Magic City, also known as Shanghai or Shen, was the most prosperous city in the previous dynasty and the largest city in China at that time.
Its power back then was not due to the former dynasty's court but rather the foreign concessions established there. For Jiang Hai and his generation, these concessions might symbolize a period of national humiliation—after all, a weak nation led to their existence. However, these very concessions also laid the groundwork for Magic City's transformation into an international metropolis.
Since the current government took power, Magic City has developed rapidly. Today, it stands as the second-largest city in China, second only to the Imperial Capital. Many international brands have set up their headquarters there, marking it as a symbol of national strength.
This was Jiang Hai's first time visiting Magic City. Although he had traveled to the United States numerous times, he had never been here before.
After resolving matters in the Imperial Capital, Jiang Hai stayed for a few more days. During this time, Qi Li visited him and his friends daily, and they gradually got used to her presence.
Despite this, Jiang Hai still harbored resentment over what Qi Li had done to him in the past. He was not a man of great magnanimity, and though he did not dwell on past grievances like a woman locked away in her boudoir, he found it difficult to truly forgive her. However, as Qi Xian persistently sought to mend their relationship, Jiang Hai's attitude toward her softened slightly.
During their remaining days in the Imperial Capital, they either relaxed at the hotel or went out for strolls. Although they didn't visit any major attractions, they still enjoyed their time. In the evenings, Feng Yunchen and Ai Xiaoxi would accompany Jiang Hai, and the three of them shared many happy moments together.
After a few days, it was time for Feng Yunchen and Ai Xiaoxi to head to Magic City. Jiang Hai spoke with Qi Li before leaving the Imperial Capital with his group. Qi Li had wanted to join them, but she had to stay behind to oversee affairs within the Qi family.
Thus, only Jiang Hai, Feng Yunchen, Ai Xiaoxi, Penelope, Azarina, Darlene, and Marianne—seven people in total—boarded a first-class flight to Magic City. The journey wasn't long, and just over two hours later, they landed at Dongpu Airport.
Upon arrival, the Four Seasons Hotel, which Jiang Hai had booked in advance, sent two business-class vehicles to pick them up.
Although Jiang Hai and his friends didn't bring much luggage—just a few additional items purchased in the Imperial Capital—Feng Yunchen and Ai Xiaoxi had packed quite a lot. Their suitcases were filled with cosmetics and lingerie, which Jiang Hai found amusing. Of course, these weren't for excessive makeup; they were more about skincare and maintenance. Jiang Hai had seen them without makeup before, so he knew they weren't the type to rely on heavy cosmetics.
After getting off the plane, they split into two cars—Jiang Hai rode with Feng Yunchen and Ai Xiaoxi, while Azarina, Penelope, Darlene, and Marianne took the other. Jiang Hai had reserved four suites at the hotel, and they arranged their accommodations as usual.
Feng Yunchen and Ai Xiaoxi stayed with Jiang Hai for the night before moving to their dormitory the following day. Though it was only a temporary training program, they still had to live and train with other girls for half a month until CJ ended. However, apart from sleeping at night, they were free to visit Jiang Hai whenever they had time.
After settling in at the hotel, they rested for the night. The next day, Jiang Hai accompanied Feng Yunchen and Ai Xiaoxi to sign their contracts. Following that, the group decided to explore Shanghai together.
The company that had signed Feng Yunchen and Ai Xiaoxi was one of the top entertainment companies in China. Jiang Hai didn't know much about it, as he hadn't played video games in years. Apparently, the company was showcasing three games and signing three new SGs (showgirls). Upon seeing Penelope, Azarina, Darlene, and Marianne, the person in charge even wanted to sign them as well, but Jiang Hai declined.
After handling business matters, they toured the city. For an average young person, Magic City had plenty to offer—bars, nightclubs, shopping malls, and more. As an international metropolis, entertainment options were abundant. However, Jiang Hai wasn't particularly interested in these things.
Compared to the Imperial Capital, Magic City felt somewhat underwhelming. The capital had landmarks like the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, Xiangshan, and Houhai—none of which particularly excited him, but at least they had historical significance.
Looking at a map of Shanghai, Jiang Hai struggled to find anything appealing. There was the TV tower, a venue from the World Expo, and The Bund, but beyond that, nothing caught his interest. Museums, financial centers, and technology exhibits didn't appeal to him either.
He considered visiting the famous Paramount nightclub, but since he was traveling with a group of women, it didn't seem appropriate.
After a few days of exploring Magic City, Jiang Hai and his friends decided to move on. Feng Yunchen and Ai Xiaoxi stayed behind for their training, so the rest of the group continued their journey southward.
Their first stop was Hangzhou, where they visited the legendary West Lake. However, Jiang Hai found it underwhelming.
The lake's reputation was grand, but the reality felt like a tourist trap. A simple pond with fish was considered a scenic spot, a small bridge was labeled the "Broken Bridge," and a short walkway was called "Eighteen Miles to Send Off." Even three stone altars placed in the water were treated as a major attraction.
Of course, West Lake's true charm lay in its historical and romantic associations, such as the stories of Xu Xian and the White Snake, or Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. However, Jiang Hai had little interest in these sentimental tales. Instead, he preferred more action-oriented narratives.
Still, Penelope and the others enjoyed the visit, so they stayed in Hangzhou for several days, trying out the city's famous cuisine.
The most renowned restaurant was Louwailou, though it was quite expensive. Jiang Hai didn't mind the cost, but he found some dishes unappealing—especially the West Lake vinegar fish, Song Fu fish soup, and beggar's chicken.
The only two dishes he truly enjoyed were Longjing shrimp, which had a delightful tea-infused flavor, and the local soup dumplings, which came in varieties like crab roe, pure meat, and fresh shrimp. He liked them so much that he ate them for breakfast every day.
After spending five days in Hangzhou, they moved on to Wuzhen, a picturesque water town. However, beyond the scenic canals and traditional architecture, there wasn't much to do.
Next, they traveled to Jiangsu Province, the main destination of Jiang Hai's southern trip.
They first visited Nanjing, the former capital of the previous dynasty and the first capital of the Ming Dynasty. Unlike Magic City, Nanjing had numerous historical sites, including temples, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, and the Presidential Palace. While not as grand as Beijing's attractions, Nanjing's sites were rich in history and culture, which piqued Jiang Hai's interest.
After sightseeing, Jiang Hai sent Darlene, Marianne, and Azarina back to Magic City, where Feng Yunchen and Ai Xiaoxi would take care of them. Meanwhile, he and Penelope continued southward to Tongnan City.
His main objective was in Hai County, home to the renowned Huayang Group, which specialized in aquaculture. Jiang Hai was particularly interested in purchasing Yangtze River knife fish, a prized delicacy cultivated by the company.
Since arrangements had already been made in advance, when Jiang Hai called ahead, Huayang Group sent a car to pick him up. A company representative escorted him and Penelope to their research base, where the negotiations would take place.