Financial Independence through Cracked Apps

Chapter 367 - 194: Climbing High and Gazing Far

8:00 PM.

Modu.

Li Chi Star Mansion, Blues Bar.

♪~I went to the crossroads, fell down on my knees~♪

A beautiful melody lingered in the air, filling the tranquil space with the faint, mellow aroma of spirits.

At that moment, a mature and sexy woman sat before the luxurious bar.

Her exquisite figure was clad in a tight, lavender-colored, hip-hugging dress, outlining her incredibly full and seductive curves.

Beneath the bar, her long, stocking-clad legs were crossed. With an air of charming languor, her full, fiery-red lips were utterly seductive.

Her mere presence was enough to ignite a fiery passion in any man’s heart.

Thus, many a confident business elite had approached her, hoping to win her affections and spark a beautiful chance encounter.

But every one of them returned in defeat.

"I’m sorry, I have a man."

With that one sentence, Shen Yun dispersed the surrounding "flies." She took a delicate sip from her glass and quietly awaited her friend’s arrival.

A short while later, Song Ya walked into the bar and was led to the counter by an attendant.

"A bourbon. Lemon, light ice."

After placing her order with the bartender, Song Ya set her bag aside and smiled, asking Shen Yun how she’d been.

"How have you been? Is business holding up?"

"It’s been tough."

Shen Yun sighed, swirling the liquor in her glass. Nothing more needed to be said.

Song Ya understood completely and was quick to offer some comfort.

"Don’t worry, just take it one step at a time. We’ve seen worse slumps than this. If you just hang in there, you’ll eventually see the light of dawn."

"I think I’ve already seen my dawn."

Shen Yun smiled mysteriously.

"Have you thought about what I told you?"

"You mean getting into the pet toy business?"

Song Ya remained skeptical.

"Honestly, the ceiling for the pet industry is too low. The pie is only so big. Even with just a few people sharing it, there’s not enough to go around."

"But what if I told you someone could take the entire pie? Would you still think it’s not enough?"

?

Song Ya pursed her lips in disdain at Shen Yun’s confident expression.

"Anyone can talk big. I could just as easily say I’ve monopolized the entire toy manufacturing industry. You’ve had too much to drink, Yun."

"My mind is perfectly clear."

Shen Yun said with a gentle smile.

"I’ve shown you the path. Whether you take it or not is your choice."

"..."

Shen Yun’s words sent Song Ya into a brief silence. A moment later, she asked curiously,

"Who is it that’s giving you all this confidence? That old flame of yours?"

"He’s not an ’old flame.’ He’s my treasure."

Shen Yun retorted playfully, her voice filled with trust and adoration for Lin Shen.

"He’s an incredibly capable young man. His business acumen and market judgment are exceptional. He has a decisive, take-charge personality, yet he also possesses a maturity and steadiness far beyond his years. Plus, he’s backed by a lot of resources. I’m sure he’ll succeed!"

"That’s some seriously high praise."

Song Ya had been Shen Yun’s best friend for a decade; she knew her personality inside and out.

On the surface, she was alluring and seductive, but underneath, she was cold and distant. She rarely opened up to anyone, let alone worshipped someone the way she was now.

And for a man so much younger than her, no less!

This couldn’t help but pique Song Ya’s interest in the man Shen Yun was describing.

"What’s his name? Is he a young master from one of the great families?"

"Lin Shen."

’His surname is Lin...’

Song Ya wracked her brain, but she really couldn’t recall any powerful Lin Clan.

"I’ve never heard of them."

"Don’t worry. You’ll be hearing his name a lot in the future."

Shen Yun’s confidence struck Song Ya as odd. She smiled and began to tease her.

"It’s one thing to be conquered physically by a younger man, but how did your heart get captured too?"

"I can’t help it. He’s just that exceptional."

A seductive smile played on Shen Yun’s lips.

"Not only is he capable, but he’s also impeccably handsome. And the best part? He has an eight-pack and two massive pecs! His build is so strong and statuesque! His arms are powerful and well-built! The way it feels when he holds me... Oh, it’s to die for!"

"Alright! Stop being so shameless in here!"

Completely won over by Lin Shen’s performance that night, Shen Yun bit her lip and smiled seductively.

"Keep your voice down. There are people around."

Song Ya felt her mouth go dry. A restless feeling began to stir in her heart, which had lain dormant for many years.

The bartender overheard the two mature women’s daring public exchange, but he’d seen it all before.

"Miss Song, your drink," he said. "Let me know if you need anything else."

"Mm."

Song Ya took a sip of her drink. The cool liquid slid down her throat, clearing her head a little.

"I really envy you, finding a partner you connect with so well, body and soul."

"Just got lucky, I guess."

Shen Yun gave a small smile.

"So? Are you interested in a partnership? If you are, I can have Lin Shen meet with us to talk things over."

"He’s actually looking for a toy supplier right now. It’s a huge category in the pet industry, after all. If you don’t have any better ideas, you might as well hear what he has to say."

"Fine."

After all, no matter how much Shen Yun hyped him up, Song Ya just needed to meet Lin Shen once to see for herself if the young man really had what it takes.

"When?"

"Sometime soon. His new shop is opening, so you can keep an eye out for it."

"What’s it called?"

"Shennan Pet Society."

9:00 PM.

Baosheng Grand Hotel, Room 1302.

Lin Shen was making final preparations for his night climb up Taishan.

He was dressed in layers: a quick-drying shirt on the inside and a warm jacket on the outside. For his lower body, he wore durable long pants and a pair of non-slip hiking shoes.

As for equipment, he packed a small, long-life flashlight, electrolyte drinks, and high-energy food in his backpack.