Chapter 2: He reveals his identity
"Are you Armor?"
"Yes, I am Armor," he replied with a grin. "I've decided it's time to shed that disguise. I hope you all will still welcome me just as warmly."
The room erupted in cheers and laughter as clubbers raised their glasses in celebration.
Stepping down from the stage, he shrugged off his jacket and made his way over to a nearby sofa.
"So, you've finally come out of hiding," Bolin remarked as he joined him on the sofa. They were on Jian Yu's private yacht, transformed into a luxurious club for the evening. Bolin had inherited the vessel from his father, who now spent his retirement cruising the Mediterranean.
Jian Yu had decided to reveal his identity as Armor here, among close friends and fellow gamers who frequented Bolin's exclusive events.
"Are you feeling alright?" Bolin asked, noticing Jian Yu's slightly unsteady demeanor.
"You seem a bit tipsy," someone else chimed in, patting Jian Yu on the back.
Before he could respond, another guest approached. "Let's hit the dance floor!" the eager young man exclaimed, extending a hand.
But just as Jian Yu was about to accept, another figure appeared, gently taking hold of his wrist. "Come with me," they whispered, leading him away from the crowd.
"Hui Jian Yu!"
"Lu Qiao Yan?"
"You sound like him."
"You have the same ring as Lu Qiao Yan."
"You must be Qiao Yan."
Hui Jian Yu stumbled out of the dimly lit club, barely able to keep his eyes open. The world spun around him, and he struggled to focus on his surroundings. Bolin, his usual companion, was nowhere to be seen.
"You are Lu Qiao Yan?" Jian Yu mumbled, trying to make sense of the figure guiding him through the bustling streets.
After a good while they found themselves standing outside a quaint little tea house, its windows glowing warmly in the night.
The man supporting Jian Yu nodded. "Yes, I am."
Jian Yu blinked, trying to comprehend the change in plans. "Where's your car?"
"No need for a car tonight," Qiao Yan replied with a smile, leading Jian Yu inside the cozy establishment.
The soothing aroma of tea enveloped them as they settled into a secluded corner. Qiao Yan ordered a pot of fragrant jasmine tea before turning his attention back to Jian Yu, who was slumped against the cushions, fighting off sleep.
As the tea arrived, Jian Yu's eyelids drooped further, and Qiao Yan couldn't help but admire the peaceful expression on his face. Leaning closer, he whispered, "You seem tired."
Jian Yu murmured in agreement, leaning into Qiao Yan's comforting presence.
They whiled away the hours in quiet conversation, the gentle clink of teacups punctuating their words. Jian Yu's fatigue slowly ebbed away, replaced by a newfound sense of tranquility.
When they finally emerged from the tea house, the streets were bathed in the soft glow of dawn. Qiao Yan hailed a passing cab, and they climbed aboard, weaving through the empty streets as the city stirred to life.
As they neared Jian Yu's apartment, Qiao Yan helped him out of the rickshaw, steadying him as they ascended the stairs to his door.
"I can manage from here," Jian Yu insisted, though his steps were unsteady.
Qiao Yan hesitated, then nodded, understanding the desire for independence even in moments of vulnerability.
"Take care," he said softly, watching as Jian Yu fumbled with his keys.
Finally, the door swung open, and Jian Yu stumbled inside, casting a grateful glance back at Qiao Yan before disappearing from view.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone