Chapter 20-21

Chapter 20: The Circle

Cai Chengping's villa wasn't in Beverly Hills, but in Malibu Beach. Compared to the more famous Santa Monica and Venice Beaches, this place was quieter and more private.

Santa Monica Beach, crowded with tourists from all over the world, and the overly localized Venice Beach, were always bustling. However, Malibu Beach, located in the northwest corner of Los Angeles, was a haven for celebrities and surfers. Its proximity to Hollywood and its serene atmosphere attracted many stars to settle here, earning Malibu the nickname "Celebrity Beach" and becoming a major selling point for local real estate agents.

It was unclear if Cai Chengping's initial purchase of this villa was aimed at mingling with Hollywood actresses, though he claimed it was for investment purposes.

"Are you kidding me? I bought it for 19.5 million dollars, and now I wouldn't even consider a 26 million offer," Cai Chengping boasted, clearly proud of his investment foresight, likely a story he enjoyed flaunting.

Bruce wasn't surprised that Cai could afford such a property. Chinese rich second generation wealthy enough to have bodyguards in the U.S. would definitely be affluent. They arrived in four cars, with Cai Chengping's vehicle driven by his bodyguard while he rode in Bruce's custom Lamborghini.

Arriving at the villa, already parked outside were various top-tier luxury and uniquely modified cars. Cai's house was a two-story, elongated villa, oriented lengthwise along the coastline. The property spanned over 20,000 square meters, plus a private beach of nearly 3,000 square meters, easily accommodating a three-digit number of party-goers.

Stepping inside, the music was already booming, with men and women in beach shorts and bikinis dancing and frolicking around. Marijuana and alcohol were standard fare.

"Didn't expect it to be this lively. Where did all these people come from?" Bruce casually observed.

"Not bad, right? There are lots of beauties here, plenty of models," Cai Chengping, taking off his sunglasses, boasted with a proud smile.

Indeed, the attractiveness level of the guests was high, mostly comprised of the young and beautiful, though not particularly famous. Their youth and good looks were eye-catching.

"Let's go outside," Cai Chengping, visibly excited, led Bruce through the villa, greeted by people along the way.

The house was impressive, with luxurious entertainment rooms and dining areas. The side facing the sea was all floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a splendid view of Malibu Beach. The outdoor area had composite wood flooring painted with white moisture-resistant paint, complete with a small pool, sun umbrellas, and beach chairs. At least sixty people were partying there.

The scene was filled with bikini-clad women flaunting their figures, an overwhelming display of skin. Cai Chengping guided Bruce to chairs near the transparent glass railing, overlooking the private beach just two meters below. Guests were swimming, surfing, and sunbathing, and Bruce noticed several couples on the second-floor balcony getting cozy.

"Bro, you're back!" A group of young men and women, clearly familiar with Cai, gathered around. He introduced them to Bruce as either overseas wealthy expatriates or children of influential families from China.

Generally speaking, most people will think that these powerful children of the Com*mun*ist P*arty of China or the next generation of plutocrats who go abroad are corrupt and degenerate, and they will not do anything. After all, there are a group of such representatives.

However, not every individual in a group fits the stereotype. While some lower the overall standard, many are quite different. With family resources supporting them, they have a head start over others, giving them a natural advantage in education, upbringing, ideologies, and financial power, increasing their chances of becoming elites.

Like those introduced by Cai Chengping, many were either studying in prestigious universities

or had already achieved some success. Their mannerisms suggested they were more than just pretty faces. It's often said that a person's environment shapes their character, and being in a position of material comfort allows one to present themselves better.

These individuals, while enjoying luxury and a high-quality lifestyle, sometimes indulging in extravagance, were within reasonable limits, often more restrained than some American tycoons. And in important situations or serious matters, they were always clear-headed and precise.

Of course, there were a few characters with a bit of arrogance.

"This must be Bruce Lee, the genius billionaire. I've heard a lot about you," greeted a handsome man in a white Polo shirt, his tone was calm, but his words were tinged with pride.

