Although Tony is a scientist, he is also a businessman.
He knows exactly how to maximize profits while staying ahead of competitors and avoiding unwanted scrutiny, even from Congress.
"It sounds like you already have a complete plan." Shen He glanced at the newly built factory. "So I just get to lie back and count my money?"
"Lie back and count money?" Tony raised an eyebrow, clearly not getting the Chinese idiom. "Do you even know how dirty money is? Those bills in your hands are nothing more than printed waste paper! Well, I get it—you have no idea how to live like a rich man. That's why you stay locked up in your hotel room all day with your 'family.'"
"Maybe you're right. But I don't have a wife, and I don't have kids…" Shen He spread his hands, his voice carrying a hint of melancholy.
"That's not important." Tony clapped a hand on his shoulder. "What's important is that you're lucky enough to know me! I'd bet my entire fortune there isn't a single billionaire in the world who knows how to enjoy life as well as I do. So today, I'm teaching you how to be rich."
Shen He looked at Tony's mischievous grin and had to admit—he was tempted.
Ever since the Asgardian battle ended, he'd found himself aimless. Apart from drawing cards, he didn't know what he wanted anymore. Money was no problem; he could earn as much as he needed in just an hour a day. And the next major plotline wasn't starting anytime soon. After all, before being thrown into this world, he was just an average office worker. He had no roadmap for how to live as an extraordinary person.
Maybe, just this once, he should let himself experience what it truly meant to be rich.
With a deafening roar, Tony's convertible supercar tore down the highway. Shen He stood on the seat, arms spread wide, laughing as the wind rushed past him. It was reckless. Irresponsible. But exhilarating.
So, what does it mean to be a rich man who knows how to enjoy life? Tony demonstrated firsthand.
It means standing out.
The flashiest clothes. The most extravagant sports car. The most stunning women.
This wasn't just about how much money one had—it was a way of life. The thrill of indulgence. The power of excess.
Buying clothes? They bought out the entire mall.
Buying a car? Tony treated it like picking out a toy.
At one point, Tony even dragged Shen He into purchasing a brand-new, fully furnished villa—just because he could.
No matter where they went, all eyes were on them. At first, Shen He found the attention overwhelming, but soon enough, he got used to it. Like Tony, he basked in the envious, jealous, and even resentful gazes. Because in the end, no matter what people thought, they couldn't deny the influence of raw, unapologetic wealth.
By the time the night rolled in, they were at a pool party.
A luxury watch went flying into the water, and instantly, a group of bikini-clad women dove in after it, shrieking and scrambling to grab it. The sight of pale skin and dazzling jewelry reflecting off the water was almost blinding.
"How do you feel, my friend?"
Tony, accompanied by two gorgeous women, sauntered over through the thundering rock music. He leaned in and yelled over the noise.
"I feel like an over-the-top, tacky, nouveau riche cliché!" Shen He shouted back before downing a glass of champagne. Then, he burst into laughter. "But damn, it feels amazing!"
Yes. This was something he had never experienced before.
No responsibilities. No worries. Just throwing money around and watching as people flocked to join the madness.
Tony laughed as well. "Glad you're enjoying yourself! And just wait—I've got a surprise for you. I guarantee you'll love it."
Meanwhile, back at the hotel in Chinatown, the two rituals sat stiffly, her sleeve tightly grasped by Violet.
"…Can you let go now?"
After a long moment, she finally spoke.
But Violet remained silent, gripping her sleeve even tighter.
"Where's Master?"
"He went out," the two rituals replied, sighing. "And asking me won't bring him back any faster."
"It's night. It's dark."
Violet's words were simple, but her meaning was clear.
"You want to go looking for him?"
The two rituals frowned, glancing at the phone Shen He had given her. No signal. No response.
"He'll be back when you wake up."
"Find."
Violet tugged on her sleeve insistently, her other hand pointing in a seemingly random direction.
"…Your bond points are already this high?"
A realization dawned on the two rituals.
According to the knowledge implanted in her mind, if a Servant's trust in their Master was strong enough, they could form an instinctive, almost supernatural connection.
"Find Master. Find Master. Find Master."
Violet repeated the phrase like a gentle, unwavering mantra.
"You're relentless." The two rituals sighed. "Fine. Let me get changed first."
It was obvious Violet wouldn't let this go. And the two rituals wasn't naive enough to think she'd grow tired like an ordinary child.
After grabbing some cash from the drawer, she called for a taxi—though, with their hotel's reputation, they had access to a private driver instead.
As they stepped outside, across the street, a man in a black suit raised a phone to his ear.
"Target No. 3 and Target No. 4 have left the building. They're getting into the hotel's black Bentley."
"Understood. Keep watching the hotel."
"Yes, sir."
Meanwhile, several unmarked cars rumbled to life and began tailing them from a distance.
Back at the party, Shen He finally saw the 'gift' Tony had prepared for him.
A young woman stood before him, dressed in a deep purple bikini. Her fair skin glowed under the dim lighting, and her delicate features held an unmistakable elegance. She had the kind of composed, intelligent beauty that immediately caught his attention.
Shen He had to admit—this was exactly his type.
"Let me introduce you," Tony said with a smirk. "This is Dr. Zhao Hailun. And Hailun, this is Shen He—my biggest business partner."
"Hello," Zhao Hailun said smoothly, extending a hand. "Although, Tony exaggerated. I'm still just a Ph.D. student."
Shen He took her hand, his head still light from the alcohol. The warmth of her skin sent a small jolt through him, and for a moment, his dizziness intensified.
"You don't seem comfortable here."
Zhao Hailun offered a small, knowing smile. "That's because I'm not. Tony told me if I attended this party, he'd consider funding my research project."
She sighed, tilting her head slightly. "I wasn't planning to come. But then my Ph.D. advisor agreed on my behalf."