"How can we get a chance to talk to the big shots?"
The agent sat at the dining table, his gaze sweeping around the restaurant, not daring to disturb anyone recklessly. These people clearly weren’t the type to be approached casually.
"Xu-ge, you often visit the Song family—you must have met at least one or two of these important figures, right?" The agent refused to give up. They had finally managed to get to the 15th floor—if they left empty-handed, how would the other agents view him?
Song Xu remained silent. There were indeed a few faces he recognized among these elites, but only from a distance. None of them had ever spared him a glance.
Some of these people were so influential that even Chairman Song had to tread carefully around them. What was he in comparison?
Seeing him stay quiet, the agent was about to press further when he suddenly brightened at the sight of two newcomers entering. "Xu-ge, our luck just turned! The big boss is here!"
Song Xu set down his knife and turned toward the entrance.
"Mr. Su." Some of the diners immediately put down their utensils upon seeing Su Chenzhu, ready to greet him. But when they noticed his personal bodyguards blocking unfamiliar faces from approaching, they tactfully returned to their seats.
A pianist played softly in the restaurant. As soon as Chao Musheng took his seat, a gloved waiter handed him the menu.
After casually ordering two dishes, Chao Musheng waved off the waiter’s offer to pour wine. "No alcohol for me, thanks."
"Very well, sir." The waiter lifted the bottle and stepped aside as others brought over soup and an assortment of dishes.
"Feeling a bit bored?" Su Chenzhu faintly heard lively singing from below. "There are plenty of entertainment options on the ship. After dinner, take the bodyguards and explore."
He wasn’t one for amusement, and his reserved nature made him worry that Chao Musheng might find his company dull.
"Aren’t you coming along?" Chao Musheng took a sip of the soup—it was decent.
"I prefer quiet." Su Chenzhu gazed at him, his eyes softening. "As long as you enjoy yourself."
Chao Musheng noticed that Su Chenzhu ate with mechanical precision—each bite measured, each chew counted, showing no particular preference for any dish on the table.
When he finished, Su Chenzhu set down his chopsticks as well.
With elegant grace, he dabbed his lips with a napkin and draped his jacket over his arm. "Let’s go."
The wind on the deck was strong. Su Chenzhu handed his jacket to Chao Musheng. "It’s windy—put this on."
"Thank you, Mr. Su." Chao Musheng accepted the gesture without protest, surprised at how well the jacket fit him.
"Don’t mention it." Su Chenzhu glanced down at the 12th deck, where a group of young people laughed and played.
He turned his attention back to Chao Musheng. "Go have fun. I don’t have anything pressing today."
When the boss tells you to enjoy yourself, it’s best not to linger awkwardly.
Chao Musheng understood perfectly. With a quick nod and a smile, he left with two bodyguards in tow.
Su Chenzhu watched his retreating figure, his eyelids lowering slightly. As expected, Chao Musheng preferred the company of lively youth.
"Good evening, boss."
Su Chenzhu lifted his gaze impassively at the newcomer.
"Boss, I’m a talent agent from the company’s film division. This is Song Xu, one of our most promising actors." The agent hunched slightly, not daring to meet his boss’s eyes. "What an honor to run into you here."
Su Chenzhu’s expression remained indifferent. To him, these two men, oozing sycophantic charm, were no different from anyone else.
The agent hadn’t expected the boss to ignore them completely and walk away without a second glance.
He straightened awkwardly, his smile frozen in place.
Song Xu glared at the bodyguards blocking their path, then shot his agent a furious look before storming off.
"Xu-ge," the agent hurried after him, whispering placatingly, "The boss is incredibly busy—it’s only natural he wouldn’t recognize us."
"Then why drag me over there?" Song Xu, humiliated, lashed out. "Everyone on the 15th deck has their noses in the air. Who do they even acknowledge?"
The agent stayed silent, thinking to himself, And you’re any different with the other artists at the company?
But remembering Song Xu’s ties to the Song family, he patiently coaxed, "Xu-ge, didn’t you notice something familiar about the boss’s bodyguards?"
"What do you mean?"
"Remember the two bodyguards we saw in the elevator earlier?" the agent hinted. "Ring any bells?"
Song Xu’s eyes lit up. "You mean… the guy in the elevator was the boss’s kept lover?"
Some shameless, hidden plaything putting on airs in front of him—what a joke!
The agent: "..."
My mistake. How could I expect someone whose college entrance scores didn’t even break triple digits to possess strategist-level wit?
"Two weeks ago, a new hire joined the executive office—exceptionally skilled, even signed a consulting contract with R&D," the agent explained patiently. "The young man dining with the boss just now must be the legendary Mr. Chao."
For the sake of his paycheck, he endured!
