Chapter 241: The Rich Zhang Yu

In the blink of an eye, time had already reached March.

Inside the quiet room, Zhang Yu slowly opened his eyes, two flashes of brilliance seemingly fleeting within them.

He looked at the Feather Scroll beside him, which displayed his stats: Dao Heart Level 10, Mana 100, and Physical Strength Level 10.

After days of cultivation, Zhang Yu's Dao Heart level had finally reached the 10th level, the limit for Qi Refining.

With his Dao Heart reaching Level 10, he now felt as if his muscles and mana were perfectly under his control, flowing smoothly without obstruction, and he no longer experienced any sense of unfulfilled power.

On the other hand, within Zhang Yu's spiritual sea, the image of the disabled ox he meditated upon moved slowly and appeared sluggish, as if even the broken horn on its head had lost its former sharpness, becoming dull and coarse.

Zhang Yu then checked his current bank balance, which had reached 19 million, bringing him a significant step closer to acquiring a Heavenly Spiritual Root.

Ever since the number on his bank card kept growing, his daily cultivation became easier, and he attended more social events and activities with Director Wang. Zhang Yu noticed that his 'Disabled Ox Sacrifice Heart Art' was becoming less effective at mobilizing his potential, strengthening his body, and invigorating his flesh and blood.

“Is it because my life has been too comfortable lately, and I don't have enough pressure? After all, this cultivation method is more effective the greater the pressure.”

Zhang Yu wasn't sure, but he thought to himself, “My future life will only get better and better.”

“As my performance improves and I earn more money, perhaps it's time to consider a different heart art that's more suitable for me?”

“After all, this 'Disabled Ox Sacrifice Heart Art' is a cultivation method suited for those from the lower strata.”

He thought of Le Mulan, Song Hailong, as well as Yu Xinghan, Ye Lingxiao, and even Director Wang.

Zhang Yu mused that perhaps he should ask these wealthy individuals to recommend some heart arts to him.

“Without realizing it, I'm about to become a wealthy person myself.”

“So, should I adapt to the cultivation methods of the rich and find some techniques for wealthy people to practice?”

He wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but as this thought arose in Zhang Yu's mind, the image of the disabled ox he meditated upon in his consciousness seemed to grow even more sluggish, losing more and more of its fighting spirit and vitality.

Just then, Zhang Yu's phone vibrated; it was a call from Mo Tianyi.

Mo Tianyi, a member of the Pauper's Alliance.

Ever since Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen announced their allegiance to Zhang Pianpian last year, Mo Tianyi had cut off contact with them.

After the death of Song Xu, the leader of the Pauper's Alliance and a cultist of the Evil God, the alliance had become increasingly disorganized, and Zhang Yu hadn't heard any news from them for a long time.

Seeing Mo Tianyi's call now, Zhang Yu felt a bit strange, but still answered the phone.

Mo Tianyi's somewhat reserved voice came through: “Zh-Zhang Yu, hello.”

Currently, Zhang Yu's net worth had skyrocketed, his strength had long since reached the peak of Qi Refining, and under the publicity of Oasis Group and the prestige of his Foundation Establishment Certificate, he had become a well-known figure, a wealthy person, on Kunxu's first level.

In Mo Tianyi's eyes, Zhang Yu had already become a prominent figure far beyond their high school student class, no longer someone from their world.

Zhang Yu, however, casually asked, “Is there something you need?”

Mo Tianyi softly replied, “I want to ask you to lend me some money.”

“Ever since our leader had trouble, our situation here hasn't been good.”

“Recently, the company cut our salaries, and then a member of the alliance hit someone while delivering food…”

Zhang Yu recalled the 20,000 yuan the other party had once invested in him and Bai Zhenzhen.

Although this 20,000 yuan wasn't a large sum, for Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen at that time, it was undoubtedly a lifesaver in their time of need.

Thinking of this, Zhang Yu said, “I understand. I'll transfer 100,000 yuan to you shortly. Feel free to contact me if you need anything else.”

“Th-thank you.”

“We'll definitely pay you back later!”

Mo Tianyi hadn't expected Zhang Yu to be so straightforward. In his eyes, no matter how rich wealthy people were, they wouldn't easily part with money without personal gain.

Feeling the goodwill expressed in Zhang Yu's words, Mo Tianyi couldn't help but add, “Zhang Yu, you are now a role model for all of us poor students. Among all the impoverished people on Kunxu's first level, there has never been a high school student with achievements like yours.”

“You don't know how delighted everyone felt when they heard about your achievements and that you could get into the Top Ten. You really helped us slap those rich people in the face.”

“Now all the high school students are holding their breath, and with your encouragement, everyone is working harder and striving more than before…”

Listening to Mo Tianyi's words, Zhang Yu was momentarily at a loss for how to respond.

After a long while, he hung up the phone amidst Mo Tianyi's repeated thanks. Zhang Yu then suddenly used his phone to look up information about salary cuts.

It turned out that ever since the major influential families and companies began to continuously merge, the first thing they did was collectively cut salaries.

Zhang Yu looked at some online analyses, all stating that the number of high school graduates and university students returning to the first level was increasing each year, and the employment environment was already worsening year by year.

And as companies collectively suppressed wages and benefits, employees had no choice but to silently accept in order to keep their jobs.

Fu Ji reminded him, “What's so interesting about this kind of news? It has nothing to do with us.”

“Even if it wasn't you and Bai Zhenzhen, Oasis Group would have used Ye Lingxiao for promotion, and the result would be the same. This is the general trend of the world.”

Zhang Yu pursed his lips and said, “Do I need you to remind me of that? I'm just curious, casually browsing the news.”

