Chapter 27: It Will Be Needed Eventually!

“All right, let’s take a break!”
Zhuang Chen swam slowly to the edge of the pool, took the water bottle Xia Long handed him, and realized that after an hour he was utterly exhausted. Meanwhile, the girl still looked full of energy; clearly, he needed to work out more.
At a crucial moment like this,
How could a man be the first to give in!
Miao Rui leaned against his side, smiling encouragingly. “You’re making great progress. At this rate, you’ll learn in just a few more sessions. Keep at it!”
Faced with her radiant smile, Zhuang Chen’s competitive spirit flared. Gritting his teeth, he said, “Let’s go for another half hour!”
Miao Rui was delighted; nothing could please her more than spending more time with a handsome man. She took out a kickboard and had Zhuang Chen hold on. Supporting him at the waist, she called out, “Relax, and kick as hard as you can.”
Her ample chest pressed against his waist, the sensation even more distinct in the water. But Zhuang Chen was focused—he’d never been one to accept defeat. He clenched his teeth and threw himself into training.
“All right, let’s call it a day. We’ll practice again next time.”
Zhuang Chen stretched out his arms, letting Miao Rui towel him off. His legs felt weak, but he said resolutely, “Same time tomorrow. Let’s keep at it!”
“Then it’s a date!” Miao Rui gave him a sweet smile, carefully toweling him dry and helping him into a bathrobe. “Hurry and take a shower—and best soak in the hot springs a while. You’ll recover much faster.”
Zhuang Chen nodded and replied casually, “Would you like to join me for a massage?”
A hint of blush touched Miao Rui’s face, and she replied softly, “We’re not allowed to leave our posts without permission, or we get fined. But after my shift, I can message you. What’s your WeChat?”
Zhuang Chen had only asked out of politeness, after all, the girl had been helping him for quite a while. Seeing her bright, expectant eyes, he gave her his phone number.
“Great, I’ll add you right away and we can chat.”
She repeated the number twice, gave his arm a gentle squeeze, and said tenderly, “Go soak in the hot springs before you catch a chill.”
Zhuang Chen turned and left for the tenth floor, where he luxuriated in the hot spring. After a good workout, he closed his eyes, feeling utterly refreshed.
Half an hour later, he got up for a massage. Attendant Number Three greeted him with a sultry look. “Mr. Zhuang, you’ve finally come.”
As he lay down, he found her service even more enthusiastic than before. Young and full-blooded, he couldn’t help but respond physically, his pulse racing.
“This is my number, remember it…”
She slipped a note under his pillow, her slender hand giving a playful squeeze where she shouldn’t, and whispered in his ear, “It’s not convenient to talk here, but if you want… Call me!”

