Inside the dimly lit room.

Long Ming opened his eyes and took off the helmet.

He picked up his phone from the side and searched online, looking for a place to rent a gaming pod.

As it turned out, Long Ming actually found some. Many Starlars rented out gaming pods, but the prices weren’t listed.

’These businessmen sure are sharp,’ he thought. ’They smelled an opportunity right away. The moment the game launched, they used their resources and financial power to acquire the gaming hardware and immediately made it available.’

However, all these Starlars equipped with gaming pods were concentrated in the Upper City District.

This put Long Ming in a bit of a bind. The launch of Civilization Paradise had caused the number of applications to enter the Upper City District to skyrocket, making it very difficult to get one approved now.

But Long Ming wasn’t willing to just give up, so he opened the application app to try his luck.

An interface quickly popped up.

"Please state your reason for traveling to the Upper City District."

Long Ming was stumped for a moment, unsure what reason to write. In the end, he just filled it out truthfully.

"To go to a Starlar in the Upper City District to use a gaming pod for Civilization Paradise."

After writing it, Long Ming hit send.

Less than three seconds later, his phone vibrated as a message popped up.

"Dear Mr. Long Ming, your application for a temporary pass to the Upper City District has been approved. It is valid for 96 hours. Please upload your proof of purchase after your trip, or it will affect your future applications."

Long Ming was surprised to see the approval message. He hadn’t expected it to go through so quickly.

It was unexpectedly smooth. Now, there was the issue of money.

Long Ming checked his bank account. He only had a little over five thousand Mountain Coins left. Although he didn’t know how the Starlars charged for gaming pods, he knew it definitely wouldn’t be cheap.

After all, the black market price for a gaming pod had already been driven up to five million Mountain Coins.

So, Long Ming was a little worried he didn’t have enough money on hand.

He hesitated for a few seconds before picking up his phone and sending a message to Wang Yang, asking to borrow 10,000 Mountain Coins.

A few minutes after he sent the message, a reply popped up.

"Holy crap, it’s rare to get a message from you, but it turns out you’re hitting me up for money. That hurts, man. I sent it over. Let me know if you need more!"

"Thanks."

Long Ming typed a one-word reply. He then checked the time; it was already almost twelve.

He mulled it over for a few seconds, then got up and walked to the bathroom. He planned to take a shower and get some rest so he could head to the Starlar in the Upper City District tomorrow morning in top condition and enter the game’s instance dungeon.

...

「The next morning.」

Long Ming, wearing a gray jacket and a beige scarf, walked out of the old apartment building.

Although the sky was just beginning to lighten, the streets were already filled with bustling pedestrians.

Long Ming headed toward the nearby subway entrance. Just as he was passing by the "Happiness Mart"...

"Long Ming!"

Boss Zhao Ku called out warmly.

"Boss, what’s up?"

Long Ming paused, slightly taken aback, and asked.

"Where are you off to so early?"

"I’m heading to the Upper City District for some business."

"Oh, you haven’t eaten yet, have you? Here, take a couple of buns for the road."

Boss Zhao Ku put two meat buns into a bag and handed them to Long Ming.

"Thanks. How much? I’ll transfer it to you."

Long Ming took the bag.

"Ah, don’t worry about it. You’re a regular. Two buns are on the house."

Zhao Ku smiled and gently pushed Long Ming, urging him to get going.

"Thanks, then."

Since Zhao Ku insisted, Long Ming didn’t press the issue. He started eating a bun as he walked toward the subway entrance.

Not long after, Long Ming got on the subway and was lucky enough to find a seat.

"Dear passengers, the train is about to depart. Please hold on..."

Listening to the announcement, Long Ming leaned back in his seat, his thoughts starting to drift.

...

「Upper City District · Huanhai Villa」

Bright sunlight spilled into the exquisite courtyard of the villa.

The entire courtyard was planted with roses, and a lush ginkgo tree stood at its center.

In a corner, a man-made stream trickled by, with several koi fish swimming lazily in its waters.

A middle-aged man with a high-bridged nose and sharp eyes was standing by the stream, slowly sprinkling fish food into the water. He wore black brocade robes and a string of black gems around his wrist.

A school of koi gathered, competing for the food.

Just then, a white-haired butler in a tailcoat led Vice City Lord Xiao Ning to the man’s side and reported respectfully.

"Young Master Qian Wu, Vice City Lord Xiao is here."

Qian Wu raised his hand and gave a slight wave.

The butler, Ainka, immediately bowed and withdrew.

Xiao Ning watched Qian Wu feeding the fish and said with a smile.

"Second Young Master, what a refined hobby you have."

"I’m just passing the time. What brings you here today?"

Qian Wu turned his head, looking at Vice City Lord Xiao Ning with some curiosity.

"I saw the City Lord not long ago."

"And?"

"The City Lord’s health is getting worse. I suspect he’s reaching his limit."

Xiao Ning glanced around, and after confirming no one else was nearby, he lowered his voice and said.

"Does my older brother’s faction know about this?"

"They should. Vice City Lord Icas will have likely told him."

"I see. I will begin preparing to deal with my brother’s side."

Hearing Xiao Ning’s words, a faint, almost imperceptible trace of excitement appeared in Qian Wu’s eyes.

"Second Young Master, while the First Young Master’s faction must be dealt with, they are not the most pressing issue."

"Oh? What do you mean?"

"I believe your father is the trickiest one. Though he is terminally ill, it doesn’t mean he has given up. His will to live is extraordinarily strong. He’s now pinning all his hopes on Civilization Paradise, sending all his top experts to find a Genetic Potion to extend his life."

Xiao Ning said to Qian Wu with a smile.

"Mm, I understand."

Qian Wu nodded in response.

At that moment, a handsome young man in a black vest and blue shirt walked over and spoke respectfully.

"Father, Lord Xiao."

"Qian Wei, how is the task I gave you coming along?"

Qian Wu glanced at his son and asked coolly.

"Father, I’ve followed your instructions and opened many Starlars and clubs to recruit as many experts as possible, but..."

Qian Wei hesitated in his report.

"Speak."

"Well, my cousins have also opened many Starlars and clubs, and they’re competing with us to recruit people."

"I see. I will give you more funding and equipment. You should know what to do."

Qian Wu replied in a cold tone.

"Understood! Father, rest assured!"

Qian Wei replied excitedly.

...

-----------------------------

「Upper City District.」

Long Ming arrived on Guangwei Street. The entire street was bustling, filled with fashionably dressed young women.

Gothic-style buildings constructed from gray rock lined both sides of the street.

In the distance stood a tall tower, and its massive advertising screen at the peak was broadcasting the latest commercials.

"The Eternal Club is now recruiting ambitious individuals to explore Civilization Paradise together! We offer excellent benefits and compensation. For more details, please inquire..."

Staring at the street before him, Long Ming felt a little dazed for a moment.