He had enough reason to be proud. The man, Yan Xiuqun by name, came from an extraordinary family background and was an alumnus of a prestigious university. He had worked as a trader on Wall Street, becoming a top performer in his investment bank during a financial downturn and earning millions of dollars within a few years. Eventually, he left his job to start his own business.

Bruce didn't show any reaction to Yan's subtle standoffishness and continued to greet others with a smile. Cai Chengping, noticing something amiss, chimed in: "Guys, we should all learn from Mr. Lee and stay in touch. We're all friends here, and I don't introduce people lightly."

His words were clearly in support of Bruce. Yan Xiuqun seemed surprised that Cai Chengping valued Bruce so highly. He quickly recovered, extending a sincere handshake to Bruce: "Mr. Lee, my apologies."

This gesture also highlighted Cai Chengping's status among this group. Bruce, noticing Yan's slight discomfort, shook his hand: "Nice to meet you. If you need anything in the U.S., don't hesitate to ask."

His casual yet confident remark impressed everyone present. They were worldly people, but they all took note of Bruce's strong presence, especially a few ladies who looked intrigued.

Yan Xiuqun didn't speak but gave a thumbs-up in admiration. To speak so boldly, one was either foolish or genuinely powerful, and Yan clearly didn't think Bruce was the former.

Cai Chengping was pleased that both parties were gracious. He didn't want any trouble at the party. He glanced around and suddenly looked surprised: "Wu Zi is here too?"

Bruce followed his gaze to see a tall woman sitting at a table on the edge of the yard. Her back was turned, so her face wasn't visible, but her figure and demeanor alone were impressive.

"I didn't want to, but you know... I don't call the shots in our family," lamented a young man who looked barely seventeen or eighteen, scratching his head in frustration and helplessness. "Maybe you could help me get rid of my sister? She's always nicer to you, and you have more sway over her than I do."

Cai Chengping rolled his eyes at the young man's sly smile before letting him off the hook, but he still said irritably: "Kid, you'll always be under someone's thumb—controlled by your mom at home, overseen by your sister abroad, and probably dominated by your wife in the future."

Everyone laughed heartily at his words, obviously familiar with the young man, teasing him playfully. Bruce listened and gathered that the young man was Wu Yi, and the woman sitting alone was his older sister Wu Zi. Wu Yi seemed quite intimidated by his sister, who kept a close watch on him.

Wu Yi hung his head in resignation: "What can I do? It's always been like this. She's better in studies, more lik

ed by our elders, smarter than me, and I can't even win in a fight against her."

Speaking of Wu Zi, even Cai Chengping seemed to find her a bit challenging to handle. It was the first time Bruce saw the usually jovial man show such an expression. Clearly, Wu Yi and Wu Zi came from a significantly influential family, and Wu Zi herself must be a strong, capable woman in various aspects. The respect and complexity in everyone's expressions when they mentioned her spoke volumes about her unique status in this circle.

"What can I do about it? Even my bodyguards combined are no match for your sister. I wonder how she got so skilled; sometimes I doubt she's even human," Cai Chengping remarked grumpily. "Let her be. You just sit tight and enjoy the sun."

The group fell silent for a moment, the lively atmosphere slightly diminished by the topic.

Chapter 21: Grace and Poise

Enjoying the sea breeze and sipping on a cold beer, Bruce found the experience quite pleasant and refreshing. It was a new kind of relaxation for him, bringing a rare moment of tranquility to both his body and mind.

"Mr. Lee, I heard you've started a new biotech company. It seems like you're gearing up for something big," Yan Xiuqun took the opportunity to start a conversation, showing no sign of awkwardness, proving himself to be quite capable.

"These formalities, I'm really not used to them. Only that restless guy calls me that," Bruce nodded towards Cai Chengping, who was happily chatting and drinking with others.

Yan Xiuqun was now full of curiosity about Bruce. Despite Cai Chengping's unpredictable nature, his status was unmistakable, and very few peers could interact with him so casually, as evident from their manner of addressing each other.

