The cab ride from the airport to Yi Chang's rented apartment was quiet, the soft hum of the engine providing a rhythmic backdrop to the thoughts swirling in Yi Chang's mind. Liang Huiyan's unexpected company on the flight had given him much to ponder. The encounter was more than a mere coincidence; it was a glimpse into the complexities of the world he was about to re-enter.
Old Man Feng, seated beside Yi Chang, was a study in calm efficiency. The steward's perceptive eyes scanned the cityscape as they drove through the bustling streets of Shanghai. Old Man Feng decided it was time to provide some context about Liang Huiyan and his family, hoping to offer Yi Chang a clearer picture of the influential world.
"Young Master Yi Chang" Old Man Feng began, his voice measured and low, "I have noticed Liang Huiyan's interest in you during our flight. It's wise to understand who you are interacting with in this city. Liang Huiyan comes from a family of considerable power and wealth."
Yi Chang turned his gaze toward Old Man Feng, nodding slightly. "Hmm, what do know about him then"
Old Man Feng continued, his tone steady. "Liang Huiyan belongs to the current third generation youngest of the Liang family, one of the most prominent families in Shanghai. His father, Liang Wei, manages one of their small company which is actually even bigger then Nengliang Games before we talk of their real huge business empires and the influence in the political circles. The Liang family's wealth is traced back to his grandfather who singlehandedly establish their businesses, and they've established themselves as key players in various industries."
Yi Chang listened intently, absorbing the information. "And what about Liang Huiyan himself?"
Old Man Feng's expression grew more serious. "Liang Huiyan is known for leveraging his family's status to ease his path through life. He's infamous for using his family connections to avoid the usual hurdles and secure advantages. His reputation isn't exactly stellar among his peers, as many see him as someone who is quite arrogant and who doesn't earn his successes through his own merit."
Yi Chang raised an eyebrow. "So, he's somewhat notorious for taking advantage of his family influence?"
"Precisely," Old Man Feng confirmed. "Liang Huiyan's approach to life has earned him a certain level of disdain from those who believe in hard work and personal achievement. His ability to navigate through life with the help of his family's influence has made him a polarizing figure. He's often seen as someone who can get away with things that would be difficult for others."
Yi Chang reflected on this new perspective. "I suppose it's not uncommon for individuals from such an influential backgrounds to rely on their family's connections."
Old Man Feng nodded. "Indeed. In this country, connections and family background can open doors that might otherwise remain closed. However, it's also a double-edged sword. While it can provide opportunities, it can also breed resentment and limit genuine respect from others."
Yi Chang leaned back in his seat, considering the implications. "It's clear that the dynamics of power and influence in Shanghai are complex. Liang Huiyan's family background certainly seems to have quite a level of influence in it"
As they continued their journey, Old Man Feng's insights painted a vivid picture of the social landscape of the Liang family to Yi Chang. The cab eventually pulled up in front of Yi Chang's rented apartment—a sleek, modern building of three bedroom, its quite close to the ZA university.
Old Man Feng opened the door and stepped out, his expression unchanged by the transition. Yi Chang followed, taking in the surroundings, though he is quite familiar with it, Wang Liuyuan who collaborated with his uncle family to poison also stays in this building, but that can be handled later.
As they entered the apartment, Old Man Feng began to organize their belongings, his movements efficient and practiced. Yi Chang took a moment to admire the view from the large windows, the cityscape sprawling before him in a dazzling display of lights and activity, truly he is in a new world and its quite contrast to the endless world.
Yi Chang's gaze remained fixed on the city outside. "I need to take some time to familiarize myself with Shanghai and its people. Attending the antique auction Liang Huiyan mentioned could provide me with some cultivation items, we never can tell or atleast give me valuable insights into the local circles and connections."
Yi Chang turned to face Old Man Feng, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Thank you for your continued support. I will be needing you for a lots more affairs."
Old Man Feng offered a reassuring smile. "It's my duty to ensure your success, Young Master Yi Chang. I'll certainly do my best to support you in any way I can."
Yi Chang turns his attention back to the glittering cityscape of Shanghai stretched out before him, he was acutely aware that the path to accessing the hidden world of cultivation of this lower earthen plane would not a simple one. If this world is truly involved in cultivation then it means it is being controlled by some certain individuals and he would need to approach it with both cunning and strategy.
Yi Chang's thoughts turned to the 5million he had acquired from his uncle. This wealth, though substantial, needed to be utilized wisely to create the desired impact. Simply having money was not enough; he needed to make strategic moves that would attract the attention of both the elite and those who might possess knowledge of the cultivation world.
He pondered several ideas. Hosting a high-profile event or series of events seemed like a promising strategy. An exclusive gala, auction, or symposium could serve as a platform to display his resources and draw the interest of influential figures. By inviting prominent individuals from various sectors—business, politics, and culture—he could create an environment ripe for networking and information gathering.
Yi Chang envisioned an event that would not only showcase his financial prowess but also subtly hint at his interest in rare and valuable items, which might include artifacts or relics of interest to those knowledgeable about cultivation. Such an event would need to be both opulent and intriguing, designed to captivate the attention of high society while quietly signaling his openness to unconventional opportunities. By positioning himself as a patron of these fields, Yi Chang could create opportunities to engage with those who might have access to hidden knowledge.
Yi Chang knew that the world of cultivation might be concealed beneath layers of normalcy, and finding it would require more than just wealth—it would require an understanding of the subtleties and intricacies of this new world. He was determined to navigate this complexity with the same strategic mind that had served him well in the Endless World. The goal was not only to attract attention but also to create an environment where he could subtly probe for information and connections.
Yi Chang was unable to make up his resolve on what to do, he decided to sleep for now and will try to decide after he attend the auction he was invited to.
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I invite you guys to support my novel and give it time and i assure you will later enjoy it, i need to make the background story clear, i know well all want to the that cultivation moods but give it time