After leaving the building, Chunluo returned to an apartment in Queens. Because of joining the Frost family, Chunluo received a handsome salary every month, so renting such a luxurious apartment was not too stressful for him.
Usually during the day, Chunluo slept in the apartment and did not wake up until night to go out and start activities. Perhaps it was due to the influence of vampire blood. Even though Chunluo wasn't in the mood to sleep at the moment, after the day came, a sense of drowsiness suddenly rose in his body. He felt lazy and didn't want to move.
Such a characteristic is really troublesome. It seems that the vampire's weakness of being afraid of the sun must be solved as soon as possible.
While complaining, Chunluo didn't move slowly. He returned to the bedroom, ensured that no sunlight could come in, came to the big soft bed, and laid down. The next moment, he fell into a deep sleep.
When he awoke, it was already 8:00 in the evening. Now that the sun had set and the moon had risen, Chunluo opened his eyes. He got up slowly, checked the time, then went to the window, opened the curtains, and looked at the night outside. Suddenly, an inexplicable sense of comfort surged from his body. His body seemed to be full of vitality again, and his senses had become more acute under the cover of night.
Feeling the changes in his body, Chunluo couldn't help but muse, As expected of a creature of darkness, the night is indeed the home of vampires. No wonder those guys run to bars at night.
Recalling what he saw in the bar the previous night, he was still a little puzzled. Are those vampires all idle? Why do they go to discos? It seemed they were probably also venting their excess energy.
After sighing with emotion, Chunluo didn't delay. After getting dressed, he opened the door and walked towards his destination.
At the same time, on a seemingly desolate street, a unique mark shone with a faint light on a wall—the symbol of the Frost family. A vampire gathering place was often hidden under this symbol, and such gathering places were often built in the form of bars.
At this moment, under this mark, was such a building: the Paradise Bar. As the most luxurious bar under Quinn's command, its interior space was huge beyond imagination, covering an area of more than 2,000 square meters. On the dance floor, under dim light, countless figures swayed their bodies to their heart' content in an ecstatic carnival.
Around this dance floor were several long corridors with dozens of boxes scattered throughout. Men and women full of energy and with nowhere to vent performed scenes of decadent drama. But because of good airtightness, the outside world couldn't see inside at all.
But in one of the boxes, it was a completely different scene.
Boom!
A vampire named Kassan smashed the wine bottle in his hand hard. The shattered glass shards stuck in his palm, dripping with blood, but he didn't care. His face was flushed red, and his tall, burly body trembled slightly. He looked at the people in front of him and roared loudly.
"What kind of abilities does that kid named Chunluo have? How can he become the manager of the Paradise Bar? Even if this is the leader's arrangement, I, Kassan, will not be convinced!"
As soon as these words came out, the crowd in the room suddenly became angry.
"That's right! I think Kassan is the most suitable one! We usually manage the bar. Why should we give it to him?"
"Although Boss Quinn is gone, Boss Kassan is the most suitable candidate to take over the power in Boss Quinn's hands. We only recognize Boss Kassan alone!"
"I don't know what that Chunluo guy said in front of the leader to make him favor this kid so much, but it's useless. He is just a newcomer who has just been transformed for a few days. Why can he ride on our heads?"
"Superior? I think he hasn't even learned how to hunt yet. With such strength, let alone Boss Kassan, I'm afraid any one of us can easily defeat that kid. I really don't understand what the leader is looking at."
At this moment, everyone's faces were full of dissatisfaction, and they even had great opinions on the boss who came by air. After Deacon gave the order, Chunluo's situation became known to them immediately. And when they learned that the other party was just a rookie vampire who had just been transformed for a few days, the dissatisfaction in their hearts surged like a tide.
The reason for their dissatisfaction was simple. Firstly, Kassan was Quinn's capable general. After Quinn's fall, everyone agreed that Kassan would be the right candidate to succeed the former boss. His powerful force made everyone feel at ease.
