Chapter 016: This Damn Sense of Crisis

In the end, Li Lekang still received the red packet, thanks to his youthful face that naturally stirred maternal instincts. Judy handed it over obediently and, with a smile, sent him to the stage to perform with happiness.

Li Lekang was long accustomed to the stage; he was no longer the nervous young man of the past. He performed with ease and flair, engaging the audience effortlessly and always drawing waves of applause. Among those present were some of his regulars, who, having nothing better to do on weekends, would bring friends and brothers along to enjoy the show for free—a rare chance to witness a master’s close-up magic.

Magic had become the grand finale at Black Jack; for many, the night wasn’t complete without watching the magic show before heading home.

With another brilliant performance, Li Lekang took his bow amid resounding applause.

Yet he began to realize that his stage needed to expand.

Though he had grown fond of Black Jack, of Judy—who, though sly at times, was genuinely good to him—and of Carter the boastful bartender, as well as the waitresses who dreamed all day of becoming stars, the time had come for him to climb higher. The agency was already planning his marketing strategy, waiting only for the talent show to air and bring him fame and buzz. After that, bigger stages awaited, and farewells would be inevitable.

He quietly packed his things, set the chairs in order, and finally closed the dressing room door behind him.

Next week, Li Lekang would go to the agency for training—or, more precisely, to fulfill his contract. Discussions awaited on how to promote him and how best to tap into his strengths.

He had taken his first small step toward fame, and it felt rather good. Mike had said the agency had signed a number of models and hot girls, with whom he might even get to collaborate—how delightful!

Back at his apartment, he enjoyed a good night’s sleep.

The next morning, the sounds of clattering from next door woke him. Still half-asleep, Li Lekang opened the door to see two young white men wrestling with furniture, while Daisy stood nearby, giving instructions with empty hands.

When Daisy saw him, she flashed that classic American sweetheart smile. “Hi! I’m moving in here. Sorry for the mess—there’s just so much stuff!”

“Need a hand?” Li Lekang asked automatically.

The two young men shot grateful looks his way, but Daisy quickly replied, “No, no, they’ve got it covered. My model friends all prefer young, strong, and enthusiastic men—don’t you?” The two guys nodded and shouted “YES!” with renewed vigor.

Li Lekang got the message—such is the fate of all handy men everywhere!

He waved to Daisy and closed his door.

Around noon, Sandra knocked. When Li Lekang opened up, she told him, “Daisy made lunch. If you haven’t eaten yet, come over!”

No need to be so polite—he grabbed his chopsticks and headed next door with practiced ease.

Sandra’s apartment was a two-bedroom. She’d had a roommate before, but now that she’d moved out, Daisy had taken her place. Some things were still piled in the living room; the two helpers from earlier hadn’t even gotten a glass of water before leaving—such is the fate of devoted helpers everywhere.

“Sit wherever you like. I need to help Daisy sort things out—goodness, what do you have in this suitcase, a serial killer’s chainsaw?” Sandra called out before leaving. From the kitchen, Daisy’s voice rang out—Li Lekang didn’t catch the words, but when he entered, he found her in a black-and-white maid outfit and high heels, cooking. Unbelievable!

He had no idea what she was up to, and dared not ask.

Catching sight of him, Daisy flashed a wide grin. “Hi, Lekang, I made sushi for you guys—how does it look?”

Appreciating her thoughtfulness, Li Lekang still had to point out, “Sushi is Japanese.”

Daisy tilted her head, her American-level geography showing, and ventured, “Isn’t Japanese food Chinese?”

Li Lekang paused, then gave her a thumbs-up.

You’re definitely my kind of friend!

In any case, Daisy’s sushi was genuinely delicious. For someone used to eating rice, to taste it again amid a sea of bread and pastries brought a special satisfaction.

Sandra, unable to use chopsticks, grew impatient on seeing how much Li Lekang enjoyed the meal. She reached out with her hand, grabbed a piece, and chewed thoughtfully. “Not bad. Lekang, do you like it?”

Li Lekang had no culinary prejudices. He nodded. “It brings back memories of home.”

“Thank you!”

Across the table, Daisy—still in her Japanese persona—smiled sweetly, which clearly stung Sandra’s pride. Daisy and Li Lekang had hit it off culturally; seeing Daisy in a maid outfit, making sushi, he was almost certain she enjoyed cosplay.

Sure enough, she had been a regular at cosplay events during high school, often playing popular roles like 2B or Overwatch heroines thanks to her tall, striking figure. Though she’d distanced herself from the scene after starting work, she still spoke passionately about her former hobbies—more so than even Li Lekang, a self-confessed nerd, could match.

He was a nerd, yes, but not a Japanese-style one. His only connection lay in a few well-known teachers on his hard drive—what could he do, when he usually watched British and American shows to practice his English? Such was life!

But from Sandra’s perspective, seeing the two eat and chat so easily, sharing interests and hobbies, made her feel left out—like she’d found a treasure only to have someone else dig it up.

That damned sense of crisis returned!

At last, as he was finishing his meal, Sandra put down her knife and fork, reminding herself, “I can’t eat too much. Gotta watch those carbs and keep my body in top shape.”

Daisy smiled. “I think you’re fine. I never gain weight, but if you’re worried, I can make some healthy, nutritious dishes for you.”

Sitting between them, Li Lekang began to feel a chill run down his spine. “I think working out is the key.”

“Exactly!” Sandra agreed enthusiastically. “And it really helps to have a workout buddy for encouragement and motivation. Why don’t we train together? We can push each other to improve.”

Anyone could see what Sandra was trying to do. Li Lekang barely kept a straight face and nodded, “I believe you’re the expert. I’d be glad to join you!”

Sandra finally felt at ease, though she couldn’t quite say why. She didn’t think she had any special feelings, but perhaps Daisy’s presence was riling her up.

Daisy kept up her cutesy Japanese act. “I can’t wait to see a more perfect figure, onii-chan!”

The sudden clash of Japanese cuteness and classic Western sass left Li Lekang in the middle, afraid to say the wrong thing in case these two started a catfight right then and there.

But his worries were unfounded. The two had known each other for years, bickering playfully all the while—otherwise, they’d never have made it as roommates.

After the meal, the laughter continued. Having lost at rock-paper-scissors, Li Lekang ended up washing the dishes. Sandra did splits in the living room, stretching while watching TV. Daisy retreated to her room to fuss over her dresses and gowns; she was a stage actress by profession, but disliked the scene in New York, saying she preferred the sunshine and warmth of Los Angeles.

Everyone had their own path. Li Lekang didn’t dwell on it—after all, he might appear to be just a magician, but who could know he was also a true magician at heart?