Chapter 31: A Pay-to-Win Game? An Online Girlfriend?

Jiang Chang kept pressing, but Shen Yanzhi never revealed what was on his phone.

Jiang Chang’s curiosity grew unbearable, yet he could only sigh helplessly at Shen Yanzhi’s silence.

However, thanks to Shen Yanzhi’s words, the bet between Jiang Chang and Zhou Jingqi ended in a draw.

Earlier, in the car, Jiang Chang had insisted that Shen Yanzhi must be raising a turtle or something similar, while Zhou Jingqi argued that given Shen Yanzhi’s personality, he wouldn’t be keeping anything at all. In this wager, Jiang Chang did not lose entirely, nor did Zhou Jingqi win completely.

Although no one knew what was actually on Shen Yanzhi’s phone, Jiang Chang still used it as a shield to refuse giving Zhou Jingqi twenty thousand yuan.

The four of them chatted as they walked inside.

Xiangshan Hotel covered a vast area. It was less like a traditional hotel and more akin to a mountain resort. Around the hotel were many recreational spots for visitors, including outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, and nature walks, as well as indoor entertainment.

Shen Yanzhi had chosen this place for their gathering partly to bring out the phone spirit and partly to observe the hotel’s operation firsthand.

The hotel manager had been informed in advance and waited quietly. Upon seeing Shen Yanzhi and his group, he immediately stepped forward to greet them.

Jiang Chang and the others noticed the manager’s unusually warm and respectful attitude toward Shen Yanzhi. When they later sat on grass stools enjoying food and drink, Jiang Chang lowered his voice to ask Shen Yanzhi, “That manager just now… wasn’t he a bit too enthusiastic toward you?”

Zhan Guangnian chuckled, “It was like greeting an inspecting leader.”

“This is my personal property. It was just transferred to my name a couple of days ago,” Shen Yanzhi replied evenly, as if discussing the fine weather.

Jiang Chang, who was about to eat a piece of fruit, froze at those words, forgetting to take a bite. He quickly turned his head and exclaimed, “What? Personal property?”

A major city, a popular tourist destination, and a resort hotel.

With these three advantages combined, Jiang Chang dared not imagine how much income this must bring Shen Yanzhi each year.

“My great-uncle gave it to me,” Shen Yanzhi said leisurely as he took out his phone. He owed gratitude to the phone spirit; if not for the spirit’s sincere loyalty—informed him immediately of the listening device despite the risk of exposure—he might still be under constant surveillance by Shen Hongguo.

For some reason, though both of Shen Yanzhi’s sentences were delivered in the same calm tone and expression, as if discussing trivial matters, Jiang Chang and the others felt there was an undercurrent of pride behind his words.

...But it must be their imagination; Shen Yanzhi was never the showy type.

“Ah, having such a great-uncle is truly a blessing. Giving you such a golden egg is generous,” Jiang Chang said with a playful smile, hiding any envy.

The group were all sharp-witted and somewhat knowledgeable about the Shen family’s affairs.

Shen Yanzhi had only briefly mentioned four words, yet that was enough for them to infer much of the situation.

The elders of the Shen family had always been troublesome, but thanks to Shen Yanzhi’s early wisdom and exceptional ability, he had avoided being completely exploited by his great-uncle and the third uncle.

This time, Shen Yanzhi managed to wrest such a substantial asset from his great-uncle’s hands, which suggested how complex his life as a CEO was.

Though the Jiang family lacked the Shen family’s vast wealth, they had a simpler household. Jiang Chang had grown up in a warm, loving environment, which had shaped his cheerful personality and given him a touch more innocence than his peers.

The four sat on benches, eating and drinking as waiters brought freshly grilled barbecue from time to time.

Seated outdoors on the grassy plains, the beautiful scenery stretched endlessly, a gentle breeze stirred, and their spirits felt at ease.

The vast meadow was naturally formed but maintained regularly by the hotel staff, making it an excellent spot for outdoor activities.

Usually, many tourists would visit on weekends or holidays with family and friends. Today, however, the hotel had closed ticket reservations early to provide this young new owner, Shen Yanzhi, with a comfortable visit, avoiding the usual crowds.

Among the four, Jiang Chang was the youngest, only twenty-five or twenty-six years old. Shen Yanzhi, Zhou Jingqi, and Zhan Guangnian were classmates, all born in the same year.

Zhou Jingqi and Zhan Guangnian were both married with families.

Zhou Jingqi was a native of the capital city, with parents and relatives in teaching professions, but he was very interested in making money. After graduating from university, he founded his own studio, and a year later, established his own company. Although his company could not rival the Shen Group, it employed nearly a thousand staff and was a leader in the new energy sector.

Zhan Guangnian hailed from Lingnan. During university, he developed a strong interest in law, switching from management to legal studies. He spent countless hours in the library, studied diligently, and graduated with honors. He now owned a law firm in the capital and lived a comfortable life.

Chiyu was kept inside the phone, which Shen Yanzhi had placed on a nearby table next to him. Beside Chiyu was a large turtle that occasionally poked its head toward her.

If not for Jiang Chang and the others being present, Chiyu might have been tempted to tap Shen Yanzhi on the head and ask what he was thinking—allowing a phone and a turtle to play together?

Yet Shen Yanzhi seemed quite pleased with his arrangement, occasionally putting her on the turtle’s back as if hoping they would become friends.

Not just Chiyu, but even Jiang Chang and the others found the scene amusing.

Jiang Chang’s curiosity could no longer be contained, and he asked repeatedly, “Brother Yan, what exactly is on your phone? Let me see, I promise I won’t tell anyone!”

They had known each other for over twenty years, since they were toddlers.

In Jiang Chang’s memory, Shen Yanzhi had always been mature, steady, and well-behaved. He had never acted this way before—treating a phone with such unusual attention.

His behavior was strange too!

Who else would be bored of a phone and bring a pet over to keep it company?

Shen Yanzhi replied countless times, “I’m not telling you.”

“Stay here, I’ll take a walk,” he said, standing up and taking his phone, walking away under the watchful eyes of Jiang Chang and the others.

Jiang Chang peeked at Shen Yanzhi’s retreating figure. The large turtle resting on the table stretched its neck to watch the man who had suddenly taken away its little playmate. One person and pet mirrored each other’s movements perfectly.

Jiang Chang sighed, “Ah! What could it be? So mysterious!”

Zhou Jingqi and Zhan Guangnian were equally curious. After a moment’s thought, recalling Shen Yanzhi’s unusual reactions and watching his tall figure disappear while clearly typing and chatting on his phone, they both said in unison:

“...A virtual game?”

“...An online girlfriend?”