Harem Investment System: Getting Money And Women - Chapter 207

Chapter 207: Silicon City (II)
Riley shrugged, pretending not to care, though she knew she’d probably end up fighting him over the bill again later. Ethan was the type of guy who never let someone else pay when he was around.

She had to be quick to beat him to it.

The station was buzzing with life as people rushed in and out, trying to make their trains.

A few subway performers were playing music near the entrance, filling the space with soft guitar melodies and occasional bursts of applause from passersby.

The smell of coffee and fresh pastries from a nearby underground café wafted through the air, mixing with the scent of train metal and warm bodies.

Ethan glanced at the schedule on the digital board overhead. “Looks like we’re right on time.”

The train rolled into the station with a metallic screech, slowing to a stop as the doors slid open.

People filed out, a mixture of business commuters, students, and everyday workers.

“Ready?” Ethan asked.

Riley nodded, and they stepped inside.

The subway car wasn’t too packed, but it wasn’t empty either.

Ethan and Riley found seats near the window, and she immediately leaned against it, watching as the underground walls blurred past as the train began moving.

Ethan stretched his legs out, tapping his fingers against his knee absentmindedly. “So, how do you feel?”

Riley sighed, pressing her cheek against the cool window. “I don’t know. Nervous, I guess.”

“You’ll be fine,” he assured her.

She turned her head to look at him. “You say that like you know for sure.”

Ethan smiled. “Because I do.”

She studied him for a moment, then shook her head. “You’re always so damn sure of everything, aren’t you?”

He shrugged. “Not everything. Just the things that matter.”

Riley let out a small laugh, though it quickly faded into silence. Her fingers tapped against her knee, mirroring Ethan’s habit.

“How long has it been since you saw them?” he asked after a while.

Riley’s gaze dropped to her lap. “Months. Maybe half a year.”

Ethan nodded, not pushing her for more. He could tell she was already anxious about the visit.

The train continued speeding down the tracks, the rhythmic sound of the wheels against the rails filling the space between them.

Outside, the underground walls gave way to glimpses of the city above as they moved closer to the outskirts.

Soon, the gray tunnels were replaced with stretches of suburban neighborhoods and green spaces.

Riley took a deep breath.

She had no idea what to expect when she arrived. Would her mother be okay? How bad was it? Oliver hadn’t given too many details over the phone, just that she was hospitalized and that their dad needed her there.

She clenched her fists.

‘I should’ve visited sooner.’

Ethan reached over and tapped her hand lightly. “You’re overthinking.”

She looked at him. “You don’t know that.”

He raised a brow. “I do. I can see it all over your face.”

Riley sighed but didn’t argue. He was right. She was overthinking.

She exhaled, forcing herself to relax. “It’s just… I didn’t realize how much I missed them until now.”

Ethan gave her a knowing look. “That’s usually how it goes.”

Silence settled over them again, but this time, it felt more comfortable.

The train began to slow as they approached their stop in Silicon City. Riley sat up straighter, rubbing her hands together.

“You okay?” Ethan asked.

“Yeah,” she said, though she wasn’t entirely convinced.

The train came to a stop, and the overhead announcement confirmed their destination. Ethan stood first, reaching out his hand toward her.

She took it without hesitation, letting him pull her to her feet.

As they stepped off the train and into the bustling station, Riley inhaled deeply.

The air smelled different here — familiar yet distant.

The sounds of the city surrounded her, from the chatter of pedestrians to the honking of cars outside the station.

Ethan glanced at her, tilting his head. “Ready?”

Riley nodded. “Yeah. Let’s go.”

Silicon City was massive — far larger than Greyport (The city they were coming from). Towering skyscrapers stretched toward the heavens, their glass exteriors reflecting the golden rays of the morning sun.

Digital billboards lined the streets, flashing advertisements for high-end brands, luxury cars, and new tech gadgets.

The sidewalks were packed with businessmen in tailored suits, tourists marveling at the city’s grandeur, and workers hurrying to their jobs.

The sheer scale of the place was overwhelming, even for someone like Ethan, who had seen his fair share of impressive cityscapes.

Riley, however, barely paid attention to the city’s splendor. Her thoughts were consumed by her mother and the urgency of their visit.

The moment they stepped off the subway platform, she immediately pulled out her phone and checked for any updates from Oliver.

Ethan, walking beside her, pulled up his hood even more. He wasn’t exactly a celebrity, but given his connections and business dealings, he knew that people could recognize him.

He preferred to keep a low profile, especially when they were here for something serious.

“Let’s get a taxi,” Ethan said, scanning the street.

Riley nodded absentmindedly, scrolling through her messages.

Finally, she found what she was looking for — a text from Oliver from yesterday.

[Oliver: Mom’s at Trinity Hospital. Dad and I are already here.]

Riley exhaled sharply, anxiety tightening in her chest. Ethan noticed her expression and placed a reassuring hand on her back.

“We’ll be there soon,” he said softly.

She nodded, forcing herself to focus. Spotting a taxi parked at the curb, she stepped forward and waved.

The driver, an older man with graying hair and sharp eyes, nodded and gestured for them to get in.

Ethan reached for his wallet, but before he could even pull it out, Riley quickly told the driver their destination. “Trinity Hospital, please.”

“Twenty bucks,” the driver said.

Before Ethan could protest, Riley pulled out her own wallet and handed the man the money.

Ethan frowned, clearly displeased.

“I could’ve paid,” he muttered as they got in.

“I know,” Riley said, buckling her seatbelt. “But you paid for our dates.”

Ethan sighed, shaking his head. She wasn’t wrong, but that didn’t mean he had to like it.

As the taxi pulled out into traffic, the driver glanced at them through the rearview mirror. “First time in Silicon City?”

“No,” Riley answered, her voice softer than usual. “I’ve been here sometimes.”

“Ah, a local.” The driver nodded approvingly. “And you, young man?”

Ethan leaned back, looking out the window at the towering buildings. “No, I’m just interested in business here.”

The driver whistled. “Business, huh? You one of those young entrepreneurs taking over the city?”

Ethan smirked. “Something like that.”

The driver chuckled. “Well, you picked a good city for it. Silicon City’s where the big money is. Tech companies, law firms, investment groups… you name it, we’ve got it. This place never sleeps.”