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Chapter 243: The Wealthy Zhang Yu
It was already March.
Inside the Meditation Chamber, Zhang Yu slowly opened his eyes. A flicker of sharp light flashed within them—almost imperceptible, yet unmistakable.
His gaze drifted to the Feather Scroll beside him. The data displayed there read: Dao Heart Level 10, Martial Energy 100, Physical Strength Level 10.
After all this time of cultivation, Zhang Yu’s Dao Heart had finally reached Peak Qi Refinement Level 10.
With this milestone achieved, he felt his entire body—muscles, tendons, and martial energy—responding to his will as smoothly and effortlessly as his own limbs. There was no longer any sense of wasted potential or restricted power.
Yet on another front…
In the depths of his mind, the fragmented image of his cannibal cow—his spiritual visualization—was sluggish and listless. Its posture was lazy, its expression dull. Even the broken horn atop its head seemed blunted, thickened, no longer sharp or fierce as before.
Zhang Yu glanced at his bank balance. It had now reached 19 million. He was drawing ever closer to acquiring the Celestial Spirit Root.
Since his account balance had steadily climbed, his daily cultivation had grown easier and easier. With more social events and gatherings alongside Wang Zong, he’d begun to notice something troubling: the effectiveness of his Cannibal Cow Serenity Heart Technique in unlocking latent potential, reinforcing his body, and revitalizing his flesh had noticeably declined.
“Could it be… because my life has become too comfortable? Too lacking in pressure?” Zhang Yu pondered. “After all, that technique only works better under stress.”
He wasn’t certain. But in his heart, he thought: My future life will only get better. My grades will keep improving, and my wealth will keep growing. So… maybe it’s time I consider switching to a technique more suited to my current state?
“This Cannibal Cow Serenity Heart Technique—it was always meant for those at the bottom.”
He thought of Le Mulan, Song Hailong, Yu Xinghan, Ye Lingshao… even Wang Zong.
Perhaps he should ask these wealthy individuals to recommend a better cultivation method.
“Funny… I’ve already become one of them.”
“So I should start thinking like a wealthy man. Find a technique that suits the rich. Practice like the rich.”
And as that thought crossed his mind, something strange happened—his mental image of the cow seemed to grow even more sluggish, its spirit dimming further.
Just then, his phone buzzed.
It was Mo Tianyi calling.
Mo Tianyi—member of the Poor Genius Alliance.
Ever since Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen had declared their allegiance to Zhang Pianpian last year, Mo Tianyi had cut off contact with them. And after the death of Song Xu, the leader of the Poor Genius Alliance, the group had fallen into disarray. Zhang Yu hadn’t heard from them in ages.
Seeing Mo Tianyi’s name on his screen, Zhang Yu felt a flicker of surprise—but answered anyway.
Mo Tianyi’s voice was hesitant. “Zhang… Zhang Yu. Hello.”
To Mo Tianyi, Zhang Yu was no longer just a peer. His sudden rise in wealth and power—now firmly at Peak Qi Refinement, and with the spotlight of Luzhou Group’s publicity and the Foundation Establishment Certificate—had elevated him into the ranks of Kunxu First Layer’s elite. A real wealthy man.
In Mo Tianyi’s eyes, Zhang Yu had become someone from an entirely different world—one far beyond their reach.
Zhang Yu replied casually. “What’s up?”
Mo Tianyi spoke softly. “I… I need to borrow some money.”
“Since our leader passed, things have been tough. The company recently cut salaries. And one of our members got into an accident while delivering food…”
Zhang Yu remembered the two thousand yuan Mo Tianyi had once invested in him and Bai Zhenzhen.
It wasn’t much—but back then, it had been a lifeline.
Now, hearing Mo Tianyi’s voice, Zhang Yu said, “I understand. I’ll send you 100,000 yuan shortly. If you need anything else, just let me know.”
“T-thank you…” Mo Tianyi stammered, stunned. “We’ll repay you, I promise!”
He hadn’t expected such generosity. In his mind, all the wealthy were stingy—no matter how rich, they’d never hand out money without a profit.
But the genuine kindness in Zhang Yu’s tone made Mo Tianyi feel something he hadn’t in a long time.
“Zhang Yu,” he continued, “you’ve become a role model for every struggling student in Kunxu First Layer. There’s never been a high schooler like you—achieving such results, getting into the Top Ten.”
“Everyone was thrilled when they heard your name. It felt like we finally gave the rich a taste of their own medicine.”
“Now, every student in the schools is fired up. You’ve inspired us to work harder than ever.”
Zhang Yu was silent for a long moment, unsure how to respond.
Finally, after Mo Tianyi’s repeated thanks, he hung up.
But then, almost instinctively, Zhang Yu pulled out his phone and searched for news on salary cuts.
He found that after major clans and corporations formed alliances, their first move was to collectively reduce wages.
Online analyses explained: the number of high school graduates and returning college students from First Layer was rising each year. The job market had grown increasingly harsh. With companies slashing pay and benefits, employees had no choice but to accept it quietly—just to keep their jobs.
Fujie chimed in. “Why are you even reading this? It’s got nothing to do with us.”
“Even if it weren’t you and Bai Zhenzhen, Luzhou Group would’ve used Ye Lingshao for their campaign. This is just how things are—this is the inevitable tide of the world.”
