The Rise of David
Copyright© 2025 by RichXpower
Chapter 18: Drunk
“David, is that true?” Gary glared coldly at David.
“Dad, I was...”
“Shut your mouth!” Gary cut David off.
“Yes, we’re poor. But we could still afford to buy others a meal! You have a job now because others have helped you. Show some gratitude and respect to the tradition of others, will you?” Gary didn’t give David a chance to explain himself.
“Squad Leader, David did it to save money! It’s no big deal. We shall congratulate David with dinner tonight!”
Franklin eased the tension to avoid an awkward dinner.
“Mr. Saunders, actually Maria and I don’t mind if he doesn’t buy us dinner. It’s just that if he did, the staff would be more welcoming toward him.” With that, Zayne had again emphasized David’s pettiness.
“I agree. This is David’s fault. I’ll get him to honor the tradition by tomorrow,” Gray responded apologetically.
“Actually, we don’t have to wait till tomorrow. After dinner, I’ll inform the staff and arrange a karaoke session. As long as David is willing to pay, I’m sure the others would be grateful,” Zayne suggested.
“That’ll do!” Gary nodded.
“Zayne, Mr. Chance’s family isn’t that well-off. Don’t impose too much on David,” Franklin advised.
“Don’t worry, Mr. Saunders. Three hundred would be more than enough.”
A smile flashed across Zayne’s face.
“Franklin, is this Maria’s boyfriend? Not only is he handsome, but he can handle things very well!” Gary complimented Zayne.
“Indeed! He had even gotten back the money for my company because he’s an acquaintance of Tommy Lewis, the underground king of Horington. With just an order, I’ve gotten all my money back!”
Franklin couldn’t hide his contentment as he was very satisfied with his future son-in-law. Upon hearing that, David was stunned. Since when did Zayne have anything to do with that? I did all the work, but he got the recognition instead?
“Tommy?”
Gary paused and continued, “Isn’t he the infamous gangster in Horington? It’s better to avoid these people. Although they seem to do good now, it’s just a matter of time before they’re dealt with by law enforcement.”
Having worked as a government servant, it was only natural that Gary had bad impressions toward outlaws.
“Mr. Chance, you’re mistaken! It’s an honor to have a relationship with Mr. Lewis, especially in Horington. How could you slander him? In fact, someone as insignificant as your son would never be a friend of the famous Mr. Lewis. You should refrain from talking in such a way. Otherwise, troubles may come to you one day.”
Zayne was angered by Gary’s statement. In response, Gary kept silent.
“He has a point, Squad Leader. Time has changed. We need these people nowadays,” Franklin said placidly.
Still, Gary kept his mouth shut. No one could change his perception toward outlaws such as Tommy.
That was one of the reasons why David never revealed to his parents his relationship with Tommy. If my parents knew about Tommy and me, they might even disown me! At the dining table, Zayne was indulging in alcohol while receiving praises from everyone. However, David had not taken a sip.
Zayne wasn’t happy with the fact that David had not offered him a toast.
“David, why aren’t you drinking? You’re being such a wimp!” Zayne teased.
“It’s not that I can’t drink. I just don’t think it’s worth the money! I’d rather have tea.” David flashed a grin.
Zayne burst into laughter and asked, “Oh? So you’re saying that you can drink very well?”
“Well, I haven’t been drunk before,” David answered expressionlessly.
David’s response had triggered Zayne’s interest.
“All right, then! Since I’ve never encountered a worthy opponent before, I shall challenge you to a drinking contest!”
As he spoke, he waved his hand and requested a crate of liquor from the waiter.
“David, don’t overestimate yourself. Since when did you learn to drink liquor? Don’t make a fool out of yourself,” Hannah cautioned with her furrowed brows.
“Don’t worry, Mom. I know what I’m doing,” David comforted.
The moment Gary wanted to advise against the challenge as well, Franklin said, “Squad Leader, let the youngsters be! Don’t you remember the fun we had back then? We used to have drinking contests all the time!”
Upon hearing that, Gary had no choice but to keep his opinions to himself. All he could do was stare at David helplessly.
