The two of them had dinner at Kailomen again. This time, as Jake entered Kailomen, he had a different mindset. Since he was about to get into the food business and would likely be directly competing with Kailomen just across the street, Jake naturally paid close attention to the situation here.
Jake noticed that although Alan had left Kailomen, the business hadn't been greatly affected. The place was still bustling, with the entire hall fully occupied and no empty tables. Jake and Dirk had obviously chosen to dine in a private room upstairs. There, Jake saw Dirk again.
"Come sit." When Jake entered, Dirk waved him over to sit beside him. In the private room, it was just Jake and Dirk once again. It was clear that Dirk had specially invited Jake for this meal.
"What does Dirk need from me?" Jake asked after taking his seat.
"Can't I invite you to dinner without a reason?" Dirk chuckled. "It's been a year since you graduated, right? You should know that networking is crucial in society. When you have free time, connect with people more. It'll be beneficial for you."
"Thank you for the reminder," Jake said. "But I have to set up my food stall tonight."
Jake's mind was preoccupied with the matter of raising over 26 million. While a barbecue stall wouldn't make much money and was only a drop in the bucket compared to the amount he needed, every little bit helped. He didn't want to miss any opportunity to earn money.
"How much can you earn in one night at your barbecue stall? I'll cover the money you need. You don't have to set up tonight," Dirk said.
"It's not appropriate," Jake replied.
"To be honest, I think you're different from other people. I have a feeling you won't have an ordinary future," Dirk said.
"Thank you for the compliment," Jake said.
"It's not just a compliment," Dirk said. "How many people would dare to stand up against Carlton? How many could injure his bodyguard?"
"You found out?" Jake asked.
"Heard some news," Dirk said. "Carlton's bodyguard, Wade, has been sent back to the capital for treatment. I'm quite curious, who are you really? How could you injure Carlton's bodyguard? It's not something ordinary people can do. So, after hearing this news, I couldn't help but invite you out for dinner."
"It's nothing, I just happen to be quite strong," Jake said casually.
"Strong? How strong?" Dirk asked, curious.
Jake glanced around the private room and saw a small marble table beside a larger one. He walked over to it and said, "If I were to break this table, would I have to pay for it?"
Dirk understood Jake's intention. "Go ahead and try it. If you break it, I'll cover the cost."
Jake fell silent and went to the edge of the table, squatting down. He raised his right hand and gently brought it down, palm landing on the table.
Dirk watched curiously as Jake performed this action. He could guess that Jake intended to showcase his strength using the table. However, what did that gentle pat mean?
Before Dirk could inquire, a "crash" sounded, and the thick and solid marble table suddenly split into pieces, stones falling all over the ground with a clattering noise.
Seeing this scene, Dirk's mouth fell open in shock. He alternated his gaze between the shattered marble and Jake.
"You said I wouldn't be responsible for it," Jake said as he returned to his seat beside Dirk.
Dirk stared at Jake for a while before saying, "Terrifying."
Now Dirk finally understood why Carlton's bodyguard had been defeated by Jake. Jake's terrifying strength wasn't something ordinary people, let alone someone like Wade who had achieved some level of cultivation, could match.
"Do you practice martial arts?" Dirk couldn't help asking. Clearly, he was aware of the circles that were beyond the reach of ordinary people.
"Martial arts? No," Jake shook his head.
Indeed, Jake hadn't practiced martial arts. He had merely leveled up in another world. This form of advancement was simpler than martial arts, yet more fearsome.
"No?" Dirk looked at Jake suspiciously. To possess such strength without practicing martial arts, could he be naturally gifted? Dirk recalled the information he had investigated about Jake before. He seemed to have come from an ordinary background, and it was indeed unlikely for someone from that background to have knowledge of martial arts. Nevertheless, having such terrifying strength without undergoing any training was truly remarkable.
"Uh-huh," Jake nodded.
Before Jake had even made his move, he had anticipated Dirk's current expression. This was exactly the effect Jake wanted to achieve.
Dirk's current attitude towards him was favorable, but it seemed more like looking after a subordinate or valuing talent rather than an equal interaction between friends.
Jake wasn't surprised by this. Given their unequal statuses, Dirk's thoughts were normal. Therefore, Jake intended to reveal some of his strength to increase his value in Dirk's eyes.
As Dirk had mentioned earlier, networking was crucial. Having spent a year in society, Jake naturally understood this principle. He also had a positive impression of Dirk, and if they were to establish a deeper relationship, there needed to be a relatively equal footing. Otherwise, why would Dirk regard him highly?
"No wonder you were able to defeat Wade. With this level of terrifying strength, not many people can withstand it," Dirk remarked. Jake chuckled; under the influence of various enhancements, there weren't many people who could match him in terms of strength.
"However, you can't be complacent," Dirk said. "Based on what I know about Carlton, he won't just swallow his losses. He'll definitely have follow-up actions."
Jake's thoughts were accurate. After witnessing Jake's terrifying strength, Dirk now held him in higher regard and realized his exceptional nature.
"I know," Jake nodded. "I'll be careful."
"Okay," Dirk said. "Let's eat first, and after the meal, I'll take you somewhere to have some fun."
Initially, Dirk had planned to leave after dinner. However, upon realizing Jake's exceptional qualities, he began to value Jake more and thought about spending more time with him to strengthen their relationship.
It was evident that Jake's recent actions had indeed been effective.