Compared with him, Chunluo was a newcomer who had just joined a few days ago, unknown to everyone. Most importantly, as a new vampire, in everyone's eyes, his strength must be at the bottom. And most problems in managing a bar ultimately related to combat. Not to mention solving problems, just whether he could convince the public was a big issue.
The main reason for people's dissatisfaction came from this. How could such a newcomer, who wasn't strong and didn't know the basics like Kassan, gain everyone's trust?
With this in mind, the opposition in the box became more and more intense. Seeing such a scene, Kassan nodded in satisfaction, and a sinister smile slowly appeared on the corner of his mouth.
"Since everyone thinks so, then when that kid Chunluo comes over later, I think we should also give him a good welcome."
Hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up, and they became more and more excited about what was about to happen.
At this moment, the younger brother in charge of guarding the door suddenly pushed the door in, came to Kassan, and said, "Boss, Chunluo is already outside the door now."
"Huh?" Kassan stared at him but suddenly burst into laughter the next moment. "Finally, let me wait. I want to see why this kid can get the leader's approval."
While speaking, he strode forward and turned around, walking towards the gate. The rest of the younger brothers looked at each other and immediately followed.
Following the location in his memory, Chunluo came to an underground gate. After giving his name, the guard who had already received the news couldn't help but take a deep look at the other party but said nothing and opened the door to let him in.
Chunluo had already noticed the look in their eyes. After smiling at them, he slowly walked away, came to the bar, and sat down. He ordered a glass of wine, then sat motionless, quietly watching the carnival on the dance floor in front of him.
It had to be said that after getting used to such a noisy environment, Chunluo gradually discovered the fun and gained a deeper understanding of the party culture here. In such an environment, it was indeed helpful for two strangers to get closer to each other quickly. Just like on the dance floor now, two people were dancing separately before slowly getting closer together at some point, performing all kinds of bold actions. Chunluo was a little dazed by it. With their progress, it wouldn't be long before the next box would usher in another "business deal."
Chunluo, who had already regarded this bar as his own, was undoubtedly very satisfied when he thought of another income coming in. Although this bar was the property of the Frost family, as the actual manager, half of the bar's income was his private property. And as the largest bar under Quinn's command, it could bring in millions of dollars every month. Its importance was self-evident.
But now the business here is very good. So what does that guy Deacon mean? Isn't this on the right track? Or is there something wrong here that he doesn't know about?
All kinds of thoughts flashed by, and Chunluo couldn't help being a little lost in thought.
At this moment, a voice suddenly came from beside him.
"What are you thinking about?"
After recovering, Chunluo turned his head and looked over. The moment he saw the other party, his eyes lit up.
She was dressed in a black tight-fitting leather jacket, showing her perfectly curvy figure unreservedly. Her long, chestnut-brown hair matched her charming face, giving her a different kind of charm. There was no doubt; this was a top-notch beauty, regardless of appearance or figure. Or, perhaps it was more appropriate to describe her as a beautiful vampire.
"It's nothing. I'm just waiting for someone to make trouble here," Chunluo said, looking at the smile on the woman's face. Curiosity flickered in his eyes.
"Looking for trouble? Have you messed with anyone here?"
"Maybe." Chunluo smiled noncommittally, then looked in the direction of the bartender and raised his hand slightly. "Please give this lady a Bloody Mary. I'll pay for it."
"Hold on."
Not long after, Chunluo pushed the wine glass over, raised his own glass, touched it lightly, and then said, "Let's get to know each other. Chunluo."
"Nissa." Nissa was taken aback for a moment, then quickly realized. She raised her wine glass and took a sip.
"Nice name."
Chunluo nodded first and then asked thoughtfully, "But I think this is the first time we've met, right?"
After understanding what he meant, Nissa blinked and said unhurriedly, "Don't get me wrong, it's just that Asians are still a minority in our ethnic group." After a pause, as if afraid Chunluo would misunderstand, she then explained, "I don't mean anything else. It's just that such situations are really rare."
