Chapter 023: The Party and Magic

Li Lekang stayed only for a short while before taking his leave. He neither meddled nor seized the opportunity to ask for anything, though he knew it wouldn’t have been difficult; he simply preferred to rely on his own merit, winning what he wanted by genuine effort and willingness. Besides, if he wore himself out too much, he’d be left listless the next day—that would be a disaster. After all, Li Lekang was the type to keep an eye on both the bowl and the pot, never settling for just one thing—only children make choices!

He slept soundly through the night and, as was his routine, rose at dawn for a run and to walk the dog. Mike, though clad in the coat of a husky, was surprisingly communicative. Brimming with energy, he needed no leash, always running ahead and occasionally showing disdain at Li Lekang’s slower pace.

Sandra had also taken notice of this blue-eyed little husky, patting its head and praising its cuteness. Li Lekang mused that she had yet to witness the dog’s talent for destruction—surely, then, “cute” would no longer be the word. For instance, the crate he’d bought just days ago had already fallen victim to Mike’s teeth, reduced to a heap of twisted metal fit only for gnawing.

Now, Li Lekang was pondering whom to commission for a steel-reinforced welded cage—perhaps with a treadmill installed inside.

“Don’t forget about the party this afternoon,” Li Lekang reminded.

“Come over at noon and help me pick something to wear!” she replied.

“OK,” he agreed.

So at noon, he dropped by, taking the opportunity to scrounge a meal—though his main interest was in watching the beauties change outfits as he ate.

Sandra was set on wearing a deep V-neck to showcase her God-given Double-D pride, though she wavered between a plunging dress and a top, repeatedly modeling each for his opinion. Daisy, on the other hand, played to her strengths—not as blessed in the bust, but boasting shapely hips and long legs, she hovered between a short skirt and high-waisted denim shorts. If this weren’t a casual party, she’d have worn a full-length evening gown. Li Lekang ate and watched, offering comments when prompted—very nice, wonderful, beautiful.

Eventually, the women decided men’s compliments were too perfunctory and turned to each other for more “honest” feedback.

Daisy critiqued Sandra: “That one makes your waist look thick and your butt big—you look like one of those W-word women out at night hunting for a wild man.”

Sandra retorted, “Are you going to crash a red carpet in that getup? Nobody’s going to be photographing your flat figure anyway. Save yourself the trouble!”

Their remarks were far from flattering, yet after hearing each other’s critiques, both women looked pleased with their own choices.

Only Li Lekang was left bewildered at the side. What kind of logic was this?

Daisy explained, “Her tone is so full of jealousy and pettiness—it proves I picked exactly the right outfit!”

Li Lekang laughed. What wonderfully genuine women!

In the end, both were ready. Sandra wore a deep-V bodysuit paired with high-waisted jeans—a look that was visually stunning by any measure.

Daisy chose a bodycon dress—elegance never goes out of style, and her allure was undeniable. Li Lekang pulled out the Maserati, driving the two of them to the gathering.

The venue was in Beverly Hills, home to stars and the wealthy. After giving his name to security, he was waved through without a hitch—he was on the guest list, after all.

The large house was surrounded by plant walls two or three meters high, the gates flung open. Inside, pulsating music filled the air. Handsome men and beautiful women mingled, drinking, laughing, and chatting—a scene of lively revelry.

Such parties were a dime a dozen in Hollywood. Those with the right connections could attend so many they’d eventually tire of them, while those without could long for an invite in vain.

You could see the difference in the two women Li Lekang had brought—they were excited and giddy. Sandra had attended similar parties before, but never at this level. As for Daisy, her profession had little overlap with showbiz, but she could recite the names of every celebrity and socialite by heart—a typical case of someone who curses the Kardashians but never misses an episode of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.”

“Hey! Lekang!”

“Superstar! Over here!”

Mike stood up from the crowd and waved.

Li Lekang walked over, and the groups introduced themselves.

“This is Marlon, and this is Lekang. Have you seen the latest episode of ‘America’s Got Talent’? He’s a master magician—countless people online are talking about his tricks. Honestly, he’s like a wizard…”

Marlon, the host of the party and an up-and-coming singer, reached out to shake hands but then drew back, joking, “Should I be careful?”

Everyone burst out laughing. Li Lekang grinned, “I’m no wizard.”

He bumped fists with Marlon, clapped palms, then with a flick of his wrist, a small red ball appeared in his hand.

“Whoa!” A chorus of surprise rippled through the group.

Smiling, Li Lekang placed the little ball on the table. “I’m a magician! Thank you!”

“Bro, where were you hiding that?” someone asked.

Li Lekang pointed. “Maybe you should check your own pocket.”

Marlon quickly patted himself down and, to everyone’s astonishment, fished a second red ball out of his pocket, his face full of disbelief. “What—the—did anyone see what happened just now?”

Everyone shook their heads.

“Did he even touch me?” They weren’t sure—perhaps there’d been some slight contact, but the trick was so astounding that Li Lekang’s mysterious magician persona was instantly cemented.

But he wasn’t finished. Gathering the two balls, he said, “Can someone give me a bowl, or anything that can cover them?”

“Hold on!”

“Here’s a bowl!” someone called, handing over a large cereal bowl.

Li Lekang accepted it with a smile, showed everyone it was empty, then covered the two balls on the table. “How many balls do you think are under here?”

“Two!” Marlon declared confidently.

Li Lekang lifted the bowl—nothing underneath.

“What? No way! Let me see your hands,” Marlon demanded, inspecting both of Li Lekang’s hands.

Nothing.

Smiling again, Li Lekang covered the table with the bowl once more. “And now?”

“My head says nothing, but since it’s magic, there must be something—two or three, maybe four or five! I’ll say three!”

Li Lekang revealed the bowl—three small red balls lay inside. “Looks like you have some talent for this!”

Marlon clapped and laughed. “Amazing—just amazing! I never believed in magic before, you know? But today, I have to take that back. You’re incredible!”

By now, the party crowd had gathered around, forming two tight circles. Whoever said Americans don’t love a spectacle? Everyone was jostling for a better view.

Even the cameraman had to shout, “Stop crowding! Give me some space for a shot!”

The crowd erupted in laughter once more.

Marlon turned to the camera, “I swear this wasn’t set up ahead of time. I only knew a magician was coming, but I never expected such a stunning start!”

Facing the crowd, Li Lekang smiled and introduced himself again, “I’m Lekang. I can pull off some astonishing tricks, and I’m very glad to be at today’s party!”

“Welcome, Lekang! My man! Someone bring some champagne for my friend here!” Marlon, his arms covered with tattoos, called out.

A server brought over golden champagne, and as Li Lekang raised his glass, everyone wanted to toast him—after all, American culture thrives on individuality.

Without a doubt, Li Lekang had made a dazzling entrance, winning their admiration and affection. No special arrangements were needed—he was already the center of attention.