“Director Wang is such a strong backer; Zhenzhen and I definitely have to cling tightly and never let go, even if it kills us.”

Listening to Zhang Yu's relaxed reply, Fu Ji secretly thought, “This Zhang Yu, despite coming from poverty, always seems to care about things he shouldn't.”

Fu Ji advised, “As long as you keep climbing, you'll definitely get richer. You need to learn to integrate into the circles of the wealthy and stay away from the circles of paupers, understand?”

“You should just block those types from the Pauper's Alliance. Why even bother with them?”

“They did help me, after all,” Zhang Yu said casually. “As for the wealthy circles… I know what you're talking about. Because their living environments are different from ours, wealthy people inevitably have different habits and perceptions compared to those of us who came from poverty.”

“I need to get used to the way these rich people talk and live, and make more wealthy friends, to climb higher and become stronger in Kunxu…”

Zhang Yu understood. Of course, he understood it all.

Distancing oneself from paupers and getting close to the rich was a major key to climbing higher in Kunxu.

But for some reason, he just didn't feel comfortable about it.

When it was time for lunch at the cafeteria, Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen still shared a table with Qian Shen and Zhao Tianxing.

However, in recent days, Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen's plates were piled high with rich synthetic meat, while Zhao Tianxing had begun eating plain, unflavored synthetic food.

Zhang Yu initially thought it was due to some financial issues in Zhao Tianxing's family, or perhaps related to the rising price of synthetic food.

Yes, synthetic food prices had increased.

Synthetic food, which initially pushed pre-packaged food out of the market with its low prices, had now begun to rise in price as Oasis Group's market share continuously increased.

Meanwhile, the green food that Zhang Yu endorsed and promoted saw its prices continuously climb due to the popularity of the Foundation Establishment Exam and promotion by various companies.

Now, even ordinary students in ordinary high schools knew to eat green food and to sign up for the Foundation Establishment Exam to seize a chance at instant success.

According to Oasis Group's estimates, under their promotion, hundreds of thousands of high school students on Kunxu's first level might sign up for the Foundation Establishment Exam next year, and the market value contained within that was truly enticing.

Looking at the plain synthetic food on Zhao Tianxing's plate at that moment, Zhang Yu thought that his parents' income might have also sharply decreased due to company salary cuts.

“Ugh, this chicken breast is so bland,” Zhang Yu said, pushing a plate of chicken breast towards Zhao Tianxing. “Old Zhao, can you help me eat it? I really can't stomach it anymore.”

Zhao Tianxing paused slightly, then swallowed a little, looking at the synthetic chicken breast pushed his way.

As a sensitive person, Zhao Tianxing could guess that Zhang Yu was intentionally giving him food.

This made him feel both ashamed and grateful. Finally, he softly said thank you and took the chicken breast.

Time, along with Zhang Yu's comfortable life, reached April.

Now, even if Zhang Yu did nothing each day, a large sum of money would be deposited into his account every month.

His account balance had also surpassed 24 million.

On this day, he and Bai Zhenzhen arrived at the newly completed Oasis Tower to participate in the group's upcoming publicity plan meeting.

“During this period, many citizens' incomes have continuously decreased, while food prices have repeatedly risen.”

“The group has noticed this situation and decided to make a change…”

Hearing the product manager's words, Zhang Yu felt a slight jolt in his heart. He couldn't help but look at Director Wang beside him, thinking, “Is this because of Director Wang? Is Oasis Group going to give back to society and ensure more people have enough to eat?”

Thinking of the recent situation in the school cafeteria, a glimmer of expectation couldn't help but rise in Zhang Yu's heart.

The product manager then loudly declared, “To ensure everyone can have a full meal, we have decided to launch our 'Food Loan' service!”

“By offering installment payments, we will lower the barrier for citizens to purchase synthetic and green food, ensuring everyone has food to eat.”

“Our first phase of promotion targets students. We will enter campuses and strive to ensure that every student in every school has a reserve food fund when they don't have money for meals…”

Zhang Yu listened to the speaker, looked at the series of slides related to food, finance, interest, and collateral, and heard about promotional strategies like interest-free periods for new users and discounts for monthly subscribers.

Zhang Yu suddenly remembered what it was like when he didn't have enough to eat.

If the Zhang Yu who once couldn't eat his fill had encountered this situation, he would likely have chosen to pay for food in installments, eventually accumulating more and more food loan debt.

Just then, Director Wang, standing beside them, patted Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen's shoulders and said, “The promotion of this financial service is very important. Our ultimate goal is that for every person who eats on the first level in the future, there will be someone borrowing money.”

“This relates to the group's strategic layout on the first level.”

“Don't worry, when I do things, I never treat my own people unfairly.”

“You two work hard for the next year.”

“Next year, when you go to Nether University, I'll also be about ready to return.”

“At that time, I'll help you get internship positions at financial companies on the second level. Once you have work experience, with my introduction, you'll be able to transfer to the finance department…”

As Wang Yin spoke, he raised a hand to straighten Zhang Yu's clothes, shaking his head with dissatisfaction. “You and Zhenzhen should also get some better clothes. I've given you so much money; use it when you should.”

“And this cultivation skin you're wearing, it's clearly artificial. Go get a real one quickly, or you'll embarrass me at future gatherings.”

“Did you hear me? If you don't have enough money, I'll give it to you.”

Bai Zhenzhen quickly said, “Understood, Director Wang. We'll change our clothes as soon as we get back.”

Seeing Zhang Yu standing frozen, Bai Zhenzhen nudged him. Only then did Zhang Yu seem to snap back to reality and say, “Mm… I got it.”

But Wang Yin's words continued to echo in Zhang Yu's mind.

“For every person who eats on the first level, there will be someone borrowing money.”