King of the Wilderness

Chapter 733: Chapter 341: The Two Faces of Heaven (Part 5)

He nodded towards the flickering neon lights outside with his chin, ”See those clubs? The Cheetah, Solid Gold... they’ve been around for decades.”

”When you walk in, it’s dimly lit, the music is loud, and the drinks are expensive, but the girls’ figures are absolutely genuine.”

”For twenty US dollars, you can buy a dance. A pretty girl will sit on your lap and dance for the whole song; you can watch, you can smell, but you can’t touch, that’s the rule.”

The green light turned on, and the car moved forward slowly. The driver lowered his voice, his tone becoming more mysterious.

”Of course, there’s always someone who breaks the rules or wants more. Then you’ll have to head to the VIP room. The prices there are different, a few hundred US dollars, and the pleasures you can experience are different too.”

”As for what specific pleasures those are... it depends on how thick your wallet is and how much the girl likes you.”

He glanced at the street corner they just passed, ”As for those on the roadside... that’s more straightforward.”

”A hundred US dollars, maybe less, and you can experience a fast, emotionless dose of Floridian passion at the adjacent motel.”

”But I don’t recommend it, buddy, that’s dangerous, both the police and various troubles like those places.”

There was not the slightest bit of moral judgment in the driver’s tone, as naturally as if he were introducing a local specialty dish.

”This is Florida, a place where anything can happen. As long as you have money, you can buy almost any form of pleasure, whether it’s legal or on the borderline.”

Lin Yu’an continued to watch out the window, speaking no more.

This city had a strong tear between the sun-filled beaches of the day and the refined art of Las Olas, yet they jointly made up the city’s full, real face.

This warm land was indeed much more complex than he had imagined.

Several minutes later, the vehicle turned off the main road, leaving the flashing neon lights behind entirely, and the warm lights in front of the restaurant, with well-dressed guests, appeared once more.

As if everything just now was a strange, whimsical dream.

The fare had already been automatically paid through a mobile app, but before getting out of the car, Lin Yu’an pulled a twenty-dollar bill from his wallet and handed it to the driver.

The driver was taken aback, looking at him with some confusion, ”Hey, buddy, the fare and tip have already been paid online.”

”I know,” Lin Yu’an said calmly, ”this is your guide fee, your commentary was fascinating.”

The driver was taken aback again, then burst into a low, hearty laugh.

Taking the twenty US dollars, he didn’t immediately pocket it but played with it deftly between his fingers, a hint of respect and recognition in his eyes toward Lin Yu’an.

”You’re sharp, buddy,” he grinned, revealing a set of white teeth, ”with these twenty US dollars, you’ve bought more than just that fun info that everyone knows.”

His tone became a bit more serious, leaning forward slightly as if about to share a secret.

”I can see you’re not the type to cause trouble, but trouble sometimes finds its own way to you.”

”Buddy, as a return for those twenty bucks, never go north of Sunset Boulevard, west of Interstate 95 alone, especially at night.”

He drew a rough area in the air with his fingers, ”That’s not paradise B, that’s a rehearsal space for hell.”

”There aren’t flashy clubs there, only dark alleys and guys hungrier than you. Cops don’t like going there, and tourists shouldn’t. Do you understand what I mean?”

These words were more serious than the previous introduction of the red-light district, with a sincere warning from a seasoned individual.

Lin Yu’an nodded, ”I’ve taken note.”

”Good.” The driver seemed satisfied with his response. He pulled out a somewhat worn card from the sun visor and handed it over.

The card was simple, only featuring the name Marcus, a phone number, and a small line of text (24/7 Car Service - Reliable & Safe).

Marcus said, ”That’s my number, I’m driving most of the time, but I don’t just drive ride-hailing cars.”

”If you need to go somewhere or take care of something without leaving a record on the app, or need a driver familiar with the local routes... feel free to call me.”

”In return for those twenty bucks, I’ll guarantee a fair price and keep you out of any unnecessary trouble.”

This went beyond the scope of an ordinary ride-hailing driver, more like a local guide or problem-solver offering his services.

Lin Yu’an took the card, glanced at it, then put it in his pocket. ”Thanks, Marcus.”

”You’re welcome,” Marcus leaned back into his seat, returning to his relaxed posture, ”now, go enjoy your steak. Remember what I said.”

”You too, wish you a prosperous night,” Lin Yu’an said, then opened the door and got out of the car.

That small card and the twenty-dollar warning might be more valuable than the sights he’d seen all afternoon.

In this unfamiliar city full of opportunities and dangers, having a local connection like Marcus who knows the rules is never a bad thing.

After enjoying a perfect dinner, the journey back to the hotel seemed like a rewind and reminiscence of the trip just made.

Those flickering neon lights and the tranquil upscale neighborhood, the scenes of paradise A and paradise B alternated in his mind until they all settled into calmness.

Back at the hotel, standing on the terrace, looking at the boundaries of city lights far away, he felt an unprecedented peace.

Whether it’s paradise A or paradise B, they’re just the surface of this city.

And what he’s about to conquer is the more real, vast blue world beyond these appearances.