Chapter 4

After that kiss that day, I started avoiding Alex. Alex seemed to sense it, and we both tacitly agreed not to disturb each other.

The nightclub was a kaleidoscope of flashing lights and writhing bodies - the most famous club in the capital city.

I was quite satisfied with my new job. The patrons were either rich or powerful. With my good looks and sociable nature, I always got the most in drink commissions and tips. Although I occasionally had to put up with some groping, thinking about how this money could help Alex and me live better, I endured it. I just treated it like being bitten by a dog.

Alex's birthday was coming up, and it was his coming-of-age celebration. I had my eye on a watch that cost several thousand dollars, but I was worried about how to afford it.

"Zack, take this to Room 302," the manager called me over. I picked up the bottle and headed to Room 302.

Seeing the people in the room, I knew I could make a lot of money today. They were all dressed expensively, each with beautiful men and women on their arms. They clearly weren't short on cash.

I started drinking games with the people in the room. If I drank ten bottles, they'd give me $5,000. Not bad, $500 a bottle. This money was too good to pass up.

My alcohol tolerance was incredibly high, built up over time. I downed five bottles in a row, not noticing that the expressions of the leading men had changed as they watched me.

But by the seventh bottle, I couldn't take it anymore. My mouth burned, my stomach churned, and I could barely stand. But looking at the three bottles left, I gritted my teeth, opened the cap, and started pouring it down my throat.

"That's enough, you don't need to drink anymore," a refined voice said.

"I can still..." I thought the man was trying to back out of the deal.

The man interrupted me, "No need to drink more. Five thousand, I'll still give it to you."

Only then did I put down the bottle. The man gave me five thousand and shooed me out. Although I was confused, I had the money in hand, so I didn't think much of it.

But as I walked, I felt something was off with my body. I felt weak all over, and there was a strange heat burning through my entire body.

I hid in the bathroom, unbuttoned a couple of buttons, and splashed cold water on my face. But it didn't help at all; instead, I felt even hotter.

I leaned against the cold tiles, panting.

"Zack—" A familiar voice.

Seeing Alex was like seeing a lifeline. I didn't even wonder why Alex was here. I threw myself at him, my voice trembling, "Alex, help me, help your brother..."

I saw Alex's eyes darken, "Okay."