Ethan Chu's graceful and approachable demeanor quickly made him the star of the gathering, charming both men and women alike.
Leon developed a good impression of Ethan, mainly because Ethan's gaze towards Lily Lin was respectful and devoid of the arrogance or sleaziness often associated with wealthy young men. He treated her as a friend, which Leon appreciated.
When Ethan found out Leon was Lily's boyfriend, he showed genuine interest in chatting with him.
Philip Yu, who was obsessed with Angelina Dream, expressed his desire to meet her in person, even claiming he could die happy afterward. Leon, who didn't care much about celebrities, found this fanaticism amusing. Despite recently becoming a fan of Angelina's music, he remained rational and uninterested in obsessive behavior. So, while others discussed Angelina passionately, Ethan noticed Leon's calm expression and found it odd.
"You don't seem very interested, Leon," Ethan said with a smile.
"Not exactly. I only recently learned about Angelina Dream. I wasn't paying attention before," Leon admitted.
Ethan was surprised but not offended. Angelina was a huge star in Asia and internationally, and discussing her was a popular topic in any circle.
Ethan didn't seem bothered. He raised a glass of cola and said, "To you, then!"
Leon responded in kind.
"Lily, it seems Leon and Ethan are getting along well," one of Lily's friends remarked with a smile.
Lily asked curiously, "Do you know him?"
"Not really. We're not close," her friend whispered. "But since you're signing a contract, I thought he could look out for you. The entertainment industry can be tricky."
"But it seems you don't need an introduction. Leon and Ethan get along just fine," Lily's roommate said with a smile. "I know Ethan; he's a decent guy."
Her concern touched Lily, and she couldn't help but smile. "Lily's roommate, are you sure there's nothing between you two?"
Lily's roommate shook her head vigorously, making Lily wonder why she was so opposed to the idea.
"It seems you and my cousin are quite close," Ethan remarked, joining the conversation with a pleasant demeanor.
Lily nodded, feeling the same connection and smiling in agreement.
After about ten minutes, the door to the private room opened, and a man in his late twenties walked in with a less-than-reputable smile. Upon seeing him, Ethan's eyebrows furrowed slightly.
"Well, well, what a small world, Ethan!"
The man sat next to Ethan uninvited, and Philip and the others, wary of his unsavory reputation, made room reluctantly.
"So it's Boss Tu. What a coincidence to see you at this small KTV," Ethan replied coolly.
Boss Tu was calm and amiable. "What coincidence? This KTV belongs to one of my men. They informed me as soon as you showed up, so I rushed over, even canceling a business meeting."
Ethan didn't acknowledge his explanation.
Boss Tu's eyes brightened when he saw Lily. "Ethan, you always have beautiful women around. Miss, are you interested in working for my company? I'll pay you ten thousand a month."
Lily's former classmates gasped, looking at her with envy. That was a substantial salary.
Lily shook her head and looked away.
"Fifteen thousand, or even twenty thousand. Just come work for me," Boss Tu insisted, reaching out to grab Lily.
Before Leon could react, Ethan brushed Boss Tu's hand away, saying coldly, "Boss Tu, she's my friend's girlfriend. You'd better not get any ideas."
Boss Tu hesitated, then sat back down, apologizing sincerely. He knew Ethan's background was not ordinary, and by association, assumed Leon's wasn't either.
He scrutinized Leon, sensing something peculiar. Despite Leon's unassuming appearance, there was an unsettling feeling about him. Although disappointed he couldn't recruit Lily, Boss Tu had other motives for his visit.
"Since we're here, why don't we discuss our last conversation?" Boss Tu suggested with a sly smile.
"I don't recall any conversation," Ethan replied, frowning.
Boss Tu's smile turned cold. "How quickly you forget. I asked for the famous idol Angelina Dream to perform at my nightclub. There shouldn't be a problem, right?"
Ethan scoffed. "She would never go to your nightclub."
"Why not? She's just a singer. Should I use unconventional methods?" Boss Tu sneered.
"You wouldn't dare!"
"Of course not, but others might. It wouldn't be good if something happened to Star Dream's artists," Boss Tu said, his threat blatant.
