This was the first time Mulan had seen Ethan like this.
Previously, he had been polite, measured—always keeping a certain distance in his words and actions.
But today? Completely different. It was as if he had torn away all his reservations.
As Ethan took her hand, Mulan lightly swirled her wineglass. "You want to know why? Fine. Drink first, and I'll tell you."
"Deal."
Ethan clinked his glass against hers and downed it in one go.
Tonight, he was unrestrained. He accepted every toast, refilled his glass every time.
Fang Si pulled Mulan aside, watching Ethan drown his sorrows. She sighed. "I thought ten days would've been enough for him to put himself back together. Seems I was wrong. He hasn't moved on at all. Tell me, was Serena his girlfriend?"
"What do you think?" Mulan shot back.
Fang Si shook her head. "Doesn't seem like it. Not that they wouldn't have been a good match, but Ethan's always carried this wariness about this world. Not the type to just jump into a relationship here."
Mulan tipped back her glass, draining it. "So you're saying… he just saw her as a friend?"
Noticing Mulan's conflicted look, Fang Si arched a brow. "What, feeling protective?"
"I don't know," Mulan admitted, frustration creeping into her voice. "In this world, people like him are rare. Right now, he's like... a blank page."
"Everyone starts blank. Me included." Fang Si smirked, her crimson lips curling. "But sooner or later, life scribbles all over you, and suddenly? You're covered in ink."
"For some, someone they never thought important ends up staying forever. Others they thought would be lifelong companions? Gone overnight. You just never know."
"Lanlan," Fang Si's voice dropped, eerily serious for once, "here's a hard truth—no one is irreplaceable. You might make someone's life better, but trust me, no one's going to collapse just because you're gone."
Mulan punched her lightly. "What, lecturing me now? Who do you think I am?"
"Just making sure you don't lose your nerve." Fang Si chuckled, her usual playful demeanor slipping back into place. "You can't save anyone—not when you're trapped in this world yourself. So if you really want to do something? Get stronger first."
"And Ethan?" Fang Si glanced back toward him. "He's sharper than you give him credit for. The question is—how far is he willing to go?"
"If by tomorrow he falls back into his old cautious habits? Good. Means he doesn't have what it takes. Spares you the trouble."
"But if he does push forward?" Fang Si shrugged. "Then maybe he's exactly what you need. You complement each other. The rest? Well, that's just destiny."
For once, her eyes were startlingly clear.
"Fang Si!" A drunken giggle interrupted them. "Stop chatting and get over here! These guys' pecs actually move!"
"Coming~!"
Instantly, Fang Si melted back into her flirtatious persona, waltzing over to join the revelry.
By the time the party ended, the young matrons were all tipsy, leaving behind generous tips as they staggered out. Ethan helped Mulan toward the casino entrance.
Upstairs, Tyler He leaned against the railing, sneering at Ethan's retreating figure. "Pathetic. Just riding some woman's coattails."
"Tyler..." Autumn sidled up beside him, her fingers kneading his shoulders lightly. "Regardless of how he's doing it, as long as she backs him, we can't touch him."
"For now," Tyler scoffed. "But once I start working directly for him, why would I still need to care about some spoiled princess?"
"Fair point." Autumn smirked. "Actually… he wants to test the waters tomorrow. If everything goes smoothly, he might just approve a proper deal for you."
Tyler's eyes gleamed. "Tell him—he won't be disappointed."
Outside, Wade Qi pulled up in the Range Rover.
Mulan glanced at Ethan.
Without a word, Ethan opened the back door for her, sliding in afterward.
Wade didn't need instructions—he drove straight toward Mulan's apartment.
Once upstairs, Ethan shut the door behind them, taking in the extravagant penthouse again.
"I'll buy you a pair of slippers tomorrow," Mulan said, shrugging off her coat. "Tonight, just bear with bare feet. But don't worry—the floors are heated."
"If I complained about this?" Ethan chuckled. "I'd be the most spoiled bastard alive."
He wandered toward the living room, halting mid-step when his gaze landed on the massive aquarium dominating the far wall—easily thirty feet long and nearly twenty high. Crystal-clear water shimmered under ambient lighting, vibrant corals swaying as exotic fish darted between them.
Ethan knew nothing about marine life, but even he could tell—this thing was insane.
"This must've cost… what, thirty grand?"
"Ten thousand." Mulan uncorked a fresh bottle of red.
Ethan blinked. "Monthly?"
"Base maintenance. Extras are billed separately."
He fell silent. His newfound fortune—nine million dollars—suddenly felt laughable.
One to two million a year… just to keep fish alive.
Meanwhile, he'd been patting himself on the back for his savings, thinking he was set for life. Turns out? He couldn't even afford one year of this tank.
"Money really is endless," Ethan muttered. "The second you think you've got enough, you realize there's always something more out of reach."
Mulan poured him a glass. "How much do you have?"
"Nine mil." He exhaled. "No idea what to do with it."
"Then save it," she said simply. "You're still young."
Ethan scowled. He'd been expecting at least some praise—something like "Not bad for your age"—but no.
They drank quietly for a while.
Finally, Mulan tilted her head. "You showering first?"
Ethan frowned. "Why?"
She laughed. "Then get some rest. Tomorrow, you're coming with me somewhere."
Nodding, Ethan sprawled across the massive sectional sofa. Mulan tossed him a blanket.
The fabric smelled faintly of lavender.
Within minutes, he was out.
Six-thirty A.M.
Ethan stirred awake, stretching before splashing water on his face. He studied his reflection—eyes sharp, jaw set.
"You ready?"
His reflection smirked back.
"Hell yeah."