Chapter 15: An Invitation, an Unexpected Incident

In Shiyuan County, though the land was not vast, its unique geography and prosperous economy made it a place with a flavor all its own.

Li Chao set foot on this land, unfamiliar with its bustling life, yet carrying a sense of resolve and determination, as if he had already foreseen the road ahead.

In no time, he arrived at the entrance of the White Swan KTV. The three-story building, though not as towering as the skyscrapers of a metropolis, was a prominent landmark in this small city. The golden signboard glimmered in the night, and luxury cars of every kind crowded the entrance, as if to flaunt the place’s vibrancy and clamor to the world.

Li Chao said nothing, merely walking quietly toward room “999.” The corridor was awash with shifting colored lights, draping the entire space in a veil of mystery. Men and women swept past him, their laughter and whispers interlacing with the strains of music to paint a lavish tableau of revelry and indulgence. Couples embraced and kissed, as though the world had shrunk to only the two of them. Their eyes brimmed with intoxication and abandon, oblivious to everything around them.

Watching this, Li Chao felt a surge of inexplicable emotion. Though only a short distance separated them, it felt like two entirely different worlds.

At last, he found the room. After a gentle knock, he entered.

The lighting inside was soft and warm. Three women sat on the sofa, their makeup exquisite and bold, as if they were fairies stepped out of a painting.

"Chao, you're here! Come, sit!" Liu Dan stood up at once to greet him warmly. She gestured to the two women beside her. "This is Xiangxue, and this is Xinping."

Xiangxue and Xinping wore camisoles and short skirts, their figures alluring and graceful. They seemed unconcerned about the risk of their clothes shifting with any movement, perfectly at ease in this setting.

Xinping softly sang by the side, her voice clear and melodious, as if it could pierce the soul.

At Liu Dan’s signal, Li Chao sat beside her, his gaze wandering, captivated by this unfamiliar world. In this corner of the city, the kaleidoscopic neon lights lit up every face, as if everyone’s secrets were hidden beneath their shimmering hues.

Xiangxue, clothed in a striking cheongsam, drew Li Chao’s attention. Her eyes were bright as stars, yet sharp and worldly. She openly scrutinized Li Chao, as if assessing the worth of a piece of merchandise. Finally, she shook her head slightly and whispered to Liu Dan, “This young man has a fine appearance, but it seems his family background is rather ordinary.”

Liu Dan, gentle as flowing water, blushed slightly at Xiangxue’s comment, clearly displeased. She replied softly, “Xiangxue, how can you be so materialistic? Wealth is merely external; it cannot be compared to a person’s character. Li Chao has his own talents and ambition. I believe he will achieve great things in the future.”

Hearing their conversation, Li Chao felt a twinge of awkwardness, but he also understood Xiangxue’s bias was not unfounded. In this practical world, money and status were often the standards by which people were judged.

Yet, he refused to be shackled by such worldly views. He believed his ability and effort would prove his worth.

He took a deep breath, smiling gratefully at Liu Dan for her support and understanding. In this unfamiliar environment, Liu Dan was his steadfast ally.

He resolved to answer Xiangxue’s doubts with his actions, to show that he possessed not only a handsome face, but also unwavering conviction and aspiration.

Xiangxue arched an eyebrow, a mocking smile playing on her lips as she glanced sidelong at Liu Dan, her words tinged with sarcasm:

“Liu Dan, you’re still too naive. We women, in this society, sometimes do need to rely on men. But the kind of dependence you talk about is far too shallow. Looks are an asset, certainly, but wisdom and independence are even more important. If you want someone to rely on, at least choose someone who truly cherishes you, not one who only values your appearance.”

Liu Dan’s heart tightened at this and she quickly explained, “Xiangxue, you truly misunderstand. My relationship with Li Chao is purely that of siblings. We’re really family.”

Xiangxue’s eyes glinted with amusement at this, and she gave a light hum, her lips curled in teasing. “Oh? Siblings? That sounds nice. But I’ve never seen siblings so inseparable, so close.”

Liu Dan’s face stiffened, her lips pressed tightly together, anger flashing in her eyes. “Xiangxue, how can you slander our relationship like that? Our bond is pure and spotless, not to be tarnished by your words!”

