Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

There were only two days left until New Year's Day.noveldrama

Andrew brought his three lovely ladies to Aroma Exchange.

Zachary did not dare slack off and had Ruth personally handle their full reception. Meanwhile, he personally escorted Andrew upstairs to a private room.

"Captain, you should have given me a heads up that you were coming!" Zachary seemed somewhat nervous.

Andrew smiled. "Have a seat. I just came to see how your preparations are going."

Zachary pondered for a moment, then shook his head. "I'm not too confident. I became Jerome's student mainly to advance my martial arts skills further. However, Jerome is a grandmaster, and the requirements to advance from outer to inner disciple are extremely strict. With my current abilities, honestly, I'm not sure I can make it."

Andrew nodded, showing his understanding. Then, he pulled out a small bottle and handed it to Zachary.

He said, "There are two miracle pills in here, both seventh grade. They should significantly boost your strength. Take one now, and take the other on the day of your assessment. That should take care of any problems you might face."

Taking the small bottle, Zachary looked incredulous. "Seventh grade Divine Pills? Captain, where did you get these? They're too valuable! I can't accept them!" Though he looked at the bottle with admiration, he still tried to return it. Andrew waved him off with a chuckle. "I prepared these specifically for you. Keep them! As long as I have the raw materials, I can make these in no time."

Zachary hesitated for a beat, then finally gritted his teeth and accepted the gift. "Captain, thank you! You've always been the guiding light in my life. Whether or not I make it to an inner disciple, I'll never forget what you've done for me."

He was about to bow deeply in gratitude, but Andrew stepped aside and said flatly, "You know my personality. When I help someone, I don't expect repayment, and I certainly don't need your formalities. That stuff means nothing to me."

Zachary grinned sheepishly. "Alright then, let's go out and drink! I'm going to toast you three big ones in a bit."

Andrew waved his hand. "Take it easy on the drinking. I'm trying to stay away from cigarettes and alcohol these days."

Zachary gave him a knowing look with a sleazy grin. "I get it... I totally get it! Those three ladies of yours must be keeping you busy every night. Seriously, though, you're running three fronts at once, so your body's got to stay in top shape!"

Andrew smacked the back of his head. "Enough nonsense. Let's just go grab that drink."

Aroma Exchange was Zachary's business. The bar occupied two basement levels and had quite a

reputation in Blumedale. It was an et

hotspot for wealthy youngsters and even the occasional low-keyo powerhouse looking to unwind.

Upstairs, Lauren, Francesca, and Aspen sat in a cozy private booth on the second

level. They sipped their drinks while watching the crowd move below.

"I've never been here before. The place has a great vibe," Lauren said with a bright smile, lifting her glass.

Francesca shook her head slightly. "I'm not much of a drinker, so I don't really see the appeal."

Aspen gave her a warm look. "That

makes sense. You're a doctor, and you've always been the serious type. But honestly, this place is high end, And it's run by one of Andrew's close friends."

The three chatted and laughed. Since Francesca did not enjoy alcohol, she ordered a fruit tea instead.

Suddenly, a man in a white suit strolled over, holding a glass in one hand and a bottle in the other.

He said, "Evening, ladies! Would I be lucky enough to join you for a toast?" Francesca turned and instantly frowned. "You again?"

The man in white beamed even wider. "Ms. Aicker, what a coincidence!"

It was Hank, the same guy Francesca had found unbearable back at Blumedale Hospital.

She did not hold back this time either and replied, "Sorry, we're already with someone. Mr. Armstrong, please move along."

Hank did not leave. He shamelessly grinned. "No worries. Even if Ms. Aicker's not feeling it, I still have two other gorgeous ladies right here."

He turned his

gaze to Lauren and

Aspen, and his eyes lit up. Both were stunning, absolutely irresistible, in

his mind. If he could charm either of them tonight might turn out to be fucky one

"Let me introduce myself. I'm Hank Armstrong, Special Ops."

Hank flashed his signature smile, thinking he looked incredibly suave.

Lauren returned a polite but clearly uninterested wave. "Mr. Armstrong, nice to meet you."