Zhang Yu rolled his eyes. “I know that. I’m just curious. Nothing more.”
“Wang Zong’s such a strong support. A and I are holding on tight—no matter what.”
Fujie sighed inwardly. Zhang Yu’s a poor boy at heart. Why does he always care about things that don’t concern him?
Fujie added, “Just keep climbing. The more money you have, the better. Learn to fit in with the wealthy. Stay away from the poor. You know what I mean?”
“Cut ties with the Poor Genius Alliance. Why bother with them?”
“They helped me,” Zhang Yu said lightly. “And I get it—rich people live differently. Their habits, their mindset… they’re not the same as ours.”
“But I have to learn their way of speaking, their lifestyle. Make more friends among the rich. Only then can I rise higher in Kunxu, grow stronger…”
He knew all of this. He understood the rule of the game: Distance yourself from the poor. Cling to the rich. That’s how you climb.
Yet… for some reason, he couldn’t shake the unease.
—
Later that day, Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen sat together with Qian Shen and Zhao Tianxing in the cafeteria.
But lately, their meals had changed.
Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen’s trays were piled high with rich, flavorful Synthetic Meat.
Zhao Tianxing, on the other hand, was eating plain, tasteless Original-Flavor Synthetic Food.
At first, Zhang Yu assumed Zhao Tianxing’s family had hit financial trouble—or that the price of food had risen.
And yes, Synthetic Food had increased in price.
Once a low-cost force that drove traditional meals out of the market, Synthetic Food was now rising in cost as Luzhou Group’s market share expanded.
And Zhang Yu’s promoted Green Food—now wildly popular thanks to the Foundation Establishment Exam’s success—was skyrocketing in price as well.
Even ordinary high school students now knew: Eat Green Food. Take the Foundation Establishment Exam. Seize your chance at a life-changing breakthrough.
According to Luzhou Group’s estimates, next year could see hundreds of thousands of high schoolers in Kunxu First Layer signing up for the exam—offering a market value that made even the most cautious investors giddy.
Seeing Zhao Tianxing’s meager meal, Zhang Yu guessed his parents had likely suffered salary cuts.
“Ugh… this chicken breast is terrible,” Zhang Yu pushed his plate away. “Old Zhao, take it. I can’t eat another bite.”
Zhao Tianxing blinked, surprised. He stared at the synthetic chicken breast, swallowing hard.
Sensitive as he was, he instantly realized Zhang Yu was giving it to him on purpose.
A mix of shame and gratitude welled up in him. After a long pause, he whispered, “Thanks…”
—
By April, Zhang Yu’s life had grown even more effortless.
Even if he did nothing at all, money flowed into his account every month.
His balance had now surpassed 24 million.
That day, he and Bai Zhenzhen visited the newly completed Luzhou Tower for the next phase of the group’s promotional strategy meeting.
“The past few months have shown a clear trend,” said the product manager. “People’s incomes continue to fall, while food prices keep rising.”
“The company has noticed this. And we’ve decided to take action.”
Zhang Yu’s heart gave a slight jolt. He glanced at Wang Zong beside him, thinking: Is this because of Wang Zong? Is Luzhou Group finally stepping up to give back—to help more people eat?
He thought of the recent changes in the school cafeteria. A flicker of hope stirred in his chest.
The product manager continued, “To ensure everyone can eat a full meal, we’re launching the Food Loan Service!”
“Through installment payments, we’ll lower the barrier to buying Synthetic Food and Green Food. Everyone will be able to eat.”
“Our first goal? Students. We’re going into schools. We want every student, in every school, to have a backup food fund—just in case they can’t afford a meal.”
Zhang Yu listened, watching the presentation slides filled with charts on food, finance, interest rates, and collateral. He heard the pitch: New users get zero interest. Monthly plans come with special discounts.
And then, suddenly, he remembered his own past—when he’d been hungry, barely able to afford a single meal.
If the hungry Zhang Yu had faced this option back then… he might’ve signed up for installment meals too.
And ended up in debt.
Just then, Wang Zong clapped both Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen on the shoulder.
“This finance initiative is crucial. Our ultimate goal? Let the number of people eating in First Layer equal the number of people borrowing food.”
“It’s about shaping our long-term presence here.”
“Don’t worry. I don’t leave my people behind.”
“Keep working hard over the next year.”
“Next year, when you attend Youming University, I’ll be returning to Second Layer.”
“I’ll personally introduce you to internship opportunities at finance firms there. Once you’ve built your experience, I’ll help you transfer into the Finance Department…”
Wang Yin paused, then adjusted Zhang Yu’s collar with a frown.
“You and A Zhen need better clothes. I’ve given you money—use it. And this training skin? Looks fake. It’s obvious. Get real skin. Otherwise, you’ll embarrass me at social events.”
“Got it?” He added, “If you’re short, I’ll cover it.”
Bai Zhenzhen quickly said, “Understood, Wang Zong. We’ll change our clothes right after.”
Zhang Yu stood frozen, staring blankly.
Bai Zhenzhen nudged him.
Zhang Yu blinked, coming back to reality. “Uh… yeah. I know.”
But in his mind, Wang Yin’s words echoed:
Let the number of people eating in First Layer equal the number of people borrowing.
—
Thank you to 'Only Seeking Peach Blossom Spring' for gifting Fujie the Oscar trophy.
(End of Chapter)
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