Chapter 52: A Brief Encounter

Daisy and Sandra came over as soon as they got the call. True to their Western vivacity and enthusiasm, they burst in like butterflies crashing through a flowerbed, shrieking and tumbling onto his bed, rolling around with abandon. One hugged a bottle of champagne, shaking it vigorously, while the other swung a pillow wildly through the air. The champagne popped open with a bang, foam spraying everywhere, pillows flying, and the room echoed with the girls’ laughter and playful shouts.

Li Lekang sat on the sofa to the side, legs crossed, enjoying the spectacle as their clothing became ever more scarce. He knew inviting them had been absolutely the right call—after all, you can't stir up much excitement alone! Who needs the somberness beneath all the dazzling glamour? Two lively girls, their playful antics, and flashes of springtime beauty were far preferable.

Once the commotion calmed down, he poured each of them a glass of champagne, and together they toasted and drank heartily.

“I love this place!” Daisy sprawled comfortably on the bed, propping her face with her hand and cradling her champagne as she began to wax lyrical: “So decadent, so luxurious—money’s corruption permeates every corner!”

Sandra teased her, “That only applies to the rich, you know. Be careful, or you’ll end up laughing foolishly as you sell yourself, blondie!”

“No using ‘blondie’ to mock me!” Daisy protested with a wave of her delicate fist, then turned her gaze to Li Lekang. “Because I’ll cling tight to my brother!”

“Ugh!” Sandra couldn’t stand her syrupy act.

Li Lekang had to remind them, “Don’t forget, we’re here to work.”

“I know, of course I know—work for two hours, play all day!” Daisy was very clear about it.

Everyone envied Li Lekang’s work style. In their eyes, this was true talent: a few months of casual work could earn millions, and a single idea could shake the world. Unknowingly, they had already become his devotees.

Li Lekang possessed a kind of magnetism that drew faith; once enough had accumulated, you could even call it a “divine aura”—though that moment was still far off.

For now, he was more preoccupied with worldly pleasures, food, and entertainment.

That evening, Li Lekang was to dine with the hotel group’s senior executives. Setting aside frivolous moments with the girls, his companion for dinner was Judy. The venue required formal attire, so he put on a crisp shirt and tailored trousers, polished his shoes, and looked sharp and energized.

He went next door and knocked. After a moment, Judy opened the door, holding two pairs of high heels—one red, one brown—and tossed him a question: “Which do you think is better?”

“Red,” Li Lekang answered without hesitation.

“You’re wearing a black dress, which is quite dignified, but red makes you stand out instantly. Men always like that captivating style.” Judy smiled warmly at his suggestion, and her choice was made.

She wore an off-the-shoulder black dress, cinched at the waist to accentuate her figure, exuding a mature, unique allure. The slender heels were like a red blossom on the wall, stirring the hearts of passersby.

This was a charm young girls could hardly pull off. Li Lekang, a seasoned observer, knew at a glance how she could shine brightest.

Judy was unreserved, changing shoes right in front of him for his approval. Western women are open-minded—why shouldn’t they pursue beauty and sexiness, and enjoy being admired?

“You know,” Li Lekang gestured with his arm, “seeing you makes people want to ask you out.”

“Wow! I love hearing you say that!” she laughed, grabbed her square purse, and happily took his arm. With elegant steps, they left together, took the elevator downstairs, and headed to their Italian restaurant rendezvous.

James Peters, the hotel group’s deputy general manager, had invited them, accompanied by his wife and another senior executive in charge of entertainment. Five people gathered in a private dining area.

Li Lekang was the star they’d spent a fortune to bring in, and naturally all conversation centered around him. Judy had already negotiated the deal and signed on behalf of the studio, so the Wynn had begun promoting “Star Magician Li Lekang Joins Wynn.” Posters were already visible at the front desk, along commercial corridors, and in busy hotel areas. On the day of Li Lekang’s first performance, bookings were noticeably higher than usual.

That was the power of celebrity—guests come, stay, spend, indulge in a round at the casino, or go on a shopping spree. The economic benefits followed.

They wanted his show to be as sensational as possible, even encouraging him to try some stunts. Peters animatedly declared, “You can use any hotel props for your act—make a sports car disappear, or make the whole building vanish…”

Hearing such magical expectations, Li Lekang smiled. “I’m glad you think so highly of me, sir, but I’ll tailor my performance to fit the actual situation. Sometimes, it doesn’t have to be grand to be breathtaking—the key is immersion.”

Judy chimed in to support him: “It’s a matter of professional expertise. Very few magic tricks can be improvised. Of course, Lekang is always good at surprising people.”

Peters nodded. “I’ve heard as much. That’s why I made some amateur suggestions. But remember, you’re our star guest—if you need anything, just ask!”

“If I come up with something, I certainly will!” Li Lekang replied with a smile, raising his glass.

They toasted and continued to discuss these captivating, eye-catching matters.

…

Dinner with the Wynn’s deputy general manager was a delightful affair. They finished the wine, wrapped up their conversations, and parted with handshakes and hugs.

After a day of travel and some drinks, fatigue crept in. Li Lekang, ever thoughtful, accompanied Judy back to her room, urging her to rest—after all, women should take care of themselves.

Laughing and chatting, they reached the elevator. There, a few men in white suits were waiting; among them was a bald man with a shiny head and a greyish, injured eye. His curiosity kept him glancing at them.

The man was quite perceptive, and his gaze quickly swept over them.

Li Lekang, out of courtesy, looked away, not staring at strangers.

The elevator arrived.

The white-suited men clustered around the bald man and entered. When Li Lekang signaled to Judy to join them, one of the white suits blocked their way. “You’ll wait for the next elevator.”

“Sorry, but there’s plenty of room in there,” Li Lekang said, doubting his own ears.

“If I were you, I wouldn’t insist,” the burly man replied, unmoving and with evident arrogance.

But Li Lekang was not one to back down from a challenge; he stubbornly stepped forward, but Judy quickly pulled his hand. “It’s fine. The other elevator is coming down!”

The white suits pressed the close button.

The burly man’s gaze remained fixed on him.

Li Lekang stared back, until the elevator doors slowly closed.

“Asshole!” Li Lekang cursed. The man probably heard him.

But the elevator was already on its way up.

“Just rich folks showing off, you don’t need to fuss over them,” Judy gently consoled him. She knew he was hot-blooded, especially in front of a woman—everyone wants to save face. But she knew just what to say: “You’re really not happy unless you ride the elevator alone with me, huh? Rather squeeze in with a bunch of men?”

“Hey—I didn’t mean it like that!” Li Lekang chuckled, and after a few words, the incident, barely even an argument, faded entirely from their minds.