Chapter 007: No Friends

For the talent show competition, Li Lekang was determined to win. It was, at this stage, the perfect springboard for fame—nearly ten million viewers on average per episode. Modern technology had created a reach that would have been unimaginable in the distant past, and that was just the average. If one became an outstanding contestant, a viral sensation, all eyes would be upon them. With such popularity, he could easily open a social media account, hand out fan perks, interact with his supporters now and then—what more could one ask for?

Li Lekang pondered his future for a moment, then casually pointed into the air. The deck of playing cards on the table leapt up, as if an invisible hand was arranging them in midair. With a flick of his finger, the cards fell back into a neat stack, but the King of Spades shot swiftly into his hand—trump card in hand!

Such a display would be impossible for an ordinary magician, but for a practitioner of magic, this was only elementary telekinesis. Of course, a clumsy beginner could never manage such finesse. Although Li Lekang was no longer the grand archmage he had once been, his operational experience remained, granting him a level of control far beyond that of ordinary people.

By evening, Li Lekang packed his things and headed out to work. His neighbor happened to be returning at the same time, accompanied by a waft of perfume and a figure no man could ignore. She waved playfully, "Hey, you're my magician neighbor, right?"

Given that Westerners often struggled to distinguish Asian faces, Li Lekang understood. With a flourish, he revealed a red heart cut from a card. "A gift for guessing right!"

Sandra looked at the red heart in her hand, then at his cool, departing figure. She chuckled—his little trick was actually rather amusing.

Li Lekang left. Judy had recommended him to perform at a new restaurant, but when he arrived, the manager hurried over, apologetic. "Sorry, Li, we were so busy today that we didn't get a chance to notify you—our arrangement has been canceled by the owner."

A bit surprised, Li Lekang asked, "Could you tell me why?"

The manager, feeling somewhat guilty, replied, "It's nothing personal. Our venue isn't really focused on performances. For business reasons, we hired a magician who better fits our needs."

"That would be me, Mr. Li."

The words came from behind him. Li Lekang turned to see a white youth with blonde hair in a suit, shuffling a deck of cards with one hand—an entrance full of bravado.

"I've reviewed your profile: no fame, no awards, yet you inflate your performance fees at will, stirring up conflict among association members. That’s quite rude," the young man said.

Li Lekang was puzzled by this sudden confrontation. "Wait, and you are?"

"James McCoy," the blond youth replied proudly. "Famous magician David McCoy is my father."

"Seems your father hasn't done all that well," Li Lekang shrugged.

"You—" McCoy choked on his words. "I'm only representing the association in expanding the market. These small gigs are routine for me, but for you, they're indispensable. So watch your mouth."

His arrogant speech only drew Li Lekang's merciless retort: "You've even managed to offend your own employer. Your emotional intelligence is pitifully low."

"How dare you—"

Sensing sparks about to fly, the manager quickly intervened. "We're truly sorry for not notifying you sooner. We trust Judy's recommendations and believe your performance would have been excellent, but this just isn't the right platform for you. Please understand!"

"Alright, I get it," Li Lekang replied, not taking it to heart. His rates were indeed on the higher side, and since he wasn't famous yet, not everyone would be willing to pay. It made sense they'd choose a second-generation celebrity.

He waved nonchalantly and left the restaurant. McCoy glanced at him, then pretended not to care, brushing off his suit as he prepared to perform.

Standing on the bustling street, Li Lekang found himself with nowhere to go after his gig was unexpectedly canceled. He realized that in this world, he had no family, no friends. When the busy pace of life halted, loneliness quietly crept in.

In his previous life, he might have been a homebody, but he had close friends to hang out with, and plenty of buddies online. He lingered on the street for a bit, then headed toward the Black Jack Bar.

He slipped in through the staff entrance, making his way backstage with practiced ease. Their house manager, Judy, was as busy as ever, efficiently directing the night's performers and organizing the program, all while making time to check on the waitresses' service.

"Li Lekang? You don't have a set tonight," Judy said, noticing him leaning against the doorframe.

"No, just passing by," he replied. "Anything I can help with?"

With nowhere else to go, he returned to the place he knew best. There were pretty, long-legged waitresses, a braggart bartender he got along with, and Judy, the tough-but-kind manager—sharp-tongued but never a bully. People both feared and respected her.

Judy easily saw through his loneliness but just snorted, "I bet you’re only here to drink with Carter! Alright, help me move these things, and get those ladies moving too..."

"Sure thing," Li Lekang replied, rolling up his sleeves. He moved boxes, helped the waitresses confirm the night's theme, and generally pitched in. At this upscale bar, with its diverse events and high-quality performances, not everyone could match his skills and take it easy. Even waiting tables here was a cut above. The clientele was generous with tips, but competition was fierce.

He ran errands, passed along messages, and once everything was running smoothly outside, Judy finally had a moment to herself. She pulled out a pack of cigarettes and offered him one.

Li Lekang didn't care for smoking, but refusing felt awkward, so he accepted. They leaned against the door, sharing a light, exhaling plumes of smoke together.

"How old are you?" Judy asked.

"Twenty-one."

"Oh... When you first came, I thought you were seventeen or eighteen."

"East Asians tend to look younger," Li Lekang laughed.

"Makes no difference to me," Judy replied, cigarette between her fingers. "If only my daughter were as smart and sensible as you."

He looked her over. "You don't look old enough to have a daughter."

No woman can resist such a compliment, especially when it comes off so naturally. Judy laughed. "Oh, but I do, darling. She's sixteen, dreams day and night of becoming famous, wants to be an overnight sensation. College means nothing to her compared to being a star on a talent show. She has even more ideas that I’ll never understand."

"Rebellion comes with the age," Li Lekang said. "Let her taste a bit of hardship, see how tough chasing dreams can be—maybe she’ll settle down."

"Perhaps you're right." Judy held her cigarette thoughtfully, but her radio crackled to life. She listened, then grumbled, "I can't leave for a minute!"

She stubbed out her cigarette and patted his arm. "Go have some fun, young man. Beer’s on me—you're not driving, are you?"

Li Lekang raised his hands in mock surrender. "No way! I moved recently, just live nearby—I walked here!"

"Go on, then!"

ps: As always, votes and recommendations are appreciated.