Chapter 93

The weather had become colder. After emerging victorious in the competition, Luca celebrated that evening by gathering his entire class for a lively feast, where everyone raised their glasses and reveled together. During the meal, Luca received an overwhelming amount of praise from his classmates. At noon the next day, Luca invited all his roommates and the ladies from a neighboring dorm to another meal. He even planned a private banquet for Jack, but Jack politely declined. Ultimately, Luca prepared two bottles of fine liquor and snacks. He then invited Jack to the rooftop on a clear night where they drank and talked freely. To Jack's surprise, the usually reserved Luca turned into a hearty drinker once alcohol was involved. As they drank, Luca unexpectedly broke down in tears, mumbling incoherently before eventually falling into a deep slumber in front of Jack. The weight of his pressure, burdens, and public persona had finally been released—something he could only do in Jack'