Chunluo understood, shrugged helplessly, and said with a smile, "I don't know if I'm unlucky or lucky."
Hearing this, Nissa slightly raised her eyebrows with a slight smile in the corner of her eyes. "That depends on how to compare. At least compared to most people, you are lucky."
"That's right." Chunluo nodded in agreement, then raised his glass again and said with a smile, "Then how about a toast to my luck?"
"Definitely."
Looking at Chunluo's handsome profile beside her, Nissa's mood suddenly improved a lot. If she had chosen to come to the bar to have a drink to relax because of some family matters before, now, after meeting Chunluo, those original troubles had gradually been left behind.
Just when the two were chatting happily, on the other side, Kassan finally brought a group of men down to the dance floor. As the only Asian in the crowd, Chunluo's appearance was very recognizable. So, with a simple glance, Kassan discovered where he was.
With a cold snort, he was about to step towards Chunluo. At this time, the subordinates at the side immediately saw the opportunity to perform and hurried forward to persuade him.
"Boss Kassan, what else do you need to do to deal with that kid? Just leave it to us."
"That's right. We'll teach him the rules here. After today, this kid will understand what will happen if he competes with Boss Kassan."
Seeing that everyone was gearing up, Kassan nodded in satisfaction, a ferocious smile on his face. "That's fine. Then you guys go over and try it. Let that kid understand whose territory this is."
After saying this, Kassan stood there motionless, looking straight in the direction of Chunluo with anticipation in his eyes. Afterwards, several people walked towards Chunluo in unison.
At this time, Chunluo, who was originally smiling, suddenly paused. He looked forward with a flash of expectation in his eyes and said softly, "Finally, they've come."
Upon hearing this, Nissa's eyes flashed a hint of doubt. Before she had time to ask, she saw Chunluo slowly get up and walk forward.
Looking at the oncoming group of people, Chunluo's expression did not change at all. He said calmly, "You are finally here. Where is Kassan? Take me to see him."
Hearing this, the originally aggressive crowd suddenly froze, subconsciously looking in the direction of Kassan. Following their line of sight, Chunluo nodded slightly when he saw the tall and burly figure not far away.
"It turned out to be him. I know."
After saying this, he raised his foot and walked in the direction of Kassang regardless of other people's reactions. Seeing his actions, everyone was stunned at first, and then anger surged in their hearts. They stretched out their hands to stop him without even thinking about it.
"Stop! Boss Kassan is someone you can meet if you want?"
Just when everyone was about to move to surround Chunluo, suddenly a black shadow flashed past. Everyone had no time to react. The next second, Chunluo appeared in front of Kassan so fast it was breathtaking.
Seeing Chunluo's actions, Kassan was startled. The original disdain had long since disappeared, and he looked at Chunluo in amazement.
At the same time, beside Chunluo's original seat, Nissa, who was a little curious, suddenly had a bright look in her eyes. Looking at Chunluo's back, she felt a little more anticipation in her heart.
Coming to Kassan, Chunluo showed an inexplicable smile on his face when he saw the serious expression on the other side.
"You're Kassan? Thank you so much."
Kassan came back to his senses, frowned, and asked, "What do you mean?"
Chunluo raised his eyebrows and said, "Don't you understand? My bar is also thanks to your management. There have been no accidents during this time. A few thanks are also due. But since I've come here, I don't need your help here anymore. But you don't need to leave in a hurry. In order to express my gratitude, everyone's consumption today will be on me. Have fun, everyone."
Hearing this, Kassan, who had a ferocious expression on his face, froze and then became even more angry. Lowering his head, his tall figure—half a head taller than Chunluo—completely enveloped him with a strong sense of oppression. The fangs belonging only to vampires were exposed, and a red light flashed in his eyes as if he was about to kill someone the next moment.
"Boy, I don't care how the leader arranges it, but if you want to take over this bar, you have to pass my level first."
"Oh? Then what do you want to do?" Chunluo's expression changed, and he looked at him with a half-smile.
