In developed cities, there are generally more wealthy people, and consequently, more high-end venues serving these elites. On the western outskirts of Hangzhou, there is a very fine golf course, a favorite haunt for many tycoons and the progeny of the elite in the city.
The golf course belongs to the Mingyue Clubhouse, a well-known high-end establishment in Hangzhou. Its members are exclusively the rich and powerful, and only they are granted access to the grounds.
Early in the morning, Huang Jing drove alone to Zhang Yang's place to pick him up and take him to the course for some relaxation.
After a full day of rest, Zhang Yang’s strength had not yet fully recovered; he was still at the level of the early Second Layer. However, his body felt much better, the soreness was largely gone, and it no longer impeded his movements.
This improvement was thanks to the system's infusion of physical energy.
Huang Jing led the way, with Long Feng driving the Hummer behind her. Zhuifeng and Shandian were both in the car, while Zhang Yang was contentedly gazing at the virtual display before him, reviewing various data points.
The system had finally popped up automatically after Huang Jing and the others had left yesterday.
The rewards for the Level Six mission were extremely generous. Zhang Yang’s physical energy received another substantial boost, and this time, he was also granted eighteen points of $\text{F}\text{r}\text{e}\text{e}\text{ I}\text{n}\text{d}\text{e}\text{x}$ points, all of which Zhang Yang allocated to his Speed.
After reaching the Fourth Layer of Inner Strength, Zhang Yang felt the importance of speed even more acutely.
Now, purely based on speed, Zhang Yang was not inferior to the top experts at the late Fourth Layer.
Beyond physical energy, he had also gained considerable attribute points. His Inner Strength increased by a full fifteen points, and his Medical Arts proficiency also saw some growth. Zhang Yang now possessed a deeper understanding of certain ailments he had previously failed to fully decipher.
These previous research topics, if fully explored in time, would undoubtedly shock peers worldwide. If all this research succeeded, the Nobel Prize in Medicine would be his uncontested.
That wasn't all. Furthermore, Zhang Yang had acquired eight $\text{A}\text{t}\text{t}\text{r}\text{i}\text{b}\text{u}\text{t}\text{e}\text{ P}\text{o}\text{i}\text{n}\text{t}$ $\text{F}\text{r}\text{e}\text{e}\text{ I}\text{n}\text{d}\text{e}\text{x}$ points. If all these Free Index points had been added to Inner Strength, it would be equivalent to gaining over twenty points of Inner Strength instantly—a benefit far greater than what many spiritual elixirs could provide, and achieved instantaneously.
After pondering for a long time, Zhang Yang decided not to use these eight Attribute Point Free Index points immediately. He would hold them back for now and utilize them once his Inner Strength had recovered.
Zhang Yang was confident that once his Inner Strength was restored, he would achieve significant progress. Even if he didn't break through to the middle Fourth Layer, he would certainly make excellent headway within the early stage, perhaps even reaching its peak.
“Mr. Zhang, we’ve arrived!”
Huang Jing stopped her car before a gate that wasn't particularly imposing. She immediately got out and respectfully walked to Zhang Yang’s vehicle.
This was the first time Zhuifeng had jumped out of the car. Though the vehicle was large, it still felt somewhat cramped for him. If Zhang Yang hadn't forbidden the beast from running wild in the city, Zhuifeng would have loved to blaze a trail through the streets, showing everyone the majestic speed of the number one terrestrial spirit beast.
Next, Zhang Yang emerged. He was wearing a light yellow casual windbreaker, exuding a maturity completely at odds with his age.
Long Feng parked the car and followed suit.
Long Feng was dressed in a black suit and sunglasses, making him look exactly like a bodyguard from a television show. His attire made Zhang Yang want to laugh and cry; he had chided Long Feng about it before, but his subordinate insisted on dressing this way, leaving Zhang Yang with no recourse.
“Golf. It’s been a long time since I played,” Zhang Yang commented with a smile as he glanced inside. In his past life, he had visited a few golf courses, but in this one, he hadn't been to a single one. Truthfully, he wasn't particularly fond of this so-called aristocratic sport.
“That’s perfect, let’s practice a bit inside together!”
Huang Jing smiled softly and led Zhang Yang inside. Long Feng followed behind, leading Zhuifeng and the others. As they entered the gate, their entourage drew considerable attention from many people.
It wasn't uncommon for people to bring pets here, but bringing a pet ferret was rare, let alone a white horse. However, the horse truly was stunning. Besides the golf course, the vicinity also housed a stable belonging to the club, which featured many beautiful horses of various colors. Whenever they visited, the members had seen them, but none compared to the one before them. Zhuifeng didn't look large, yet its color was indescribably pure, capturing the eye immediately.
The exterior of the golf course looked rather ordinary, but stepping inside revealed a completely different world.
The lounge was decorated with extreme luxury, though it wasn't merely ostentatious gold plating. Every item used was top-tier, lending the space an atmosphere of elegance and refined taste.