This trip on the Moonchaser hosted several high-profile business meetings. Someone that young, yet brought along by the boss, could only be the highly capable Mr. Chao.
"You want me to suck up to him?" The thought of Chao Musheng’s striking looks left Song Xu unsettled.
"Mr. Chao is young, with plenty of interests. We might be able to win his favor over the next few days," the agent reasoned. "If we gain the approval of either Secretary Liu or Mr. Chao, the film division’s resources will be yours for the taking."
The company had recently signed several promising graduates, clearly planning to invest heavily in them. Once this new batch rose to prominence, the share of opportunities for Song Xu and his agent would shrink.
After boarding the Moonchaser, Xiaojuan realized that customer service wasn’t the worst job in the world—being a server here was.
One guest demanded the decor in his room be changed because the colors clashed with his "lucky aura."
Another screened attendants by zodiac sign, insisting that those born under certain signs stay at least ten meters away whenever he was present.
"Before boarding the Moonchaser, my assistant already communicated with your management. Roosters clash with my fortune this year—how could you lay out a carpet like this in my room?"
Xiaojuan glanced at the rug, which clearly depicted a flock of birds in flight.
"My apologies, Mr. Wang. We’ll replace it immediately."
"Don’t apologize to me," Mr. Wang said coldly. "Fetch your floor manager."
Watching the supervisor bow repeatedly, apologies dripping with deference, Xiaojuan felt a pang of sorrow.
A single whim from the privileged could render countless ordinary people’s efforts meaningless.
Did Mr. Wang truly not know the difference between birds and roosters?
No—he was simply venting his frustrations on the staff.
Once he leaves this room, he’ll revert to being the refined and dignified successful man—a gentleman and model husband in the eyes of his peers.
"Those who make mistakes must face the consequences," Mr. Wang said coldly. "Playing the victim and resorting to emotional blackmail only makes me question the professionalism of Moonchaser’s service."
"What lack of professionalism?"
A man’s voice echoed from the hallway. In an instant, the icy expression on Mr. Wang’s face melted into one of warmth and courtesy. He stepped toward the half-open door. "Mr. Su, what an honor to see you aboard the Moonchaser. It’s a pleasure."
Su Chenzhu glanced at the three attendants being harassed inside the room, his gaze lingering briefly on Xiaojuan.
"That wandering albatross pattern on the carpet is quite striking," Su Chenzhu remarked, withdrawing his gaze. "I hear many sailors consider it an auspicious bird. Surely you’ve heard the same, Mr. Wang?"
"O-of course, vaguely familiar," Mr. Wang stammered, realizing his earlier words had been overheard. Though unsure why Su Chenzhu would intervene for mere attendants, he swiftly changed his tone. "The service on Moonchaser is impeccable."
Su Chenzhu glanced at Xiaojuan, who kept her head bowed, and gave a slight nod. "Indeed. I’ve found their service quite satisfactory."
With that, he turned and walked toward his own suite.
"Safe travels, Mr. Su," Mr. Wang called after him, remaining rooted in place until Su Chenzhu’s figure disappeared down the corridor.
"You may all leave," Mr. Wang exhaled, his demeanor deflating. "My earlier assessment was… mistaken."
"Of course, Mr. Wang. Wishing you a pleasant evening." The head attendant ushered Xiaojuan and Xiao Liu out, gently closing the door behind them.
She turned to the two girls. "Which of you has crossed paths with Mr. Su before?"
It had been obvious—Su Chenzhu had glanced their way before stepping in.
Xiao Liu shook her head. Xiaojuan did the same.
"Truth or lie, it doesn’t matter," the head attendant said, dropping the subject. "Mr. Su is the one person on this ship you must never offend. Thanks to him, Mr. Wang won’t trouble us again for the rest of the voyage."
"Who exactly is he?" Xiao Liu subtly twisted a button at her waist, and the head attendant’s eyes glazed over slightly. "Even a VIP from the 15th floor kowtows to him."
"He’s the sole authority behind Kunlun Enterprises—industries spanning multiple sectors, assets beyond counting."
Xiao Liu nodded knowingly and whispered to Xiaojuan, "A character this powerful, handsome, and capable of bending NPCs to his will? Textbook hidden final boss material."
"Can he override the ship’s decisions?"
The head attendant’s gaze sharpened slightly. "Only the captain holds absolute authority. But the captain… values Mr. Su’s counsel."
Before Xiao Liu could press further, the head attendant snapped out of her daze, seemingly forgetting the conversation. She assigned them to deck-cleaning duty.
Xiao Liu led Xiaojuan to a secluded corner, scrubbing the floor with a rag. "Random system assignment brought you here too?"
Xiao Liu didn’t answer. Standing to wipe the railing, she surveyed the luxury liner.
