King of the Wilderness

It is not just a city floating above wealth, but a unique paradise that perfectly blends life with nature, civilization with luxury living.

Lin Yu’an walked into a fishing gear store named "Tark’s of Las Olas."

The store resembled a miniature maritime museum, fully equipped with deep-sea fishing rods, sparkling lures, and the most advanced fish-finding devices.

The store owner was a sturdy old man with a white beard, wearing reading glasses and focused on oiling a giant fishing reel.

Seeing Lin Yu’an’s gaze linger on a row of heavy equipment for marlin fishing, he looked up and grinned.

"By the look in your eyes, I can tell you’re not the kind of guy who just wants to fish for small fry on the pier," the old man’s voice was somewhat raspy, like it had been worn by the sea breeze.

"I hope to have a chance to use them in the future," Lin Yu’an’s gaze showed appreciation for the powerful gear.

"Hope you catch something big," the old man put down his work and walked over with interest, "Getting ready to head out to sea?"

"Yes," Lin Yu’an nodded, "To be precise, I’m preparing to travel around the world. This gear is part of my future goals."

The old man’s eyes shone brightly; he reevaluated this young man from another country before him, respect growing in his gaze.

"Travel around the world? Ha! Not many young people say that nowadays."

"Most folks just want to cruise on their party yachts, load them up with bikini-clad women, drink a few glasses of champagne, and brag about conquering the ocean. Bullshit! That’s bathing in a bathtub!"

He pointed at a massive blue marlin specimen on the wall; his gaze became distant, filled with pride and nostalgia, as if he returned to that afternoon of battling a massive creature.

"See it? A 320-pound blue marlin, caught off the coast of the Bahamas. I fought with it for five hours, my arm nearly broke."

He said with a somewhat crude tone, "Youths, when you see the fishing line shoot out like a bullet, feel the brute strength from the ocean floor..."

"You and that ocean monster, connected by a thin line, strategize and battle for hours, and finally, with all your strength, pull it to the side of the boat..."

"That feeling... I guarantee it’s more thrilling than all the beautiful women you’ve ever slept with combined!"

Lin Yu’an was amused by his crude yet infectiously passionate description, yet he fully understood the passion in the old man’s words.

"I can imagine," he said solemnly.

"When you get your vessel and are ready to go offshore, come back to me," the old man patted his shoulder, like a promise of solidarity and tradition.

"I promise to equip you with the best gear, so you can arm wrestle with any fish you want to challenge."

"It’s a deal," Lin Yu’an shook hands firmly with his calloused hand.

Leaving the fishing gear store, he felt his sailing dream had gained a sturdy, sea-pungent puzzle piece.

An afternoon passed quietly amidst such wandering, observation, and friendly conversations with strangers.

He didn’t visit any famous tourist spots but soaked up the city’s cultural atmosphere like a sponge.

In the evening, Lin Yu’an decided to dine at a well-rated local steakhouse on the map.

He hailed a ride-sharing car that passed through quiet residential areas, merging into the main artery of the city—Federation Highway.

As night deepened, the scene outside the window began to change.

The low-rise buildings that seemed unremarkable during the day now appeared awakened by neon lights, exuding a cheap yet direct hormonal vibe.

Huge billboards printed with sultry women and provocative slogans—"The Cheetah Gentlemen’s Club," "Solid Gold," "Scarlett’s Cabaret"—...

These names flickered with pink and purple ambiguous glows in the dark blue night sky.

The buildings mostly lacked windows, appearing mysterious and closed, with only the occasional shadow flickering in massive parking lots and entrances, hinting at noise within.

On both sides of the road, the storefronts of adult stores shone with glaring red lights, their signs printed with "XXX," "Adult Superstore."

A few low-rate motels had signs lit with "Vacancy," their lights looking somewhat old and dim.

At a traffic light, the vehicle stopped. Lin Yu’an saw one or two scantily clad women with heavy makeup standing by the bus stop.

Their eyes swept across passing vehicles, starkly contrasting the healthy and sunny bikini girls on the beach during the day.

One woman’s gaze met Lin Yu’an’s, and she unabashedly gave a professional smile.

The driver, a slightly overweight black man in his forties, noticed Lin Yu’an’s gaze and glanced at him through the rearview mirror.

Then, in a matter-of-fact tone, said, "Welcome to the other side of paradise, buddy."

Lin Yu’an withdrew his gaze and calmly asked, "The other side?"

"Yeah, man," the driver’s conversation opened up; he was obviously willing to educate the outsider.

"During the day, we have sunshine, beaches, and billionaires’ yachts, that’s paradise side A for tourists and rich folks."

"At night, here’s paradise side B, for the average person with cash who wants to have some fun."