Ultimate Tycoon: Building the Richest Empire with System and Heroines-Chapter 56: Festival of Clowns

Virgil led them into a private meeting lounge just outside the VIP room. The air felt heavier than before, as though something had shifted the energy in the entire hall. Alistair, Ethan, Natalie, Jasmine, and Rhea followed him in, sensing his change in mood.

Ethan glanced at Virgil’s serious face and asked, "Alright, old man. What’s going on?"

Virgil sat down slowly, exhaling. "I didn’t expect this."

"Didn’t expect what?"

"This painting... Mosalina. I knew it would attract attention. I expected some rich collectors, maybe a few art historians. I even predicted a bit of buzz among the elite. But this..." He looked at Ethan. "This is beyond what I anticipated."

"So what’s the problem?" Ethan asked, confused. "More rich people means higher value. That means more money. Isn’t that good?"

"It is good. For you," Virgil said. "And for the business, sure. But... one particular person is coming. And that’s the problem."

Alistair narrowed his eyes. "Who?"

Virgil looked at all of them and said a name that immediately changed the atmosphere.

"Master Yun."

Everything stopped.

Ethan’s face tensed. Natalie looked stunned. Even Alistair leaned forward in his seat, his usually calm demeanor shifting.

"...He’s coming?" Alistair asked again, slower this time.

Virgil nodded. "Yes. His people contacted me earlier today. He’s on his way."

The room went silent for a few seconds.

Rhea, noticing the tension, quietly asked, "Who... is Master Yun?"

Jasmine crossed her arms, her voice low. "I once heard about him from my grandfather. They call him the man with a magical presence. No one really knows what he looks like. Some say he’s a myth. Others... worship him."

Natalie added, "His influence is deep. And terrifying. It’s like everyone around him becomes hypnotized. Even powerful families... bow their heads in front of him."

Ethan’s thoughts stirred.

"Gregory..." he muttered internally. "That bastard must’ve found out about Mosalina. And when he realized how valuable it was, he couldn’t let it go. Of course... he called his master."

He clenched his jaw slightly.

"He doesn’t want to lose this profit. That explains the sudden rush. He pulled some strings and got this Yun guy involved. He’s moving fast."

Alistair looked at Virgil. "Are you sure it’s him? Not a rumor?"

Virgil nodded again. "I received direct confirmation. No one speaks for him unless he approves it himself."

Ethan frowned. "So what’s his angle? He just wants the painting?"

"Maybe," Virgil said. "Or maybe not. You never know with people like him."

Natalie asked, "What do we do now?"

Ethan leaned back in the chair, eyes half-closed, a small grin tugging at his lips.

I should’ve expected it. Of course Gregory would call his master. But honestly? This is going to be fun.

He glanced out the tinted VIP window, watching the guests fill in below, the atmosphere buzzing with wealth and whispers.

I know them better than anyone. What they’ll plan. How they’ll move. What cards they’ll play first.

His smile deepened.

Gregory doesn’t even know the truth. That "master" of his? Just a scaredy cat with a reputation built on smoke and mirrors. His master even manipulates him. Just like they do with everyone else.

The only annoying thing? His connections. But even that... only a little problem. Nothing more.

He crossed one leg over the other.

I already know what he’s good at. What he’s going to try. If he does exactly what I think he will...

He chuckled silently.

Let’s see how strong that master-student bond is once it starts cracking.

Just then, Natalie turned toward him, a hint of worry on her face. "You’re being too calm," she said, trying to read him.

Ethan looked at her and smiled. "You’re too worried. Trust me. This is going to be simple."

All three girls blinked at his confidence. Even Alistair glanced at him with a raised brow.

Natalie narrowed her eyes slightly. That look... this fox already has a plan, doesn’t he?

Ethan turned to Virgil, who was still pacing quietly near the glass window.

"Old man," Ethan said casually. "I know exactly what they’re going to do. They’ll try to pressure you, target the painting, maybe even shake the hall’s control. But all of that can be handled easily,if we go with my plan."

Virgil paused mid-step. "Oh? You have a plan already?"

"Of course."

Everyone looked at Ethan as he stood up and began explaining.

He laid it all out. Step by step. Move by move. Each piece fitting together like a puzzle.

As the plan unfolded, their expressions changed. Shock, disbelief... and then understanding.

Rhea blinked. "Is there a reason to go this far?"

Ethan just chuckled. "You’ll see. All of you are about to witness... a clown festival."

Jasmine let out a laugh. "As expected. Every time I’m with you, things turn into an adventure."

Ethan raised an eyebrow, grinning. "Oh? Is that a hint of what I think it is?"

"You wish," Jasmine said, flipping her hair with a smirk.

Everyone laughed lightly, but the tension had shifted. Now they looked energized,excited even.

As they left the room, Ethan’s eyes immediately spotted someone in the distance near the guest entry.

Gregory.

And beside him?

Trevor.

Ethan smirked.

"As expected... It’s the festival clowns."

He didn’t stop walking but turned slightly toward Rhea.

"Can you do me a favor?"

"Sure. What is it?"

"Call your grandfather."

She blinked. "Why?"

"Just do it. It’s urgent."

Though confused, she took out her phone and dialed. Within seconds, she handed it over to Ethan.

"Hello?" Walter’s voice came through.

"Master," Ethan said respectfully, "can I ask you for a favor?"

"Of course. It’s my student’s first official request."

"I need a few of your men to watch over two people. Nate and Sasha. I will send their photo and address."

There was a pause on the line.

Then Walter replied, "Consider it done. I’ll assign them immediately."

Ethan grinned. "Thanks, Master. Now that everything’s settled..."

He handed the phone back to Rhea and looked out toward the glowing auction floor, his eyes sharp.

"Let the fun begin."

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