Chapter 163 I generally don't befriend men
Watching the rich array of expressions on David's face, William found it especially amusing for a moment.
In reality, he wanted David to realize that no matter how hard one tries, it's futile to gain the affections of a woman who doesn't love him.
Of course, it was also essential for him to make David understand the treacherous nature of society.
Yes, that was the right way to put it.
William had met David a few times before, and every time the young man saw him, he never had a friendly expression, clearly indicating his animosity.
In situations where others didn't resort to violence, William wasn't a fan of it either. As Bella often said, "It's better just to irritate them."
David had never gotten the better of William. When he came out of the medical room, his intention was to make William look like a clown in front of Bella and the others.
However, to his surprise, he realized he was the real clown.
While William was engaged in idle talk with David, a young man dressed in a gray casual suit with an outstanding demeanor approached, led by a staff member.
Upon seeing the young man, David's face underwent a series of changes. He immediately stood up, waving his hand in greeting.
However, the young man didn't even notice him and headed straight for Alice and the two other women.
Caught mid-wave, David felt another wave of embarrassment. William, sitting beside him, couldn't help but chuckle.
"What are you laughing at?" David glared at William.
Unperturbed, William, with a smirk, replied, "I just felt like laughing."
"..." David realized he was utterly powerless against William. What could he do, charge at him and beat him up?
Reflecting on the previous day at the hotel, when William had stabbed a dinner knife into the table, David wasn't sure he could even win in a fight against him. Being beaten up by William again would only add to his embarrassment.
The young man on the other side was none other than the club's owner, Travis Barnes, a mid-level Soulmancer.
He was actually over a hundred years old. While he hadn't achieved the level of reversing his age, his unique method of power enhancement made him appear in his twenties.
He practiced an ancient and controversial supernatural ability that required the cooperation of young women. He absorbed the life force of others, particularly those of the opposite gender, to rejuvenate himself.
This method, frowned upon by many, allowed him to maintain his youthful appearance despite his true age. Running this club was his way to conveniently find targets.
Just now, he had noticed the painting up for auction, "The Fledgling Hawk," and paid particular attention to the signature.
Alice?
A female Soulmancer?
Such female Soulmancers are pretty rare these days. From the signature on the artwork, the individual must be at least a mid-level Soulmancer.
Engaging intimately with such a woman and drawing life force from her would be equivalent to doing so with a hundred ordinary women.
So, he came inquiring.
When Travis laid his eyes on the trio - Alice and her two companions - even he, who had encountered countless women, was momentarily taken aback. What a fortunate day!
Bella had a captivating physique and demeanor, Alice's energy was dense and profound, while Evelyn was truly unique, emitting a particular aura.
He couldn't quite pinpoint what it was, but from his many years of drawing life force from the opposite gender to rejuvenate himself, he had a hunch. If he targeted Evelyn, the effects might even surpass those from Alice.
"Good day to you, three lovely ladies. I am the owner of this club, Travis."
Travis wouldn't be quick to show his lust,he greeted them with a gentle nod and a sincere smile. He didn't extend his hand, his demeanor was calm and his gaze was earnest and unthreatening. To those unaware of his secrets, he might even seem like a refined gentleman.
"Hello, I'm Alice." Alice introduced herself briefly. William was nearby, and she didn't want any misunderstandings.
Evelyn gave a slight nod, "Hello, my name is Evelyn."
Bella squinted her eyes and smiled, "Travis, we've met before."
"Miss Bell, a pleasure to see you again. I hope you're enjoying your day." Travis had known Bella for some time, but he had no intention of crossing the influential Bell family, so he never made a move on her.
If something happened to Bella, given the Bell family's clout, agents from the 13th Bureau would surely get involved, making things quite messy.
Bella was somewhat wary of Travis. She was aware of his influence in New York City and suspected that a man like him approaching them probably had more intimate intentions.
"It's fine. Is there a particular reason you approached us, Travis?" Bella's voice carried a hint of rejection despite her smiling face.
"Alice, did you paint 'The Fledgling Hawk'?" Travis's gaze shifted to Alice.
Alice glanced over at William, who seemed not to appreciate interruptions.
"Yes, I did. Is there an issue?" Alice vaguely understood why William had her sign that painting - it was not only for her to practice her calligraphy but also to handle situations like this.
"No issue at all. I'm merely an admirer of that artwork and your painting skills, Alice. I hoped to make an acquaintance." Travis also followed Alice's gaze towards William. Just an ordinary person, nothing to be concerned about.
"As for making friends, there's no need, Travis. I have other matters to attend to." With that, Alice took Evelyn's hand and walked towards William. The two of them sat down next to him.
Such a direct rejection?
This piqued Travis's interest even more. He had lived for over a century, possessing immense wealth and being a mid-level Soulmancer. The allure he exuded was not something many women could resist.
Moreover, he hadn't even been overly forward. He had simply mentioned wanting to make friends, and yet, he was rebuffed. This made him find the woman before him intriguing.
Having lived for such a long time, he hadn't encountered a challenging situation in quite a while.
Travis chuckled and followed behind Alice, heading in William's direction.
Bella realized it right away: Travis's interest was primarily in Alice!
In just a short while, everyone had gathered around William.
Bella felt Alice was stirring up trouble. Even if William was a masterful artist, wasn't Alice inadvertently drawing unwanted attention to him?
Travis was no ordinary character. If he decided to confront William, it would likely be challenging for William to handle.
As expected, when Travis approached, he looked at William and inquired, "May I know the name of this gentleman?"
"William."
William's mood was relatively good. He recognized that the young man before him was interested in his disciple.
To him, someone who was over a century old still seemed young.
A mid-level Soulmancer with average aptitude. The only thing unknown was his character.
William too sized up Travis, and it seemed he discerned the other's nature almost instantly.
Drawing life force from the opposite gender to rejuvenate oneself?
William detected from Travis's aura the method he employed to enhance his abilities.
Although William made decisions based on his mood and wasn't particularly concerned about how one chose to increase their power, a man who relied on drawing life force from the opposite gender probably wasn't the most upright character.
How could such a person be deserving of his disciple?
Upon realizing this, William instantly developed a strong dislike for Travis.
"William?" Travis grinned, "I've heard about you. Today, you outshined York Brimstone, quite impressive. I am the owner of this club, Travis. Let's become friends."
William replied with a smile, "I generally don't befriend men."
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