Zhuang Chen took a deep breath, calming himself before nodding. Watching Number Three’s reluctant retreat, he glanced around. After all, this was someone else’s turf; one could never be too careful.
After the massage, he felt invigorated. No wonder professional athletes always had masseurs and nutritionists—the effect was immediate.
It was still early. Dressed, Zhuang Chen continued wandering and found himself on the ninth floor in the bar. With nothing else to do, he decided to rest a while.
He ordered a cocktail at random and took out his phone. First, he accepted Miao Rui’s friend request on WeChat—her profile picture was of herself.
Then, after a moment’s thought, he entered Number Three’s phone number and sent her a friend invite as well. He had no qualms about a one-night encounter—he paid, she provided the service, both got what they wanted, and there were no strings attached.
The bar was lavishly decorated but almost empty. Although there were over nine hundred members, it seemed you rarely saw anyone—most were busy people with full schedules.
Only in the evenings did you occasionally meet a few others; unless there was a major event, there wasn’t much chance for casual conversation, which suited Zhuang Chen just fine.
“Handsome, care for a drink?”
A voice suddenly sounded from behind. Curious, Zhuang Chen turned to see Xia Long and Xia Hu blocking the path of an elegant, mature woman. He frowned. He didn’t think he’d seen her before…
“Is there any fun in drinking alone?” The lady’s red lips curved into a smile as she looked at him. “Three grown men—are you afraid I’ll eat you alive?”
Zhuang Chen couldn’t help but laugh, waving her over to see what this was about.
“Ah Bin, the usual!” The woman came over with practiced ease, ordering a drink and taking out a box of Su cigarettes. Her slender, white hand hovered at her lips as she asked, “Do you mind?”
Zhuang Chen shook his head, sizing her up. For a woman in her forties, she was exceptionally well maintained—mature, poised, with a voluptuous figure, like a perfectly ripe peach.
“My name is Song Qiao. Here’s my card.” She slid a delicate card across the table, her almond eyes fixed intently on him.
She had been keeping an eye on this young man for days. After thorough inquiry, she was certain—he was a top-tier member, absolutely a big fish!
Even among the ranks of the Chang’an Club, there were clear divisions. Every premium member was elite among elites, with assets upwards of five billion; meeting one was rare.
Curious, Zhuang Chen picked up her card: Song Qiao, Heart-to-Heart Business Consultancy Ltd.?
He set the card down, his expression indifferent. “Sorry, but I don’t think I’ll need your services.”
The waiter brought their drinks. Song Qiao took a sip, set her glass down, and gently traced the lipstick mark on the rim with her finger. Her eyes sparkled as she smiled, “You never know!”
“Someone as accomplished as you must attend countless social events. Isn’t it lonely to go alone?”
Zhuang Chen was caught off-guard by her suggestive glance, a sudden realization dawning—could she really be one of those legendary…

Song Qiao laughed, seeing right through his thoughts. “You’re not far off. Our company is, in some sense, a business consultancy—just a rather specialized one.”
“We especially recruit foreign language talents—proper graduates from top universities, including postgrads and PhDs from top-tier schools.”
“We have plenty of social experts, too, perfect for all types of gatherings. As young and vigorous as you are, you can’t always handle a whole table by yourself. But with a beautiful woman by your side, pouring drinks and keeping you company…”
Zhuang Chen smiled without replying. So that’s what she was—an elite social escort.
He picked up her card again and asked, “Interesting. Only university students?”
Song Qiao was pleased to have piqued his interest and quickly elaborated, “Students are just appetizers. We have models galore—just say the word, and anything you want is possible!”
“Even celebrities—fourth- and fifth-tier can be arranged easily. For second- or third-tier, we’ll need advance notice. Usually, it’s just dinner and conversation. As for what happens after…”
She leaned in, her breath warm with promise. “A handsome man like you has a very good chance.”
Zhuang Chen nodded in understanding. No wonder there were always rumors online about the price of celebrity dinner parties—so it was true. “What about first-tier celebrities? How much are they?”
Song Qiao paused, clinking her glass with his. “Depends on who you mean. At that level, most guard their reputations and seldom show up. Money is only part of the equation. But if you’re truly interested, we can arrange it—even if it means pulling some strings.”
Zhuang Chen took out his phone. “Let’s add each other on WeChat. I’ll contact you if I need anything.”
Delighted, Song Qiao quickly accepted. Seeing he had nothing further to say, she stood, drained her glass, and left.
At this level, everything was understood. Simply being admitted to the club was proof enough. Zhuang Chen handed her card to Xia Long. “Is this kind of thing safe?”
Xia Long frowned slightly, answering calmly, “Honey traps are unlikely. In this circle, it’s commonplace—some even take it further.”
After a moment’s thought, he added, “You can relax, boss. We’ll make sure privacy and safety are guaranteed.”
Seeing Zhuang Chen blush, he teased, “A man who never strays has wasted his youth. You’re not even married—there’s nothing to worry about.”
“Enough with the nonsense!” Zhuang Chen laughed. “Let’s think about what to have for lunch.”