Chapter 643 - Ivan's Wisdom

The next day…

Zoey raised her brows as her eyes scanned the people around the table. There was Matthew on one end of the table; Zoey on his right. Zion was to her right, then a vacant seat before Ivan. Across them, the first seat was left vacant, then Kenneth, Enzo, and Katherine.

'What is this? A mini reunion of volume 1's cast?' Zoey murmured internally, finding this table a little awkward.

Well, everyone present this breakfast were all people Zoey knew from her first lifetime. No matter how little or great impact each of them made in her life, Zoey could not help but feel strange.

What's more? Everyone was silent. Obviously, finding this table strange mixed with the awkward atmosphere.

"Z," Zion whispered, lightly hitting Zoey's arm with his elbow. "What happened last night?"

He inquired. Zion obviously recalled Kenneth and Katherine. However, he was confused about who was the man in the head seat, and why Ivan was with them. Moreover, Ivan seemed like he didn't mind eating with strangers as he sure had some morning appetite. 

"Hehe." Zoey glanced at Zion's inquiring gaze and let out an awkward low chuckle.

How would she explain this to him? Zoey couldn't find any believable excuse because Zion was smart enough to raise more questions.

"I'm sorry, Mister Kwan." As if Matthew finally picked up the atmosphere, he wiped the corner of his lips.

When Matthew's cold voice resonated in the air, everyone raised their attention to him. 

"I'm sorry if I haven't introduced myself. My surname is Xi, Matthew Xi of XI Corporation." Matthew bowed lightly, introducing himself as if he was in the middle of an important business.

Zion furrowed his brows, recognizing the name instantly. Unconsciously, Zion glanced at Zoey and saw her sporting an apologetic look.

"Peace?" Zoey muttered, raising her two fingers awkwardly.

"I am Zoey's boyfriend. I came to pick her up last night since you were a bit drunk. Instead of taking you to a hotel, I insisted on taking you home because I was afraid you'd suffer from a hangover." Matthew explained in one go without any change in his tone.

"I'm glad you're fine." Matthew added.

"..." Zion darted his eyes from Zoey to Matthew, his mind lagging at Matthew's explanation and his name.

"Xi… Corporation?" He mumbled, narrowing his eyes.

Zion didn't have a hangover, thankfully. But now, he was having quite a headache at this weird breakfast and strange conversation.

"Bro, why did you take me and this girl as well? Did Enzo get himself wasted?" Kenneth chimed in, massaging his temple as he was suffering from a bad hangover.

"Yes," Matthew lied without batting an eye. He then glanced at Enzo who cast him a look but said nothing.

"Damn it." Kenneth let out a heavy sigh, tilting his head back.

Meanwhile, Katherine was just as baffled as Zion. She moved her gaze from everyone, some were familiar, while the others were not.

The weird thing for her was that this breakfast felt the same as back home. The only difference was, they were all young! The man who introduced himself as head of the Xi Corporation… she hadn't seen him in person even though she was friends with his cousin.

Still, that wasn't what's important right now. Matthew was just like Katherine's father. He doesn't talk much during meals and would only talk when necessary. That's why the atmosphere was a little suffocating.

"I wished our meeting would be a lot more proper. However, the situation calls it. My apologies if this may come a little too sudden." Again, Matthew returned his attention to Zion and bowed.

"Uhh, no, it's okay!" Seeing Matthew's polite action, Zion felt a little embarrassed. 

Zion was supposed to be the one who was apologizing. He went overboard last night and burdened his sister. It was embarrassing on his part as the big brother.

"Thank you for helping my sister out. And, I'm --" Zion took a deep breath, swallowing his pride even though it pained him to admit how shameful he was.

"I'm sorry."

"Wow. No wonder my girlfriend likes me more." When Zion expressed his sincerity, Ivan suddenly chimed in and nodded encouragingly.

"Hey," Zoey turned her attention to Ivan. "shut up, okay?"

She widened her eyes as a warning. Ivan surely loved creating drama and she wasn't a bit impressed.

"What? I'm just trying to compliment him." Ivan shrugged his shoulders. "I'm saying if it was me, I won't apologize. I mean, I didn't ask boss Matt to take me home. I'm a man, I can take care of myself."

Ivan explained. That was true, though. He was merely trying to compliment Zion for his character. After all, being drunk until you drop once in your life was normal according to Ivan's philosophy.

"So what if he had fun? Not that he always does that. Man, you look like you've lived your life as a perfect man. Why must you say sorry for doing something that makes you human for once? I don't think doing something crazy defines who you are." 

Everyone, especially, Zoey was stunned silent. She looked at Ivan in awe. Who wouldn't? He made sense and had a strong point.

"Ivan is right. You don't have to apologize. Zoey cares and values you. So, as her lover, I will take care and value the people she cares about. It's normal." Matthew agreed, casting Ivan a look.

Ivan then grinned as if he felt proud upon getting recognition from Matthew. He then glanced at Zoey, shrugging his shoulders as if teasing her about his victory.

"Uh…" Aside from Zoey, Zion was just as surprised as his sister. His gaze lingered at Ivan momentarily.

'I see. Now I understand what she saw in him.' He whispered internally as a subtle smile resurfaced on his lips. This time, Zion finally realized and willingly accepted his defeat.

No wonder Cora fell for him. Ivan, although he had unconventional ways of talking and getting his point across, he was true to himself. Thus, his emotions were genuine as well.

"Thank you." Zion beckoned a slight neck bow to Matthew and then offered a smile to Ivan.

Meanwhile, Katherine remained silent as she stared at Ivan.. For some reason, she was moved by his words; words she longed to hear that someone could speak bravely.