dognovel Chapter 128 The Spirit of Contract
Chapter 128 The Spirit of Contract
On the horizon, the sunset glowed like fire, wildly dyeing the entire sky a magnificent, intense, and captivating orange-red.
Accompanied by Ah Hu and Guan Cha, Bai Li arrived at the private jet's parking area.
Inside the hangar, a giant aircraft sat quietly, its massive fuselage gleaming with a cold, metallic sheen under the dim lights.
In the adjacent hangar, there were many other aircraft neatly arranged in a row, but none of them were as big as this one.
A man in a smart uniform with a sharp face quickly came to greet us.
It was Afei, the personal flight attendant that came with this private jet, who was also a dedicated NPC that Wanxiang Wheel had matched with her.
The entire crew on this private jet consists of Bai Li's exclusive advanced artificial intelligence team.
This configuration made Bai Li feel very at ease. In her opinion, entrusting the task of piloting an airplane to these intelligent crews was more reassuring than having a real person pilot it.
Afei stood tall and straight, a professional yet friendly smile on his face. He walked briskly to Bai Li, bowed slightly, and said in a steady and respectful voice, "Ms. Bai, welcome to the business jet airport. I am your flight concierge, Afei. It is my pleasure to serve you."
Bai Li nodded slightly in acknowledgment, her expression calm, as she was already used to such a respectful attitude.
Guan Cha looked around curiously.
Everything here is completely different from a regular civil aviation airport.
Guan Cha's voice trembled slightly with nervousness: "Bai Li, where is this?"
“This is a private jet airport specifically for parking private planes,” Bai Li explained, then pointed to the large steel behemoth parked in the hangar in front of her, “This one is mine.”
"Private jet..." Guan Cha murmured to himself, his pupils dilating slightly and his Adam's apple bobbing.
He originally thought that Bai Li was an A4-level ultra-high-net-worth individual who could own a private jet, which was clearly beyond the scope of wealth that an A4 should have.
In the wealth hierarchy, the A4 level, the lower-level ultra-high-net-worth individuals, have net assets between 1 million and 5 million RMB. They own a company with annual revenue of hundreds of millions, live in high-end residential areas in first-tier cities, mainly travel in luxury cars, and occasionally use business charter services. This was Guan Cha's initial assessment of Bai Li.
But now, the facts are clear: Bai Li is A5, which is above A4.
Although both A4 and A5 belong to the ultra-high-net-worth group, A5's wealth, lifestyle, and social circle far exceed those of A4.
A4 is more like a "new rich," while A5 is the real "top-tier wealthy," whose lives are difficult for A4 to easily attain.
The family that bought his test-taking service was in the top tier of the A4 class, but even so, it was still quite a distance from the real A5 class.
Afei explained politely, "Ordinary civil aviation airports have high passenger traffic and frequent flights, mainly to ensure the operation of scheduled passenger flights. Therefore, private jets usually choose to park at business jet airports. They only need to pay airport parking fees, management fees, and maintenance fees, which are around 10 yuan per day."
After the introductions, Afei turned slightly to the side and made a "please" gesture: "Miss Bai, welcome aboard."
His voice was calm and respectful, as if the private jet, worth hundreds of millions, was just an ordinary tool for her daily travel.
Guan Cha looked up at the behemoth, his fingertips trembling slightly. It cost 10 yuan a day, 3600 million yuan a year, and that was just the basic parking fee; the actual operating costs would only be higher.
This is really not something that the average A4 class can afford.
What kind of person did I unintentionally come into contact with?
Guan Cha felt a little dizzy, but he was also incredibly clear-headed. Standing beneath this steel behemoth, he felt so small.
[Guan Cha's favorability +5]
Guan Cha's favorability rating: 55
She turned her head to look at Guan Cha beside her, a faint smile playing on her lips.
This is nothing, how come I've already gained 5 points of favorability?
Bai Li chuckled softly, turned around, and stepped onto the gangway: "Come on up and take a look."
The cabin's decor made Guan Cha hold her breath instantly.
Italian hand-stitched leather seats, electrochromic glass portholes, interior trim inlaid with pear blossom patterns... every detail silently proclaims the owner's wealth and taste.
This was also the first time that Shirai had actually visited her beloved machine.
Although I had already seen it in a holographic image, the feeling of actually going inside was completely different.
Everything inside the plane was brand new and clean, and a faint, elegant floral fragrance lingered in the air.
