Alex Lin arrived at a newly opened luxury bar with Rachel Liu and Ethan Ye in tow.
The bar owner was a wealthy second-generation heir and one of Alex's old friends. Since the opening celebration was in full swing, the place was overflowing with people, music, and wild energy.
Just as Alex stepped in, someone slung an arm over his shoulder like they owned him.
"Finally showed up, brother! I invited you so many times and you ignored me. Where have you been hiding? If you don't explain tonight, I'll get you drunk and throw a bunch of women at you."
The man was Henry He, the bar owner.
His name sounded elegant, but he was anything but. Wealthy, indulgent, crude, and obsessed with nightlife.Still, he had one redeeming quality: loyalty.
In Alex's previous life, when he eventually lost control and went insane, Henry was the one who admitted him to the best hospital, visited him regularly, and never abandoned him.
So Alex had helped him rise in return.
Now, reborn, seeing Henry again felt strangely nostalgic.
"I've been in a relationship recently," Alex said helplessly. "No time to play around."
Henry's jaw dropped."You? Dating? Which woman managed to tame you? Isn't your idea of dating just holding hands and calling it love?"
"Sophia Song, president of Song Hospital."
Henry whistled."One of the two golden flowers of Mo Hai Entertainment? If people find out, half the city's men will cry. So how far did you get? Did you sleep together yet?"
"Vulgar," Alex scolded. "I'm in a proper, beautiful relationship. Don't use crude words."
Henry snorted."What nonsense? Dating is dating."
"I can't talk logic with you," Alex sighed.
Henry raised an eyebrow."So you're trying to turn over a new leaf?"
"Turn over what? I've always been a law-abiding citizen."
"Don't lie. You dragged me into nightlife in the first place and then abandoned me. And you dare call yourself clean?" Henry sneered. "But fine. If you actually win over Sophia Song, I'll give you a huge red envelope."
Then he noticed Rachel and Ethan.
"Who are they?"
"This is Rachel Liu, the secretary arranged by my father. And this is Ethan Ye, my bodyguard. Strongest in the company."
"Good. Your friends are my friends," Henry grinned."Sit here. Best view of the stage."
A cluster of models nearby immediately swarmed over.
"Young Master Lin! Young Master He!"
Alex waved them off."Go find Henry. I don't need women."
Henry laughed."He has a girlfriend now. He doesn't care about ordinary girls. Come to me."
He wrapped his arm around a model and flopped onto a luxurious sofa.
"Eat and drink whatever you want. Tonight is on me."
Alex nodded."Everyone, relax."
Rachel looked around with disgust; she didn't want to sit near Henry reeking of smoke, nor near the flirtatious models. So she subtly shifted closer to Alex and sat right beside him, shoulders nearly touching.
Her cheeks reddened."Don't misunderstand. I just didn't want to sit near them."
"I understand," Alex said calmly. "I ordered drinks for you already."
"Hmph. At least you have some conscience."
Meanwhile, Ethan stood behind Alex, stiff as a soldier.
Henry gestured."Brother, don't just stand. Sit. This is my place, nobody will cause trouble."
Alex nodded."Sit, Ethan. You've followed me all day. Rest and drink something."
"Yes, Vice President Lin."
Ethan sat nearby, posture still straight as a spear.
Inside, however, his heart churned:
The villain sat in VIP, beautiful secretary beside him, models flocking, rich friend praising him…
And the great war god reincarnator? Sitting quietly like a subordinate, eating crumbs of respect.
The humiliation was real.