“Zayne, I know you can hold your liquor. Don’t be too harsh on David, okay? Besides, it’s just for fun.” Franklin knew of Zayne’s drinking capability.
Because he once witnessed Zayne drinking a whole bottle of liquor and could still drive on his own.
“Don’t worry, Mr. Saunders. For every glass David drinks, I’ll down two!”
As Zayne was speaking, he opened a bottle and started pouring it into his glass.
“What a ridiculously small glass! Bring us two bowls instead!” David ordered the waiter.
Upon hearing that, Zayne was stunned as he stared at David with his bewildered eyes.
“You can handle it, right?” David asked with a faint smile.
“Of course! I can even drink from the bottle!” Zayne scoffed.
He’s just bluffing to scare me off! In that case, it means that he can’t hold his liquor!
Soon after that, the waiter brought over two empty bowls. The bowls were so big that each of them could fit a whole bottle of liquor. “Okay, so how should we do it?” Zayne asked with a provoking tone.
“Well, we’ll do it the fast way.”
As soon as David finished his sentence, he downed the whole bowl of liquor. Everyone present was in shock upon seeing that.
Gary frowned worriedly and said, “David, why would you drink like that? It’s not good for your body! Enough, slow down.”
“Dad, I’m fine!” David assured.
He then flipped his empty bowl over and said, “Zayne, it’s your turn.”
Zayne was still in shock. He didn’t know David could do that. Although I can drink, that’s just not the way!
“It’s all right if you can’t do it. Don’t force yourself, Zayne.” Gary was genuinely worried about Zayne.
“Yeah, it’s okay if you don’t drink, Zayne. But that’d mean you’ve chickened out.” David couldn’t help but taunt him.
“Chickened out?” Zayne was infuriated by the insult.
“I’ve never chickened out from a drinking contest!”
He then shut his eyes and downed the bowl of liquor. By the time he was done, his face was flushed. Then, David proceeded to pour out another two bowls of liquor.
Having noticed that things were getting out of control, Gary stood up and shouted, “That’s enough, David!”
While ignoring Gary, David stared at Zayne with contempt.
“Stay out of it! Let’s continue drinking!”
Unable to swallow his pride, Zayne insisted that the contest should continue.
David then downed another bowl of liquor expressionlessly.
Actually, the liquor had no effect on David. The spiritual energy in his body was able to absorb the alcohol he consumed.
Again, everyone present was astounded as they watched David drink another bowl of liquor, especially when he did it with such ease.
“It’s okay, Zayne. Please stop now before you hurt yourself. Don’t entertain David’s stupidity.” Maria was worried about Zayne’s well-being.
“Exactly, Zayne. Don’t drink anymore. Prioritize your health!”
Frieda suddenly stood and tried to stop Zayne. She was worried that another bowl of liquor could endanger his life. Zayne was so intoxicated that he was already starting to lose consciousness. Pride was in his way. He couldn’t stop himself when he saw David staring back at him with provocation. He clenched his teeth and forced another bowl of liquor down his throat.
After that, Zayne’s face turned sickeningly pale. In fact, he looked terrible. Upon seeing that, David sat down with satisfaction written all over his face. If this continues, he might actually die from alcohol poisoning. Besides, I doubt Mom and Dad would allow me to take another sip.
“W-Why have you sat down? I ... I can still drink!” Zayne couldn’t even speak without stuttering.
As soon as he finished his sentence, Zayne vomited all over the place. Some of it even splash onto Frieda.
“Ah!”
Frieda yelled in disgust. She even gagged when she saw the mushed-up and half-digested food all over her. Upon seeing that,
Franklin’s expression was distorted. Gary glared at David before he stood up and said, “Franklin, send Zayne home now. We should leave as well. These two are out of line!”
By then, Franklin could only comply. When Gary was about to leave with David, Zayne got up and stopped them.
“Hey, you can’t leave...” Zayne couldn’t even stand straight anymore.
He looked at David with his blurry eyes and continued, “I’ve arranged a karaoke session. Are you leaving again so that you don’t have to pay?”