Once Ye Shen had his fill, he opted to leave the apartment in silence as soon as Meilan entered the bathroom. He knows what kind of place that he was about to go to. If Meilan got wind of his plan, she would definitely be yapping non stop, searching for him all the way to Downtown and getting herself in danger instead.
Since he has a smartwatch, he could interact with the city's public services. Ye Shen decided to go there by an autonomous taxi by himself.
He sat at the back seat, looking out the window. Not long after, the landscape changed drastically.
Compared to the splendor of the metropolitan district of Neo Hong Kong, the Downtown District was germy, wet, and damp. The pollutants cloud hung above, making everything look grey and gloomy even though the colorful neon light adorned the building's exterior.
This district was a home for Systemless Citizens, criminals, and the outcasts who sought opportunity to change their livelihood while living frugally, or those who succumbed to drugs and debt.
Before long, the doors slid open once the car stopped amidst the urban area.
By the time he stepped out, Ye Shen could feel the preying gaze from the thugs who were loitering in the narrow alleyway. They were there to pick their targets, usually the newcomer who knows nothing about the city.
Soon enough, a drunkard with ragged clothes approached him. The wooden noise resounded as he walked on his crutches.
"Big brother! You have a nice jacket. You must be from the Metro District, yes? Name's So Chan! At your service! Just tell me your destination, and I will take you there without fail! If you are searching for a place to eat, I know just the place. But, if you want some action with young ladies, I can take you there also. It's cheap, just ten dollars for a one day trip!"
Ye Shen ignored his non-sense rambling and went on his way. However, the drunkard was persistent, he even dared to pull the back of Ye Shen's jacket.
"Wait, hold on brother! Please, help me out. I haven't eaten since yesterday. Come on, let me be your tour guide!"
"I'm not touring at the moment. Also, take your hand off my jacket." Ye Shen warned coldly.
So Chan backed away, he almost stumbled by the cold aura from the young man.
"A-Apologies."
Ye Shen promptly changed his thoughts. In his thousand years of life experience, someone who was in hardship would often offer sincere loyalty if they were treated accordingly.
"Alright, here's the deal, if you insist on earning some bucks out of me, you gotta lead me to the Six Hundred Swords Gang and their Underground Fight Club."
So Chan was stammering for a moment. "I-I.."
"Can you do it, or no?"
"Err, we can't possibly go to their blocks without prior invitation from the gang members. But, I can take you to the warehouse where the fighting club is usually held. Lucky you, today is a fight day. You may make some fortune by placing bets."
"We have an accord then. Lead the way please."
"At once, sir. Follow my lead, and don't get too far from me. This place is not really friendly toward tourists."
Ye Shen followed close, traversing through the winding alleyways. The deeper he got, the more thugs loitering on either side of his pathway. A few moments later, a sizable warehouse came into view.
"We're here, sir! Though I must warn you before you enter the warehouse. You gotta keep your wallet close, don't flaunt your wad of cash in front of everyone."
"Duly noted. Thank you for the concern, but I will be okay." He then turned to So Chan, giving him the fee that he promised. "Here is your money. Thank you for escorting me."
"Sir, did you mistake the bill? It's a hundred dollar bill, I don't have the change." So Chan pushed Ye Shen's hand.
"Nah, you keep it. Buy a nice bottle of booze or something fresh to eat. Let's say, this is your cut for showing me around. I'd be here once a week or so."
So Chan bowed a few times while saying his gratitude. "Thank you, thank you! Hahaha! Fret not, sir! You know where to find me! Goodbye for now."
So Chan waddled away after putting the money in his pocket.
Many men queued at the front gate, waiting their turn to place their bet and enter the building. Meanwhile, the cheers and applause echoed from within, making Ye Shen so pumped to fight.
Before long, Ye Shen finally reached the ticket booth. The lady's attitude changed upon seeing Ye Shen's neat and clean outfit unlike the commoners.
"Good morning, sir! What may I help you with?"
Ye Shen smiled wryly. "Hey, uh, is it possible for me to register myself as a fighter in today's event?"
The ticketing lady was nervous. The fighters who participate in this underground fighting club must underwent a strict curation standard and thorough background check to ensure fairness.
"Err, please wait a moment. I will contact the manager."
The young lady retreated to the backroom, and returned about five minutes later after speaking with someone.
"The manager says; you're allowed to enter the competition as long as you pay for the buy-in and the deposit."
Ye Shen was actually reluctant to spend more money. However, considering how things work in this world where money speaks louder than any law or rules, Ye Shen opted to comply.
"Fine, how much for everything?"
"It's one thousand dollars, sir. Do you wish to pay via e-wallet?"
"Nah, I'd like to pay it in cash. Besides that, may I speak with your manager?"
Before the young lady went back to the backroom, a huge and bulky man in a black suit emerged from the other door. From the metallic sounds as he walked, Ye Shen could tell that the man was a cyborg.
The cyborg man stood imposingly in front of Ye Shen, his mechanical eyeballs were looking at him intimidatingly.
"What do you want?" Ye Shen confronted first, he didn't like to be intimidated.