Next to the seating area is a separate bar, where snacks and champagne for two people are already prepared.
Although Shirari is only here for a visit today and there are no plans to fly, the aircraft is still configured in the style of a regular flight.
A handsome male flight attendant NPC sweetly called out, "Miss Bai," and then handed Bai Li a tray of champagne.
Bai Li handed one of the cups to Guan Cha: "Come upstairs with me and take a look."
Guan Cha followed behind Bai Li, his gaze unconsciously falling on her slender ankles.
The surroundings quieted down, with only the soft crunching of shoes on the gilded steps.
The soft, ambiguous lighting on the staircase elongated and overlapped the shadows of the two people.
Guan Cha's fingertips unconsciously caressed the champagne glass, the cool touch bringing him back to his senses.
Perhaps it was the cabin's climate control system that was too comfortable, or perhaps it was the champagne bubbles in his blood, but he suddenly asked, "Why did you bring me along?"
Bai Li paused slightly and glanced back at him.
Perhaps it was because she had taken a few sips of champagne, but Guan Cha's cheeks were slightly flushed. Her dark eyes were brimming with tears, and her eyelashes cast trembling shadows beneath them.
Asking a question you already know the answer to.
Bai Li countered with, "What do you think?"
Guan Cha pursed her lips, her eyes flickering: "I don't know... but thank you very much."
Bai Li smiled and continued walking uphill. As she turned around, a strand of her hair brushed against Guan Cha's hand: "Thanks are enough, don't overthink it."
Inside the concert hall on the second floor, a Steinway piano stands quietly, like an elegant gentleman who is detached from the world.
The subtle pear blossom pattern engraved on the Steinway cover slowly unfolds under the gentle touch of warm yellow light, mirroring the exquisite pear blossom emblem on the tail of the aircraft. Each line seems to whisper the unique luxury of this plane.
Putting a piano on an airplane...
Even Bai Li, the owner of the plane, was shocked by such a gesture.
Is this the kind of lifestyle the rich enjoy?
He can play the piano at an altitude of 10,000 meters.
Bai Li strolled to the piano, her fingertips brushing across the keys, and a series of clear, cool notes fell to the ground, leaping and swirling in the air.
This was just a tune she played casually, but it was beautiful enough, possessing a unique charm born from innate talent.
Bai Li knew that Guan Cha had studied piano with a wealthy family, but she still tentatively asked, "Can you?"
Guan Cha's pupils suddenly contracted.
A simple question instantly stirred up his deeply hidden past.
Of course he will.
Because the sons of wealthy families can play the piano, he also needs to be able to play.
Those long days and nights spent on the piano bench, accompanied by strict discipline and endless constraints, are memories he doesn't want to recall.
After leaving that family, the piano became a thing of the past that he had long forgotten.
Guan Cha suppressed the surging emotions in her heart, concealed the darkness in her eyes, and casually placed the champagne in her hand on the piano stand, subconsciously replying, "I can only play scales."
He slowly sat down, his back, which had been reprimanded countless times, straightened involuntarily as if pulled by an invisible yet resilient thread.
His slender fingers trembled slightly as he gently pressed the center C key. At that moment, a familiar yet oppressive feeling surged up like a tide. He felt as if he had become that butterfly pinned to a specimen again, with wings but unable to break free from the shackles of fate.
Bai Li took it all in and thought to herself that muscle memory is more honest than words.
But she didn't expose Guan Cha; she simply listened quietly as he pretended to play C major awkwardly.
After she finished playing, Guan Cha asked, "How was it?"
A mischievous glint flashed in Bai Li's eyes as she retorted, "Do I need to praise you again?"
Guan Cha blushed immediately.
Failed.
I thought I would get praise from Shirai, but the stupid puppy's trick didn't work on Shirai at all.
But Guan Cha did not intend to give up. After a moment of deep thought, he changed his strategy, his fingers dancing lightly on the piano keys, and a few notes flowed out.
Upon hearing it, Bai Li immediately recognized the tune as "My Bad".
He understood immediately; this kid really knew his true identity and had even gone out of his way to learn this piece of music.
Playing at this moment is undoubtedly a subtle, ambiguous, and probing special signal.
After finishing playing, Guan Cha paused, her eyes filled with anticipation, nervousness, and a hint of barely perceptible slyness, and asked, "How was it this time?"
Bai Li understood Guan Cha's intention. The corners of her mouth turned up slightly, revealing a perfectly timed and all-knowing smile. She clapped her hands lightly and said, "You played well. It doesn't seem like you've only learned to play scales."
