Following the guard's lead, Henry entered the main building, a mansion. Inside the mansion were a bunch of people, neither a huge number nor a small number. Henry could deduce there were about 20-30 people present. They were all dressed extravagantly, making Henry's plain but nice-looking outfit look more boring.
Although Henry never attended an occasion like this, especially with these rich-looking people, he didn't feel out of place or nervous. He certainly wasn't poor and he would be much richer in a few months.
Henry spotted someone from the corner of his eye. Michael was heading in his direction along with another guy. Henry didn't move but slightly smiled at Michael to which he responded with a wave and said "Hey Henry".
"What's Up, Happy birthday Michael," Henry said and stretched his hand out for a fist bump. Michael received Henry's fist bump and said "It's not bad, glad you made it". Henry nodded at the response before taking a glance at the person behind Michael.
Michael noticing Henry's gaze quickly introduced, "This is Kevin, a good friend of mine. And Kevin, This is Henry".
"Nice to meet you, I would've said I heard about you but Michael doesn't talk about his friends," Kevin said with a mocking smile.
"Haha, Now that you say it, he indeed hasn't talked about his friends before. Nice to meet you Kevin" Henry responded. Michael looked at them dumbfoundedly, not only were they getting acquainted quite nicely, but they made fun of him in the process.
"Are everyone here your friends?" Henry asked out of curiosity. Michael showed a bitter smile and said "Nah, I don't know most of them and the ones I know, I can't call them 'Friends' ". Henry became more confused and asked, "Why invite people you don't know or don't get along with?"
"Well, It's just to build connections with them. These people have extraordinary backgrounds that could play a huge role in securing a good position within my family" Michael said with a solemn tone, Henry could tell he didn't enjoy doing this.
'Connections, Extraordinary background, Family position?' Henry was a bit confused, although he heard about huge families before, he didn't think much of it. It seemed the struggle was real for them. "Why do you do it, If you don't like it", I'm sure you got what it takes if you wanted to do something for yourself."
Michael understood what he meant, he had an education exclusive to the best of the best and had many resources at his disposal, he could start up a company if he wanted to. Kevin seeing Michael not responding scoffed and said "Influence, since everyone in his family is fighting, he feels obligated to join".
From Kevin's tone, he didn't seem to discourage it. Michael sighed, feeling defeated nodded at Kevin's response. After noticing the tension in the air, Henry decided to change the subject. Although he was curious about a lot of things, he decided not to pry into someone else's problems.
Throughout the party, more people joined but Kevin, Michael, and Henry remained together for most of the party. Occasionally, some came to greet and talk to Michael to which he responded friendly and politely. Very much the opposite of what Michael felt towards them but neither Kevin nor Michael voiced it out.
After the party ended, both Kevin and Michael remained together while the rest of the guests departed. People also tried striking up conversations with Michael and Kevin, just like how Michael needed connections with others, they also needed the connections. They probably thought of Kevin and Michael as people they could benefit from since they were with Michael.
Henry kept the conversations short but remained polite to them and Kevin also responded similarly. After all the guests had left, Kevin suggested they go somewhere to grab food. Throughout the party, they hardly ate anything and spent most of their time talking. They also noticed Michael was in a bad mood after the party so they wanted to make the mood better.
Kevin chose a nearby restaurant. Surprisingly, it was one Henry was familiar with, though he'd never been there. After arriving, they picked a seat and ordered looked through the menu when Kevin suggested something.
"Why don't we play credit card roulette?". Michael smiled and nodded, and then they both looked at Henry seeking his approval. Henry too nodded and said, "I won't hold back then". Kevin laughed and mockingly said, "I hope you don't get the bill".
When the waiter arrived, they all ordered their food. Although there is a possibility any of Michael or Kevin wouldn't have to pay, they still ordered moderately, even if the bill fell to them, they naturally weren't poor and the meal wouldn't even cause a dent in their pockets. Henry too was the same, he had no reason to bite off more than he could chew, literally. He could pay for the meal so there wasn't any issue.
Till their food arrived, they all talked about their interests or what others would consider mundane topics. It was quite interesting for Henry, Kevin, and Michael as they were enjoying themselves. They had drinks sent to their table while waiting for their food and kept discussing.
Soon after, their food arrived and this didn't stop the momentum of their discussion. Whenever another person was talking, the others would take the opportunity to eat some food while listening to the person talking.
Sometime during their discussion, Henry who was the main speaker at this point in the discussion suddenly stopped talking as he was looking at the direction of the door. A large number of people entered the restaurant. People who Henry recognized, were his classmates from College.
Kevin asked, "What's wrong?" noticing Henry stopped talking and staring at the group that entered. Henry just shook his head and smiled, "It's nothing". They didn't notice him and he would rather keep it that way so he continued his discussion with them and forgetting all his worries.