Content

Chapter 16

Anyone could tell that the Mr. Walker Benjamin Walker before them was not only wealthy, but his family also wielded considerable power in Jiangcheng. In this circle, everyone had to address him respectfully as “Master,” and David Carter was no exception.

“Sit down and have a drink, sit down and have a drink,” the other party said with a smile, then beckoned to the people around him, “Everyone, come and sit.”

Those who had been flattering David Carter earlier automatically made room.

In an instant, this soft couch became the most eye-catching spot in the bar. Anyone who could sit with Mr. Walker was basically either rich or noble, and in terms of family background, they were not much inferior to David Carter. The women in the venue kept glancing over, for being noticed by anyone here could be a huge opportunity—perhaps even a chance to soar to the top and become a wealthy socialite.

Those gathered around chatted and drank together, the atmosphere lively and boisterous.

David Carter used to enjoy these moments. At home, he was not favored by his father, and only here did he feel a sense of belonging. But today, he was clearly distracted. Several people tried to toast him, but he merely raised his hand perfunctorily.

After about an hour of revelry, Benjamin Walker finally brought up the main topic.

“I’ve pretty much set up the framework for the Ding Sheng Club. If you all trust me, you can invest now—any amount is appreciated. Once there are profits, I’ll distribute them according to your investment shares. As long as the club stands, there will always be a share for the brothers.”

“Come on, Sir Walker, this business is sure to make a killing!”

“I’m a bit tight on cash lately, so I’ll transfer ten million first. Sir Walker, you won’t mind, right?”

“If I minded, I wouldn’t have invited you,” Benjamin Walker said with a laugh. “You can always add more later if you want.”

“Then it won’t count as original shares, right? Isn’t that how it works… am I right?” someone joked. “I’ll just add another twenty million!”

“No wonder you’re Mr. Lee, you’ve got some guts!”

“Hey, it’s just the price of a couple fewer Lambos!”

David Carter dropped his usual playful demeanor and fell silent. He knew exactly what the Ding Sheng Club was about—Benjamin Walker planned to integrate all of Jiangcheng’s underground entertainment chains, unifying them under one plan. There would be low-end options for the general public, as well as high-end brands catering to the wealthy. Of course, whether high-end or low-end, there would inevitably be parts skirting the edge of legality, and the interests involved were complex. Only someone like Young Master Walker would dare to snatch food from the tiger’s mouth.

What he wanted from these rich heirs wasn’t just money, but their family backgrounds. The more people involved, the more weight the club’s words would carry. And the heirs were happy to join in—after all, most of them were like David Carter: either not the eldest son or not valued by their families, with no real skills besides spending money. Since they were going to spend anyway, why not spend it on having fun? Besides, if this thing really worked out, the dividends would be substantial.

That way, they could “prove” their abilities to their families and slap their fathers in the face.

David Carter had originally planned to invest a million or so—if he hadn’t encountered that game during his trip.

“Sorry, Sir Walker, I’ll have to sit this one out for now,” he finally said.

The lively atmosphere instantly froze.

“What’s up with you, Mr. Carter!” someone beside him immediately patted his shoulder.

“Didn’t you just go to Europe? How come you can’t even put up a share? Not giving Sir Walker any face?”

“All right, I said it’s not mandatory. What are you all going on about?” Benjamin Walker shot that person a glare before turning to David Carter. “What’s wrong, David Carter, have you run into some trouble lately?”

“Well…” He opened his mouth, but in the end couldn’t bring himself to mention the amusement park. A virtual game indistinguishable from reality? Saying that would only make them burst out laughing. Besides… deep down, he didn’t really want to share this unexpected discovery. “I’m fine, I just spent all my money.”

Of course, there was still money in his account, but David Carter knew that it was squeezed out of his family with much effort, and with his father’s temperament, there was no way he’d get more anytime soon. Compared to the club, he really wanted to take another look at the amusement park. “Then forget it,” Benjamin Walker didn’t press further. “What about the rest of you? Don’t tell me you’re all out of money too.”

“No way, even if I have to sell everything, I’ll support Sir Walker!”

With a round of laughter, the atmosphere became lively again.

But this time, everyone more or less ignored David Carter.

David Carter didn’t want to stay any longer either. He pretended to be drunk and said he needed the restroom, staggering out of the bar hall.

Passing by the outdoor heated pool, he climbed up to the bar’s rooftop, which was also the highest point of the building—in fact, this bar wasn’t on the street, but on the top floor of Jiangcheng’s most luxurious commercial building. Standing by the railing, guests could see the undulating city skyline and the river cutting through the city.

Chilled by the cold night wind, David Carter suddenly sobered up, a sense of unease welling up inside him.

Maybe he shouldn’t have refused Benjamin Walker.

He’d heard plenty of rumors about Young Master Walker. No matter what the rumors said, one thing was always true—he was definitely not someone easy to deal with.