Too Much Money to Spend

At eleven late that night, the bar area on the basement level of the East Lake Private Club was still lit by warm yellow lights.

Zhou Jialu had changed into a loose beige knit house dress, her long hair casually pinned up behind her head. She stood behind the bar mixing two whiskey sodas. Ice cubes clinked brightly against the glass walls.

Su Bai leaned against a barstool by the counter, his sleeves rolled up to his forearms as he spun an empty old-fashioned glass in his hand. He had just showered and still carried the faint fresh scent of body wash. He looked as relaxed as a panther that had shed its armor, though his eyes and brows remained exceptionally bright.

The system notification from Chen Yusheng's office that evening was still replaying in his mind.

Five hundred million in startup capital had been deposited directly into Baiye Holdings' dedicated account—entirely legal and compliant, saving him from having to spend ages explaining things to the tax bureau and board of directors. Even more ruthless was the laboratory capability rating system that followed—every step upward brought down free attribute points and god-tier skills like year-end bonuses.

Su Bai could not help muttering to himself, This system really delivers. It doesn't just slap startup funds into your face—it even designs long-term incentives for you, like it's terrified you'll quit halfway through.

He looked up as Zhou Jialu pushed the second drink toward him. A thin slice of lemon rested on the rim, while fine bubbles rose through the liquor.

"Here, junior." Zhou Jialu winked at him, the corners of her fox-like eyes lifting slightly. "You spent all day making trouble at school, then stuck to Shengsheng in her office until sunset. Aren't you tired?"

"Tired of what?" Su Bai took the