The phrase "Afraid your brother might kill you?" struck a nerve in Charlie Lei, causing him to freeze and stare at Ethan, his gaze sharp and probing, as though he could read every secret hidden within Ethan.
"Which family do you belong to, exactly?" Charlie asked, his previous casual friendliness replaced by a colder, harder tone.
He didn't for a moment suspect Ethan of deliberately approaching him. After all, they'd met in a private game server—a place that wouldn't even last long, as interest in a server drops quickly once someone dominates. Charlie often changed servers, not playing daily, and kept his personal information well-guarded, so the idea of someone orchestrating such a setup felt absurd.
Charlie had initially believed Ethan was unaware of his identity until meeting him by chance today and eager only to settle his business quickly. It had been Charlie's insistence on messaging that had even led to this meeting.
So now, Charlie was starting to understand that look on Ethan's face when they first met—a subtle but genuine look of recognition. That expression hadn't been out of superficial knowledge of his family situation. Ethan genuinely seemed to know the hidden, sensitive aspects of his background. Information of that caliber would typically be limited to powerful insiders.
"Take it easy, Mr. Lei." Ethan's gentle smile returned as he took a sip of tea, setting the cup down before continuing. "I'll be upfront—I don't have any high-level connections or family lineage, but…I do know a bit about your situation."
"Let me say it again—though you said it first, I have to agree. We truly are fated to meet!" Ethan added, flashing another slight, subtle smile.
Charlie noticed that little smile. It struck him as both a confirmation and a soft tease about their unexpected encounter.
"Not from a prominent family? But you've got money, right? What kind of business are your folks in?" Charlie asked.
"Restaurant business, small scale, nothing remarkable," Ethan replied.
He wasn't lying. His family did run a modest noodle shop back in a small town.
Charlie studied Ethan silently, took another sip of tea, then put his cup down, saying, "Alright then!"
Charlie grinned broadly once more, his usual upbeat demeanor re-emerging.
He was very skilled at concealing his thoughts. While he'd said he wouldn't probe further, that didn't mean he wouldn't look into Ethan's background later. Although he doubted Ethan posed any threat—the kid seemed too young for that—Charlie couldn't leave the mystery unresolved. He was determined to find out which influential family Ethan belonged to, if any.
"So, tell me about your lady's issue," Charlie asked with a chuckle. "A car accident with the spokesperson? And here you are, throwing millions into a game but struggling with a spokesperson?"
"Sabotage," Ethan sighed with a smile. "No choice. Business isn't just about competition nowadays—there are other elements too, as you know."
Charlie nodded, well-versed in the backhanded tricks common in business.
"Ruthless, huh?" he commented, raising his cup. "Getting the spokesperson hit by a car? That's a low blow."
"It's not just a business rivalry—it's more than that." Ethan intentionally kept his response vague.
Charlie smirked, shrugging. "Man, that's as underhanded as it gets. Poor spokesperson."
He didn't press for details. It wasn't his business, after all.
"Yep. I've been wracking my brain over this lately, expecting them to pull something but not anticipating they'd go this far," Ethan said. "She was supposed to unveil a new product line at the launch event, but now she's out of commission."
"Not easy, is it?" Charlie chuckled. "Well, relax. We may have just met, but I'm a man of my word. I said I'd help with the spokesperson, and I will. I've got some connections in the entertainment industry—just say the name, and I'll make it happen!"
Charlie pulled out his phone, ready to dial as soon as Ethan mentioned a name.
"The right fit would be…" Ethan pretended to hesitate.
"Oh, of course," Charlie realized. "Forgot to ask, what's your lady's company? What does it specialize in, and how big is it?"
Charlie figured it had to be sizable if Ethan was so invested.
"Cosmetics, premium market. The company's called Radiant Style. Fairly well-known in Sea City. It's a boutique brand, with an estimated value of around 1.8 to 2 billion yuan," Ethan explained.
"Cosmetics, huh? So we need someone young, attractive, with good skin—easy enough. Just leave it to me." Charlie cracked a grin; he knew plenty of women who'd fit that bill.
"Someone with a decent level of fame would be ideal," Ethan added.
"Got it! Brother, I'm not exaggerating—one call from me, and you'll have a top-tier A-lister! Fresh and popular!" Charlie's words were bold, almost crude.
He started flipping through his contacts on his phone.
"Hold up, let me just…" Charlie's voice trailed off as he abruptly lifted his head to study Ethan.
"What is it? If it's too much trouble, just forget it. We barely know each other, after all." Ethan smiled faintly.
"No, that's not it!" Charlie replied hastily, still staring at Ethan. "Your woman's company…what's it called again?"
"Radiant Style. Why?"
"Is your lady's last name Li?"
"Yeah, she is. Why, is something wrong?" Ethan feigned confusion, though he knew exactly what had thrown Charlie off.
"You mean… Isabella Li, the Li family's eldest granddaughter, is your woman?!" Charlie finally blurted out.
"Yes, that's her," Ethan said, still maintaining his bewildered expression. "Mr. Lei, what's wrong?"
"Ha! Hahaha!" Charlie laughed, then roared with laughter. "Why didn't you just say you were from the Li family? Here I was trying to figure you out."
"You know Isabella?" Ethan asked, pretending not to know Charlie's background well.
"No, not personally," Charlie said, shaking his head.
"Tyler?"
"Met him once, but we're not close."
"So what's so funny?" Ethan pressed.
"Nothing, just that now I understand where you're coming from." Charlie replied, though it wasn't quite the truth.
Ethan knew Charlie was laughing because the Li family and Lei family had no real ties. For the Lei family, any notable contacts they made would almost invariably end up being alliances of his brother Raymond, rather than his own. The more elite families in his orbit, the less he felt personally connected to.
"Actually, I'm not really part of the Li family," Ethan clarified. "You probably heard that Isabella doesn't get along with her family, and I've been helping her out. So…"
Just then, Ethan's phone rang.
Seeing Isabella's name, he frowned slightly before answering, "Busy right now."
It was Isabella on the other end.
"You're using my million to reserve a whole internet café to play games?" she asked.
Ethan was slightly taken aback; Isabella had somehow found out. It wasn't all that surprising—Wayne Wang, being in Tyler's circle, probably had tipped him off, who then mentioned it to Isabella.
After the initial surprise, inspiration struck Ethan. This call couldn't have come at a better time!
"Double down," he said firmly.
"What? Double down?" Isabella replied, confused.
"Let's settle this. Whoever loses, apologizes on their knees. Deal?" Ethan said, intentionally calling her by her name to pique Charlie's interest.
Isabella had initially called to clarify things, but Ethan's challenge stopped her in her tracks.
"Fine. Done!" She snapped and hung up. That was her style—she never backed down.
"You're asking for it…" Ethan muttered, setting his phone down.
"You talk to Isabella Li like that?" Charlie asked, stunned.
He didn't know Isabella personally, but he was aware of her reputation. She was the kind of woman that, even if you were lucky enough to woo her, would require constant patience, respect, and indulgence.
Yet Ethan's tone…he'd even mentioned apologizing on their knees!
What kind of family background would allow someone to speak to Isabella Li in such a manner?
"Maybe he's got an army at his command?"
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