Chapter 33: The Great Maelstrom

The moment Chen Lai slipped out of the Source Fortress, changes within the Deep Sea Game caught the attention of countless players.

First, the small whirlpool representing [Pretty Friend] underwent an inexplicable anomaly, shifting from its original ten-thousand-yuan entry cost to a hundred-thousand-yuan barrier for entry. Likewise, the whirlpool’s size more than doubled, and it showed no signs of stopping—such a change was completely unprecedented.

Such a magical transformation naturally drew a crowd of curious players—after all, it was only a hundred thousand yuan for an identity card. Perhaps, they mused, this was the harbinger of a major event?

"Brother Weilong, do you have any leads on this dungeon's change?"

While taking a lunch break at the newspaper office, Fierce Tiger picked up a newly purchased ivory-inlaid wooden cricket bat. He entertained himself with it while chatting with Chen Lai via their friend interface.

"I do. Let’s meet this Sunday; I’ll tell you about a lucrative opportunity. I can’t reach Zhang Long online—is he at the office right now?"

"Him? I’m not sure. I saw him this morning, but I don’t know where he ran off to by noon."

At that moment, Chen Lai was sparring with Miss Lorina. Thanks to the rigorous training directed by Toji Fushiguro, Chen Lai had gained a profound understanding of combat and fencing techniques. He could handle Lorina now using instinct alone. While sparring, he sent another message to Zhang Long, asking where he had gone. There was no immediate reply, but Chen Lai didn't pay it much mind; some players simply disliked checking the public chat, and it was no surprise that a dedicated, immersive player like Zhang Long would have such habits.

Just as he was about to close the chat, Fierce Tiger popped up again. His avatar—a snow leopard with a cigarette dangling from its mouth—was as jarring as ever.

"Brother Weilong, shall we go scouting a shop tonight? The viewers in my stream love that stuff. If we join forces, we can easily stir up some traffic by checking out a 'flower' spot."

"Another brothel?" Chen Lai was speechless. How did this guy end up everywhere he went?

"Hey, you’ve got it wrong! It’s called the 'Playful Shepherdess Entertainment Hall.' It’s very famous in Paris. New players list it as the top 'Must-Visit' in the city!"

"That’s still a brothel!"

"Just tell me if you’re going or not! My treat. I haven't spent the money Walter paid me for the last article yet. If Zhang Long goes, we can all go together!"

Chen Lai pondered this. He had been in this dungeon for nearly two weeks, focusing entirely on his career advancement, and he truly hadn't explored the customs and culture of Paris enough. Perhaps the supernatural power of this world was hidden in such a chaotic, mixed-bag of a place?

"I’ll go. Let’s meet after work—where at?" Chen Lai relented.

"Don't worry, I’ll hire someone to book a spot. There are so many players entering the dungeon lately that the entertainment hall is packed!"

"I got it, Brother Weilong. Seven o'clock tonight, Montmartre Official Box Street. Remember to take a horse-drawn carriage; otherwise, the doorman won't let you in if he thinks your attire is inappropriate!"

"Done. See you at seven."

The conversation ended, and Chen Lai’s session with Lorina drew to a close. After taking off her fencing gear, Lorina was steaming with heat, her damp hair clinging to her temples. She leaned toward Chen Lai and said, "Coach York, ever since you came to my house for dinner last time, my mother has often mentioned you. She wants me to invite you over again..."

"I have things to attend to lately. Paris is certainly expensive, and I have to work several jobs to..." Chen Lai already knew how to handle these Parisian ladies, so he spoke deliberately.

"Oh!" Lorina exclaimed. "How could a gentleman like you go out without a few Louis to pass the time? Here—"

She reached into a small pocket hidden in her undergarments and pulled out three gold Louis, stuffing them all into Chen Lai’s hand.

"This, this is too much," Chen Lai said, pushing the money back as if it were burning him, but Lorina was adamant.

"Consider it for my sake, sir. You have taught me far more than just a few coins!"

"Very well... I shall treat it as a loan. If I have enough to spare, I will certainly repay you."

Chen Lai finally accepted the money with a conflicted expression, though the corner of his mouth curled into a slight smile.

...

At seven in the evening, Montmartre Official Box Street, Playful Shepherdess Entertainment Hall.

Along the long street, horse-drawn carriages were lined up. Chen Lai agilely hopped out of one, spotting Fierce Tiger talking to the doorman in the cold Parisian air.

"Hey, over here!" he called out, then turned to the doorman: "See, my friend has arrived."

"Oh my, what a fine gentleman. You two are sure to win the hearts of beauties tonight... but do be careful. I don’t know why, but there have been so many people from the provinces coming to Paris lately. Duels and murders have increased, too. Ah, what a chaotic time we live in..."

The somewhat self-pitying doorman continued to mutter, but Fierce Tiger had already dragged Chen Lai inside.

As soon as they entered, the air, thick with the scent of cigarettes, cigars, and women’s perfume, hit them all at once. In the central theater, Parisian ladies were displaying their graceful figures; in the circular walkways, girls moved like colorful butterflies among the dense crowd of men. Everywhere one looked, there were black top hats and flowing waves of hair.

"This atmosphere is so authentic! Sigh, I suppose you can only experience this in a game," Fierce Tiger said, looking intoxicated.

Chen Lai didn't find it strange. The mixture of smoke and perfume was unpleasant, yet it did indeed stir something primal in men.

A waitress approached, asking in a honeyed voice if they had a reserved booth.

"Booth Seventeen! I’m always there!" Fierce Tiger shouted, as if booking Seventeen were some great honor.

The waitress gestured for them to follow.

"This spot has a fantastic view. You can see the stage perfectly from here. Even if you look at the girls selling themselves in the stalls, you can clearly see their smooth backs reflected in the mirrors behind them. And look behind us—"

"Behind us is a gathering of the biggest rogues, rascals, and loafers in Paris. They are either bank clerks, government officials, or field reporters. If I hadn't befriended them, I wouldn't know there were so many fun things to do in Paris!"

Fierce Tiger spoke with great enthusiasm. Chen Lai looked at him thoughtfully. "You're wasting your talent as a streamer. Have you considered becoming a police dog?"

"I think I'll pass."

"What about Zhang Long? Why isn't he here?"

"Who knows? Perhaps he found something new and interesting. He hasn't replied to any of my messages." Fierce Tiger was indifferent; he was a true pleasure-seeker and didn't really care about the dungeon's main plot.

Chen Lai tilted his head. He felt something was slightly off.

"I’ll order two drinks. The real show starts after the performance."

Fierce Tiger signaled the waitress and slipped her three francs, asking for two glasses of sherbet.