First Encounter

Country A, Fusion Club

Midnight had yet to come. The nightly breeze had yet to cool down. However, the crowd had flooded the downtown street bringing about the sparks of nightlife into the capital.

Since it was finally Friday, groups and groups of people could be seen hitting the bar and club with their peers. It was festive, to the point of hectic, especially 'Sinkhole', where college students always hung out.

They were dancing under the glittering lights like there was no tomorrow and drunk one shot after another.

The same merry atmosphere could be seen at 'Fusion', although it was a high-end club with their members being mostly famous important people such as A-list celebrities, CEO of big cooperation, or other VIP members of the society.

Fusion was well-known as the number one club in the capital which people fought to gain accessed to. However, because of its strict rules that accepted members only, many could only throw that wish far away and hit another club for the sake of their dignity, literally.

It was not rare anymore to see news on the internet that gossip those who failed to enter the club. Thus, it was better to give up then be drown in shame the next day, unless you had someone on the list to bring you there.

For most people, they would do anything to get to Fusion. It was not just about prestige but rather networking. To be able to step inside the club was akin to the first step of a successful enterprise or career.

Thus, many had tried to push their luck by trying to bribe the bouncer or even sneak from the backdoor, which all ended in vain. They were either blacklisted or being chased away.

At this moment, a black sport car breezed smoothly down the road, its engine roared powerfully as if boasting the owner's authority. Then, it came to a stop right in front of Fusion. It stayed quietly in all its glory, looking majestically expensive and polished under the bask of moonlight.

All the onlookers were curiously peering at the car as whoever it was, he or she had to be a famous figure. Driving an expensive car and from the look of it, they were going to Fusion, he or she was obviously someone of status and the people there would very much like to take at least a glimpse. Anyway, when would they ever get a chance to see one in day to day basis.

One of the bouncers, knowing who it was, with a smile he approached the car and respectfully opened the car door. Right away, a man in his pair of leather shoes alighted the car in a graceful manner. His movement was suave yet exuded a strong masculine aura. It was pleasing to the eyes.

As soon as he came out, he buttoned his black suit while walking towards the entrance of the club. Even from his straight back, one could already see how undeniably charming this man was. His tall figure with 1.86 meters height only emphasized his powerful aura. Just with his presence, he had successfully dominate everyone there as they seemed to be somewhat frozen stiff staring obsessively at this man as he walked to the club.

When he finally disappeared from their sight, several of them quickly gasped, "That was Oliver Wang!"

Oliver walked across the dance floor with his eyebrows scrunched up and his sullen face showing discomfort towards the current situation. Some of the people were dancing happily while being drunk, thus they didn't seem to be sober enough to notice Oliver and brazenly blocking his way.

Especially the women when they stumbled upon his handsome face. A pair of jet-black eyes that seemed to be able to stare past one soul, made them lost behind that unknown darkness, and his sharp sexy jaws, defined facial structure, all the more his toned body. This Adonis-like man easily charmed the ladies there.

One of the ladies who starred in the recent drama that managed to made its way to silver screen, bravely hooked her arms around Oliver's neck.

"Hey handsome!" She alluringly said as she showcased her womanly charm.

However, a second later, two guards had grabbed her arms and yanked her off of Oliver. The actress stumbled down onto the ground with a loud thud. But the sound was still drowned completely by the club music.

Alessa Song grimaced from the pain that instantly sobered her up. Burning with rage, she stood up and was ready to snap at the person who made her fall, when she was faced with Oliver Wang staring menacingly at her.

She gulped. Her feet trembling.

"Ah...uhm..Mr. Wang, I...I'm sorry. I was drunk! I didn't know. Please forgive me for being rude."

Cold sweat had already drenched her forehead, the moment she had done speaking. All she could think about now was to not get blacklisted from this club and even worse, from the entertainment industry.

The guards observed Oliver's expression carefully and saw his displeased face as he brushed the front of his suit with his hands as if he was trying to clean away all the impurities Alessa had taint him with.

