Feng Shi still felt it was better for her to bring it up, because she sensed that although Yang Yi wasn't discussing anything specific at the moment, his contemplative expression hinted at something.
"Alas!" Yang Yi suddenly sighed deeply and said to Feng Shi, "I'm truly sorry, I wanted to take you shopping properly..."
"Mmm, mmm!" Feng Shi shook her head and laughed, "If you really spent an entire day shopping with me, Young Master, that wouldn't be normal."
"Hehe! Then let's eat quickly, and after we finish, I'll take you somewhere!" Yang Yi smiled cryptically. Sometimes, a faint smile, a caring smile, or even an insignificant smile, could bring a sense of peace.
Just like Feng Shi now, although she didn't know why her heart suddenly felt much lighter after he said that, it was because she knew he wouldn't let trivialities overshadow important matters for the sake of a woman. Worrying about gain and loss was indeed an apt description, as it captured Feng Shi’s current state perfectly.
Being full and satisfied was undoubtedly a good thing for people. How many white-collar workers, small capitalists, and even moderately prosperous farmers strived just for three square meals. People live for these things, but Yang Yi was somewhat different. He was the type who survived to live, striving relentlessly every day to ensure tomorrow would be better.
"Young Master, where are we going?" Feng Shi asked, tugging at Yang Yi's hand as they rushed through the streets, looking quite perplexed.
"Since you've made a rare trip to England, where do you think is the most worthwhile place to visit?" Yang Yi maintained his air of mystery and smiled.
"London?"
"Exactly, the London International Financial Center!"
Indeed, coming to England without visiting the London International Financial Center would truly be a wasted journey. The London International Financial Center was one of the most influential clubs in all of Britain, perhaps even Europe; it was luxuriously appointed and the place where high-society figures congregated most frequently. However, entry was not for just anyone.
Only those with significant status and standing possessed the qualification to enter. Furthermore, there had always been a ranking system in Britain: the Money Ranking. Roughly from the top ten, down to the bottom ten thousand. Only ten thousand people in all of Britain held ranking qualifications.
The top ten ranked figures possessed a highly exclusive identification card called the Crystal Card. The next sixty members could only possess the Black Mocha Card, crafted from a type of black crystal, which was considerably inferior to the Crystal Card. Those in the bottom ten thousand could only hold a Gold Card, which was the cheapest and lowest tier. This was because Gold Card holders were restricted to the first level, while Black Mocha and Crystal Card holders could ascend higher. This was the true value of the London International Financial Center.
Regardless of whether one was rich or poor, without status or standing, one was like a mere commoner, unable to enter the grand halls—that was the simple truth. Walking slowly, Yang Yi and Feng Shi soon found themselves across the street from the London International Financial Center, visible just across the wide road. Regardless of whether it was the weekend or not, the area remained densely packed.
"I'm sorry, Sir, do you have a card?" A beautiful blonde woman stationed at the reception desk asked with a professional smile, professional etiquette, and a professional inquiry.
Yang Yi, who had prepared in advance, was just reaching for the Crystal Card that Si Mark had previously given him when a stout, arrogant middle-aged man elbowed his way past him, waving a Black Mocha Card and declaring, "Move aside, move aside. How could this sort of person have a card? Miss, do you see?"
"You!" Feng Shi immediately wanted to rush forward and teach the middle-aged man a lesson when Yang Yi was suddenly pushed aside, but Yang Yi blocked her path.
"I apologize, Sir. Please queue properly; this gentleman was here before you," the blonde woman stated with measured indifference.
To be able to work at the London International Financial Center, or rather, to be a greeter here, undoubtedly meant that the people behind them held the true power within the financial hub. As the saying goes, even a big dog looks at its master’s face. Hearing the blonde woman’s words, the middle-aged man naturally complied; he dared not offend those inside.
However, as he stepped aside, he shot a look of contemptuous disdain at Yang Yi. But when his gaze fell upon Feng Shi, an undisguised flicker of lewd desire appeared in his eyes. Globally, areas like Britain, the United States, and Japan were notorious hubs for certain "collector's edition" films; where there were such countries, there were such men.
"Hmph!" With a thoroughly disdainful snort, Feng Shi looked away, completely ignoring him. For a person like that, killing him would only stain her hands. Moreover, Feng Shi felt she was qualified enough to kill someone here at the London International Financial Center, but she didn't think this man was worthy of causing such a massive uproar and unnecessary trouble.
