"I slept like a log."
The sun was nearly overhead by the time Spandine emerged from his bedroom. He still had sleep in the corners of his eyes. Clearly, he had only just gotten up.
When he entered the Restaurant, many of the Marines greeted him with a respectful "Good morning, sir." Some mocked him inwardly, while others grumbled, but none showed it.
"Mm."
Spandine did not even look at them. He gave a cold grunt and walked on.
Suddenly, the rich scent of liquor drifted toward him on the breeze. Spandine loved drink more than life itself. He took a deep breath, his face filling with bliss. "Why does that smell so familiar?"
Spandam had been waiting beside Ye Chen's table, practically on tiptoe. At last, Ye Chen invited him to join them. Spandam was flattered, but he also thought, This is all the Rum my dad's been saving for years. Ye Chen and his friends have nearly finished it! I'm getting the short end of the stick. I'd better drink as much as I can. Rum this good can't go to waste, and I'm not letting Ye Chen's lot have it all.
"Young Master Spandam, you're too generous, treating us to such fine liquor. Don't worry, we're brothers from now on. If you ever need anything, just say the word."
Ye Chen hooked an arm around Spandam's neck. At a glance, they looked like the closest of friends. "Of course," Spandam mumbled. "We're friends. No need to stand on ceremony with me."
Ye Chen knew his secret, so Spandam naturally did not dare contradict him. But he seemed to have forgotten that Hard, while Ye Chen was drinking earlier, had been completely ignored and left off to the side like an unwanted child.
Why had Ye Chen's attitude