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Chapter 8 - Chapter 8: Imperial Luxe (2/2)

Many people came to nightclubs not just for the drinks or the music, but for the atmosphere. Even if they couldn't afford to splurge, simply witnessing someone live lavishly—like ordering the Imperial Luxe Set—was enough to get their adrenaline pumping.

As the girls carrying the neon signs made their rounds, they finally arrived at Booth 003. Several members of the club's promo team launched confetti cannons, and someone began spraying a stream of fake U.S. dollar bills from a money gun.

For a moment, the air was filled with fluttering bills and glittering gold ribbons, swirling under the club lights and completely filling the view in front of Zach and the four girls.

Watching the spectacle unfold, Zach felt a rush of exhilaration.

The cheers from the dance floor below, the flashing lights, and the envious glances directed his way—all of it stirred something deep inside him.

After all, who didn't have a bit of vanity, especially in their youth?

In that moment, Zach finally understood why so many trust fund kids and wealthy heirs loved to hang out in places like this.

The indulgent rush of wealth, the intoxicating thrill of admiration—it was hard not to enjoy.

As for the four girls around him, they were even more excited.

Anya, sitting beside him, was completely speechless. It was her first time at a nightclub, and definitely her first time seeing something like this. Her lips were parted slightly, her eyes wide with awe as she sat there, stunned by the scene around her.

Lina, Suzie, and Bonnie, more familiar with club culture, immediately whipped out their phones to record the moment. Even though they'd seen others open the Imperial Luxe Set before, this was their first time experiencing it as part of the main party.

For girls who already had a taste for nightlife, this level of extravagance was nearly overwhelming.

Suzie, sitting to Zach's right, was visibly trembling from excitement. Her body tensed, and she crossed her legs tightly, casting Zach a look filled with emotion and gratitude.

Six gleaming bottles of Ace of Spades in various colors were placed on the table. Drew stepped forward and asked,

"Zach, should we start pouring?"

Zach casually waved his hand and replied,

"Go ahead."

If he didn't drink the wine he'd bought, how would he keep spending money—and keep racking up those cashback?

"Absolutely," Drew said. "If champagne sits too long, the bubbles go flat and it ruins the flavor."

Then, gauging the situation, he added,

"How about I open two bottles for now, and once those are finished, we'll open the rest?"

"Sounds good," Zach nodded without hesitation.

With his approval, Drew uncorked two bottles of Ace of Spades, then poured glasses for Zach and each of the four women.

Afterward, he said respectfully,

"Zach, I'll let you enjoy yourself. If you need anything at all, just give me a shout."

"Got it. Go do your thing," Zach replied with a wave of his hand.

Drew gave a slight bow and quickly exited the booth.

Just then, Bonnie—seated at the far end of the couch in her sleek black business attire and straight, jet-black hair—raised her glass toward Zach and said,

"Mr. Zach, it's a real honor to be here tonight. A toast to you."

Bonnie had a cool, elegant presence. From the moment she introduced herself, she hadn't spoken much—quiet and poised like a high-class ice queen.

She typically kept to herself, not the type to chat aimlessly. But with her striking features and figure, she never had a shortage of admirers.

In fact, that aloof demeanor only added to her appeal—many people were drawn to her cold beauty.

But since the night began, Zach hadn't said a single word to her.

Instead, it was Lina and Suzie who were seated closest to him, chatting, laughing, and clearly drawing most of his attention.

By now, Bonnie understood—playing hard to get might work on ordinary men, but it had no effect on someone like Zach.

With his looks alone, even if his financial background were modest, there'd still be plenty of women lining up just for the chance to get close to him. A face like his made people feel good just looking at it.

But Zach wasn't just good-looking. He was loaded—dropping $12,888 on the Imperial Luxe Set without so much as blinking.

A man like that was never going to be short on female attention. Keep playing cold and aloof, and you'd get left behind without even realizing it.

So, Bonnie let go of the icy persona she'd carefully maintained and decided to make a move.

"Zach, let us toast you together," Lina chimed in, turning slightly toward him with her glass raised.

Seeing the four women lifting their glasses, all eyes on him, Zach smiled and raised his own.

"No need to go one by one—let's drink together."

"Cheers!" the girls responded in unison.

They clinked glasses with Zach, one after another, and Zach took a sip from his own.

He had done his share of drinking back in college, mostly beer or shots of cheap whiskey. But this was his first time tasting champagne.

As soon as it touched his lips, he felt the delicate explosion of bubbles in his mouth, paired with a sweet, fruity aroma.

Notes of apple and pear stood out initially, followed by subtle hints of pineapple and kiwi. It left behind a faintly tangy aftertaste.

Overall, it wasn't anything mind-blowing—it honestly reminded him a bit of fizzy fruit juice, with barely any noticeable alcohol content.

"So this is Ace of Spades," Zach mused. "Definitely smoother than the cheap stuff."

"Of course it is! A single bottle runs over a grand. Every sip costs you hundreds," Suzie replied, smiling as she swirled the champagne in her glass.

"If it weren't for you, Zach, we'd never have a chance to drink something this nice. I think we should toast to you again!"

To Zach, the Imperial Luxe Set was just a novelty—another luxury he could afford whenever he felt like it. The champagne itself didn't carry much meaning.

But to the girls around him, what was in their glasses represented something else entirely.

It was about vanity.

For Lina and Anya, still students, and even for Suzie and Bonnie —both already working—the price of this wine was completely out of reach.

They each made only a few thousand a month. Even if they saved every penny, a full year's salary wouldn't cover the cost of those bottles.

Now, they were seated in the club's top-tier booth, drinking its most expensive drinks, looking down at the crowd below, and basking in the envious glances of others.

The setting fed their vanity, elevated their mood, and made everything taste better—even the wine.

But they also understood clearly who was responsible for this moment, and their attention toward Zach became even more affectionate.

One by one, they raised their glasses to him. Toast after toast, the champagne kept flowing, and before long, the first two bottles of Ace of Spades were empty.

Each bottle held 750ml, so two bottles meant nearly 1.5 liters of champagne had been poured—and Zach had drunk the most.

With four girls around him, even sipping a little each round added up. By the end of it, he had downed almost a full liter on his own.

Even though Ace of Spades had a smooth flavor, it was still 12% alcohol. After that much, Zach was definitely starting to feel it.

His head buzzed slightly, a light, floating sensation settling in. The girls were getting bolder—especially Suzie and Bonnie, who kept coming up with new reasons to clink glasses with him.

Zach was starting to suspect they had a plan: get him drunk enough to take him home.

Right now, he was just tipsy—but if this kept up, he might end up seriously plastered.

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