Back then, Evan Lin was like a reckless, death-defying toad—he actually dared to write a love letter to someone like Rachel Liu in public. It was so outrageous that everyone at Brightsea No. 2 High School was collectively furious.
People love to see a talented guy paired with a beautiful girl, but when someone even worse off than themselves shamelessly tries to pursue the goddess, they can't wait to see him get put in his place—even if it gains them nothing.
That's exactly why, when Niu Yu knocked Evan out with a single punch, he got a storm of applause.
But after that, Evan Lin rose like a comet and became the undisputed legend of Brightsea No. 2 High. Even the campus goddess Rachel Liu couldn't reach the hem of his clothes anymore.
Evan's mindset back then was actually pretty similar to how Lewis Lu feels right now.
Along the way, Lewis grew quieter and quieter, barely saying a word. Up ahead, Brian Guang and the others chatted happily, laughing and joking like they didn’t have a care in the world.
That scene made Lewis feel even more lost inside.
“Talent Hall—this is the most famous hotpot place in Graceford City. Even on a normal day, you have to wait hours for a table. Now, with the Moore Family Arena Tournament, the line’s even crazier. If it weren’t for Brian’s connections, we’d be queuing all night and still not get in.”
In front of Talent Hall, a long line stretched out—so long you couldn’t see the end. There had to be at least a hundred people waiting, proof of just how popular this place was.
The signboard was wooden, and the interior leaned toward a classic, old-school style—everywhere you looked, there were redwood decorations. Very fancy.
At the entrance, Victor Xu turned around and glanced at Lewis and Evan at the back. Then, as if by accident, he raised his voice: “A basic hotpot base here costs at least five hundred yuan. Order a few dishes and you’re out a few thousand.”
“Not many poor people come to eat hotpot here.”
Victor’s words made Lewis scratch his head nervously. Even though it wasn’t directed at him, he still felt on edge, like he was sitting on pins and needles.
He even hesitated for a second, wondering if he should just find a cheap street stall nearby instead.
“Eh, it’s not that expensive. I’ve got a VIP card here—ten percent off every meal. We’ll only spend about two thousand yuan for dinner.” Brian grinned. “Two thousand isn’t much, totally worth it.”
He acted all generous and big-hearted.
Two thousand yuan was nothing to him, but for a regular kid like Lewis, it was a huge expense.
“Isn’t that a bit too expensive?” May Xia asked hesitantly.
“How could treating our May ever be expensive? Didn’t you always want spicy food? Later, just order whatever you want—their spicy stuff is guaranteed to get you hooked.” Brian laughed heartily.
May’s face lit up at that. Just thinking about good food made her swallow a little drool.