The crisp voices of the two ticket inspectors rang out, as those who held tickets, already eager, one by one stepped onto the red carpet.
Most of them were middle class, with only a few reaching the level of a tycoon.
It wasn't that the wealthy of South Los were unwilling to try the recently promoted 'Oriental'.
They simply couldn't get tickets for the 'Oriental'.
Because—
The tickets for the 'Oriental' were distributed by 'lottery'.
You needed to have registered as a mber at Mr. Wu's Exchange and have paid a 'deposit' to be eligible for the 'lottery'.
Only those selected in the 'lottery' were qualified to buy.
And the numbers drawn in the lottery could not be sold.
If discovered, the person would be banned from the 'lottery' for life.
This thod of 'selling tickets' was innovative.
To South Los, it was entirely unheard-of.
Therefore, their curiosity grew even more.
And thus, those who were actually selected in the 'lottery' were called lucky guys.
"We are really too lucky!"
With everyone's attention on him, Lucius exclaid.
Lucius, who ca from an old middle-class family, with both parents as ho teachers, his father skilled in literature and his mother proficient in music and violin, had always received no small amount of attention since childhood, but compared to today, it was nothing.
Those who paid attention to him in the past were just ordinary people, and poor people at most, and so new middle class.
But who was paying attention to him today?
They were all big shots.
If not the heads of firms, then the well-known tycoons of South Los.
This feeling made Lucius quite elated.
"We need to thank Joe for his wisdom and the tickets!"
Yula said and thanked the gentleman in front of her.
Unlike Lucius, who ca from an old middle-class family, Yula, who made it into the new middle class only through three generations of struggle, was a bit more nervous.
Even the words of thanks she uttered were sowhat tremulous, involuntarily.
However, combined with her young face and big eyes, she appeared even more pitiable.
Lucius subconsciously wanted to comfort her, but Joe, walking in front, took the initiative to speak first.
"No need to thank , Yula.
We are all friends.
And besides, certain people wouldn't think this is just luck, right?"
Joe said and looked at Lucius with a half-smiling gaze.
Clearly, this gentleman was targeting Lucius's 'too good luck'.
Lucius frowned.
"Is it not so?"
Even though Joe's family was out of the ordinary and rumored to have close interactions with Brule Chamber of Comrce, Lucius still believed he should stand by sothing.
"Heh, naive!
If it wasn't for Uncle Brule's manipulation behind the scenes, I couldn't possibly have gotten this ticket!"
After saying this, Joe extended his hand to Yula.
The gentleman was full of confidence.
Because this gentleman knew very well what Yula in front of him needed.
Because he could see her vanity.
And that was also the reason why he kept bringing up 'Uncle Brule'.
Who didn't know that since the Bernice family fell, Coste Comrce and Emmond Comrce disappeared, Brule Chamber of Comrce was the most powerful in South Los?
And indeed, it was true.
The next mont, Yula extended her hand to Joe.
Joe faced Lucius, whose complexion was very slightly changing, and gave a triumphant smile.
'Why do you think I invited you aboard the 'Orient'?
Of course, it was to see your embarrassed face!'
"The best part is yet to co, my Lucius!"
Joe thought to himself, taking Yula's hand and walking forward.
At that mont, Yula turned back, giving Lucius an apologetic look full of regret.
Seeing this, Lucius imdiately smiled and shook his head to indicate that he was all right.
Seeing his gesture, the apology on Yula's face deepened, and her eyes filled with more regret.
Then, letting Joe lead her, she walked forward with her head down.
anwhile, Lucius followed quietly behind, eyeing Joe's back with resentnt in his eyes.
Joe, oblivious, strutted forward, filled with self-satisfaction.
The lady nad Yula, however, noticed it.
It wasn't that her perceptions were particularly sharp, but rather that she was constantly watching the expressions of both Lucius and Joe.
After sensing Lucius's resentnt, the lady's bowed head drooped even lower.
No one saw a smile flicker at the corners of her mouth.
Or perhaps, the three young people hadn't attracted much attention.
The focus of the people around was all on the "Oriental," with the remaining glances going to the few rich tycoons.
Everyone was discussing the "Oriental."
The discussion made Joe elated.
He always felt that these discussions were praises for him.
After all, he was among the first to board the "Oriental."
Moreover, he had purchased a first-class cabin ticket—the tickets aboard the Oriental were divided into three classes, with the first-class cabins on the first deck, allowing two additional guests; the second-class cabins were on the second deck, allowing one additional guest; and the third-class cabins were on the third deck, with no guests allowed.
Additionally, the size and service of the cabins changed with the class: the first-class cabins were the largest, offered butler service, and ca with personal male and female servants, along with a private parlor for etings, as well as access to a high-deck pronade with a grand view of the sea.
"Excuse , are you Mr. Qiao?"
A neatly dressed servant appeared in front of Joe.
"I am."
Joe raised his head proudly, while casting a sidelong glance at Yula.
The young man felt even more proud when he saw a spark of light flash in her eyes.
He knew that he had taken another step closer to success.
"Mr. Qiao, I am your personal servant for this journey. If you need anything, please command —at the mont, do you need to take you to your room?"
The servant asked.
"Wait a bit!"
How could Joe give up his current enjoynt?
After all, he had paid a hefty price.
A 200 gold note ticket—he was going to savor the looks of envy and jealousy from those around him.
Certainly, Lucius was of utmost importance!
With a glance at Lucius, Joe then lifted Yula's hand into the air, poised for a kiss.
Instantly panicked like a startled deer, Yula did not draw her hand away.
Lucius's face turned ashen.
Joe smirked to himself in satisfaction.
"Yula, please co with , the 'Oriental' has a pronade deck where you can overlook the entire surroundings."
Saying this, Joe led Yula by the hand toward the pronade deck.
No guide was necessary.
For this day, the young man had done his howork well.
He had thoroughly researched not only the layout of the "Oriental" but also the identities of the first-class cabin guests, knowing that besides a few wealthy magnates, the rest were not worth noting.
So, as the young man arrived at the pronade deck with Yula, intending to initiate a romantic kiss, his brow furrowed.
An individual holding an Orange Cat stood on the deck, scanning the surroundings like a bumpkin.
This person definitely wasn't a first-class passenger.
After investigating the identities of the first-class passengers, Joe was certain of this.
However, his frown soon relaxed.
The young man glanced at Yula beside him, knowing that it was his ti to showcase his masculine charm.
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