Then she tilted her head slightly, a hint of amusement in her eyes, and asked, "Why would you want to learn this piece?"
Her voice was soft, but those few words made Guan Cha's heart race involuntarily.
"I heard it by chance, liked it a lot, and then learned it." Guan Cha said, looking up at Bai Li with a cautious, probing look in her eyes: "And coincidentally, the composer's name is the same as yours."
"Oh?" Bai Li responded lightly, her expression calm and unperturbed. "Good taste."
She mischievously avoided making things clear and instead passed the buck on this delicate topic.
"Bai Li, you..." Guan Cha hesitated, unable to finish her sentence.
He had a strong premonition that Bai Li was setting a trap for him. This might be the first time in months that she had extended an olive branch, and it might also be the last. If he missed this opportunity, he might never have the chance to get close to her again.
As the person in a superior position, Bai Li possesses immense patience and always maintains a composed and at ease demeanor.
—"Jiang Taigong fishes, and those who are willing will take the bait."
As for herself, Guan Cha knew in her heart that she had to take the bait willingly, even knowing that it would hurt her. What did a momentary sting matter if it meant getting "ashore"?
Under Bai Li's clear gaze, Guan Cha's face turned even redder, and she said with a hint of pleading, "Stop teasing me."
Then, as if gathering all his courage, he looked straight into Bai Li's eyes and said, "You must be Bai Li. I learned this piece because of you."
Oh hoo.
Finally, I confessed.
Bai Li's smile deepened.
She nodded to herself, that's more like it.
She already had an idea in mind: to reach a mutually beneficial "contractual relationship" with Guan Cha.
If Guan Cha is still just testing the waters and hiding his true intentions, then Bai Li will choose to give up.
She didn't want to work with the Riddler.
But since Guan Cha has already made it clear...
"I am." Bai Li replied, her eyes slightly narrowed, revealing a hint of scrutiny and consideration in them. She slowly said, "Let's speak frankly. I know your purpose. There's no need to hide it."
Guan Cha felt as if someone had seen through her deepest thoughts. She subconsciously tried to look away, but Bai Li's gaze held her firmly.
Under such scrutiny, he had nowhere to hide.
Bai Li knew everything.
"Within three years, I will make you someone others can only dream of, but I'm not so easy to approach. You have to have some value, something that makes me feel you're worth my time and money."
"It seems that all you can give me right now is emotional value."
Bai Li frowned slightly, as if she was thinking about something, before continuing:
"For the next three years, you have to do everything you can to please me and make me happy, whether it's chatting with me, accompanying me to events, or being available whenever I need you."
Guan Cha felt a pang of anxiety. He understood that this meant he would become Bai Li's "vassal" in the end. "Vassal" was a euphemistic term; in reality, it meant becoming a "pet" or a "servant."
But when he thought about the wealth and status he might gain in the future, Guan Cha didn't hesitate at all, which was exactly what he wanted: "Okay, I promise you."
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After the tour, Bai Li led Guan Cha to the tail section.
The afterglow of the setting sun shines on the liquid metal badge, and the pear blossom pattern slowly blooms as the temperature changes.
Guan Cha looked at the pear blossom and asked in a low voice, "President Bai, why a pear blossom? Is it because of your name?"
Mr. Bai has just changed his tune regarding tea.
Now that the two have established a superior-subordinate contractual relationship, their previous titles seem somewhat inappropriate.
Therefore, in private, Guan Cha would respectfully address Bai Li as "General Manager Bai".
Instead of answering directly, Bai Li asked in return, "Do you know what the meaning of pear blossoms is?"
Guan Cha shook his head.
“Purity and separation.” Bai Li’s gaze fell into the distance. “Just like our relationship, pure and fleeting.”
Guan Cha's heart sank, her fingers unconsciously clenching: "Short-lived?"
Bai Li turned to look at him, her eyes calm to the point of being cold: "Guan Cha, you're a smart man. We'll each get what we need, but don't cross the line."
This is simply an exchange of interests.
He would provide Guan Cha with the wealth she desired.
At the same time, Guan Cha must provide her with emotional value.
This is only on the surface.
In fact, maintaining this contractual relationship over these three years will allow Guan Cha to continuously provide her with favorability points.
The flowing sunset outside the porthole gilded Guan Cha's face, and even the taut shoulder line under his shirt revealed a hint of sacrificial piety: "Okay."