At this point, Jason Reed paused, suddenly slapped his forehead and laughed, “Heh, I know what you’re thinking. You and I aren’t really the same type, but when you’re out and about, it’s good to make a few friends. These guys have a bit of influence in this neighborhood. Have a few drinks with them, and in the future, you’ll have someone to look out for you. You’d better not refuse, kid! Last time I tried to drag you out for drinks, you slipped away. If you don’t agree this time, I’ll be pissed!”

“And besides, my old man has spoken too. You’re not going to disrespect my dad, are you?”

“I’ll go, all right.” In the guise of Eric Carter, Brian Cooper looked at Jason Reed with interest, smiled and said, “Since it’s Uncle Reed’s new shop opening, I should prepare a gift. Give me the address, and once you set the time, I’ll head straight over.”

“Great, tonight at seven, Yunting Nightclub, 888 Lanxi Road. I’ll wait for you at the entrance—don’t be late! I still have to notify the other guys, so that’s it, see you later.” Hearing Brian Cooper agree, Jason Reed gave his shoulder a hard slap, rattled off the time and address, and dashed off.

Chapter 8: Yunting Nightclub

At exactly seven that night, Eric Carter arrived punctually at 888 Lanxi Road. The luxurious “Yunting Nightclub” before him couldn’t help but remind him of the days thirty years ago when he first entered society, especially that year in Hong Kong when he frequented nightclubs like this.

Back then, in order to build his own financial empire, Eric Carter naturally wouldn’t pass up the highly profitable nightclub business. Even today, he still secretly holds a 20% stake in Hong Kong’s largest nightclub, “Chinatown.” Of course, this asset is also under the umbrella of the Tianbao Consortium.

The “Yunting Nightclub” in front of him was certainly not on the same level as “Chinatown” on Hong Kong’s Kowloon Peninsula, but it was enough to stir up Eric Carter’s memories of those extravagant days.

Just then, a middle-aged man in a sharp suit, slightly on the heavy side, strode up with a hearty laugh that reached Eric Carter’s ears first. “Haha, Xiao Yi, you still look every bit the bookish type! I’m so glad you could come to support your uncle.”

The newcomer was Jason Reed’s father, Logan Reed. When Brian Cooper was a child, he was very fond of him, and even now, he often had Jason Reed invite Brian Cooper over for dinner. Their relationship was almost like that of father and son-in-law.

“Hello, Uncle Reed.” Since Eric Carter had fully inherited Brian Cooper’s memories, slipping into this role was easy. He greeted him calmly, then fished out a square jade stone from his pocket and presented it. “Uncle Reed, congratulations on your new shop. This is my gift to you. I carved this jade myself. I wish you all the best and a prosperous opening.”

Taking the square jade from Brian Cooper, Logan Reed beamed, “You carved it yourself? That must have taken a lot of effort. Uncle Reed is already overjoyed that you came, and now you’ve brought such a generous gift—very thoughtful. I’ll gladly accept it. Come by and have fun at my place more often. You must be sixteen by now, right? Not so young anymore. It’s about time you got a taste of some adult fun. Don’t worry, tonight, as long as you say the word, your uncle will make sure you have a night you’ll never forget! Haha… Back in the day, your uncle and aunt moved in together when we were just seventeen…”

Hearing this, Eric Carter couldn’t help but think to himself, this Uncle Reed really is something else. For an elder to say such things to a kid not even sixteen yet—most people wouldn’t dare. With such an “open-minded” dad, it’s no wonder Jason Reed aspires to a life of “hanging out.”

After seeing Logan Reed off and watching him tuck the jade into his suit pocket, a genuine smile crossed Eric Carter’s lips. This mid-grade jade, after more than an hour of his carving and refining, already had the basic properties of a protective talisman. Since he couldn’t use true energy, he had only infused it with his internal breath to create a miniature defensive array. Its effect was at best a tenth of a real protective talisman, and it would be used up after one activation, but at least it could keep him safe once.

“This time you kept your word, kid. What are you still doing outside? Get in here!” Logan Reed had just gone to greet another group of friends, and Jason Reed came rushing out from inside, grabbing Brian Cooper by the arm.

Inside the VIP room, Eric Carter was perfectly at ease, sitting down boldly. He glanced at the three other young men in the room besides Jason Reed, smiled and nodded to each of them in greeting.

“How come after the National Day holiday, you seem a bit different?” Jason Reed was clearly surprised by Brian Cooper’s composure, but being a total simpleton, he only got halfway through before grinning, “That’s more like it! We’re out to have fun, so let loose and enjoy yourself. Come on, let me introduce you—these three are my best buddies, and they’re all pretty famous around Putuo.”