Thus, they quickly grabbed Alessa's arms and was about to drag her away.

In panic, Alessa begged Oliver again, "Mr. Wang, please forgive me!"

Oliver frowned as he heard his name. He looked up and was met with Alessa's pleading eyes along with her frightened face.

"Leave her be."

Thump!

His voice was deep and mellow like the sound of the best cello played by a master.

As he strolled away indifferently, Alessa stared at his back with her little heart pounding against her chest. In a matter of second, her gaze changed into that of a love-struck girl.

Even though the music was loud, the only thing that lingered in her ears was his voice, replaying again and again, "Leave her be."

---------

In one of the private rooms.

"Oh, look who's finally decided to join the single club!" exclaimed a young man looking rather playful but highly fashionable with his black v neck T-shirt under a white striped black suit and a pair of jeans.

He was wearing a pair of white Adidas and there was a silver cross earring dandling on his left ear.

Hearing his words, Oliver's face turned grim. "Shut up, Ethan!"

Ethan Mo chuckled at his buddy reaction.

"Aren't you single too?" asked Constance Ru who was swirling his wine. He was leaning back in a relax manner with his legs crossed. His navy shirt with his sleeves folded up to his elbows and two of the top buttons left opened, he appeared charming and refined with a hint of gentleness.

He was like a presence of a bamboo forest, soothing to behold.

"The difference is it's my choice. I wasn't dumped, rejected, or left behind." He grinned as he eyed Oliver.

"I suggest you shut your mouth before our cooperation cease to exist," said Oliver, stressing each words.

Ethan nervously gulped and awkwardly respond, "Hahaha...apologies, My Lord. I swear I didn't say anything. It was just nonsense."

He repeated again, "Yes, it was just nonsense."

Leaning back smugly, Oliver smirked and stared disdainfully at his friend.

Ethan: "....!!"

Despite enraged being looked down upon, he still chose to stay quiet for the sake of his contract.

From across the table, Vincent Xu chuckled at the scene. He then gazed at Oliver. His eyes looked as if he already understood everything. Perhaps he did since among the other two, he was the closest one to Oliver.

Still, he tried to sound him out, "Is our lady still swooned by that prince?"

Oliver glanced at him but didn't answer. He returned his gaze to his wine which he downed in one shot in the next moment.

"I take that as a yes."

Ethan sighed. "Is she blind? What does she even see from that prince?"

"She did say she wanted to become a princess when we were kids," Constance chimed in.

"Are you mad?" Ethan looked at him in disbelief. "That was just a childish dream. She is 23 now, about to be 24 soon!"

Constance raised an eyebrow, "I don't see anything wrong with wanting to be a princess. Isn't she becoming one soon?"

BAM!

Oliver slammed his glass onto the table which resulted in a visible crack on its surface. He then proceeded to walk towards the door.

"Oliver.." Vincent called out.

Oliver stopped and turned around. Even though he was smiling, the aura around him was frighteningly dark and lifeless as if he would kill anyone who displeased him.

"I'm just going for a smoke."

Vincent raised an eyebrow. He knew that Oliver only smoked when he was in an extremely bad mood and it was usually because of 'her'.

"You can just do it here."

"I'd like a moment alone." His tone didn't allow any bargain as he strode out of the room.

It was indeed better for him to take a breather as he would very likely to blow up at his friends if he stayed a moment longer.

Oliver leaned onto the wall beside the door of his private room. For a while, he just stood there in silence. The temperature around him seemed to drop by the seconds as his face turned grim.

He clenched his fist.

Feeling irritated, he rummaged his pocket roughly for a pack of cigarettes. He took one before putting the rest back into his pocket.

He was about to light up the cigarette when suddenly, a voice as sweet as melting honey that somehow held a profound allure to it caught his ears.

It was merely two words that distract him from his action.

"Bad day?"