Spending 18 million and being able to pull out 18 million anytime, anywhere, are two completely different concepts.
Take Li Zhun for example, is he unable to come up with 18 million?
It's unlikely. Maybe 18 million is an astronomical figure to most people, but to these second-generation folks, it's not much. However, for Li Zhun to pull out 18 million at any given moment is definitely impossible.
"Are you sure?"
House of Time must have sold dozens of watches by now, ranging from as low as one or two million to tens of millions, yet very few have paid in full right away. After all, being able to delay a year without interest is something no one would refuse.
But Gu Bai is different.
His money seems to come with the wind.
"Of course, Boss Chu, just give me the account number."
After receiving Chu Zhilai's account number, Gu Bai directly called Tian Miaohua's phone.
"Manager Tian, please transfer 18 million to this account for me."
Not long after, Chu Zhilai received the message confirming the transaction. With his status, he is definitely a top VIP at all major banks, so he's used to Gu Bai's way of handling things.
Seeing Gu Bai finish signing the contract, Chu Zhilai handed the certificate and invoice to him.
Once everything was settled, Chu Zhilai had nothing more to discuss with this group of young people, so he exchanged a few pleasantries and left them in the room.
Li Zhun couldn't resist playing with the watch for a while before handing it over to Gu Bai.
"An 18-million watch, to be honest, not even my old man has worn one like this. The one I'm wearing is just over 1 million."
"If you're interested, I'll lend it to you for a few days."
Gu Bai said with a smile.
He wasn't joking. He does like watches, but he's not a collector like Chu Zhilai. Gu Bai ultimately sees such items as status symbols and doesn't take them too seriously.
Li Zhun stared directly into Gu Bai's eyes for a moment before lightly punching him on the shoulder.
"Forget it, if I break it, I can't afford to pay for it."
Gu Bai shook his head with a smile, "If you miss this chance, there won't be another like it."
"Alright, alright, stop showing off."
He opened the watch box, effectively wearing a villa on his wrist.
The Patek Philippe 6002G's silver relief structure is mostly embedded in blue enamel, and the Rome Time numerals are golden appliqués.
The clarity of the numeric and retrograde date markers, the engravings of PATEK PHILIPPE GENEVE and TOURBILLON, and the movement's number painted in brilliant gray all exuberantly display flamboyance.
Even Qin Fen couldn't help but praise, "I must say, Gu Bai's temperament matches this watch perfectly. Your looks are top-notch, and if you wore an understated watch, it would seem out of place."
Gu Bai smiled without saying a word, accepting Qin Fen's compliment. This Patek Philippe 6002G indeed pleased him immensely.
Zhang Yumeng stood next to him, clinging tightly to Gu Bai's arm, her eyes sparkling brightly.
The old saying goes, "People rely on clothes and horses rely on saddles." It's not without reason. After wearing the watch, Gu Bai felt as if his entire aura had been elevated.
"Detecting that the host has embarked on a new journey, gaining new confidence, confidence value increased by 10%, current total confidence value is 30%, 100 million dream fund has been issued."
The system's reward arrived on schedule.
With several confidence boosts, Gu Bai roughly understood the system's pattern. Every time Gu Bai experiences a new extraordinary event, the system increases his confidence, and this confidence is genuine as he can clearly feel the changes within himself.
"After buying a watch, my savings didn't decrease but increased. I wonder what it will be like after the system upgrades."
Gu Bai mused to himself.
Currently, the system has issued Gu Bai a total of 3 small targets: spending 15.8 million on a car, 18 million on a watch, and roughly 1 million on miscellaneous expenses, leaving Gu Bai with 265 million in cash.
Qin Fen stood up and bid farewell to Gu Bai and Li Zhun, "I have something to do, so I'll take my leave first. Let's get together sometime."
His main purpose of coming here was to buy that one-of-a-kind Vacheron Constantin Carist from Chu Zhilai, and since Chu Zhilai wouldn't sell, there was no point in staying.
After Qin Fen left, Li Zhun had a mischievous smile on his face.
"I'm not really into watches. I came over tonight just to help you out. I have a gathering later, so I'll be off. Have a wonderful evening with Miss Zhang."
Although he put on an earnest facade, his teasing tone made Gu Bai roll his eyes.
"Alright, if you have things to do, get moving. I won't thank you now, I'll treat you to a meal another day."
"Thanks not needed, just show me that thing you mentioned yesterday, and let's make some money together."
Gu Bai lifted a hand and made an OK gesture.
With Li Zhun and Qin Fen gone, Gu Bai saw no reason to stay, so he left with Zhang Yumeng.
.........
No. 18, The Bund, is a top-tier multi-purpose shopping center combining flagship stores of global fashion brands, internationally renowned restaurants, bars, and art galleries.
After parking the car, Gu Bai led Zhang Yumeng to the Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet restaurant located on the 6th floor.
Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet translates directly from Mandarin as Purple Ray, and is touted as the world's first sensory restaurant.
This restaurant only serves 10 guests each day, with a set menu, meaning you eat what is presented to you. Even so, you still have to book three months in advance, and in the case of a full schedule, even earlier, which is part of the Michelin three-star prestige.