Seeing Liu Dan truly angered, Xiangxue realized she’d gone too far and quickly waved her hand, laughing, “All right, all right, my tongue ran away with me. Don’t be upset. Today’s my birthday; we shouldn’t quarrel over such trifles. Come, let’s drink and sing, and enjoy ourselves.”

With that, Xiangxue picked up two bottles of beer, walked to Li Chao, handed him one, and with a shared smile, they toasted together. In that moment, all unpleasantness seemed forgotten, replaced only by joy and camaraderie.

She deftly opened her own bottle and handed one to Li Chao. The crisp sound of glasses clinking echoed in the quiet air, setting the boundaries of their conversation.

She leaned a little closer, her tone tinged with sincere advice. “Don’t take this the wrong way, Chao. Sometimes, this world is indeed very realistic. Even if Xiaoli one day gets divorced, she’ll probably find someone who can give her a stable, carefree life—unlike you.”

Xiangxue’s words were brutally frank, each syllable sharp as a blade, cutting straight to Li Chao’s heart. Yet he merely shook his head, a faint, serene smile on his lips. His eyes glimmered with a quiet confidence and resolve.

“Xiangxue, I think you’ve misunderstood. My relationship with Dan really is pure, not as complicated as you imagine. And though I may be a nobody now, don’t underestimate my future.”

He paused, took a deep breath, and continued, “Within half a year, everyone in Shiyuan County will know my name!”

As he spoke, his presence seemed to deepen and strengthen, an invisible force radiating from him, filling the space with confidence. This was not arrogance, but genuine self-assurance.

Ever since he had obtained that mysterious ancient tower, his life had been infused with new vitality, each day brimming with boundless possibility. He simply hadn’t had the chance to show it yet.

Xiangxue, seeing the unwavering confidence in his eyes, found herself momentarily shaken. She began to doubt her judgment—had she misread this young man?

But soon, she regained her disdainful expression, shook her head, and turned away. To her, Li Chao’s words, though appealing, were nothing more than youthful boasting and fantasy. Poverty was nothing to be ashamed of, but braggarts were truly intolerable.

Nevertheless, Li Chao was not discouraged by her scorn. He knew his path was his own to walk, his dreams his own to fulfill. He believed that with persistent effort, one day he would make everyone look at him with new eyes.

Xiangxue sat alone at the bar, a wineglass in hand, the red wine gleaming seductively under the dim lights. She sipped quietly, yet her gaze involuntarily drifted to Li Chao in the corner, and a surge of unnamable emotion welled up in her heart. Perhaps this young man really could work miracles?

Liu Dan, meanwhile, quietly approached and sat beside Li Chao, her brows gently knitted with concern. “What did Xiangxue say to you just now? She’s a blunt person, but means no harm—don’t take it to heart.”

From the other end of the bar, Xiangxue glanced sideways at them, noticing Liu Dan’s initiative and concern for Li Chao. Curiosity stirred within her: what was so special about this seemingly ordinary man to draw Liu Dan’s attention?

Li Chao smiled and shook his head, his eyes steady and untroubled. “Don’t worry, Dan. I know what Xiangxue’s like. I won’t let it bother me.”

Hearing this, Xiangxue frowned slightly, even more puzzled. She rose, swaying elegantly as she walked toward their corner. Her heels tapped sharply on the floor, drawing the eyes of many in the bar.

“Well, if it isn’t Xiangxue?” Liu Dan teased as she approached. “What, come to liven up our evening?”

Xiangxue gave a sharp little laugh, settling beside Liu Dan. She glanced at Li Chao, a glint of challenge in her eyes. “I suppose you thought the party was too dull, so you called me in for some fun?”

Li Chao was momentarily taken aback, but soon merely smiled, saying nothing. He knew Xiangxue was direct, never mincing words, but he didn’t mind. Everyone has their own personality and way of handling things; he just needed to be himself, keeping his heart steady and resolute.

The atmosphere in the bar grew rather dull and tedious. Xiangxue had expected Li Chao’s arrival to inject some vitality into the gathering, but he sat there as calm as a stone, silent and reserved.

Her scorn deepened. She thought to herself, “This man is truly dull. Does he have nothing that can draw others’ attention?”