Not wanting to delve deeper, Bruce deflected and commented lightly, "There are quite a few people at your gathering, but it seems well-behaved."

Yan Xiuqun raised an eyebrow at this and glanced towards a solitary figure not far off, but didn't reply. A few chatty girls nearby revealed that whenever Wu Zi was around, everyone naturally became more restrained, feeling a bit uneasy and inhibited.

"She seems like a special person. I'll go introduce myself and see if I can persuade her to leave," Bruce said, curious about the similar reactions everyone had towards Wu Zi.

The young people around him didn't seem too thrilled with Bruce's proposition, exchanging hesitant glances and holding back their words.

"Mr. Lee, no offense, but Wu Yi's sister is not someone just anyone can handle," Yan Xiuqun warned, looking genuinely concerned, as if he had previously had a tough encounter with her.

"Yeah, Mr. Lee, even though you're super cool and manly. But Wu Zi is like my idol, a real Wonder Woman. I'm not too optimistic about you..." said a pretty young girl earnestly, making Bruce chuckle.

"Never mind, Mr. Lee. Thanks for trying to help, but I'll head back early. Have fun," Wu Yi himself seemed resigned to his fate, showing a defeated attitude.

"Mr. Lee, Wu Yi's sister is undeniably beautiful but she's too intimidating and honestly, not someone you'd want to mess with," Cai Chengping turned to Bruce, whispering about Wu Zi's background.

Wu Yi and his sister Wu Zi were international students from China. Wu Yi had recently arrived, but Wu Zi had been in the U.S. for many years, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics at Caltech.

Caltech, founded in 1891, might not be as renowned as MIT but is a world-leading institution in science and engineering, consistently ranking high in various fields, especially in Physics, Planetary Science, and Earth Science.

Wu Zi's enrollment in Caltech's Applied Physics Ph.D. program spoke volumes about her expertise. Moreover, she was fluent in six languages, including French and Italian, and had deep knowledge in music and art. She was also proficient in various martial arts and combat techniques.

Even Cai Chengping's bodyguards, highly skilled ex-military and mercenaries, were no match for her in combat, explaining his wariness towards her.

Cai thought his explanation would deter Bruce, but it only piqued his interest further. Patting Cai's shoulder reassuringly, Bruce stood up and approached the enigmatic figure.

"May I sit here?" Bruce asked Wu Zi, admiring her graceful posture from behind.

"No," she replied curtly, her solitary presence at the table underscoring her strong and unapproachable demeanor.

"That doesn't seem like a polite

 answer," Bruce remarked, his curiosity deepening. He wasn't one to be easily intimidated.

"The weak don't get to discuss politeness with the strong," Wu Zi said without turning around, resting her chin on her arm as if absorbed in the beach's scenery. The setting sun painted the sky a fiery red, the undulating waves reflecting the changing hues, creating a serene and captivating view.

Bruce didn't waste any more words and simply took a seat. "I'm curious, how do you define the strong and the weak?"

Finally, Wu Zi turned her gaze towards Bruce, her eyes cold and distant, as if she was completely isolating him from her world. For the first time, Bruce clearly saw her face. Although not the most stunning he had seen, her distinct, icy demeanor overshadowed her looks, making her face seem to shift between clarity and obscurity, as if constantly changing.

But what struck Bruce the most were her eyes, exuding an aloof and indifferent will, giving the impression that she could see right through you.

The others, including Wu Yi, watched from a distance, shocked to see Bruce actually sit down with Wu Zi.

"Wu Zi won't suddenly attack, right? Mr. Lee might be in trouble," Yan Xiuqun said, his voice tinged with a hint of pain as he recalled his own embarrassing encounter with her.

"Mr. Lee trusts me to leave his bodyguards outside. If Wu Zi is so discourteous, I'll have to step in to protect him," Cai Chengping stated seriously. While he was wary of Wu Zi, he wasn't afraid to confront her if necessary. With all the bodyguards inside the house, any sudden incident would be hard to handle.

Everyone fell silent, the lively atmosphere significantly dampened by the unfolding scene.