But as a VIP client of the Construction Bank, Gu Bai didn't need to make reservations so far in advance. One call to Tian Miaohua, and everything was arranged smoothly, allowing him to head straight in.
When they reached the designated spot, a Caucasian was already there waiting for Gu Bai.
The white man spoke fluent Mandarin respectfully to Gu Bai, "Welcome Mr. Gu to our UV Restaurant. Our service team has been waiting for a long time."
Gu Bai nodded slightly, and the white man continued, "Our dedicated shuttle is already waiting, so please follow me, Mr. Gu."
Gu Bai, with Zhang Yumeng, followed behind the white man.
Before coming, to avoid embarrassment, Gu Bai had already looked up some basic information.
Online sources say that UV is a mysterious restaurant. No one knows the exact location of the restaurant, which operates only at night, offering only two set menus. Diners are required to gather at a designated time and place and then take the restaurant's shuttle to the venue together.
However, Gu Bai is effectively the eleventh customer, enjoying exclusive privileges.
After boarding the UV Restaurant's exclusive vehicle, in just a short while, the two were taken to a creative park transformed from an old dilapidated factory.
The white man with a respectful smile indicated for Gu Bai and Zhang Yumeng to follow.
Crossing a dilapidated gate, the difference between inside and outside is like two worlds apart.
After bringing Gu Bai to the main dining hall, the white man introduced, "Our UV restaurant's main theme is sci-fi romance. We hope you both like it."
Gu Bai briefly surveyed the main dining hall's decor, which somewhat resembled the sci-fi labs in The Matrix. The entire space in pure white, with tall high walls, not even windows.
In the center of this towering white space was a setup resembling a "conference room" - a giant white long table and two white work chairs. Overhead, there were seven projectors and a series of magnesium spotlights. The air carried the scent of some unknown spices. It all felt just like a production studio for shooting a futuristic film.
"Please take your seats, your meal will be served shortly."
The white man elegantly pulled out the chair, indicating for Gu Bai and Zhang Yumeng to sit.
So, Gu Bai and Zhang Yumeng sat opposite each other, as the lights dimmed, the large screens around them suddenly lit up, with a faint pink haze enveloping the space.
Afterward, the head chef of the restaurant walked in from outside.
"Esteemed guests, I am Paul Payret, the head chef of UV Restaurant. Your dinner will be crafted with care by me."
"This is the appetizer among the 12 dishes tonight, one of the most famous dishes from France, 'Foie Gras', using fresh foie gras flown in. Please enjoy."
Two servers slowly placed the plates in front of the two.
Before eating, Gu Bai directly spoke up, "Chef Paul, I know that dining here can take up to four hours, but I hope this meal can be finished within one hour, is that possible?"
Paul was startled for a moment, then his smile returned.
"If anyone else had made this request, I would have flatly refused, as I believe it shows no respect for our UV's dining etiquette. But since the request comes from Mr. Gu, I am not surprised at all. After all, the time of a wealthy person is always precious, and we are also pleased to let you experience our respect."
"Thank you."
Paul, as one who grew up in a capitalist country, well understands the power of money.
Zhang Yumeng sat across from Gu Bai, gently scooping up a piece of foie gras with her dining spoon and placing it into her mouth.
The delicate and smooth sensation instantly filled her mouth, and suddenly, Zhang Yumeng felt a bit like crying.
"What's wrong?"
Sitting across, Gu Bai noticed the change in her mood.
Gently shaking her head, Zhang Yumeng slowly explained, "Watching you live your life all day from an outsider's perspective today, I suddenly realized that all my years of persistence seem unnecessary."
"?"
"I feel like no matter how hard I work, I won't be able to experience even a fraction of your life."
"Do you like this kind of life?"
"I don't think anyone wouldn't like it."
While savoring the food between his lips and teeth, Gu Bai slowly said, "I told you when we were at the 4S store, some people are just born in Rome; there's nothing one can do. But if you're willing, there are shortcuts to Rome as well."
Zhang Yumeng's previously steadfast world was slowly crumbling, her gaze becoming gradually dazed.
"Do you love me?"
"What is your definition of love?"
"I yearn for your life, and you happen to be able to give it to me. I think that's love, so I can candidly say I love you."
Gu Bai swirled the red wine in his hand, staring at Zhang Yumeng's eyes, which shimmered with peculiar light.
"Name: Zhang Yumeng
Attractiveness: 91
Health: 90
Favorability: 85"
In a day's time, Zhang Yumeng's favorability towards him increased from 55 to 85, the highest favorability of any girl since obtaining the system.
Bringing the wine to his lips, Gu Bai chuckled lightly.
"If this is considered love, then the only thing I love is your body. I can clearly tell you that today I love you, but tomorrow, not necessarily."
Zhang Yumeng took a deep breath, then spoke with a resolute tone.
"Today is enough."
"Then may you always be beautiful."
"And may you always be wealthy."
The high glasses clinked, producing a crisp sound, as Paul's second dish was finally served.