Chapter 1539 - 1540: Testing the Waters
Lin Chen walked into the castle, a typical European-style building.
The entire castle exuded the deep-rooted essence of an ancient European family.
Under the guidance of the butler, Lin Chen arrived at a platform in the castle.
This platform wasn't large, but the view was excellent.
From this platform, you could almost see the entire mountain landscape.
Sputter sat in a wicker chair with a smile, asking Lin Chen to sit down.
Lin Chen sat across from Sputter without any reservation.
Sputter smiled, "It's not quite fitting for a man to drive a red car, I have many luxury cars in my garage — Hummers, Land Rovers, Mercedes — take one for a drive if you like."
Lin Chen chuckled lightly, "Haha, thank you, Mr. Sputter. For me, a car is just a means of transportation, nothing to fuss about. This car is borrowed from a friend and I already find it too pricey, your cars are worth millions. In these chaotic times, if someone damages it, I can't afford to pay for it."
Sputter chuckled lightly as well. It was a subtle probe, and clearly, Lin Chen didn't take the bait.
But Sputter didn't mind. After all, if someone like Lin Chen could be bought with a car, it would prove he was not very ambitious.
"I heard you're currently working with that girl, Yu Fei?" Sputter asked.
Lin Chen nodded, "Yes, I'm helping her manage a nightclub now."
Sputter shook his head, "That girl really lacks vision, having someone as talented as you manage a nightclub, it's a waste of your talents."
"Haha, the nightclub business is doing well now, I'm quite content," Lin Chen chuckled.
"That's enough for you? Look over there," Sputter pointed toward the city lights in the distance.
"Do you know? Under those lights, vast wealth gathers daily, like water in the ocean, impossible to exhaust. Your focus is just on a nightclub; it's too narrow," Sputter said casually.
For a young man, Sputter's words were extremely tempting. However, regrettably, Lin Chen was not an ordinary young man.
After glancing at Lin Chen, Sputter continued with a smile: "You probably know, there are four powers in this city. The East City's Hua League is just a pawn of mine. If you want, I can let you become the one who controls the board. In less than half a year, you'll become the master of those lights, taking as much wealth as you want, even the four powers will have to bow to you. What do you think?"
Sputter had essentially given Lin Chen a powerful offer.
Becoming the master of the four powers, the ruler of the underground forces, it's a dream for countless people.
Yet, Sputter offered this opportunity to the inexperienced Lin Chen.
One must admit, it's a chance that could make anyone's heart flutter, like a pie falling from the sky.
The fact is, Los City is one of the world's top big cities, in terms of scale, it even rivals several of China's municipalities.
Becoming a big shot in the underground world here would mean controlling endless wealth and resources.
It would truly be a position of "one man below, everyone else above."
Although Sputter painted a grand picture, Lin Chen merely smiled faintly.
Sputter offered him a big cake, but Lin Chen knew it wouldn't be so easy to swallow.
Not to mention, Lin Chen was well aware of the filth in the underworld.
Earning this kind of money was akin to living with one's head on the line, unaware of which day it might end.
And not to forget, Black Hawk was watching intently, taking that position would mean becoming a pawn for the Sputter family.
It's known that Black Hawk is a formidable figure sweeping across M Country. Lin Chen, while unafraid, had no intention of becoming cannon fodder.
Lin Chen laughed heartily, "Thank you, Mr. Sputter, for your kind offer, but I lack the experience to handle something so big. I think it's better for me to gain some experience first."
"Experience? Gaining experience comes at a cost. There's a ready-made prosperous future here, why fight tooth and nail like others?" Sputter smiled softly.
Lin Chen chuckled, "That's just how I am. I like to experience things, as we say in China, 'How can you see a rainbow without experiencing wind and rain?' If I haven't been through these trials and tribulations, I might regret not having more excitement in my youth, even if I have fortunes later."
Even though Lin Chen maintained a joking tone, Sputter, a weathered man, could discern Lin Chen's indirect refusal. Even though he felt displeased, nothing showed on his face.
"Not bad, young man. You have courage. It's hard to find young people like you with such a mindset nowadays. I was merely suggesting something; there's no rush for a decision. Think it over, and if you agree, come find me anytime," said Sputter with a gentle smile.
Lin Chen nodded, "Thank you, Mr. Sputter. Talking with you has been quite enlightening."
Sputter inwardly cursed, "You've been playing games with me, enlightening my ass."
However, Sputter's face still wore a kindly smile, "Actually, the main reason I invited you today was to help me taste some dishes. I recently hired a few chefs from China. I think the taste is good, but since you've been in China for a while, help me see if they are truly master-level chefs."
Lin Chen naturally picked up that the old guy was probing for information, trying to fish for his background in China.
"You got the wrong person, sir. I mostly ate street food in China," Lin Chen said calmly.
"Oh, no problem, no problem. Haha, it's just a family dinner, a chance to taste some flavors from home," Sputter laughed.
"Then I'll take advantage of this opportunity, Mr. Sputter," Lin Chen said with a smile.
The dinner began, accompanied by members of the Sputter family, including Spuller.
His gaze fixed on Lin Chen, with a chilling expression.
However, a charming woman was also invited to this dinner by Sputter.
This woman wasn't ordinary, but a popular Hollywood actress known as Aileen, called "the Heartthrob" by many.
Aileen's name was well-known even in China, with her posters hanging next to street vendors' stalls.
It was Sputter who had backed this Aileen.
With her stunning appearance and alluring charm, this woman had helped Sputter dazzle many high-ranking officials, serving as Sputter's trump card on social occasions.
In Los City, her reputation was equally formidable, even big shots like Jack respectfully addressed her as "Sister Aileen."
The car Aileen drove matched Lin Chen's exactly, a red Ferrari.
Seeing the Ferrari, Aileen was momentarily stunned.
Wasn't Mr. Sputter's guest supposed to be a man? Why did he drive a woman's car?
Originally, Aileen had high expectations for this guest, but seeing the Ferrari, which was typically driven by women, she was slightly disappointed.