Chapter 13: Truly an Unconventional Path (Please Vote for Recommendations)

When he awoke the next day, it was already noon.

Lu Yu rose and washed up, letting the hot water cascade over him, his thoughts adrift. Ever since he had witnessed another civilization perish in utter despair, a lingering anxiety had nestled in his heart—one he perhaps hadn’t even realized in the quiet moments of daily life.

This hidden anxiety had weighed on him, making him too impatient in recent days. He had tried to cram a year’s worth of tasks into a single day, burdening himself with too much pressure and worry, easily overlooking things and thus inviting unpredictable change.

But after last night’s drunken haze, Lu Yu suddenly saw things clearly: his buried anxieties were groundless. He ought to live more freely, allowing himself regular moments of relaxation; otherwise, the pressures he put on himself would eventually be his undoing.

With this newfound clarity, Lu Yu felt a rush of relief.

…

He dried his hair, dressed, and left a note for the two young ladies on the bedside table:

"Out for some business, I’ll be back later."

After a casual lunch in the restaurant, he headed to the bank. His current bank card had transaction limits, which was inconvenient. Ali’s funds had also been credited, now resting in the company account. With the business account information, lifting the transaction limit was a simple matter.

He transferred fifty million to his personal account and authorized the bank to withhold twenty percent for shareholder dividend tax. Technically, the money in a sole proprietorship belonged to the legal entity, but if the owner long-term appropriated company funds without conducting business, there was a latent risk of tax evasion.

Lu Yu decided there would be plenty of opportunities to make money in the future; from now on, he would leave no loose ends. Paying taxes was paying taxes—he was contributing to the country.

He then visited the law firm recommended by Chen Xiaofei, settled the legal fees at market rates, and signed a cooperative agreement, ensuring that he and Nebula Beyond Company could consult them for all legal matters going forward.

He had considered seeking out an accounting firm next, but thought better of it. The company wouldn’t always be just him; not everything required his personal attention. He would need to recruit staff, and an accountant was essential.

Glancing at the time, he saw it was just past two. He reached out to the landlord of the defunct internet café near Shuyin University, negotiated the price, and closed the deal at 24,000 per square meter, agreeing to handle the transfer and payment in the coming days.

—

After the call, Lu Yu searched his phone for renowned interior design companies in Shu City, ultimately choosing one named "Lifehouse Decor"—the name alone evoked a sense of homeliness. He called to outline his requirements; they promptly offered to send two designers for an on-site assessment.

Half an hour later, Lu Yu took the subway to Shuyin University, arriving just as the designers did. He retrieved the keys from his small backpack, opened the door, and led them inside. The designers snapped photos, questioning him about his preferences.

Lu Yu repeated the renovation plan he had discussed with Chen Xiaofei, emphasizing the need for a vibrant, lived-in feel. The designers scratched their heads, admitting it wouldn’t be easy.

Lu Yu, true to his nouveau riche spirit, made it clear that money was no concern: any problem solvable with money was no problem at all. He insisted on achieving the effect he wanted, otherwise he’d simply hire another firm.

Recalling Zhang Kexin and Qianqian’s mention of a practice room, knowing they might often come to play music, Lu Yu requested an upgraded security system. It had to be highly secure, with enough high-definition outdoor surveillance cameras to cover every angle; even if one failed, a backup must be in place.

The two designers exchanged glances and said they’d consult with their colleagues, prepare a preliminary floor plan, and if he was satisfied, they’d sign a contract.

Lu Yu agreed, but pressed for speed: fast design, fast construction, efficiency above all, price no object.

The designers left, both joyful and anxious, realizing overtime would be inevitable in the coming days.

Feeling he had nothing else pressing, Lu Yu locked up, took the subway back to the hotel—after all, two lovely young ladies awaited him.

…

Arriving at the hotel, he first retrieved his laptop bag from the car in the parking lot, then left the car keys at the front desk, telling them someone would pick it up shortly.

While waiting for the elevator, he messaged Chen Xiaofei: "The car’s in the Waldorf Astoria parking lot, the keys are at the front desk. Have someone drive it back."

Chen Xiaofei replied instantly: "You’re still at the hotel? What about the two ladies?"

Lu Yu responded: "Still here. Best not to look for me these next couple of days."

Chen Xiaofei sent back a cheeky emoji.

Lu Yu asked, "By the way, how much did we spend drinking last night? I promised I’d treat."

Chen Xiaofei sent a payment screenshot: last night’s bill was sixty-two thousand.

Each lady had a different rate, and the drinks had been expensive.

Lu Yu said nothing further, simply transferred the money to him via Alipay.

The elevator arrived at his floor. Lu Yu walked to his room and rang the doorbell. After a moment, one of the young ladies opened the door, wearing a bathrobe.

Lu Yu studied her for a moment before recognizing her as the "antique-style" lady. Her hair was down now, no elaborate bun, and she wore no makeup—quite different from last night, but still charming.

Entering, he slipped an arm around her slender waist, closed the door, and teased, "Without your hair up, I almost didn’t recognize you."

She gave him a coquettish look and huffed.

In the living room, he found the "innocent" lady curled up on the sofa, absorbed in a mobile game. Lu Yu approached, but she didn’t even glance up. Unable to resist, he gently cupped her face to stop her from playing.

She was so engrossed in her game that when Lu Yu interrupted her, she made muffled sounds and lightly patted him in protest.

He teased her for a while before letting go, laughing heartily.

She shot him a fierce, yet charming and playful, glare before returning to her game.

Watching her fresh face, Lu Yu couldn’t help but recall last night’s intimate moments, his heart fluttering at the memory.

He grabbed a bottle of water, took a sip, and sat on the sofa. The antique-style lady nearby was engrossed in her drama.

He looked left, looked right, just about to speak when suddenly a loud rumbling sound filled the room.

???

…