“Mr. Zhang, the owner of this clubhouse is said to possess great influence and impeccable taste. The floor here is specially made from Donghai crystal, as are the chandeliers. Moreover, many of the tableware and utensils this time are ceramic. I heard last time that a single set of ceramic tea ware here costs over ten thousand!”
Entering the lounge, Huang Jing quietly offered an introduction in a low voice.
The owner of this clubhouse was indeed a powerful figure, rumored to have the final say in Hangzhou, and even across the entire northern Zhejiang province, possessing extensive connections outwardly. Many people felt it an honor just to possess a membership card here.
“It is indeed quite fine. Those paintings are also originals; each piece is worth well over a hundred thousand. The porcelain ornaments on that display shelf over there are genuine antiques as well, and even the shelf itself has some considerable age,” Zhang Yang nodded slightly, pointing casually.
On the walls, a painting hung every few meters—landscapes, flower-and-bird paintings, traditional Chinese works, as well as some oils and pastels. Regardless of the style, each piece harmonized perfectly with its placement, arranged with meticulous consideration.
In his previous life, Zhang Yang had dedicated considerable research to calligraphy, paintings, and antiques, and he instantly recognized that these were works by famous masters, some with significant historical provenance, each canvas worth a substantial sum. By current market standards, each piece exceeded a hundred thousand, a remarkable figure. The value of these paintings alone must have reached several million. The antiques on the display shelf, featuring masterworks from the Ming and Qing Imperial Kilns, added up to several more million in value. Zhang Yang estimated that the decorative items in this lounge alone were worth over ten million, with the construction cost pushing the total even higher.
“It seems you also have some expertise in these areas. My Huang family also possesses some fine collections; perhaps we can discuss them together another day,” Huang Jing’s eyes lit up, and she whispered this suggestion.
“I’d be happy to,” Zhang Yang agreed readily this time, a slight smile on his face. The Huang family was an ancient lineage spanning centuries; owning fine antiques was not surprising, especially since they had relocated overseas early on, avoiding the turmoil within the mainland. Discussing antiques and calligraphy was an exchange of artistic appreciation, a form of interaction Zhang Yang would never refuse. It was not only enriching in terms of knowledge but also refined his sensibilities. In his past life, when weary, he often indulged in artistic discourse to forget other worries.
“Then it’s settled. Would you like to go change your clothes?” Huang Jing’s smile grew brighter. Her face was already star-quality, and her smile made her look even more beautiful, drawing the glances of other resting patrons nearby.
“No need; this attire is fine. It’s just a bit of golf,” Zhang Yang shook his head slightly. Changing clothes just to play a round seemed excessively troublesome and unnecessary to him.
Zhang Yang wouldn't change, but Huang Jing needed to. Her current outfit, carefully chosen, was unsuitable for the game. Apologizing, Huang Jing rose and headed toward the changing rooms.
As Huang Jing left, a man and a woman seated in the distance within the lounge both glanced up at her departure. The man looked particularly surprised and cast a deep look toward Zhang Yang. Moments later, he stood up, walked outside, and pulled out his phone to dial a number.
“Mr. Zhang, I apologize for making you wait,”
A few minutes later, Huang Jing reappeared before Zhang Yang, now dressed in a light red sports outfit. Even Zhang Yang had to admit that Huang Jing possessed the potential of a mannequin; anything she wore looked stunning on her. In the sportswear, she resembled a vibrant young woman, radiating youthful vitality mixed with an unusual kind of allure.
“No problem, just a few minutes. Let’s go,” Zhang Yang stood up. Huang Jing had already instructed the staff to retrieve her golf equipment; as for Zhang Yang, he hadn't brought any and decided to purchase a set on site.
Long Feng followed closely behind, leading Zhuifeng. The ferret seemed uninterested in everything until it saw the grass, where it ambled a few circles, its hooves clicking softly. Afterward, it lazily found a clean patch, lay down, and began sunbathing. The sunlight today was excellent, and Zhuifeng thoroughly enjoyed the warmth seeping through its coat—incredibly comfortable for a winter’s day.
“Mr. Zhang, would you like to go first?” Holding a club, Huang Jing courteously offered Zhang Yang the initiative with a smile. This time, Zhang Yang offered a gentlemanly refusal, insisting the lady go first.
Huang Jing didn't press the issue and picked up her club to take her first swing. Her skill level was decent, but regrettably, her mind wasn't on the game today. As she began playing, she slowly transitioned to detailing the arrangements concerning the club. This was the true focus of her invitation today: to properly brief Zhang Yang on company affairs. As Zhang Yang was now the largest shareholder, it was necessary for him to have some understanding of the business. Huang Jing also planned to convene a board meeting soon to clarify the matter completely.
There was another matter that pleased Huang Jing immensely. Last night, the family had finalized a decision: she would temporarily take charge of all domestic affairs. Previously, this role belonged to her father, but now that the fourth branch of the Huang family was gone, her father needed to return to Canada to oversee other family businesses. The family had also assigned her a special directive: to nurture and properly engage with Zhang Yang. The resolution of the family crisis had brought immense gain to both her and her father. With the strong support of the eldest brother, Huang Haoran, they had become the new custodians of the family leadership.