Chapter 40 Licking a dog is not a dog

These common things for humans are luxuries for the orcs.

"That's right! I, Fantasi, am... tsk tsk," Fantasi looked smug, about to brag but then held back at the last moment. "Oh well, let's keep it low-key! Drink up, it’s free tonight, so we might as well enjoy it, Wu Di. Finish your drink and grab some more from the back, and don't forget to eat plenty of fruit!"

Wu Di held his cup with both hands, nodding excitedly.

"Keeping a low profile, huh? You seem off today," Old Wang teased. "Usually, you'd be walking on clouds by now. Come on, since you're doing so well today, go ahead and show off."

"Who's showing off? I'm a very low-key person..." Fantasi blushed and fidgeted, finally admitting under Old Wang's relentless gaze: "Actually, I had to pay. I’m one of the organizers for Lei Lei’s event, so I have to support her."

"Oh, how much did you spend?" Wang Feng took a sip of his cocktail, savoring its exotic flavor. He guessed it wasn’t free; Green Tea wouldn't be that generous.

"A thousand lios."

Old Wang spat out his drink, staring in disbelief at Fantasi. "A thousand just to bring a few people into this lousy party? Are you crazy?"

"Shh, keep it down!" Fantasi regretted telling him. "If others hear us, they might think we can't afford it. Besides, we get free drinks and food as VIPs, so it's worth it. Every organizer has to chip in!"

"Brother, this place, these facilities, this situation—how much could it possibly cost? Did you get shot in the head or what?"

Old Wang was speechless. Most likely, Fantasi had paid for everything himself, with some left over.

"It's sponsorship anyway." Fantasi winced, trying to act nonchalant. "Lei Lei is the main organizer. Since she asked me, how could I be stingy? Come on, stop worrying. We have free food and drinks, so shut up and enjoy yourself. We’re here to have fun, remember?"

Old Wang sighed, knowing it was a lost cause. If someone wanted to be taken advantage of, there was nothing he could do about it.

Finally, he patted Wu Di on the shoulder. "Wu Di, Captain is giving you a tough task. Don’t leave until you’ve cleared that long table in the back!"

"Haha!"

People started streaming into the dance, and after about half an hour, the practice field was packed. Everyone had to shout to be heard over the noise.

"Testing, testing? Yes."

A clear voice came from the makeshift stage built from wooden crates, amplified by soul power vibrating crystal tubes, reaching every corner of the practice field.

"Please quiet down."

The crowd hushed slightly as Fantasi waved excitedly at the stage. It was Rachel speaking.

She crossed her fingers elegantly in front of her flat stomach, her tall and slender figure standing out like a crane among chickens. "Welcome everyone to this masquerade ball. Before we begin, let's give a round of applause for Luo Lan, who organized this event."

At the mention of Luo Lan, the already noisy crowd erupted even louder. His name carried weight; he was a renowned figure before the Eight Great Families arrived, and his team was a rival to Lucky Heaven.

When the handsome senior in casual clothes stepped onto the stage, the entire practice hall went wild with cheers.

With parents serving as councilors in Aurora City, a fourth-year genius at the Martial Dao Courtyard, a Soul Master, Vice President of the Rose Sanctuary Autonomous Association, representative of Rose Academy in the previous Hero Tournament, achieving the best result in a decade, and the dream guy of countless girls... yes, it was Luo Lan!

His fair, chiseled face, deep blue eyes, thick eyebrows, high nose, and towering 1.9-meter frame, coupled with the faint aura of soul power, made him the center of attention wherever he stood.

"Luo Lan! Luo Lan! Luo Lan!"

The deafening cheers threatened to lift the roof. Luo Lan merely raised his hand, and the noise subsided as if he controlled the volume switch.

"I am Luo Lan. Welcome to the masquerade ball co-hosted by the Martial Dao Courtyard and the Firearms Courtyard. I won't waste your time. Tonight, just have fun!"

His words ignited the crowd, with girls’ screams dominating. Even Rachel watched with undisguised admiration.

Who wouldn’t love a man like him?

Old Wang glanced at Fantasi... no chance, really no chance. If Luo Lan were a bureaucrat, he might have a chance, but clearly, Luo Lan was also a master. No chance.

Yet, Fantasi was oblivious, joining in the excitement. "Ah Feng, Senior Luo Lan is so cool."

Winnie chuckled, having overheard that Fantasi paid while Luo Lan got to show off. As for Rachel, her flirtatiousness was palpable even from a hundred meters away. They might have already been intimate. She had dealt with such types before at the Holy Sanctuary, killing more than a dozen.

But this time, she chose to stay low-key.

Luo Lan stepped aside, and a spiky-haired soul rock singer jumped onto the stage.

"To master supreme witchcraft, endure the pain that others cannot..."

The rock music and heavy metal instruments blasted, electrifying the crowd. People gathered around the stage, dancing wildly. The atmosphere was electric.

Only Old Wang's team remained seated.

Old Wang didn’t want to dance; the two orcs lacked the courage, and Winnie...

Old Wang glanced at the little girl. "Winnie, why not join in? After all, Captain Axi paid for it."

Winnie inwardly scoffed; she hated places that highlighted her height.

"Captain, I don’t know how to dance."

"Really? Neither do I. No worries," Old Wang enjoyed this relaxed moment. If only the world could be more harmonious, it would be nice.

Hell, I can dance with death. Can you?

Winnie rolled her eyes at Fantasi, who was standing up, looking around for something.

Fantasi spotted Rachel stepping down from the stage with Luo Lan. He felt like a cat scratching inside, but he dared not approach her with Luo Lan nearby. Luckily, Luo Lan soon left after a brief exchange, leaving the goddess unaccompanied.

Seeing Fantasi’s expression, Wang Feng couldn’t help but say, "What good is just watching? Go ask her to dance and build a connection. Otherwise, why are you here?"

"But... maybe not. Rachel is a master, and I..."

"Axi, look at me. For your Rachel, for your thousand lios, go for it. We, the Old Wang Team, support you. You’ll be the dance king!"

"Can I do it?"

"Oppa Ah-sa-va, we all support you. You're the handsomest in our team!" Winnie said, clenching her small fists in encouragement.

Old Wang wasn't pleased; what did that mean? He was the handsomest one.

Encouraged by his teammates, Fantasi went over, padding his bottom. Wang Feng looked at this little girl; she was quite lively.

For the current Fantasi, stopping him would be useless. The more bad things he heard about Rachel, the more he liked her. Only when he realized it himself would it be effective, which was why Old Wang encouraged him... Winnie's assistance was quite insightful.

"Captain, you're making me embarrassed looking at me like this. This nut is so hard. Could you help me crack it, please? Thanks, Captain."

Old Wang subconsciously took the nut and started cracking it, truly a... cute little thing. "Winnie, as a girl, do you think Ah-sa has a chance?"