Transmigrating Into a novel as a Rich Second-Generation.-Chapter 32: Equity

His meridians, previously dormant and undeveloped, suddenly opened as spiritual energy flooded through them.

His muscles felt stronger. His bones felt denser. His senses sharpened.

[Your Combat Power has increased by 50!]

[Current Combat Power: 187 (Average human: 100)]

[Cultivation Realm: Spirit Apprentice Level 1]

[Experience: 1/200]

Sebastian opened his eyes, and the world looked different.

Not visually—everything still looked the same. But he could feel something now that he’d never felt before.

Qi.

It was everywhere, subtle and faint, but present. Thin threads of spiritual energy drifted through the air of his room, invisible to normal sight but perfectly clear to his newly awakened senses.

He stood up, and his movements felt effortless. His body responded instantly to his thoughts, no lag, no resistance.

Sebastian threw a few more experimental punches and kicks, marvelling at how responsive his body felt.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

’187 combat power,’ Sebastian thought with satisfaction. ’I’m finally getting somewhere.’

But as he focused on the spiritual energy in his surroundings, he frowned.

There was so little of it.

The threads of qi drifting through the air were sparse, thin, barely substantial. It was like trying to drink from a nearly-dry well.

’This isn’t good,’ Sebastian realized. ’If the ambient spiritual energy is this weak, my cultivation speed is going to stay terrible even with better techniques.’

That explained why his progress had been so slow initially—the modern world simply didn’t have much spiritual energy in the atmosphere. Cultivators in novels always talked about "dense spiritual energy" in certain locations—mountains, forests, ancient ruins.

But a bedroom in a modern city? The spiritual energy here was practically nonexistent.

’I’ll need to find ways around this,’ Sebastian thought. ’More Qi Gathering Jades, incense, maybe eventually find a place with better spiritual energy density...’

But that was a problem for later.

Right now, he’d achieved his first major cultivation milestone.

Spirit Apprentice Level 1.

Sebastian pulled up his full status to admire his progress.

===Status===

Host: Sebastian Fairfax

Combat Power: 187 (Average human: 100)

Villain Points: 1,550

Villain Halo: 365

Luck: E

Charm: E+

→ Skills: Silver Tongue (Intermediate)

→ Inventory: Spirit Gathering Incense (x7)

→ Assets: $1,000,000

→ Cultivation: Spirit Apprentice Level 1 [1/200]

187 combat power.

That put him solidly above average humans now. Not quite at Ethan’s level yet but close enough that Sebastian wouldn’t be completely helpless in a physical confrontation anymore.

And more importantly, he was progressing.

Every level he gained would make him stronger, faster, more durable.

By the time he reached Spirit Warrior, he’d be comparable to world-class martial artists.

Sebastian couldn’t help but grin.

The next day, Sebastian’s limousine pulled up to a sleek office building in the financial district.

He’d arranged a meeting with Richard Zhao to finalize the investment in Bella Vista that they’d discussed over the phone.

The receptionist directed him to the top floor, where Zhao’s private office overlooked the city.

"Sebastian!" Zhao stood up from his desk with a warm smile, extending his hand. "Right on time. I appreciate punctuality."

"Mr. Zhao," Sebastian shook his hand firmly. "Thank you for seeing me."

"Please, I told you, call me Richard." Zhao gestured to a chair across from his desk.

After exchanging pleasantries, Zhao sat back down and pulled out a folder. "Now, let’s discuss your investment. You mentioned $150,000 for Bella Vista."

"That’s correct." Sebastian pulled out his phone, ready to transfer the funds.

"Before we proceed, let me outline the terms," Zhao said, opening the folder. "Bella Vista is currently valued at approximately $2 million—that includes the property lease, equipment, inventory, brand value, and projected revenue."

He slid a document across the desk.

"For your $150,000 investment, I’m offering you a 7% equity stake in the restaurant. That’s slightly above the standard valuation because I’m factoring in your... strategic value as a partner."

Sebastian scanned the document. Seven percent wasn’t huge, but for a restaurant that was just getting started, it was reasonable. And if Bella Vista became successful, which it likely would with Zhao’s backing and Sebastian, that 7% could become quite valuable.

"Quarterly dividends?" Sebastian asked.

"Yes. Profits are distributed quarterly after operational costs and reinvestment reserves. Right now we’re still in growth phase, so don’t expect significant returns for the first year. But once we’re established, 7% of a successful upscale restaurant can be quite lucrative."

"And voting rights?"

"You’ll have input on major decisions, menu changes, expansion plans, significant expenditures over $50,000. Day-to-day operations remain with Victoria and myself, obviously."

Sebastian nodded. It was a fair deal.

More importantly, it gave him a legitimate business connection to Richard Zhao, a man with significant influence and resources who’d already proven willing to bend rules for the right price.

"I’ll take it," Sebastian said.

He initiated the wire transfer right there, $150,000 moving from his account to the Bella Vista business account.

Zhao’s phone buzzed with the confirmation. He smiled.

"Excellent. Welcome aboard, partner." Zhao pulled out a pen and slid the contract toward Sebastian. "Sign here, here, and initial here."

Sebastian read through the contract carefully, no hidden clauses, no surprises, then signed.

Zhao countersigned and handed Sebastian his copy.

"Congratulations. You now own 7% of Bella Vista." Zhao stood and shook Sebastian’s hand again. "I’ll have the official shareholder certificate sent to your address within the week."

"I appreciate it, Richard."

"My pleasure." Zhao walked him toward the door, then paused. "You know, Sebastian, I’ve been in business for thirty years. I’ve met a lot of young people with money and ambition."

"And?"

"Most of them are idiots," Zhao said bluntly. "They think money is enough. They don’t understand strategy, patience, or how to actually use their advantages properly."

He looked at Sebastian with genuine respect.

"But you? You’re different. You think like someone twice your age. You plan ahead, you manipulate situations to your advantage, and you don’t let emotion cloud your judgment."

Sebastian smiled slightly. "I had good teachers."

"I doubt that," Zhao said with a knowing look. "People like you are self-taught. You learn by watching others fail."

He opened the door but didn’t let Sebastian leave yet.

"I meant what I said before. If you ever need resources, connections, or... creative solutions to problems, you call me. I like investing in winners. And Sebastian Fairfax, you’re going to be a winner."

"I appreciate that, Richard. I’ll keep it in mind."