Chapter 153: Arrangements

"Look, this is our destination—the home of the New York Knicks, MSG."

As Moses Adams introduced along the way, Jiang Hai observed the city, aptly nicknamed the "City of Hope and Destruction." They had been driving for about an hour, inching through traffic before finally arriving at their first stop. When Moses Adams stepped on the brakes, a massive circular building came into view.

The structure was enormous, resembling a giant cake. Though it paled in comparison to the towering skyscrapers surrounding it, it still left a striking impression. What surprised Jiang Hai even more was that this wasn't just an arena—it was also a train station.

"MSG, short for Madison Square Garden, sits directly above Pennsylvania Station, New York's largest train hub," Moses explained with evident pride. "The idea is for visitors arriving by train to see it immediately and get an iconic first impression of the city. Boss, you might not know this, but MSG isn't just the Knicks' home. It's also the home of the New York Rangers, the New York Liberty, St. John's University's Red Storm, and other teams. Moreover, it's the most revered venue in the U.S. for musicians, speakers, and politicians to hold concerts or deliver speeches."

For once, Moses Adams' typically sharp, calculating demeanor softened into one of pride as he gazed at the building. Even though he no longer lived in New York, this structure clearly held special significance for him. Seeing his expression, Jiang Hai couldn't help but smile. Perhaps this was akin to the pride Chinese people feel when they think of the Great Wall or the Forbidden City.

The United States, with its relatively short history, lacked the deep cultural heritage that older civilizations had. They couldn't exactly claim the Native Americans as their ancestors either, which left them with little in the way of historical achievements to take pride in. To make up for this, America had begun constructing landmarks imbued with special significance in recent decades. Madison Square Garden was undoubtedly one of these symbols.

Anyone familiar with basketball knew MSG was the "Mecca" of the sport. The annual NBA Draft was held here, and beyond basketball, other sports leagues and events also regarded this venue with high esteem.

"Alright, boss. We'll come back the day after tomorrow. For now, let's check into the hotel, grab a good meal, and then I've arranged a special program for you tonight," Moses said, snapping out of his reverie.

"A program? What kind of program? Don't forget, we need to buy a plane tomorrow," Jiang Hai reminded him.

"Don't worry, boss. It won't interfere with business," Moses replied confidently, flashing a sly grin. He then started the car and drove toward their hotel.

The hotel was not far from MSG, and they arrived shortly after. A doorman promptly approached, opened the car door, and welcomed Jiang Hai and Moses Adams inside. Jiang Hai looked up and immediately recognized the hotel—it was the Hilton.

The Hilton was a globally renowned luxury hotel chain, founded in 1919 by Conrad Hilton, a titan of the hospitality industry. With locations spanning Europe, the Americas, the Asia-Pacific region, and even the Middle East and Africa, it was considered one of the top five-star hotel chains in the world. For Jiang Hai, this was his first time staying in such an upscale establishment.

"After you, boss," Moses said politely, stepping aside to let Jiang Hai enter first. Jiang Hai smiled awkwardly, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and stepped inside. The grandeur of the exterior was nothing compared to the opulence within. The interior design was lavish, and even the staff—handsome men and beautiful women—enhanced the hotel's luxurious atmosphere.

While Jiang Hai was still marveling at his surroundings, Moses had already collected their room keys. He had booked two standard suites, which, though not the presidential suites, were still quite impressive. Each suite featured a master bedroom, a separate living room, a dining area, a bathroom, and even a small recreation room.

"Boss, this is for you," Moses said, handing Jiang Hai a room card. The room number read 8888, a number considered particularly auspicious in Chinese culture. Jiang Hai couldn't help but smile at the thoughtful gesture.

Since neither of them had much luggage, there was no need for a bellboy, saving them the customary tip. Once they reached their rooms, Moses, who was staying nearby, called out to Jiang Hai.

"Boss, take a shower and freshen up. Afterward, we'll head out for dinner. I've got something special planned for tonight."

Jiang Hai, though puzzled by Moses' sly expression, wasn't worried. He figured Moses had arranged something to bond with him in a "manly" way. In his experience, men strengthened their friendships either through camaraderie or shared adventures.

"Tsk, this guy is up to something. But… maybe it's worth checking out. For purely righteous reasons, of course," Jiang Hai muttered to himself with a grin. After a refreshing bath, he tried to rest but found himself unable to sleep.

Moses' mischievous expression lingered in his mind, making him both curious and uneasy.

"Damn it, that sly fox," Jiang Hai muttered, rolling around on the bed. Before he knew it, he had dozed off, only to be woken by a knock at the door. It was Moses, grinning as usual.

"Boss, you're a champion sleeper! Hurry and get ready. Dinner's waiting, and the show starts soon," Moses said, his tone teasing.

Hearing the word "show," Jiang Hai's curiosity piqued. "Alright, give me a minute."

He washed up and changed into a fresh outfit before stepping out of his room, but Moses stopped him with a critical look.

"Boss, is that what you're wearing? Don't you have something fancier?"

"What's wrong with this? It's Arc'teryx, a premium outdoor brand!" Jiang Hai protested.

"Sure, but it's still outdoor gear. Have you ever seen anyone wearing that to pick up girls? Boss, trust me—most women today are practical. You need to dress the part," Moses said, shaking his head.

"Well, I don't have anything else. I've never liked suits, even casual ones. All I brought are outdoor clothes," Jiang Hai replied, gesturing to his limited wardrobe.

Moses sighed but quickly adapted. "Fine, we'll make it work. Just leave the rest to me."