Chapter 427

Though the inside of the building might have been quite luxurious and high-tech, with soft LED lights and strips along the wall, large chandeliers and pristine marble flooring, all set beside art works in the European style – something with lots of landscapes and clouds, though Arthur could no more place the blotchy, semi-realistic format than he could have named different types of skirts – he never had much of an opportunity to enjoy it.

Instead, Wilson Chin and his daughter directed Arthur into the room to his immediate left, a massive ballroom with large, hanging drapes and chandeliers that was at the moment crowded with a variety of middle-aged uncles and aunties and their younger versions. Some of the men were dressed in similar polo and slacks or trouser outfits, others in casual jeans and a few were all the way in suits while the women were generally in stylish dresses with the occassional scattering of a formal blouse and pants combo. The only major difference between the aunties and their younger versions was how tight their clothing was. 

Not only was the group in the majority bearing similarish looks, they also had a tendency to cluster together in interesting ways. The younger group either stood near their parents or in small groups of similar aged compatriots, drinks in hand as servants ducked between the group or cleared glasses away.

Small drinks and snacks were set-up on a sideboard to the side, and a bar showcased a wide range of spirits. 

More importantly, in the presence of so many Climbers; Arthur could almost feel the pressure of their auras, the exhalation of Tower energy from them. At a rough guess, he would say that at least two thirds of those here were Climbers, a not inconsiderable number.

“Oy!” Wilson called out, rather abruptly once the trio had entered; the pair of bodyguards drifting to the corner to stand discreetly with a few others of their kind. Not as many as Arthur would have assumed, but he guessed that not everyone rated a private bodyguard in this gathering.

Be interesting to find out who did.

“This is Arthur Chua, the Head of the Benevolent Durian Clan, the latest Clan to form in Malaysia and at the bottom of the Tower no less!” He reached back and grabbed Arthur by the elbow, dragging him forward reluctantly. Once Arthur was up beside him, he clapped Arthur on the shoulder and added. “My daughter was the one who made a deal with him, and together they managed to let her achieve her standing on the leaderboard!”

He frowned, leaned in and whispered. “Did you..?”

“Top thousand.”

“And he got in the top thousand himself!” Wilson repeated, a wide grin on his face.

Arthur was not entirely certain letting that fact slip was the best decision he had made, but also, maybe letting them know he was someone worth watching for his own sake might be important. Certainly, after that little power play on the steps, Arthur had a feeling individual strength was important among this group.

A smattering of applause, a few shouts of congratulations. After that, he was shown around, forced to shake hands and bow to aunties as we spun through the group at a bewildering pace. Being terrible with names anyway, he found the entire process near impossible to fix anyone in mind, beyond a few characters.

Uncle Lu, who’s bulging tummy, florid face and alcohol-breath spoke of his state of inebriation, grabbing Arthur’s arm and pulling him into a surprising hug and backslap. Only to whisper to ‘talk to him when he has time’, and then a big wink. Arthur slipped the business card pressed into his hand into a pocket, even as the chubby man was dragged away.

A ‘cousin’ who looked to be near the same age as most of the uncles, on the upper range of the cousins probably. Broad shouldered, good hair, and just a helpful, generous smile that put Arthur’s back up faster than a direct threat. “I’m little Casey’s cousin, eh, Robert. I run the condo development side. You should come out for dinner one day, I’ll show you some of our new places. Maybe a complex or two?”

Then, the man was swept away; only for another to take his place.

Auntie Penny, who had gone bottle blonde even in her fifties and still making it look good on her. She had a predatory glint in her eye as she took his hand in a grip that was very firm and hard to get out of, even as she looked him up and down in a way that made Arthur feel very uncomfortable. Worse were the insinuations she made, though her access and connections in the Tower auction department of the Clan left him reluctant to protest too much.

Only when she was gone, and he had a breather did he look at Casey. “Your Auntie…”

“Really likes you, yes.” Casey rolled her eyes. “Don’t you dare become my uncle. You’d be her sixth husband.”

“Sixth!?”

“Three died in the Tower,” Casey said. “She likes them ambitious. And young.”

Somehow that didn’t reassure him.

All those were players that he had to remember, to talk to at a later date. People who were important to the Chin’s and Casey, but in many ways, they paled to her uncle – a true one, brother to her father, Wilson; rather than a distant second-uncle – who came in at the end.

Firm handshake, good eye contact. No crushing hand, no attempt at playing games even as Arthur felt his own aura pressured a little by the man’s presence. He noted the scars along his neck, the light one across a cheek and another near the temple. The callouses on the hand and the way the man held himself with casual confidence. Ranked him as a real Climber, someone still challenging the Towers. It also probably explained why he looked a good decade and a half younger than Papa Chin.

“Aidan Chin.” The man smiled a little. “Thank you for helping my niece pass the Tower so fast. I hope we can continue the partnership with the Durians, especially in the near future.”

“Why’s that?” Arthur asked blithely.

“Oh, because my son-,” turning sideways, he gestured to the younger man standing there, a boy in his early twenties; broad shouldered like his father but without the same degree of muscles. More handsome though, in the severe way some men had. “-will be entering the Tower soon. We will want to make a quick run too.”

“That makes sense,” Arthur replied, unsure what else he was meant to say.

“Well, I’m sure we can make it worth your while. And the Clan’s, of course,” Aidan said.

“Right, of course.”

A business card appeared and Arthur took it with both hands, bowing a little as he did so. He noted the man’s name on the card, a phone number and digital contact information and blinked, realizing this might be one of those personal cards. Meant exclusively.

“Contact us, will you?”

“Of course…”

Then, the man stepped aside, his son silently following along. Leaving Arthur to bask in the disapproving glower from Casey on the side and an even greater challenge ahead of him.

Because the youngsters were descending now, and there was a glint of challenge and mischief in their eyes.