Chen still remembered her cold and contemptuous expression.
In reality, even someone supposedly impartial could act irrationally due to emotions. Jiang Chen admitted fault but was still angered by her severity over a mere joke. Xia Shiyu, accustomed to men's admiration and respect, could not tolerate disrespect from a male subordinate.
This was her weakness.
At that time, Jiang Chen even briefly considered revenge but eventually abandoned the idea as pointless after drinking away his frustrations.
Life had to go on; after all, this was a society governed by laws.
Xia Shiyu continued as manager, and the store operated without him.
Yet things didn't end there.
Her high-pressure management approach led to widespread dissatisfaction, negatively impacting morale and sales. Despite her obvious talent, the company's executives ultimately removed her, replacing her with someone from headquarters.
The former campus queen had lost her job.
Within a year, Xia Shiyu went from pride to pain. She knew something had gone wrong but realized it too late.
After losing her job, Xia Shiyu was betrayed by a friend who used her identity to borrow money, leaving her burdened by an enormous debt. Forced into hiding and reduced to menial jobs, she struggled to survive.
Unfortunately, her troubles found her again.
Several aggressive-looking men were waiting outside her workplace, clearly not there for a friendly chat.