Civilization Paradise

Chapter 23 Surprise
In a dark room.

Long Ming opened his eyes and took off his helmet.

He picked up his phone and searched online to see if there was anywhere he could rent a gaming pod.

As it turned out, Long Ming actually found it. Many Star Cafes offered game pod rentals, but the prices weren't clearly stated.

These businessmen are indeed shrewd; they sensed the opportunity immediately. The moment the game launched, they used their resources and capital to acquire the gaming equipment and distributed it simultaneously.

However, all of these Star Cafes equipped with gaming pods are concentrated in the Upper City area.

Long Ming was also in a bit of a predicament. Due to the opening of the Civilization Park, the number of applications to go to the Upper City had exploded, and it was now very difficult to get an application approved.

However, Long Ming was reluctant to give up, so he opened the application app and proceeded with the process.

A screen popped up quickly.

"Please fill in the reason for your trip to the Upper City area."

Long Ming was stumped for a moment, unsure of what reason to give, but ultimately filled it out truthfully.

"Head to Star Cafe in the Upper City and use the game pod to play Civilization Park."

After Long Ming finished writing, he clicked send directly.

Less than three seconds later, my phone vibrated and a message popped up.

"Dear Mr. Long Ming, your application for a temporary pass to Shangcheng District has been approved. It is valid for 96 hours. Please upload your receipt after your trip ends, otherwise it will affect your subsequent applications."

Long Ming was also surprised to see the approval message; he hadn't expected it to be approved so quickly.

It went surprisingly smoothly; the next issue is the cost.

Long Ming checked his bank card and found he only had a little over 5,000 mountain coins left. Although he didn't know how much Xingka's game pods cost, he was sure they wouldn't be cheap.

After all, the price of a game pod on the black market has already reached five million mountain coins.

Therefore, Long Ming was a little worried that he didn't have enough money.

He hesitated for a few seconds, then picked up his phone and sent a message to Wang Yang, asking to borrow 1 mountain coins.

A reply popped up a few minutes after the message was sent.

"Damn, it's rare to see you message me, and it turns out you're here to collect a debt. I'm so heartbroken. I've transferred the money to you, just let me know if it's not enough!"

"Thanks."

Long Ming replied with two words, then checked the time; it was almost midnight.

He hesitated for a few seconds, then got up and went to the bathroom, intending to take a shower and get some rest so he could be in top condition to head to the Star Cafe in the Upper City tomorrow morning and enter the game instance.

The next morning.

Long Ming, wearing a gray coat and a beige scarf, walked out of the old building.

Although it was only just dawn, the streets were already bustling with busy pedestrians.

Long Ming walked toward the nearby subway entrance, just as he passed by the Happiness Shop.

"Long Ming!"

"Boss Zhao shouted enthusiastically."

"Boss, is something wrong?"

Long Ming paused for a moment, then stopped and asked.

Where are you going so early?

"I'm going to Shangcheng District to take care of some things."

"Oh, you haven't eaten yet, have you? Take two steamed buns and eat them on the way."

Boss Zhao took a bag, put two meat buns in it, and handed it to Long Ming.

"Thank you, I'll transfer the money to you."

Long Ming took it.

"Oh dear, you're a regular customer, so I'll leave the two buns at home."

Zhao Ku smiled and pushed Long Ming, urging him to leave quickly.

"Thanks for that."

Seeing that Zhao Ku had already said that, Long Ming stopped being polite and walked towards the subway entrance while eating his steamed bun.

Soon after, Long Ming boarded the subway smoothly and was quite lucky to find a seat.

"Dear passengers, the train is about to depart. Please be aware of the bumps."

Long Ming listened to the radio while leaning back in his chair, his thoughts gradually drifting away.

Huanhai Courtyard, Shangcheng District. Bright sunlight streams into the exquisite courtyard.

The entire courtyard was filled with roses, and a lush ginkgo tree stood in the center.

In a corner sits an artificial stream, where several koi carp swim leisurely.

At this moment, a middle-aged man dressed in black brocade robes, with a black gemstone necklace on his wrist, a high nose bridge, and sharp eyes, was throwing fish food into the stream little by little.

A large number of koi carp gathered together, vying for the fish food that was thrown in.

At this moment, a steward with a full head of white hair and wearing a tailcoat led Vice City Lord Xiao Ning to the man's side and respectfully reported.

"Young Master Qianwu, Deputy City Lord Xiao has arrived."

Qianwu raised her hand and waved it slightly.

Butler Ainka immediately and respectfully withdrew.

Xiao Ning looked at Qianwu, who was feeding the fish, and said with a smile.

"The Second Young Master truly has refined tastes."

"I just had nothing to do. What brings you here today?"

Qianwu turned her head and looked at Vice City Lord Xiao Ning with some curiosity.

"I met the city lord not long ago."

"How about it?"

"The city lord's health is deteriorating, and he's probably nearing his limit."

City Lord Xiao Ning glanced around to make sure no one else was there, then lowered his voice and spoke.

"Do my older brother and the others know about this?"

"He should know that the deputy city lord of Icas will likely reveal this to him."

"I understand. I will start preparing to deal with my older brother and the others."

Upon hearing Xiao Ning's words, Qianwu's eyes revealed a hint of barely perceptible excitement.

"Second Young Master, while we certainly need to deal with the Eldest Young Master and the others, this is not the most troublesome issue."

"Oh, what do you say?"

“I think your father is the most troublesome one. Although he is terminally ill, it doesn’t mean he has given up. His will to live is extremely strong. Now he is pinning all his hopes on the Civilization Paradise and has sent out all his experts to try to find a gene serum to prolong his life.”

Xiao Ning smiled and said to Qian Wu.

"oh, I understand now."

Qianwu nodded in agreement.

At this moment, a handsome young man wearing a black vest and blue shirt walked over and spoke respectfully.

“Father, Lord Xiao.”

"Qianwei, how did you do with the task I entrusted to you?"

Qianwu glanced at her son and asked calmly.

“Father, I have followed your instructions and opened many cafes and clubs to attract as many experts as possible, but…”

Qianwei hesitated for a moment when he gave his report.

"explain."

"That's right, my cousins ​​have also opened many cafes and clubs, competing with us and poaching our customers."

"I understand. I will give you more funds and equipment. You should know what to do."

Qianwu replied in a cold tone.

"Understood, Father, don't worry!"

Qianwei replied excitedly.
-
Uptown.

Long Ming appeared on Guangwei Street, which was very lively and full of fashionable young women.

The streets are lined with Gothic-style buildings constructed of gray stone.

In the distance stands a towering building, its top giant advertising screen playing the latest trending ads.

"The Eternal Club sincerely invites ambitious individuals to join hands in developing a civilized paradise. Excellent benefits and compensation are offered. Please inquire for details."

Long Ming stared at the street in front of him, his mind momentarily dazed.

(End of this chapter)