Philip and the others gasped, barely restraining their anger at Boss Tu's disrespectful demands but held back by his intimidating presence.
"Repeat that, Max Tu?" Ethan sneered.
Max Tu seemed slightly wary, then laughed. "Don't be angry. I'm just joking. But your brother lost a drinking bet to me, and the deal was for Angelina Dream to perform at my club. Your family can't go back on its word."
"If he lost, take it up with him. Angelina is my god-sister. No one messes with her, not even for my brother," Ethan declared, earning admiration from everyone present.
Max Tu's expression darkened, and his tone turned hostile. "Are you saying your family is playing me?"
Ethan snorted.
The tension grew thick. Max Tu's face softened as he suggested, "Let's find a compromise. I can't leave with a tarnished reputation."
"What do you want?"
"Money can't compare to seeing Angelina Dream. How about we settle this with a drinking contest? If I lose, we'll forget the whole thing."
Ethan's face hardened. "I can't handle much alcohol."
"As if anyone believes that. You're constantly entertaining," Max Tu taunted. "Be a man and drink. I won't make it hard for you. How about your friends join in, and whoever lasts the longest wins?"
"They're just students. How can they compete with you?" Ethan's face showed frustration.
Everyone could see Max Tu was tough to deal with and doubted their ability to match his drinking prowess.
"Well, that's a problem…"
"I'll drink," Leon said calmly, drawing everyone's attention.
"Leon?"
Leon remained expressionless, glancing casually at Max Tu. "I enjoy drinking. I'll take your challenge."
"You?" Max Tu mocked, eyeing Leon's slight build. He looked like he could barely handle a few bottles of water, but that suited Max Tu just fine.
"No way! Leon, this has nothing to do with you," Ethan protested.
Leon had taken a liking to Ethan, especially after he stood up for Lily. Helping him seemed fair. Besides, Leon admired Angelina Dream and wanted to teach Max Tu a lesson.
"Leave it to me."
Ethan wanted to protest, but Leon's confident gaze silenced him. He sat back down, oddly reassured. It was a feeling Ethan had only experienced with his father, and now, strangely, with a student.
Seeing Ethan's acceptance, Max Tu was pleased.
"Leon, are you sure?" Lily's friend asked worriedly.
Everyone was skeptical, given the vast difference in physique.
Leon turned to Max Tu and asked, "Do you accept?"
"Suit yourself!"
Max Tu gestured, and a few men entered with cases of liquor.
"Are you going alone?" Max Tu laughed.
"Yes," Leon nodded nonchalantly, as if they were no match for him, irritating Max Tu's men.
Max Tu, showing some grace, said, "I don't want it said that I bully students. How about you face him…" He pointed to a short-haired man.
"Boss, I'll handle it. If I don't beat him, I'll crawl home," the man boasted.
They opened the cases, revealing bottles of high-proof liquor. Leon expected something like Maotai or Erguotou, but this was a strong choice.
"These are 75-proof. Still game?" Max Tu asked arrogantly.
Everyone turned pale.
75-proof? That was lethal.
Ethan tried to stop him, but Leon was unfazed. "No more talking."
"You're gutsy!" Max Tu gestured to his man, confident Leon would fail after a bottle.
The short-haired man handed Leon a bottle. "Whoever finishes the bottle first wins. If we're still standing, we'll move to the next. You can give up anytime."
"No objections," Leon smiled.
"Begin," the man said, filling a glass and downing it.
"Lily, is your boyfriend a good drinker?" a concerned girl asked, genuinely worried for him.
75-proof was terrifying.
Lily was also pale.
"No way, Leon. I'll drink with you," Ethan insisted, despite his poor tolerance, showing his loyalty.
"It's fine," Leon smiled mischievously. He looked at the bottle's proof, confirming it was over 70. Opening it, the potent aroma wafted out. He shrugged, then started drinking straight from the bottle.
Not only Lily, but Ethan and the others were shocked. Even Max Tu, a seasoned drinker, was stunned. Leon was drinking 75-proof liquor like it was water.