Yu Fuguo was clearly a regular, and without needing to show a membership card, he was led by the manager into a luxurious private room on an upper floor, bringing Chen Fan and another guest with him.
As soon as they were seated, Yu Fuguo instructed the waiter, "Serve the dishes, and open the Mantini I've stored!"
"Yes, Mr. Yu!"
The waiter complied.
Yu Fuguo introduced to Chen Fan, "This Cloud Pavilion Club only has fifty members and will not increase. The current membership slots are being traded among the powerful for three million yuan, and that's just for one slot!"
Chen Fan smiled, "It seems I'm benefiting from your connections, Mr. Yu. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to get in!"
"Ah, it was just my luck. When this club first opened, there were fewer members, and I was fortunate enough to secure a membership."
"Mine is from Mr. Chen; if you want to patronize this place, it's a simple matter of saying the word."
Yu Fuguo chuckled, "The expenses here aren't low, but I assure you, it's worth every penny!"
"Of course. Spending money here makes my heart ache a little, but it's different for Mr. Chen. He's the type to casually give away a million-plus yuan Vacheron Constantin, so living here every day wouldn't be an issue!"
Chen Fan smiled and said, "Our Deputy General Manager Gu also calls this place a paradise for men. Deputy General Manager Gu, don't hold back today; enjoy yourself as much as you please."
Gu Weidong sat to the side, not exactly awkward, but somewhat ill at ease. His tone was a little reserved as he said, "It's easy to go from frugality to extravagance, but hard to go from extravagance to frugality. I fear that after enjoying myself here, I'll be unable to forget it, and my food will taste bland, which wouldn't be pleasant!"
"Haha, what you say, Mr. Gu. You're welcome to come anytime; all expenses will be on me."
Yu Fuguo, being adept at navigating social situations, naturally wouldn't neglect Gu Weidong.
Gu Weidong didn't respond directly.
His earlier words had been partly intended as a gentle admonishment to Chen Fan.
Soon, the ordered dishes arrived.
The wine was poured.
At this point, Yu Fuguo smiled, clapped his hands, and gestured to the private room manager.
A knock sounded on the door, which was then pushed open. Several young and beautiful girls entered, all wearing qipaos and possessing graceful figures.
Upon entering, they bowed and said, "Greetings to the esteemed gentlemen!"
"Hello, hello!"
Yu Fuguo replied with a smile and turned to Chen Fan, "Mr. Chen, what do you think?"
Chen Fan looked at the girls, then at Yu Fuguo, and feigned ignorance, "What do you mean by this, Mr. Yu?"
Yu Fuguo chuckled, "Mr. Chen, why pretend not to know? They're here to accompany you for drinks and entertainment. If you wish, you can even have them stay the night. Which one do you fancy, Mr. Chen?"
Chen Fan smiled and said, "So that's it. But it's not necessary; it's not my cup of tea!"
Yu Fuguo was taken aback, greatly surprised. "Mr. Chen, you truly surprise me. My apologies for not understanding the situation. May I venture to ask, besides your interest in horse riding, what other hobbies do you have, Mr. Chen?"
"What I enjoy are activities that are more thrilling and where there's a chance to win."
Chen Fan narrowed his eyes, appearing rather self-assured, and said, "I generally have an interest in any activity with a clear winner and loser. But in this regard, I'll have to pass."
"That's perfectly fine!"
Yu Fuguo showed a look of understanding and said, "They can stay and help with pouring drinks then."
With that, he gestured for three of the attractive girls to remain.
Chen Fan didn't refuse, but Gu Weidong became a little uneasy. He opened his mouth to speak but ultimately couldn't refuse either.
With the three girls seated, the atmosphere livened up considerably.
The meal was relatively harmonious, but Chen Fan declined Yu Fuguo's offer to open another bottle after finishing the current one.
He smiled, "The food here is delicious. Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Yu."
"Haha, I'm glad you're satisfied, Mr. Chen."
Yu Fuguo said, "However, dinner is just the beginning of the night's festivities. Since Mr. Chen enjoys thrilling activities with a chance of winning, then we should head to a place of entertainment."
"This Cloud Pavilion Club has no shortage of entertainment; otherwise, why would it be called a paradise for men?"
"That sounds good too."
Chen Fan nodded and said, "As Mr. Yu said, I'd like to experience the hospitality of the capital."
The three men didn't bring their female companions. They left the private dining room and, under the enthusiastic guidance of a waiter, arrived on the twenty-eighth floor.
The hall here was equipped with various facilities, and the décor was naturally extremely high-class and luxurious.
There were ping pong tables, billiard tables, bowling, and other indoor recreational activities.
However, not many people were playing.
This Cloud Pavilion Club, known as a paradise for men, wasn't where its guests came for these activities.
It was precisely because Chen Fan had clearly expressed his disinterest in that kind of entertainment that Yu Fuguo had adjusted the hosting plan. Otherwise, they might have been singing and drinking by now.
"Mr. Chen, which activity would you like to try?" Yu Fuguo asked with a smile.
"Billiards is something I could play, but I doubt you'd be my opponent!" Chen Fan chuckled.
"That's fine; we have professional players here to play with you!"
Yu Fuguo beckoned the floor manager and said a few words. The manager then spoke into a walkie-talkie.
Soon, a woman in a skirt suit with a charming face approached, said something to the manager, picked up a cue, and came over.
"Greetings, gentlemen. Which of you would like to play, and what kind of game? Pool or snooker?"
Chen Fan took the cue, then handed it to Gu Weidong, saying, "Deputy General Manager Gu, you know how to play, don't you? Play a few rounds here!"
Gu Weidong was momentarily stunned.
"I've suddenly lost the inclination to play. You play. You wouldn't not know how to play billiards, would you?" Chen Fan said to Gu Weidong.
Gu Weidong remained silent and took the cue. Under the sweet whispers of the female player, he walked towards the billiard table.
Yu Fuguo looked at Chen Fan, puzzled, and asked, "This professional female player is the winner of the national championship in women's pool. Is her skill not up to par for you, Mr. Chen?"
"It's just billiards; regardless of the outcome, the thrill isn't enough," Chen Fan replied. "A club this large, and there's nothing else for entertainment?"
Yu Fuguo smiled, "How could that be? Mr. Chen, follow me. Hmm, what about Mr. Gu?"
"Let him play here," Chen Fan said with a smile.
"Very well, I won't disappoint you, Mr. Chen!"
Yu Fuguo led Chen Fan through the hall and to another elevator, taking it to the next floor.
This level's hall was a lounge area, with individual private rooms set up behind it.
The floor manager approached and asked, "Mr. Yu, what would you and your friend like to play?"
"Mr. Chen, it's like this. The entertainment here is for the club to organize games for guests and provide services, without taking any cut. The winner just needs to give the dealer a small tip!"
"But there's never a shortage of guests. Whatever you want to play, there will be someone to arrange it!"
"For example, that one over there is for Pai Gow. This one here is for Blackjack, and there's also a mahjong room..."
Chen Fan's face showed a hint of playfulness as he said, "Let's play Poker!"
"Certainly, please come this way!"
They entered a private room with a six-person table. Four people were already seated.
Chen Fan surveyed the four individuals: three men and one woman. The oldest was in his fifties, the youngest in his early twenties. They all carried themselves with an air of distinction.
After all, one must be wealthy to patronize such a renowned club in the capital.
The woman was particularly eye-catching, around thirty years old, with a refined face and smooth skin.
Seeing new arrivals, she looked up, glanced at Chen Fan, and gave a nod.