Against the vast ocean, even the grandest ship seemed insignificant. Something gnawed at her—why would an untouchable figure like Su Chenzhu intervene for lowly staff?
Unless… it was because she was Chao Musheng’s acknowledged friend?
The realization hit: she’d survived this ordeal solely on Chao Musheng’s reputation.
Yet, something about it felt off.
What was it?
"Nice shot!"
Cheers erupted as Chao Musheng sank the basketball.
"Again, man!" A young heir tossed him another ball. Chao Musheng caught it midair and dunked it one-handed.
This time, the applause came not just from admirers but even rival players.
"You train?" Lian Hai offered a water bottle, only for a suited bodyguard to intercept it.
Unfazed, Lian Hai twisted the cap open and drank.
Chao Musheng accepted his guard’s water, shaking sweat from his brow. "Just a hobby."
"Modest." Lian Hai sized him up. "Which deck are you on? We should hang out."
Most here were wealthy heirs—faces you’d recognize even if you didn’t mingle. Yet Lian Hai drew a blank on Chao Musheng. Still, a guy with personal guards during a pickup game? Not ordinary.
"These all your friends?" Chao Musheng’s gaze drifted to a corner where an aloof man stood over a pale, kneeling youth.
Lian Hai followed his look and sprawled into a deck chair. "Acquaintances. Want introductions?"
Realizing he hadn’t asked, Lian Hai sat up. "Lian Hai. Call me Ocean."
"Scion of Lian’s Transoceanic?" Chao Musheng extended a hand. "Chao Musheng. Pleasure."
Chao?
Lian Hai’s mind raced through elite family trees, trying to place him.
"Pleasure," Lian Hai said, shaking his hand. "Scion’s a stretch—I’m just tagging along with Dad. The business? Clueless."
As they exchanged pleasantries, the man in the corner gripped the youth’s chin, forcing him to kneel upright.
The boy’s frail shoulders trembled. Around them, revelry continued unabated—as if no one saw.
"Song Cheng’s picked a stubborn one this time," a heir joked nearby. "Keep this up, and he’ll break the kid."
"Ugh." Lian Hai scowled and hurled his bottle at Song Cheng. "The hell’s wrong with you?"
Song Cheng dodged. "Training my disobedient pet. None of your concern, Lian."
"Disgusting."
"Disgusting?" Song Cheng smirked down at the youth. "Tell them—you’re here willingly."
The boy shuddered but nodded.
Laughter erupted from Song Cheng’s clique.
"Mind your business, Lian. Consensual fun."
"Song’s just playing rough. You wouldn’t get it."
Lian Hai’s face darkened.
"Reenacting ‘bully torments innocent’?" Chao Musheng noted the youth’s soaked clothes, the bruises on his neck and arms, the unnatural curl of his left leg. This wasn’t play.
"Who asked you?" a heckler snapped. "Just because you can dunk and chat up Lian doesn’t mean you belong here."
Song Cheng stood up, eyeing Chao Musheng with amused interest. "Haven't seen you before. You’re way more interesting-looking than those little celebrities downstairs."
The moment those words left his mouth, Lian Hai noticed the two bodyguards behind Chao Musheng take a step forward.
Glancing at Song Cheng, who remained oblivious and kept advancing toward Chao Musheng, Lian Hai discreetly retreated, making it clear to the bodyguards that he had nothing to do with Song Cheng.
"You might not know me, but I know you," Chao Musheng said before kicking Song Cheng onto the basketball court and pinning his arms behind his back. "Too bad your looks don’t measure up to those beloved stars downstairs."
"Let me go!" Humiliated in front of so many young elites, Song Cheng’s face twisted in fury, a far cry from the composed arrogance he’d shown earlier.
The bodyguards blocked a few rich heirs who tried to intervene. "Gentlemen, please don’t disturb our boss’s entertainment."
The heirs exchanged glances.
First time they’d heard someone describe beating someone up as "entertainment."
"Why so angry?" Chao Musheng pressed Song Cheng’s face harder against the ground. "We’re just playing a little combat game. Don’t you get the fun in that?"
Song Cheng struggled uselessly, frantic with rage. "Get off me, or the Song family will make you pay!"
"Tsk, why so worked up over a game?" Chao Musheng smacked Song Cheng’s forehead loudly. "Weren’t you fond of pushing people around, Young Master Song? Why don’t you like it when it’s your turn?"
Pushing people around?
Song Cheng’s head spun. How did this stranger know about something only the Song family was privy to?
"Hey, is that a fight on the 12th-floor deck?" Xiao Liu paused mid-wipe, spotting the commotion below. "The one throwing punches looks familiar."
Xiao Juan, who’d initially dismissed Xiao Liu’s excitement, peeked over and immediately dropped her rag, sprinting downstairs.
