Chapter 132 Former Friend

"Ha, I've heard about you. Lucky Andre, you're sponsored by the Nathan Sports Group, and I hear you're living in the penthouse of the Unicorn Apartments? That's why you're invited today, neighbor of Miss Medici, huh?"

Aveson said dismissively: "But I also know that you're just a gimmick for the Nathan Group. After a week, all this will be over. I know James Lanster, and he told me clearly that he'll make you kneel and admit defeat. When Lucky Andre is no longer lucky, everything about you will return to its original state."

Li Mochen's lips curled slightly, his response devoid of warmth: "He said that? I'll remember that. Classmate Aveson, I said I'm now—"

"Hey, I remember you. You're the newly promoted inspector from the North District Police Station, right? Nicknamed 'Savage Cadilla,' a barbarian."

Aveson showed no sign of stopping; he turned his gaze directly to Randall Cadilla behind Li Mochen: "Don't let him fool you, Inspector. This guy is a waste. All seven coaches at our school have written him off. He has top-tier magic bones but chose to cultivate a worthless astral meditation method. At best, he'll become an eleventh-level Outlaw—that's a direct quote from our head coach at Craig College. In our school, he doesn't even qualify to represent us in competitions. So don't think he has a bright future and give him a chance to suck up to you."

Behind Li Mochen, Randall Cadilla frowned slightly: "Kid, I don't know about Andre's magical talent, and I don't care. But your words are very rude."

He was still grateful to Li Mochen for resolving his awkward situation and found the young man's behavior somewhat excessive.

Aveson paused, then sneered: "Are you intimidated by his surname? But this guy isn't recognized by the Wiltons. I have a few friends named Wilton, real Wiltons, and I know how they evaluate the one beside you: a half-breed mongrel, the greatest shame of the Wilton family. If you think you can enter high society through him, you're mistaken, Mr. Barbarian."

"That's none of your business."

A cold glint flashed in Li Mochen's eyes: "Please get lost, okay? You know I've never had a good temper. Don't make me resort to force, OK?"

If not for the fact that this was Angela's new home, he would have punched him already.

At this moment, it wasn't just the original body's owner; he himself was thoroughly annoyed with this guy. He was already considering whether to take time after the party to teach him a harsh lesson.

"Resort to force? I'm looking forward to it. Since I advanced to fifth-level magic, I've been wanting to spar with you again. Do you think it's still like before, Andre?"

Though Aveson said this, he did restrain himself somewhat.

After all, this was the Medici princess's banquet. If Li Mochen started a fight, he would be expelled and earn everyone's disgust, but Aveson, as one of the parties in the conflict, would likely also incur the host's displeasure.

Just as Aveson was about to leave reluctantly, a black-haired girl with delicate makeup walked over from his left front.

"Darling! Why are you still here—"

Aveson's eyes lit up. He pulled the black-haired girl into his arms and gave her a wet kiss that lasted a full twenty seconds, right in front of Li Mochen.

Li Mochen felt disgusted and shook his head inwardly, intending to leave. But then he found he couldn't move his feet; a surge of anger rushed from his chest to his head. In his mind, a desire to tear apart the couple before him arose.

Li Mochen quickly recalled the woman's identity: Penny Bastow, the original owner's ex-girlfriend—

He sighed inwardly, silently cursing the original owner.

Was this guy a hopeless romantic? Hadn't he already set his sights on Angela? Why was he still pining for his ex?

But then Li Mochen retrieved some images from his memory, and his expression softened with understanding. So there was a reason.

His first love had fallen into another's arms less than three days after his parents died, and that person was someone he'd always had issues with at school.

"Wow, darling, you're so passionate today?"

They parted reluctantly only when out of breath. Penny Bastow smiled seductively, but then she noticed Li Mochen behind her, and her pretty face paled: "Andre, it's you?"

"Surprised? Didn't expect to see an old classmate here."

Aveson held Penny tightly, a hint of triumph in his eyes: "I told you, Andre, Penny and I both miss you. Right, Penny?"

"Of course."

Penny Bastow forced a smile but didn't push Aveson's hand away: "How are you, Andre? I heard you were in a bad spot before. Why didn't you ask us for help?"

"Exactly!"

Aveson's expression grew even more smug: "If you'd just asked, we could have spared thirty or fifty thousand gold shields—"

His voice abruptly stopped. At that moment, another black-haired girl was walking toward them. Dressed in a red evening gown, she was as beautiful as the goddess of love and beauty, Venus, from mythology, and she captivated almost everyone in the room.

"A-Mo, I'm sorry, I just saw off Ms. Claire. She seemed very happy today and was especially talkative."

Only when Angela approached Li Mochen did she notice the two young people beside him. She looked puzzled: "Who are they? Do you know them, A-Mo?"

"Sort of—"

Li Mochen was about to answer when he noticed Angela winking at him discreetly. His heart stirred, and he smiled wryly, changing his words: "Former classmates, but we're not close."

"Former classmates? I see?"

Angela's gaze shifted to them: "Could you introduce yourselves? I don't recall inviting you?"

Aveson introduced himself proudly: "I'm Bruno Aveson. My father is the vice president of Forest Pharmaceuticals. I came in with a classmate who had an invitation."

"Me too. I'm Penny Bastow. I came in with Avi Linden."

Penny already had a bad feeling, especially when she saw Angela take Li Mochen's arm. Her face grew even more troubled.

"Aveson and Bastow? Never heard of them. Are there such distinguished families in Atlanta?"

Angela looked very puzzled, then said impatiently: "I suggest you leave. This isn't a place for you. I'll give you five minutes. Don't make me call security. And Louise's cousin, really, bringing in people like this. It lowers the tone of my party, doesn't it, A-Mo?"

As she spoke, she shook Li Mochen's arm. Li Mochen felt a sense of relief but also smiled bitterly, thinking things were not good. This girl was determined to make the original owner fall for her beyond recovery.

He felt he was losing control again. Would he have to enter the Heart's Illumination state again? And say something offensive?