Saturday, 6:00 PM – Marina Royale, East Harbor
The harbor was lined with lights and security like a military checkpoint. Luxury yachts bobbed gently on the sea, but one stood apart.
"The Pearl Serpent" — a 200-foot, multi-deck superyacht gleaming under the setting sun.
Dozens of sons and daughters of the city's most powerful families gathered, their designer suits and gowns whispering with old money.
In the distance, a sleek Maybach pulled up to the private dock.
Bai Chen stepped out.
Dressed in a casual bespoke white blazer over black silk, his Rolex shimmering just enough to remind people what time it was—for them to fall behind.
System Prompt:
[New Mission: "Survive and Thrive on the Serpent"]
[Objective: Maintain control, resist manipulation, and turn enemies into pawns.]
[Optional: Extract a private business deal or Harem Flag from this event.]
[Warning: All guests are wolves in velvet.]
As he stepped onto the ramp, Su Yiran appeared at the top deck, dressed in blood-red satin, sipping wine.
"Bai Chen," she called, smiling like a spider who'd spotted her favorite fly. "I was beginning to think you'd run."
"I don't run," he replied. "Not unless it's toward a profit."
Her smirk deepened. "Good. Let's see if you sink or swim."
Inside the Main Lounge – 6:45 PM
The yacht's interior was lavish: gold-framed paintings, custom piano, champagne towers, and walls lined with digital stocks and crypto feeds.
"New fish," someone whispered.
"Another clown trying to climb," muttered a boy in white gloves.
Su Yiran led Bai Chen into the center of the room, where the wolves circled.
"Everyone," she said sweetly, "this is Bai Chen. He flipped a phone and got himself a Rolex. How quaint."
Polite chuckles. Sharp glances.
A trap.
But Bai Chen didn't blink.
He walked forward, picked up a glass of wine, swirled it once, and smiled.
"Flipping a phone bought me a Rolex. Let's see what flipping your egos can buy me next."
Silence.
Then a few gasps. Even a snort of laughter.
And from the shadows—approval.
A man in his early twenties stepped forward. Sharp features, gold-rimmed glasses, ice in his smile.
"You've got a mouth," he said. "I like that."
[Target Identified: Fang Zemin – Son of Fang Industries, 2nd-tier conglomerate. Reputation: Dangerous. Charm: High. Rival Type: Manipulative Schemer.]
"Fang Zemin," Bai Chen said smoothly, "I've read your father's quarterly reports. Uninspired growth curve. Probably your influence."
The room froze.
Su Yiran's eyes lit up with interest.
Fang Zemin's smile twitched.
[System Scan: Emotional Destabilization – Success]
[Reputation: +300]
[You've gained the attention of three major players.]
Upper Deck, Later That Night – Private Lounge
Su Yiran poured two glasses of dark cherry wine, handing one to Bai Chen.
"You surprised me," she said. "Most boys who come here want to impress me. You're the first to challenge my circle."
"I'm not here to impress," Bai Chen replied, "I'm here to replace."
[Harem Flag Triggered – Su Yiran: Interest Level 68% → 78%]
[Hidden Dialogue Option Unlocked]
"Careful," she said, stepping closer. "Some kings are killed before they take the throne."
Bai Chen took a sip. "Then I'll wear armor made of their bones."
Su Yiran blinked, then… smiled.
System Notification:
[Task Progress: "Survive and Thrive on the Serpent" – 76%]
[New Passive Trait Unlocked: "Wolf Among Jackals" – Increases mental resistance in high-stakes social settings]
[Bonus Objective Unlocked: Steal a business deal from another heir during the party.]
Back below deck, Fang Zemin watched the camera feed.
"He thinks this is a game…"
He turned to his assistant. "Contact Zhao Ming. Tell him I'm ready to play dirty."
Bai Chen, unaware of the brewing alliance against him, leaned on the balcony, watching the sea shimmer.
He had walked into a nest of serpents.
But he didn't plan to leave until he had their fangs in his pocket.