Chapter 17: The Premiere of the Talent Show

Thus, the joyful life among neighbors quietly began its prologue. Earlier on, Li Lekang might have attributed it all to his own irresistible charm. Later, as he understood more, he realized that wasn’t entirely the case. The two women’s enthusiasm might very well stem from a sense of competition—like how eating alone isn’t as enjoyable, but when two people dine together, the meal becomes a contest.

Li Lekang was the fisherman reaping the benefits, of course, his own qualities were hardly lacking. His features were photogenic, he stood at 180 centimeters, weighed 77 kilograms—a frame that looked lean in clothes, yet muscular without. More importantly, he had prospects: a rising star in magic, courted by a major company.

All of this was something they admired and yearned for; a remarkable man naturally attracts twice the attention of women. They had their own little ambitions—if he truly became famous one day, wouldn’t they have a celebrity friend as well?

Anyone who had witnessed Li Lekang’s magic felt certain he was destined for stardom. In the end, it was strength that determined everything.

Thus, Li Lekang could, with a clear conscience, accompany Sandra to the gym. As a fitness influencer, her figure was nothing short of breathtaking—and perfectly matched his aesthetic. He didn’t care for women with excessive muscle, which dulled the softness of femininity, nor for those with exaggerated proportions like Kim Kardashian, which seemed almost inhuman.

Only Sandra’s athlete’s physique struck that natural, healthy beauty. Practicing squats and lifting barbells together with her—working as a male-female team—was never exhausting. If there was one flaw, it was her height: only 166 centimeters. For most people, that was enough, but for a model, it was a shortcoming. Sandra often lamented this herself, but Li Lekang would reassure her: “It’s all about opportunity. Even Demi Rose, who’s less than 160 centimeters tall, became a super influencer with fame and fortune. You just need a springboard.”

Sandra would beam at that. “I always feel so motivated talking to you! You really are a positive, good man!”

“It’s only because you’re so sexy and hot,” Li Lekang would joke.

She would burst out laughing, feeling both amused and comforted. Then she’d rise, stretching her limbs. “Come on! Spot me for a set of squats!”

“At your service.”

As the spotter for squats, one naturally stands behind, descending together—giving him every excuse to admire those alluring curves, provided his self-control was strong enough.

Li Lekang, young and vigorous, was more than up to the task. But he still couldn’t quite figure out Sandra’s intentions—was she just a friend, or was there something more?

After all, there was still the ever-changing, equally charming Daisy to consider. Since the two women were now roommates, with certain boundaries still undefined, he had to bide his time and observe.

Such is the eternal flaw in men—a weakness passed down through the ages.

...

As more days went by, the premiere of America’s Got Talent finally arrived!

Judy, ever fond of him, had reserved a special slot on the club stage to air Li Lekang’s audition on the big screen, inviting everyone to witness it together.

Li Lekang was deeply moved by Judy’s enthusiasm. That very evening, as the show aired, he invited his two female neighbors to the bar.

While bars and nightclubs in America are distinct, the women dressed in full club style: short skirts, high heels showing off their figures, sparkling jewelry adorning them, their confidence on full display.

Sandra’s legendary curves, Daisy’s enviable long legs—Li Lekang drove them in a convertible, arriving in style at the bar. Tonight, they walked right through the main entrance, for he was the guest of honor!

A valet was already waiting, with a VIP parking spot reserved just for him. As Li Lekang parked, he greeted people along the way—he was already a local celebrity at Blackjack.

The two stunning women at his side soon realized he seemed to command the entire place. It was as if this was his territory; everywhere they went, people recognized him, eager to exchange greetings. Every gesture radiated a commanding presence.

This was the so-called alpha attribute—a natural charisma that drew women in, and Li Lekang was displaying it to perfection.

“Hey, my dear!”

Judy, elegant in her dress, greeted him warmly with a hug and cheek-to-cheek kiss.

“Look at you! Tonight, you’re destined to be the star here!”

Li Lekang’s smile was radiant. “Thank you for arranging all this. I’m at a loss for words.”

“Then just sit back and enjoy it,” Judy replied, patting his arm and glancing at the two women.

Li Lekang introduced them, and after a round of cheerful greetings, they took seats up front.

Tonight, he was here as a guest and a patron.

The waitress was the type he usually admired—tall, long-legged, an all-American beauty—but tonight he dared not linger with his gaze, not with two stunning companions at his side.

With beer, champagne, and some snacks, they chatted and listened to music as they waited. At last, the stage’s projection screen descended—the show was about to begin.

Judy, the ever-busy manager, joined their table to watch together.

Bartender Carter and other familiar faces, even longtime regulars, all focused their attention when they heard Li Lekang was about to perform.

Having checked the program schedule in advance, Li Lekang knew his segment was coming. Soon, the projection shifted to the main event.

McCoy had been edited out entirely. Only Li Lekang, in a black robe, mysterious and cool, slowly stepped onto the stage. His eyes weren’t on the audience but fixed on the floor, murmuring incantations.

With deliberate mystery, he circled the stage and, just as he picked up his cane, a judge hit the buzzer. Daisy was indignant: “What? He hasn’t even started! That’s so rude!”

Li Lekang found her adorable. “Don’t be upset—it’s all about the twist that’s coming.”

What followed were scenes that left the audience utterly astonished—each act more incredible than the last.

For the first levitation, Li Lekang wore his robe and held a cane; within the realm of levitation acts, this was innovative, since he used minimal props—almost none, in fact.

The second levitation, performed after shedding the robe, was truly advanced. Even those well-versed in such illusions couldn’t decipher how he did it.

The climax came when he discarded the cane and floated freely in midair—completely shattering people’s imagination. On any other stage, it would pass for real magic.

Li Lekang watched his own flamboyant performance with a smile, stealing glances at his friends’ reactions.

Daisy’s jaw had dropped in disbelief.

Sandra’s eyes sparkled with wonder, and even Judy, who had seen many of his tricks, paused with her glass at her lips, forgetting what she was about to do.

“How did you do that last one?” they all wanted to know.

Li Lekang only smiled mysteriously. “A magician’s secrets must never be revealed, you know? Because if I told you, you’d feel insulted!”

“Then don’t say a word!” Judy replied, getting into the spirit. “Mystery is better!”

“I just don’t know what to say—you’re a genius!” Sandra congratulated him with a hug. “You’re definitely going to be famous!”

Li Lekang gently patted her in return. “Thank you, all of you.”

He hugged Judy as well, and the ever-enthusiastic Daisy.

Finally, he stood, waving to the crowd. Many waved back, calling him a star, and the applause buzzed through the bar.

They all knew they had witnessed the birth of a wondrous, rising magician—just as those present at the live show had: from “This is a good trick,” to “This is beautiful,” to “How is this even possible!”

No one present doubted Li Lekang’s brilliance.