From Bullets To Billions novel Chapter 646

Chapter 646: A Fresh Start

"Cheers!"

The roar of nearly thirty voices erupted inside the common room, a cacophony of youthful excitement that rattled the windows of the dormitory. Plastic glasses clashed together in a messy symphony of sloshing liquid before the group took a synchronized, deep swig. Satisfied smiles and loud exhales followed as the students settled back into their seats.

The occupants of the room looked remarkably young, and that was because they were. Every person there was a freshman at the university, and they were throwing this impromptu party to celebrate their very first opening day. All across the city, similar scenes were playing out as thousands of students marked the beginning of their higher education.

Earlier that day, the campus had been a hive of activity as newcomers toured the sprawling grounds, eventually meeting their fellow classmates and department peers. For the extroverts in the business department, it had taken very little time to suggest a meet-up. Since nearly all of them were assigned to the same block of dorms, a night of drinking seemed like the natural way to break the ice. They needed to get to know one another; after all, there was a high probability they would be spending the next four years of their lives side-by-side.

"Whoa!" Steve, a young man with thick-rimmed glasses and a friendly face, looked at the person beside him in genuine amazement. "You really can drink, can’t you? You took that whole thing in one gulp. If that were me, I would have thrown up all over the place by now."

"I... I feel sick," Max replied, his voice strained as he clamped a hand over his mouth.

In his previous life, his real body, a light round of drinks like this would have been absolutely no trouble at all. Not only was the old Max a seasoned drinker, but he had developed a high tolerance out of professional necessity. In the corporate and underworld cultures he came from, countless business deals were finalized in KTV parlors, bars, and dimly lit clubs that required an immense amount of social drinking. It was an integral part of the culture. Many leaders believed they could only truly trust a business partner after seeing their "true face," and they firmly believed that face only emerged once the alcohol started flowing. Words spoken in a drunken haze could jeopardize a million-dollar deal, which was why those who could hold their liquor were the ones who survived.

However, he was now painfully aware that this young body of Max had hardly touched a drop of alcohol in its short life. The original Max had been far too busy struggling with the grinds of daily life and survival to ever enjoy a drink, despite technically being over eighteen and graduated from high school. His liver was currently screaming in protest at the sudden influx of cheap dorm-room spirits.

"Alright, listen up!" a man shouted, jumping up onto a central table. He was wearing a bright red jumper and a wide, confident grin. His name was Jono, and he had already established himself as the de facto leader of the floor; he was the one who had organized the gathering and was now acting as the master of ceremonies.

It was a fascinating social dynamic to watch. People generally liked it when someone else stepped up to take charge; it allowed them to switch off their brains, avoid making decisions, and just go along with the flow.

"Let’s have a great night tonight!" Jono yelled, raising his cup. "To the business department!"

"To the business department!" the others cheered in a ragged, drunken unison.

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