Misfortune may be a blessing in disguise, these words inexplicably popped into Yang Yi's mind, making him feel rather bewildered. The blonde woman then smiled faintly at Yang Yi. "Sir, please present your card."
"Certainly." As Yang Yi pulled out the Crystal Card, the middle-aged man nearly wet his pants from shock.
He had only managed to snatch this Black Mocha Card from his old friend today, expecting to look incredibly cool, but he never imagined that the person he looked down upon would present a Crystal Card? What status did a Crystal Card signify here? Those inside were practically above the law. Of course, it only represented supreme authority; in this day and age, no one truly acted with such impunity.
"Crystal Card VIP Diamond Member, welcome, Sir. Please allow us to assist you!" As the blonde woman took the Crystal Card, a knowing look flashed in her eyes. She swiped it through the reader, and a crisp sound immediately followed.
"Sir, allow me to serve you. Please follow me this way," the blonde woman gestured to Yang Yi, inviting him inside.
"Thank you!" Yang Yi pocketed the Crystal Card, took Feng Shi's hand, and walked past the middle-aged man’s stunned expression, laughing, "Darling, let’s go!"
"En!" Feng Shi nodded, her cheeks slightly flushed.
"Sir, are you here for sightseeing, or...?"
"Hehe, there's no need for you to trouble yourself. Just tell us about the layout of this place, and we can explore at our own pace!" Yang Yi smiled faintly, an almost roguish air permeating his demeanor, making the beauty wonder if she had just imagined things.
After a round of explanations, Yang Yi clearly understood that the London International Financial Center had sixty-eight floors, divided into three primary tiers. The first tier comprised only three floors, designated for Gold Card VIP members. The second tier had ten floors, belonging to Black Mocha VIP members. And the third tier had thirty floors, reserved for high-level Crystal Card VIP members. But the floors beyond that were where the Financial Center conducted formal negotiations, business collaborations, state interactions, and even housed royal affiliates.
It couldn't be overstated that the center had its own unique system of governance and management. All users—Gold, Black Mocha, and Crystal Card holders alike—could utilize the public facilities the Financial Center offered, encompassing elements of sensuality, aroma, taste, entertainment, and pleasure, alongside private amenities.
"Young Master, the facilities here are even more comprehensive than our Entertainment Headquarters in City A!" Feng Shi exclaimed after hearing the blonde woman's introduction.
"Indeed. The sheer variety, even focusing solely on the aspect of 'sensuality,' is dazzling. One must admit, this perfectly embodies the values of the London International Financial Center," Yang Yi remarked placidly.
"Oh, Young Master, there's coffee over there that you love. Would you like some?" Feng Shi noticed with surprise.
"That sounds good. Let's rest for a while, and we'll explore properly later."
The two continued their tour, though whether anything significant would transpire remained uncertain. As they found seats and settled down, Yang Yi glanced at his watch, a slight smile playing on his lips. Feng Shi, however, was extremely puzzled. Yang Yi had checked his watch no less than a hundred times today, prompting her to ask, "Young Master, why do you keep checking your watch? Is it...?"
"Hehe, time is nearly up. It seems everything has begun," Yang Yi chuckled lightly.
"Everything has begun?"
Seeing Feng Shi's utterly confused expression, Yang Yi revealed the secret as if unveiling a mystery: "Actually, I genuinely had the free time today to wander around with you. Because I arranged everything beforehand, setting aside this time specifically for you."
"Everything? What things? Could it be...?" Feng Shi's heart fluttered, as if she had already guessed something.
"Mhm. Back in Huaxia, I believe Fatty and the others are nearly done. And over here, things should be wrapping up soon. We’ll have news as soon as we return tonight," Yang Yi said, casting a meaningful glance out the window. Looking down from the thirty-second floor at the scene below was spectacular; pedestrians looked like ants.
Realizing and understanding a part of the situation, Feng Shi didn't press for details or urge him on; she simply gazed at Yang Yi calmly. She saw the posture of a sovereign looking down upon the masses, mixed with the calculated observation of a Zhuge Liang watching events unfold from afar. She finally understood why she could never fully grasp everything about Yang Yi—it was because he was constantly improving, offering an inexhaustible well of mystery to uncover.