Oh my god! It was Chao-ge fighting someone!
Chao-ge was too good a person—if he was resorting to violence, the other guy must’ve deserved it!
"What’s wrong with you?!" Xiao Liu hissed, torn between chasing after her and avoiding the NPCs’ attention.
If the supervisor caught them, they were done for!
She snatched up Xiao Juan’s discarded rag and scrubbed furiously with both hands.
Her friend was great at everything—except when it came to handsome men.
"Xu-ge, I found out—Mr. Chao took his bodyguards to the 12th floor for some fun. When you meet him later, don’t forget to greet Young Master Song," the manager whispered to Song Xu. "Rumor has it he’s..."
Before he could finish, an unseen force slammed into them, sending both flying three steps back.
What the hell?!
Clutching his aching waist, the manager straightened up just in time to see a blur vanishing into the distance.
"Who does that? No manners at all!" He helped a dazed Song Xu up. "Xu-ge, you okay?"
Song Xu shook his head blankly. He didn’t even know how he’d ended up on the floor.
"This may be beyond land, but it’s not beyond the law." Chao Musheng made no effort to hide his disgust as he watched Song Cheng writhe pathetically. He then walked over to the forgotten young man, draped his coat over his shoulders, and said gently, "Let’s get you to a doctor."
"Stop! Who said you could touch him?!"
Humiliated beyond reason, Song Cheng lunged at Chao Musheng again—only to be knocked flat with a single side kick.
"Damn, that was cool!" Lian Hai couldn’t help clapping.
"Trash like Song Cheng? I could take ten of them." Chao Musheng crouched before the trembling young man, pulling the coat higher to shield his face. "Let’s go. You’re safe now."
[Ding! Main quest generated: Help the avenger sink this sin-laden ship into the depths.]
[Only the fury of the sea can quench the flames of hatred.]
Xiao Juan, who’d just reached the court’s edge, froze. Staring at the massive luxury liner, a chill ran down her spine.
Just how many people were on this ship?
"Hey, servant! Why are you blocking the way?" Someone shoved Xiao Juan aside disdainfully. "Since when does the Moonchaser hire idiots?"
Xiao Juan rolled her eyes.
Moron. My brain’s just fine—yours is the one in trouble, boarding a doomed ship.
Wait, Chao-ge’s still onboard! This ship can’t sink!
But with a vessel this size, where would she even start looking for the avenger?
"Shen Ran, if you dare leave with him today, I’ll make sure you regret it!"
Song Cheng’s glare burned into the young man. "You think some nobody can protect you? Remember what happened to the last person who tried?"
Shen Ran stiffened. Halting mid-step, he whispered hoarsely, "I’m sorry... Song Cheng and I were just... fooling around. You should go."
The last words were barely audible, but to Chao Musheng, they screamed with deafening despair.
Feeling the kind stranger’s grip loosen, Shen Ran bit his lip hard, refusing to beg.
He was already drowning in filth—he couldn’t drag an innocent down with him.
"Ahh!"
Song Cheng’s scream snapped his head up. Through teary vision, he saw the untouchable heir being pummeled into the ground by a radiant young man—his eyes like stars, his entire being alight.
"Xu-ge, Mr. Chao’s right there. Let’s hurry." Rubbing his sore back, the manager ushered Song Xu into the court—
Holy hell!
Since when was Mr. Chao beating up Young Master Song?!
"Xu-ge." The manager immediately yanked Song Xu back out. "We’re leaving. Now."
Better slip away before anyone noticed their presence.
"Was that..." Song Xu turned stiffly. "Mr. Chao hitting Song Cheng?"
"Yes, now move!" The manager wiped sweat from his brow. At their level, picking sides was suicide.
"Too late." Song Xu numbly watched an elderly man stride toward them. "Chairman Song’s here."
The manager spun around. Oh great, the young master’s grandpa showed up.
After a beat, he pulled out his phone to text Secretary Liu.
Chairman Song was untouchable, but as Kunlun Entertainment’s manager, letting Mr. Chao face the Songs alone meant career suicide.
He knew which side his bread was buttered on.
"Grandfather Song." Song Xu stepped forward politely.
Chairman Song, flanked by bodyguards, radiated authority. "I heard someone’s causing trouble for Cheng’er?"
Song Xu kept his head bowed. "I just arrived. I’m not sure what’s happening inside."
Chairman Song snorted, displeased, then paused at the entrance.
Huh?
Song Xu noticed Old Master Song suddenly standing frozen in place, so he quietly peeked inside—only to see Song Cheng getting beaten up one-sidedly. Why had the old man suddenly stopped reacting?
"Old Master, if you don’t speak up and stop this soon, your precious grandson is going to be pummeled into a sorry mess."
