Pitbabe S2, Chapter 21 pg 5

 Pitbabe S2, Chapter 21 pg 5

   “Of course, Pete has already reserved a spot for Alan.”

   “Great.”

   After that, Phii Alan introduced each of us to May. She smiled politely, but I sensed a slight nervousness when our eyes met. If it’s not because she secretly admires me, she’s probably scared of me. Usually, the first impression I leave on strangers isn’t far from this—either they really like me, or they hate or fear me outright. Honestly, it’s a simple and convenient way to filter people, so I don’t mind it much.

   I thought the setup of today’s event resembled a wedding somewhat. The tables were arranged in long rows, decorated in the center with white flowers accented by green leaves and dull gold ornaments. Each seat had a set of snacks prepared, and neatly dressed young waiters and waitresses served vibrant drinks throughout the hall. The attendees were all dressed in formal, luxurious attire that felt unnatural. This might seem normal to others, but for me, the only word in my head was suffocating—I could use a ventilator. Come to think of it, I haven’t attended events like this in a while. If it’s not related to the team (or forced by Phii Alan), I hardly ever set foot in them. No matter how you look at it, I’m utterly unsuited for these pretentious social gatherings.

   X-Hunter were seated at the first table from the inner side, right at the head, practically in front of the stage. It’s obvious that Pete values us no less than his business partners. Though I was a bit reluctant to attend his important event, I can’t deny I’m quite impressed by this attention to detail.

   Phii Alan said the event would likely start in no more than ten minutes. For now, there was only the sound of chatter and laughter, which felt like banknotes and gold dropping every time these people opened their mouths. Someone once said that even laughter can reveal financial and social status. Having been in these circles before, I somewhat agree. If you close your eyes and listen to the laughter of the rich versus the poor, I think I could tell them apart. The laugh of someone worrying about where to invest next is distinctly different from someone worrying about where to get money for their next meal.

   To my left sat Phii Alan. To my right was supposed to be North, but for some reason, Willy plopped himself down instead. When I asked why he was sitting here, the kid looked clueless and said, “Dad said I could sit wherever I want.” Honestly, I wanted to shoo him away, but Phii Alan, sitting nearby, kept shooting me deadly glares. So, despite my annoyance, I let it slide. I chose to sit quietly, not talking to anyone, waiting for the ceremony to start, which should be in about five minutes.

   But suddenly, the small pocket of calm in my head was disrupted by a buzz from the crowd. I could tell instantly that the hive-like commotion wasn’t just lively business-coated banter—something was happening.

   A group of people walked in.

   I tried to focus on the group cutting through the whispers. There were four of them, but only one caught my eye within seconds. Even with others surrounding him, the dim hall lights making details hard to discern, or the gaudy decorations obstructing the view, he was the only one who stood out from the entire backdrop.

   Charlie.

   How is he here?

   Even the first time I realized I was in love with him, the world didn’t freeze like this. Back then, everything just seemed more vibrant, the edges blurred like a photo from an old compact digital camera. It was the kind of image I never thought I’d care for, but suddenly it was captivating because of him. Now, though, his image is razor-sharp. The colors are duller than I remember, yet I can’t tear my eyes away for even a second.

   Tall and lean, his handsome face impeccably clean, he’s dressed in a sleek black suit and tie, pristine from head to toe. The only things that catch the light are his diamond stud earring on the left and his polished leather shoes. His hair is perfectly styled, his face bare of the glasses and bright smile that used to define him. Now, there’s only a blank expression, as if he’s given up expecting anything from this world.

   All eyes are on them. Of course they are. If you asked who’s the talk of the town right now, Charlie and his team would be at the top of the list. It’s a huge surprise he showed up here—nobody would’ve guessed that someone who openly opposes big capital would saunter into a tycoon’s event like this. And another shock, naturally, is the man walking beside him, Chris. Anyone in the racing world or familiar with Charlie would know Way. So, seeing someone who looks like a clone of a dead man strutting around like this? It’s a miracle no one’s started praying or fainting.

   My team and I don’t find Charlie’s presence here all that random. It’s clear Pete invited him. What’s odd is why Pete chose to invite Charlie of all people.

   Charlie takes a seat at the table next to ours, facing my direction, slightly offset. Beside him are Chris, Liu, and Phii Touch, in that order. From here, I can see his face clearly through the gap between a man and woman. Charlie nods politely to greet his tablemates, his lips curling just enough to pass as a courteous smile—neither cold nor overly eager. Naturally, those around him respond warmly. They seem thrilled, like fans meeting their idol, while the idol himself remains calm, as if he’s here out of obligation.

   Suddenly, it’s like my ears stop working. Phii Alan, sitting beside me, seems to be saying something, but I can’t make it out. From the corner of my right eye, I sense Willy watching me. He probably has something to say, but seeing I’m already half out of my body, he just sits there quietly, waiting for his moment. I know I should pay attention to the two people next to me, but it’s impossible. My gaze is locked on Charlie, even though he’s not even looking my way.

   He’s chatting with the woman seated beside him. She looks like some high-ranking corporate type, striking, her skin glowing as much as the diamonds around her delicate neck. The way she looks at Charlie makes it obvious she’s smitten. As for him, I can’t quite tell. If I think with the mind of someone who used to be close to him, I’d say he’s just being polite or maybe networking for his own goals. But if I think with the heart of an ex—fueled far more by emotion than reason—it feels like he’s openly reciprocating her affection.

   Even when the emcee takes the stage and the event starts rolling, I still can’t pull myself together to focus on what’s happening up there. The emcee, Pete, and a few executives talk proudly about the new mall, while my mind is stuck on one question: “What’s he doing here?”

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