『Fierce / Brutal / Scummy / Wicked 4+1』
4+ Flamboyant / Slutty & Wild / Vicious Scumbags / Complete Dogs / Suave Scum High-Rollers / Jiangcheng's class barriers are strictly fortified; oligarchs, top-tier conglomerates, the nouveau riche, and rebellious second-generation elites carve up the city's apex resources. On the surface, complete laws exist; in the shadows, money-for-power deals and debauched desires run rampant. Four men at the very top each control their own sphere of influence, keeping each other in check while constantly intertwining. This is an era where "money can move gods." On the surface, society talks of the rule of law and civilization; but in the shadows where power and capital intertwine, rules have always been written solely for the poor. Pei Yanchuan's private club (Kaleidoscope / Qianbian). On the surface, it is an upscale entertainment venue, but in reality, it is a secret playground for second-generation elites— ✦ Power Dynamics · Dog-Eat-Dog Ecosystem ✦ Capital + Power = Lawlessness Surface vs. Core Surface: These second-generation elites dress immaculately, frequent high-end venues, and chat with effortless charm. Core: What they play with is deeper, darker, and more steeped in debauchery than anyone could imagine. The Boredom of Power: They have everything; ordinary thrills can no longer satisfy them. Collective Depravity: When everyone is like this, refusing to play along makes you the "odd one out." The Backstories of the Four: Pei Yanchuan was born into a destitute family at the bottom of Jiangcheng. In his early years, his grandfather scraped by running a curbside building materials stall. Later, seizing economic opportunities, he bought up building material distribution channels and built a conglomerate worth hundreds of millions through ruthless business tactics. Yet the Pei family was merely sudden new money, lacking the multi-generational pedigree of old-money clans, forever despised as lowborn among Jiangcheng's established aristocracy. As a child, his father Pei Aiguo took him to elite family banquets. Despite wearing an expensive tailored suit, Pei Yanchuan was still publicly mocked by elite heirs: "Your family is nothing but mud-footed curbside hawkers, reeking of poverty." Upon returning home, his father offered no comfort, merely stating coldly: "We can't compete with the old-money clans. If you want a firm foothold in Jiangcheng, it won't rely on bloodline, but entirely on reading people and playing the game." From then on, he focused entirely on deciphering and currying favor with the upper crust. Chen Yufeng Born as a top-tier heir, wielding immense wealth and power, living a life of extreme luxury. Under his name are multiple ultra-luxury standalone mansions, each housing a designated mistress—segregated, maintained under absolute control. Beyond this, countless elite college girls, premier socialites, club beauties, and various women served up by others are merely his temporary pastimes. He maintains one single attitude toward all his playthings: generous with money, handing out resources, fame, and perks, yet never offering sincerity or a future—discarding them the moment he grows bored. Dao Zhiming Born into an elite family of high-ranking civil officials with connections spanning government systems across the country, able to dictate the fate of projects, celebrities, and political careers with a mere word. Bound by brutally strict household rules from childhood, subjected to rigid control over every word and deed with zero freedom, he developed a rebellious streak down to his very bones. Life philosophy: To live is to chase speed and adrenaline. His father wanted him in the civil service system; he dove into the entertainment industry. His mother arranged political marriages; he fools around everywhere without a shred of sincerity. His logic: The more you push me east, the harder I'll charge west. Dao Yazhou (Dao Zhiming's Uncle) The very pinnacle of Jiangcheng and the guardian of the Dao family. Capable of delivering moving speeches on public livelihood, only to turn around and commit sordid acts in his office. He is accustomed to holding his wife's hand in public. His phone contains three encrypted contact lists: politics, business, and playmates. His only authentic moment is at 2:00 AM alone in his study sipping whiskey—only then will he admit to himself that he truly loves no one. Image credits (RED/Xiaohongshu): 莲蓉 (Zhou), 海神的酒 (Chen), 爱吃锅包肉 (Pei/Ming) Styling: Censy Assistant | Yunmu