"It's very simple." Kassan slowly grinned, showing a cruel smile. "As long as you can beat me, Paradise Bar will be yours. But if I win, you have to voluntarily give up the management of the bar in front of the leader. How about it? Do you accept this bet?"
Hearing this, Chunluo raised his head and took a deep look at the other party with an inexplicable look in his eyes. He had also heard about the deeds of Quinn's capable general. But whether it was from Quinn or others, the image of Kassan in their mouths was the reckless and direct type, which was quite different from what he showed now.
Based on what the other party said just now, Chunluo could be sure that Kassan was definitely not the type with well-developed limbs and a simple mind. On the contrary, this appearance might just be his protective color. Obviously, Kassan was afraid of him, the manager appointed by Deacon himself. And what he feared was not Chunluo himself, but the owner of the Frost family behind him.
It was precisely because of this that he made such a proposal. As long as Chunluo lost in the next duel and was willing to let go of his power, then he would not be violating Deacon's wishes, and the management of the bar would still be in his hands. It could be said to kill two birds with one stone.
Not only that, but even deciding the ownership of the bar through a duel had been part of his plan. If Chunluo's guess was correct, the other party should want to arouse his anger by provoking his subordinates. If he was humiliated in front of everyone, he would have to accept the other party's proposal. If he chose to refuse, then he would have no prestige in the eyes of these people. In this way, even if Deacon still did not change his decision, it would be very difficult for him to order his subordinates to do things. Even if he was表面上 (superficially) the manager of the bar, he couldn't truly command them in private.
Understanding this, Chunluo suddenly became interested in this strong man who looked like a giant bear in front of him.
After thinking for a while, Chunluo slowly shook his head and said softly, "I can accept the proposal, but this bet doesn't sound very fair. If I remember correctly, this bar should already belong to me now. If that's the case, you should also change your bet. What do you want?"
Kassan folded his hands on his chest and said in a deep voice, "How about this? If I win this duel, then, as a bet, you will serve me for the rest of your life before I die. If you win, then I will give you this bar. What do you think of this proposal?" Chunluo smiled and expressed his thoughts.
Hearing this, Kassan frowned suddenly, looked at Chunluo carefully for a moment, and finally nodded slowly. "Sounds fair. I'll take this bet."
As soon as the words fell, the next moment, a familiar voice came from Chunluo's mind.
Ding! It is detected that the host is about to start a battle. Choice start.
Option one: Win the duel with Kassan. Earn your opponent's allegiance.
Reward: Double one random attribute among physique, spirit, strength, and speed.
Option two: Find an opportunity to escape during the battle and give up the duel.
Reward: Gain a passive ability, the ability to eliminate the sense of presence.
Looking at these two options, Chunluo's heart moved, and he immediately chose the first option without any hesitation.
Although the reward of the second choice looked good—a rare ability—thinking of the consequences, Chunluo decisively gave up the idea. If he chose to escape during the battle, he would lose not only the opportunity to get the management rights of the bar but, most importantly, it would seriously affect his impression in Deacon's heart. His chances of becoming the second leader would be infinitely close to zero.
For the previous choice, Chunluo had always kept it in mind. If he couldn't complete the task of becoming the second master, then the reward of getting all the combat experience and skills of Blade would be for nothing. This was absolutely unacceptable to him.
In this dangerous world, the improvement of strength was the top priority. Once he had Blade's combat skills and experience, coupled with his speed—ten times faster than ordinary people—defeating Blade would no longer be a luxury. By studying the secret of the Daywalker, daylight would no longer be his weakness.
So no matter what, he must win this duel.
Although compared to Kassan, the time since his transformation was very short, it was different now. His speed was twice that of an ordinary vampire. With the advantage in speed, even if the opponent's other attributes were stronger, it was useless. Although he had shown off a little in front of the other party just now, that speed was not his limit. If the other party thought that was all he had, then they underestimated him a bit.
Thinking of this, Chunluo couldn't help but show a confident smile on his face.