The Mafia Empire

People's memories of each other often last only a fleeting moment, especially when it's one common person remembering another. But the memory of an ordinary person toward someone of prominence can linger much longer. For the lives of the powerful are intertwined with those of the common people, and even a casual action by someone influential can change an ordinary person's life forever.

For the car washers outside the Ternell Grand Theater, the impression of powerful figures was particularly vivid. Their simple clothes and the food digesting in their bellies all came from these prominent individuals. Sometimes, just by respectfully calling out a dignitary's title, they might earn an extra coin or even a one-dollar bill.

However, the confused car washer still hadn't figured out who that familiar figure was. He felt he knew this person well, and they'd even crossed paths before.

But the problem was, he was just an ordinary man. How could someone like him build a "connection" with a person of influence?

Julian signed his name in the guestbook, nodded slightly, and then walked into the theater. The Ternell Grand Theater had hosted countless events, and there was a mature setup in place for arranging the venue and welcoming guests.

Guided by an attendant, Julian was led to a seat in the ninth row, closer to the edge. He didn't have any complaints, knowing that his sudden rise lacked deep roots and connections. Being placed in the ninth row, rather than the twelfth, was already a sign of respect.

At events like these, seating arrangements best reflected one's status and rank. For example, seated in the middle of the first row was none other than the "king" of Ternell City, Mayor Peter, flanked by two councilmen, followed by other officials. The tycoons were relegated to the third row, while the second row was reserved for social elites.

These elites often held no specific titles and were not necessarily as wealthy as the tycoons, but they had deep-rooted influence and heritage. Their ancestors might have been nobility, or they might have relatives in important positions elsewhere. In some cases, they wielded substantial influence in high society.

In short, these elites might lack direct power or vast wealth, but they possessed influence.

Influence is a mysterious "magic." Under its sway, public attitudes and perceptions can be altered. These individuals could affect the values of ordinary citizens and even sway the decisions and judgments of policymakers. Some referred to these social elites as the "shadow governors," describing their role in society.

One by one, distinguished guests continued to arrive, and the theater grew lively. Attendants carried trays with drinks and fruits, weaving through the guests. Almost everyone stood in small groups of three or five, either warmly chatting or whispering to each other. Amidst these hidden conversations, decisions were made, and certain ideas dismissed.

Perhaps this was what people admired as "high society"!

"Are you here alone?" Julian turned around to see a young woman dressed in vibrant attire. Small, sparkling accessories adorned her hair, and her stylish hairstyle, refined makeup, and well-designed outfit made her look fresh and radiant. Julian felt he'd seen this girl before. After a brief moment of thought, he smiled and said, "I'm terribly sorry, but despite my best efforts, I still can't recall your name!"

The girl laughed without a hint of offense and extended a hand clad in white lace gloves, lightly shaking his. "My name is Flayna. I can tell you're a busy person who doesn't have much time to notice posters around town."

At the mention of posters and after she introduced herself, Julian's face showed sudden realization. He remembered who she was. She was an opera actress, performing stage plays and minor roles in operas at the Ternell Grand Theater. Her youthful charm had garnered a small following, though both the world of theater and opera were realms that valued tradition and hierarchy.

Flayna held an awkward position in the theater, always a supporting character and never the lead. Some thought it unfortunate, while others believed it fitting. The Lord had granted her remarkable beauty, but not more, for it would be unfair to others. Rumor had it that the theater director had wanted Flayna to become his lover, but she had refused, and thus the lead roles in plays and operas had been closed to her ever since.

Some went as far as to say the director was "waiting" for her, expecting that she would eventually give in and willingly climb into his bed.

Speaking of the theater director, one couldn't ignore this sixty-something man's influence in Ternell and even across the state. Although he was only the director of a theater, he had made outstanding contributions to the arts. In his youth, three of his operas and plays won the highest arts awards. Many of his students went on to become notable artists, with one even teaching at the Imperial Royal Academy of Arts.

In this sense, the director was also a social elite, as he held considerable influence.

It was a sad and twisted society, with many "social elites" regarding the director's behavior as a refined interest, never considering the oppressed individuals' thoughts and attitudes. They promoted and even bet on it among themselves, perhaps viewing it as "high culture."

Julian patted his forehead and extended his hand again. "I remember now, Miss Flayna, the star of Ternell City."

"Star?" Flayna extended her hand and shook his again, visibly pleased. "Do you really think so? Most people only see me as a supporting character; rarely does anyone call me a star."

Julian responded earnestly, "When a person gains a certain level of recognition and frequently appears in public, they meet the basic criteria of a star. So, in that sense, you are indeed a star."

Flayna laughed brightly. "It's a pleasure talking to you. May I have your contact information? I still don't know your name!"

After seeing Flayna off, Julian had just sat down, barely warming his seat, when Ernst appeared beside him out of nowhere. "That woman isn't as simple as she seems. Try not to get too involved with her."

Although most people assumed that Julian and Ernst should be at each other's throats, competing ruthlessly to dominate Ternell City's bootleg market, it wasn't surprising for Ernst to sit down beside Julian and offer him a cigarette. This was the way of high society. This was the elegance expected of the elite during social gatherings. Put simply, you might want nothing more than to stab the person in front of you, but in this setting, at this moment, you had to treat them like a dear friend.

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