Chapter 505: The Club’s Owner

Zhou Li’s eyes flickered, and he fell silent, as if moved by Deng Yue’s words.

“Luck, strength, and money are all essential to stand out among millions, to become someone above others. You already have great strength and decent luck. What you’re lacking now is money. If you can win the support of these rich second-generation heirs, who’s to say you can’t soar to the top?” Deng Yue continued earnestly, “Zhou Li, we’ve known each other since we were kids. Though fate has treated us differently, I’ve always considered you a brother. That’s why I’ve gone to great lengths to connect you with others. Don’t let my efforts go to waste.”

Zhou Li was slightly moved. He dropped his nonchalant demeanor and sat up straight.

“A single wise word is better than ten years of study. I understand what I need to do now.”

Deng Yue nodded with satisfaction. “These rich heirs all have their noses in the air. They’ve seen it all and have no shortage of experts at their side. You’ll have to show real skill, otherwise, you won’t leave much of an impression.”

Zhou Li raised his hand and clenched his fingers into a fist. With a bang, the air in his palm exploded.

“Don’t worry. Those so-called experts at their sides? In my eyes, they’re nothing but paper tigers. Not worth mentioning.”

“Right, among the guests I invited this time, there’s someone named Li Yunxi. Her father is Li Liancheng, the richest man in Jinghai City, with assets worth tens of billions.” Deng Yue lowered his voice, speaking conspiratorially. “This Li Yunxi, from what I’ve found, is usually cold to men. But after much digging, I learned she has a weakness for powerful men. With your martial prowess, if you can win her heart and body, that’s like owning a walking ATM. And not just any ATM, this one’s got top-tier looks and figure. She’s known as the number one beauty in the circle. I’ll create an opportunity for you later. You’d better seize it.”

Zhou Li’s eyes lit up, and for the first time, an expression of genuine interest appeared on his face.

“Really? Tell me more.”

***

Outside the entrance of Heavenly Private Club—

A burgundy Ferrari roared in from the distance, coming to a sudden halt at the entrance without warning. Its tires screeched against the ground, leaving behind two long skid marks.

Several young men and women who were about to enter the club stopped in their tracks.

“Demoness Li is here?”

“Deng Yue actually has enough face to invite her?”

“She’s never attended any of these rich kids’ gatherings before, has she?”

“Wait, looks like there are two people in the car. She’s in the passenger seat, and a man is driving!”

“Who’s that guy?”

The well-dressed young men and women whispered among themselves, voices full of curiosity and speculation.

Amid the murmurs, the Ferrari’s doors opened, and Lin Xiao and Li Yunxi stepped out.

The moment they appeared, all eyes turned to them. Especially Lin Xiao—he instantly drew most of the attention.

Hidden malice surged toward Lin Xiao like a tide.

Surprise, scrutiny, jealousy, disdain, suspicion—every emotion was present.

Lin Xiao’s expression remained indifferent, his face devoid of any fluctuation. His pupils shifted slightly, sweeping past a few of the more overtly hostile second-gens, quietly committing their faces to memory.

“Lin Xiao, come on. Let’s go inside.” Li Yunxi waved him over.

Lin Xiao walked to her side and continued forward, shoulder to shoulder with her.

At that moment, he could feel the heat of the gazes on him increase by several degrees.

“Miss Li, hello again,” a handsome young man in a purple suit approached Li Yunxi with a courteous smile. “Do you remember me? We met a while ago at—”

Before he could finish, Li Yunxi cut him off coldly, “Who are you? Why should I remember you? Go away and don’t block the way.”

The young man froze, barely believing what he’d heard.

He had approached so eagerly to curry favor, only to be harshly rebuked instead. His whole body went stiff like he’d been struck by lightning. He stood there, mouth agape, speechless.

“I said, get lost! Are you deaf?” Miss Li snapped, growing impatient.

Finally snapping out of it, the young man’s fair face flushed bright red. He bowed his head and stumbled off to the side, utterly humiliated.

“Another idiot tricked by Demoness Li’s looks!”

“Must be new to Jinghai. Never heard of her glorious reputation.”

“Ha! Compared to that guy who had to run naked in his underwear, this one got off easy, just got cursed out.”

“Bet he won’t dare flirt again.”

Laughter and mocking whispers rippled through the crowd.

“Some people really don’t know their place. Think I’m easy to hit on? They should ask around about my reputation first,” Li Yunxi scoffed, then noticed Lin Xiao’s strange expression. For some reason, she suddenly felt a little guilty. She cleared her throat. “What are you looking at me like that for?”

“Nothing,” Lin Xiao looked away, a flicker of amusement flashing in his eyes.

They continued walking. Along the way, many people greeted Li Yunxi.

But none dared approach—just polite nods from a distance.

For those who knew their place, Miss Li was civil enough to nod back.

Beyond the guarded gates, a resplendent hall came into view before Lin Xiao’s eyes.

To call it resplendent was no exaggeration.

The entire space was styled like an ancient palace. Massive dragon-carved pillars stood at the center. The walls were painted bright gold and adorned with landscape paintings. The floors were made of expensive hardwood, with an antique charm.

At the entrance, two lines of courteous staff stood neatly in rows—men on the left, women on the right. The men wore sleek black suits, tall and handsome. The women wore tight purple blouses and short skirts, graceful and elegant. Each time someone entered, a staff member would guide them inside.

Male members were led by female staff, and female members by male staff. Every detail was carefully considered.

The staff member leading Lin Xiao and Li Yunxi was a beautiful young woman with a slender waist and long legs. Her alluring figure was accentuated by her tight blouse.

She treated Li Yunxi with clear respect, genuine and without pretense.

Lin Xiao, sensing something odd, glanced at Li Yunxi. She grinned proudly and leaned in to whisper, “You’re wondering why she’s so respectful to me, right?”

“Kind of. She seems to know you.”

“Of course, she knows me. She’s my employee. Not just her, those guards at the door and all the other staff here are mine.”

Her brows arched as she gave Lin Xiao a sideways glance, obviously pleased.

But to her disappointment and frustration, Lin Xiao showed no sign of surprise.

“You don’t seem the least bit shocked?” she said, miffed.

“Why should I be?” Lin Xiao replied calmly. “You owning your own business is normal, isn’t it? If you were just a second-gen leech living off your dad, then I’d be surprised.”

Though Li Yunxi often acted rashly, Lin Xiao knew she wasn’t someone who abused her background. On the contrary, she had her own ambitions.