"We've been chatting here for ages, wondering where you had disappeared to! Thought you were avoiding us old men," he joked, laughing heartily.
The other people at the table also turned their attention toward Alex, their expressions filled with respect for Alex.
Even though Alex was the youngest among them, his wealth and power placed him on equal footing with these top-tier figures.
Especially Walter Lane, he was particularly fond of Alex and wasted no time in greeting him with genuine warmth.
"You brat," Walter Lane grinned, slapping Alex's shoulder lightly. "Ever since you became CEO, you don't even visit us anymore!"
Alex chuckled, shaking his head. "How could that be? I've just been too busy with work." Their easygoing exchange drew envious glances from the surrounding guests.
The younger elites, in particular, couldn't help but admire Alex. To be so young, yet treated as an equal by business giants? That was something few could ever dream of achieving.
Just as the conversation between Alex and Walter Lane was going smoothly, the older man suddenly gestured to someone sitting beside him.
"Let me introduce you to someone special today," Walter Lane said, his tone filled with admiration.
"This young man here may be young, but he's got some serious skills—just like you!" Alex's gaze followed Walter Lane's gesture and landed on a familiar figure.
A handsome, confident young man, effortlessly blending into the elite circle.
The true protagonist of this story.
Ethan Carter.
"Oh?" Alex raised an eyebrow, pretending to be intrigued.
"Huh?! You're not someone who gives compliments lightly. If even you speak so highly of him, then he must be someone truly exceptional."
Of course, through his system, Alex already knew exactly who Ethan was.
This was the protagonist of the original storyline.
But he wasn't about to let that show. Or show that he knew Ethan.
Instead, he played along—curious, but not overly eager.
"Walter Lane, that's not fair," another ine chimed in. "If he's so outstanding, hurry up and introduce him properly!"
"Yeah, don't keep us in suspense!" another executive added with interest.
Walter Lane let out a hearty laugh and turned back to Ethan.
"You all don't know this yet, but this young man is quite something," he said excitedly.
"Not only does he have a remarkable understanding of things like energy, but his face-reading skills are incredibly accurate like a super detective!" He leaned forward conspiratorially, lowering his voice just enough to sound mysterious.
"I even heard that he's deeply knowledgeable in traditional medicine—a true expert in Chinese healing arts… you know the acupuncture ones and many more!" As Walter Lane continued singing Ethan's praises, Alex couldn't help but inwardly scoff.
So, he really is the standard urban novel protagonist…
If someone told Alex that Ethan could also predict the future, tame mythical beasts, and hack government satellites, he wouldn't even be surprised at this point.
As Walter Lane finished his introduction, the expressions of the other people at the table shifted.
One by one, they turned their attention toward Ethan, studying him with curiosity.
"…That's impressive," one of them admitted, sounding intrigued.
"So young, yet skilled in so many fields?" another one murmured in disbelief.
"This is truly rare," another one added, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
Even though they were top-tier business people, there was a certain mystique surrounding individuals with knowledge in Energy and traditional medicine.
And Ethan? He was perfectly playing the role of an enigmatic, humble genius. Noticing the shift in atmosphere, Ethan internally rejoiced.
But outwardly, he maintained a calm, collected expression.
"Oh! Really! You exaggerate," Ethan said with a polite chuckle, shaking his head modestly.
"I've only dabbled a little in these areas. I wouldn't call myself an expert." Said the protagonist with an aloof and no care in the world like he was mentioning buying a lollipop from a local store casually.
But despite his words, his demeanor was calculatedly perfect… a balance of humility and quiet confidence. It was the kind of act that made people even more interested in him.
"Haha! Modest, I see," one of the business tycoons laughed.
"Young man, you're quite impressive. Let's exchange contacts." Suggested one of tge people on the table.
"Indeed, we should stay in touch. I might need your expertise someday." Another chimned in with a softy laugh.
Ethan's heart swelled with excitement. These weren't just ordinary businessmen.
These were some of the most powerful figures in the city… men who could change his entire future with a single favor.
'If I can establish relationships with these people… Then my rise to the top will be unstoppable!' Thought Ethan as he looked at the people in front of him.
With an easy smile, Ethan politely exchanged contact information with the people on the table, acting as if he wasn't overwhelmed by the sheer level of success he was about to attain.
….
Meanwhile, at another part of the Party hall, Harold Winters had also taken notice of what was happening.
His eyes narrowed as he observed Ethan effortlessly building connections with the city's elite.
For a moment, a thought crossed his mind.
"If Alex can't provide for my daughter in the future… then perhaps… this young man might be a better choice." Harold's expression flickered.
'If I could introduce Rose to Ethan Carter… Perhaps I could secure another powerful connection.' Greed flashed in his eyes as he slowly started formulating a backup plan for himself and his daughter Rose.
…..
Just as the atmosphere in the party hall was heating up, a sudden commotion broke out at the entrance.
Rose had arrived.
Her heels clicked sharply against the marble floor as she stormed in, her eyes burning with fury.
She had come with one goal… to confront Alex and demand an explanation for his outrageous actions. But just as she was about to march over to him, her gaze inadvertently locked onto Ethan Carter.
And at that moment— Everything else faded into the background. Ethan noticed her, too. Although it was their first time meeting, and they were separated by a sea of people, their eyes found each other like magnets.
(A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)
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