C10 The Mysterious Club's Longevity Association

The history of the Longevity Association is shrouded in mystery; what is certain, however, is that it has been around for an incredibly long time.

The founder of the Longevity Association was the world's first Time Merchant. Yet, for a variety of reasons, he no longer walks this earth.

Subsequently, a second Time Merchant emerged.

Each president of the Longevity Association is a Time Merchant, and every member boasts a lifespan extending beyond two hundred years...

The membership includes royalty, aristocrats, preeminent scientists, and individuals who have made significant contributions to society...

As the sun and moon cycle and landscapes transform, many have dazzled on the world's stage, but the Longevity Association has always been the unseen force behind them...

Now, the organization extends an invitation for you to join. Are you interested?"

Jiang Chen wore a look of inscrutable depth as he deliberately delivered the lines he had meticulously prepared.

The reaction from the Wai family father and daughter was exactly what he had hoped for; they were utterly astounded.

As part of the elite, they were no strangers to the existence of exclusive clubs that catered to influential figures from all walks of life, including celebrities, royalty, and societal leaders.

Membership in such clubs was a testament to one's social standing and prestige.

Take, for instance, the Romanée-Conti Clan of Greece, which established an exclusive maritime club limited to only a hundred members worldwide, all of whom were among the wealthiest.

Yale University's "Skull and Bones" boasts a roster that includes three directors, two chief justices, and numerous influential alumni, earning it the moniker "The Power Club."

Other prestigious organizations, such as the "Trinity Society" and exclusive racing clubs, wield immense influence.

Even Wai Donglai himself served as the vice president of the "River East Billionaires Club."

But when compared to the Longevity Association, these clubs paled in significance.

Wai Donglai was breathless with awe. He had never imagined that he would one day encounter such a formidable entity.

He even believed he had glimpsed the true underpinnings of human society.

Without any hesitation, he made his choice.

"I am willing!"

Jiang Chen smiled; this was exactly the outcome he had hoped for.

"Excellent. From this day forward, you are member number 18795 of the Longevity Association. I am the president. Currently, you are a Level 1 member. Your sole benefit is the privilege to purchase lifespan at a discount. Beyond Level 1, there are Levels 2, Level 3... and the highest rank at present is Level 8."

Wai Donglai felt his world turn upside down.

A Level 8 member?

Could they possibly be ancients from the Yuan Ming Dynasty?

Then, how long has the President been in existence?

"As members of the Longevity Association, we must support each other while also maintaining discipline and secrecy. Do you understand?" Jiang Chen explained.

Wai Donglai quickly responded, "Understood. Today's agreement is merely verbal. Since you've agreed, we'll formalize the time constraints next time. I must be going now. You're still recovering, so don't bother seeing me out."

Wai Ziqing rushed to escort Jiang Chen to the door, still visibly confused.

The conversation had been overwhelming, and she hadn't fully processed it yet.

But as they reached the doorway, they heard Wai Donglai call out from behind.

"What's the matter?" Jiang Chen inquired.

With a complex look, Wai Donglai fixed his gaze on Jiang Chen and asked, "Master President, did you ever consider that I might refuse your invitation today?"

He pondered how the trade of lifespan was beyond human comprehension. Should such information be leaked, it would surely upend modern society!

And if he were to decline Jiang Chen's offer after learning such secrets, the repercussions from the Longevity Association could be dire.

"I considered it."

"And what if I had refused?" Wai Donglai pressed.

Jiang Chen smiled knowingly at Wai Donglai and said, "You're an intelligent man. Some things are better left unsaid and unasked."

...

Leaving the Wai family behind, Jiang Chen toyed with a card in his hand as he made his way to Lin Jingqiu's company.

The sleek black card was edged with gold along the bottom sides and featured an embroidered pattern.

It was the Supreme VIP card from Wai's Group, a gift from Wai Ziqing to Jiang Chen. He toyed with it briefly before tucking it away.

Jiang Chen had long pondered the creation of the Longevity Association. His plan was to lure a cadre of societal elites with the promise of Eternal Longevity.

With these members as a foundation, he aimed to construct an extensive, clandestine network of power and wealth!

Wai Donglai's easy acceptance into the association brought Jiang Chen great pleasure.

It appeared he had indeed underestimated the allure of "longevity."

By now, an additional ten million had been deposited into his bank account.

Jiang Chen was officially wealthy.

He found himself debating whether to purchase a car, recalling his past life's passion for racing. His driving prowess was extraordinary, rivaling that of professional racers.

Having spent only a brief period with the Wai family, Jiang Chen arrived at Lin Jingqiu's company just after ten in the morning.

He had just ascended the steps when Lin Jingqiu's vehicle pulled up to the curb, and she emerged in a rush.

Upon seeing Jiang Chen, Lin Jingqiu paused, "Jiang Chen, what brings you here?"

"Didn't your uncle mention it last night?" Jiang Chen replied, "He sent me to assist you."

"Hmph, don't assume you can push boundaries just because your father's in your corner. Help? I'd be surprised if you didn't make things worse."

Lin Jingqiu looked displeased. Indeed, Lin Zhenhai had brought it up the previous evening, but she was not keen on the idea.

Preoccupied with other matters, she had no desire to engage further with Jiang Chen and quickly made her way inside.

A fashionably dressed woman in a business suit approached Lin Jingqiu with concern, "Jingqiu, why are you so late? The representatives from Hundred Spirits Company couldn't wait and have already cancelled the call!"

"The traffic was terrible this morning," Lin Jingqiu said with an apologetic tone, "What happened?"

The woman sighed deeply, "It was right at ten o'clock. If only you had arrived a bit earlier. The Hundred Spirits Company was our last chance, but now..."

"I'll reach out to Hundred Spirits again!"

Lin Jingqiu marched up the stairs, determined not to let any opportunity slip through her fingers as the company was in dire straits.

Jiang Chen stood in the background, absorbing the conversation and reflecting on the previous night's events at home.

That's when the woman finally noticed Jiang Chen.

"Hello, are you here on business? Or...?"

"I'm Jiang Chen," he replied coolly.

A quick look at the data had given him the woman's name, and his memory filled in the rest.

Lan Lan, Lin Jingqiu's best friend and college mate, came from a wealthy family. She was the marketing director of the company and Lin Jingqiu's most trusted assistant and partner.

Recognizing Jiang Chen, Lan Lan sneered with her arms folded, "So you're Jingqiu's good-for-nothing husband, Jiang Chen? What brings you here?"