New Eden: Live to Play, Play to Live

Chapter 976: Finishing Their Meal

Their many hours in front of cameras, as pro players, had led them to have some modicum of acting skill. You couldn't always act how you felt when the eyes of millions were on you.

Jun-Seo continued serving them with his everlasting smile, as if nothing had happened, which was about the only thing they could hope for from this poor sketch of normalcy.

Once satiated, both in food and drinks, came the time for the group to pay.

"I'll take this one, if you don't mind. See it as a thank you for severing something that has been annoying me for a lifetime," Killian offered.

"No, let me," Liu Yan interjected.

"I'm imposing myself on your group. It is only courtesy that I at least cover your meal," he added.

Killian looked at the young man and frowned.

"Please. I insist," he said, his eyes cold.

"No. Let me do the honours," Liu Yan replied, unfazed by Killian's glare.

"Both of you knock it off," Alex cut them.

"Although I appreciate your efforts to blend into the group, the depth of your wallet will not be the measure I take for that. Plus, I don't think you have access to more cash than I do," he said, flipping out a black credit card.

Killian lightly scoffed.

"A black credit card isn't impressive, Alexander," he mocked.

Liu Yan nodded with a wide grin.

"Oh, the colour isn't what is supposed to be impressive here," Alex grinned.

This made Killian and Liu Yan raise an eyebrow.

Sliding the card across the table, now that it was clear of food and grills, Liu Yan caught it before it reached Killian.

He looked at the name on it and frowned.

"Are we supposed to recognize who that is?" he asked, confused.

But Killian knew better.

"Ok. Colour me impressed," he said, grabbing the card out of the Chinese's hands and sliding it back across the table.

David watched it go past him and whistled.

"You got big daddy Jack to fork out a black credit card? Damn. What did it cost? Did he bend you over?" David mocked.

Alex punched him on the shoulder, telling him to shut up.

"It cost me nothing. I just have to spread the name of our generous 'sponsor' when we save someone. Just like any sponsor would ask for. In exchange, we have access to his vast wealth. "Wealth that, in this climate of incoming catastrophe, is bound to grow. Especially with our help spreading his name," Alex said, taking the card and handing it to Jun-Seo, who was still waiting for it patiently.

"I will be right back with this, sir," Jun-Seo said, before bowing and leaving the room.

Liu Yan was still confused about the name on the card, which he had read as 'Levitus Group'. He had no idea who that was, since he rarely, if ever, kept himself apprised of the economics of other countries.

Killian, who could see the confusion still on his face, sighed deeply.

"Levitus Group is a company in Canada, based in Montreal, where Alexander is from, that deals in a multitude of enterprises. It's one of the largest companies in Canada, and its CEO, Jack Boudreau, is one of the richest men on Earth.

"The Levitus Group no doubt deals in some legit businesses, but it's also well known to deal in the dark, as well, which is why a lot of its money is laundered through its legitimate businesses.

"A company that size has an income that no singular person could match. Having that card on him basically means he's a walking bag of money. He isn't about to run out anytime soon. I don't think we'll get to pay for anything as long as we are with him anywhere," Killian said, chuckling at the last words.

Liu Yan frowned, wondering how Alexander had gotten a backer with that kind of cash.

"Are they related or something?" he asked Killian.

"Dear god, he wishes," Killian mocked.

"No. But from the intel my organization has gathered, they have been working together for a while. We think Alex has told Jack about the things happening in the dark, and in exchange for this chance to prepare against it, they entered a mutual benefit agreement."

Alex was listening to them talk, as he bantered with David, who was still mocking him for having 'Daddy Jack' as a backer, as he called him derisively.

'His network is pretty good. He's not entirely right, but that's pretty damned close to the truth,' Alex thought, mildly impressed.

Everyone enjoyed their last bit of talk together before their server came back with the card and the receipt.

"Thank you for dining at Banchan BBQ, esteemed guests. We hope to get your patronage again soon," Jun-Seo said, giving them a bow.

Everyone started getting up, ready to leave the establishment, and they all gave a small bow or curtsy to the server, in sign of respect, before heading outside.

Alex stopped for a second next to the young man, many thoughts flitting through his head. But he discarded most of them, since garnering unwanted attention was not wise at the

moment.

Instead, he handed him a business card with his name on it, something Jack had insisted he get, since he would be representing the Levitus Group abroad.

"When shit hits the fan, call this number," Alex simply said, before walking away.

Jun-Seo looked at the card, confused, before calling out to Alexander.

"What does that even mean?"

Alex didn't turn around, waving his hand as he replied, "You'll know. Trust me. Call when that

time comes."

And before the young man could ask anything more, Alex was already climbing into the van, getting ready to leave.

Jun-Seo couldn't chase after him, as this would reflect poorly on the restaurant, so he just stood there, confused, for a moment, before putting the card in his pocket.

'What in god's name is he talking about?'