Louis opened the door, only to be met by Liam and Ethan, his former bandmates. They had mocking smiles on their faces, attempting to peer past Louis into the house.
But Louis blocked their view firmly.
"Well, well! Louis, is it too late to open the door? Aren't we welcome?" Liam taunted.
Louis felt the urge to punch them in the face at their demeanor. Although both were older than Louis, back when they were in the band together, these two would always address Louis as "brother".
It was all because Louis was the visual center of the former boy band. He was the most popular member who led the group to fame.
When Louis was dating Anna, Liam and Ethan admired them greatly. But after Louis and Anna left the entertainment circle and faded into obscurity, their attitudes changed, and they began to mock Louis and Anna.
It was ridiculous that such people would still try to ingratiate themselves with Louis.
Louis wasn't as naive as the former Louis. Naturally, he wouldn't give them a warm reception.
"You know the answer already. This place isn't welcoming to you two. Go back where you came from!" Louis said, anger evident in his narrowed eyes and cold demeanor.
On the right, Liam licked his lips and took a step forward.
"Friend, is your mood not good today? Weren't you always eager to see us before? Now that we're here, why the attitude? Oh! I see! Is it because you haven't been drinking? Come on, let me buy you a couple of drinks," Liam said.
If it had been the former Louis, he would have happily invited them in for a drink. But not Louis. He closed the door as Liam reached out, sidestepping Liam's hand with the same cold expression.
"I quit drinking. I won't drink anymore. Also, I don't want to see you two again. Don't come looking for me in the future," Louis said.
Liam's step forward halted, his gaze fixed on Louis. He then turned to Ethan with a smirk, and they both chuckled.
"Ethan, did I hear that right? He said he doesn't want to see us?" Liam said, pretending to be incredulous.
Ethan laughed along, "Liam, you heard right. He's given us the boot. Impressive! Just as Ada said, someone's got a screw loose, still thinking he's as popular as before!"
Louis watched the two clowns before him, speechless. Were they performing a Sichuan opera face-changing routine? And were they doing a comedic duet? Being an idol was really a waste of talent; they should go into comedy instead.
Louis instinctively glanced at the tightly closed door, thinking of Cicc and Anna still inside. Arguing here would scare the mother and daughter. He patted Liam's shoulder, gesturing to leave.
"Let's talk outside."
With that said, he didn't wait for Liam and Ethan to react. He grabbed one of each and walked out.
When Liam and Ethan finally reacted, they tried to break free from Louis's grip, but they were surprised by his unusually strong hold. No matter how hard they struggled, they couldn't break free from his restraint.
It wasn't until they reached the corridor outside the building that Louis let them go.
"Where you come from, go back there. I won't say it again," Louis said.
Liam and Ethan's faces were red with embarrassment. They had made a bet with Ada, thinking they could persuade Louis, but they hadn't expected to be shut down. Moreover, Louis's strength had startled them, making them hesitant to act rashly.
"Don't you want to know why we came to find you?" Liam asked.
Worried that Louis might refuse again, Ethan hurriedly added, "We're here to invite you back to the boy band! You've always wanted to come back, haven't you?"
"Oh?" Louis looked at them askance, curious to hear what they were hiding.
Seeing Louis's slight interest, Liam and Ethan exchanged a glance, both showing a hint of satisfaction.
It seemed as though they were saying, "See? He's interested after all."
Liam resumed his arrogant demeanor, looking disdainfully at Louis as he said, "You've always wanted to come back, right? You said Anna ruined your future. Well, we can help you come back. But! You have to divorce Anna! How about it? Simple, isn't it?"
Louis continued to look at them askance. Were these two treating him like a fool?
"Are you done? Then get lost! Seeing you two is just bad luck. I feel like vomiting my breakfast," Louis said with disdain.
"Louis! Have you no shame?"
"It's you who should be ashamed." Louis retorted without hesitation.
These two were accustomed to reveling in indulgence, while he, after a week of exercise, noticeably improved his physique. Perhaps due to the transmigration, he felt stronger than in his previous life.
Seeing the two flush red, evidently wanting to act but hesitating, Louis reached out and gave Liam's shoulder a pat, causing him to shiver. "I know why you're here. Go back and tell your boss not to try to stir up trouble with Anna, or else... hehe!"
Having said his piece, Louis ignored the duo and turned to walk away.
Watching Louis depart, Liam and Ethan's faces turned red and green, their eyes fixed on him. What they thought was an easy task turned out to be a failure, despite the benefits they received.
Ethan felt somewhat resentful. "Liam! Are we just letting him go like this?"
Rubbing his shoulder where Louis had pat him a bit too hard, Liam replied with annoyance, "What else can we do? It's strange, he suddenly seems like a different person, so strong."
"Let's go back. Since things didn't work out, we'll have to think of another plan later."
Disheartened, Ethan uttered an agreement, and the two turned and walked away.
Meanwhile, Louis returned home with brisk steps. Seeing him, his beloved family breathed a sigh of relief, their eyes carrying traces of relaxation.
Cicc remained in Anna's arms, not continuing the game, their big black eyes fixed on Louis's face. Only when they saw that familiar smile did they leave Anna's embrace and rush over to hug their father's leg.
Similarly, Anna, with her meal unfinished, sat at the table with a questioning expression, watching Louis.
"They... left?"
"Yes, they're gone. They won't be coming back."
Louis said lightly, picking up Cicc and sitting on the sofa.
Watching Louis play with Cicc as if nothing had happened, Anna finally turned back to her meal.
The warmth returned to the house, and the little episode was soon forgotten by the trio.
In contrast, Liam and Ethan felt miserable. Just after being humiliated by Louis, they were then insulted by Ada. They had pledged to persuade Louis, but they hadn't anticipated being sent away directly. This only fueled their hatred towards Louis further.