The Club

The journey passed in pleasant conversation until the train arrived at Jiangzhou Station that afternoon. Exiting the platform, they were greeted by a black Mercedes-Benz sedan—a luxury vehicle worth over two million yuan.

A tall, sharp-eyed man in his thirties emerged, bowing respectfully to Lin Yue. "Welcome back, Miss Lin."

"Let's go, junior," Lin Yue said to the awestruck Huo Xuan.

Inside the car, Huo Xuan mused: Rich heiress? But she mentioned working at a jewelry company.

"We'll freshen up at the hotel first," Lin Yue informed him. "Then visit the jewelry store."

"Seems like money's no object for you," Huo Xuan ventured. "Family fortune?"

Lin Yue rolled her eyes playfully. "The Lin family owns the jewelry business. I manage their Jiangzhou branches."

"Thought you were a sales associate," Huo Xuan admitted sheepishly.

"Who knows?" She grinned. "Maybe you'll employ me someday."

The words struck a chord. Why feel inferior? he chided himself, reclaiming his composure.

During the drive, the driver—Li Hu, a former special forces operative—voiced concerns: "Venturing alone into remote mining areas was reckless, Miss Lin."

"Worth the risk," she countered. "Securing raw jade sources could slash procurement costs."

Li Hu's vigilant gaze periodically assessed Huo Xuan, his protective instincts palpable.

At the five-star hotel, Huo Xuan was surprised to learn they'd share a suite—until discovering Li Hu occupied an adjoining room, dashing any romantic notions.

Changing into his 2,000-yuan suit (a splurge for the reunion), Huo Xuan studied his reflection. "Not bad," he smirked, adjusting his tie.

Lin Yue, now in an azure evening gown with diamond necklace and mutton-fat jade bracelet, arched an eyebrow. "Shall I find you a date, pretty boy?"

"You're date enough," he risked.

"Bold words for a Jiangzhou newbie," she laughed, the elevator's soft lighting accentuating her allure. Her perfume teased his resolve—the X-ray vision temptation resurfaced.

The penthouse hosted an exclusive members-only club, a realm beyond Huo Xuan's prior imaginings. As they ascended, Lin Yue's jade bracelet gleamed against her wrist, a silent reminder of worlds yet unexplored.

The elevator ascended to the penthouse, its doors parting to reveal an imposing golden screen flanked by a reception desk. Two broad-shouldered men in tailored suits flanked the entrance, bowing courteously. "May we verify your credentials, distinguished guests?"

Lin Yue produced a magnetic card from her purse. One guard scanned it against a terminal, prompting a uniformed attendant to emerge. "Welcome, Ms. Lin and guest," he intoned, gesturing them forward.

Their steps sank into exquisitely handwoven carpets—Huo Xuan's X-ray vision discerned the intricate stitching patterns, confirming their astronomical value.

The attendant ushered them into a sprawling lounge exceeding 1,000 square meters, partitioned into intimate seating areas. Dozens of elegantly dressed patrons glanced up, several rising to greet Lin Yue.

"Ms. Lin! Rare to see you here these days!"

"You outshine every jewel in your stores, my dear—even old men's hearts flutter!"

Lin Yue exchanged pleasantries, addressing each by title—"Mr. Zhou," "Uncle Zhao"—demonstrating familiar rapport.

A striking man in his mid-twenties approached. "Xiao Yue, you've been neglecting us."

"Wen-ge, I'm here now," she countered, introducing Huo Xuan. "My friend Huo Xuan. This is Zhuang Wen—call him Wen-ge. He's Jiangzhou's foremost scion and architect of this club."

Zhuang Wen extended a steady hand. "Pleasure to meet you, brother."

Huo Xuan noted the firm, dry handshake and genial demeanor, returning the smile. "Good to meet you, Wen-ge."

Despite Huo Xuan's ordinary attire, Zhuang Wen detected an inexplicable poise—a presence contradicting his modest background. The paradox intrigued him.