Chapter 24

Chapter 24

This was the coldest winter Lu Nian had ever experienced. Ancheng was located to the south of the Qinling Huaihe line, broadly classified as part of the south, yet its latitude wasn't low enough to be considered a tropical region. Consequently, every winter, especially when it snowed, was extremely cold.

Lu Nian spent the winter vacation alone at home. She kept the words Zhao Yayuan had said to her a few days ago when she collected the notice in her mind but did not take the initiative to discuss it with Lu Zhichong.

After the incident at the art studio a while back, the relationship between the father and daughter of the Lu family had become quite strained for a period.

After recovering from her illness, Lu Nian resumed her daily school routine, while Lu Zhichong was occupied with year-end work at the company, often not coming home. As a result, Lu Nian naturally refrained from bringing up that matter with him.

She maintained a degree of skepticism. If Zhao Yayuan couldn't even manage this task, she doubted his sincerity or ability to unveil the truth about Nan Qiao from years ago.

Just a few days into the winter break, Lu Zhichong called her to the living room.

Lu Nian sat opposite him, waiting. A servant brought tea, and Lu Zhichong got straight to the point, "Nian Nian, have you been interacting with the Zhao family's youngest son recently?"

Lu Nian lowered her eyes, "He's a classmate from the neighboring class, so we are somewhat acquainted."

Lu Zhichong smiled, "He personally came to the company to find me, expressing a hope that you could tutor him at his home."

Lu Nian's tone was indifferent, "I've been quite busy with my own studies lately, and I haven't fully absorbed the material from my previous tutoring sessions... Dad, do you want me to go?"

Lu Zhichong looked at his daughter and slowly said, "Considering your health, it might be beneficial to occasionally go out to see people and get a change of scenery."

He removed his gold-rimmed glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Moreover, some necessary socializing is required. You've grown up now; you can't stay secluded like before. This time, go and tutor Yayuan, and while you're at it, convey my regards to his parents."

Lu Nian remained silent, nodding slightly, "I understand."

"Have you arranged a time?"

Lu Nian shook her head.

"Then start tomorrow," said Lu Zhichong, "It will soon be the New Year."

Thus, the matter was settled just like that.

Lu Zhichong was known for his high efficiency in handling matters. Early the next morning, a car from the Lu family delivered her to the doorstep of the Zhao residence.

Miao Miao accompanied her out of the car, holding her backpack for her.

This was Lu Nian's first visit to the Zhao family's home. The residence occupied a large area. Due to a lack of occupancy for many years and without maintenance, it didn't look as splendid as the Lu residence. However, it still bore the marks of past grandeur and luxury.

From a distance, she saw Zhao Yayuan.

The young man was wearing a deep red baseball jacket, casually wrapped in a scarf, leaning lazily at the entrance waiting for her.

He told Miao Miao, "No need to accompany further."

Consequently, the accompanying person stayed outside, leaving only Lu Nian to enter the house with him.

The floor heating was on in the house, and a wave of warmth greeted them as they stepped inside.

However, the house was eerily empty. Despite the large space, there wasn't a soul in sight, not even a glimpse of Zhao Tingyuan.

"My brother is not around due to some work," Zhao Yayuan said, "I also didn't inform him, and the house staff have the day off today."

Lu Nian put down her backpack, feeling a bit warm. She removed her scarf and hat. Due to the rise in room temperature, her face flushed with a rare hue of rosiness. She nodded calmly, "I'll leave at five to have dinner at home."

At this point, it doesn't really matter whether there's anyone around or not.

The youth lifted a corner of his lips in a somewhat ambiguous smile, "So, in this house... it's just the two of us now, isn't it?"

Lu Nian sat on the other side of the desk, pulling out her math book from her backpack and flipping it open, sitting upright and formal, "Where shall we begin?"

Zhao Yayuan, "..."

The youth muttered almost under his breath, "You're so boring."

The Zhao residence had a spacious study, but Zhao Yayuan mentioned that the floor heating was broken. Lu Nian checked and indeed, the interior was chillingly cold, making it impossible to stay there. Consequently, they had to relocate temporarily to Zhao Yayuan's bedroom.

Lu Nian discussed the problems, and Zhao Yayuan seemed to be listening, yet also seemed not to be.

The youth's cat-like eyes were bright, "Aren't you going to ask about the favor I agreed to do for you?"

Lu Nian didn't lift her gaze, "Once you've finished your tutoring, you'll naturally tell me."

The youth stretched his long legs casually, slightly pursing his lips, "Aren't you afraid I'll go back on my word?"

Lu Nian didn't respond, continuing to discuss the math problems.

"Did you wear perfume today? What scent is it?" Zhao Yayuan suddenly sniffed gently, seeming to notice something different in the air, "It smells really good."

Lu Nian moved back slightly.

She seldom got this close to males in her daily life. After all, when at home, the only males around her would be Lu Zhichong and Lu Yang, and she decidedly didn't want to get too close to them.

However, the youth's gaze was pure, without any malevolent intentions, seemingly just genuinely curious, like a cat or a puppy acting out of its nature.

"I washed my hair last night," Lu Nian said, "It's probably the scent of the shampoo. Focus on the problems, concentrate a bit."

The youth lay back on the desk, looking uninterested.

Not long after they started studying, he claimed to be tired and wanted to rest.

Lu Nian, "Finish this problem first."

Zhao Yayuan, "I want to drink cola, a cold one from the fridge. Can you get it for me?"

Having been sickly since childhood, Lu Nian reflexively reminded him, "It's winter now, drinking something this cold isn't good for your stomach."

Zhao Yayuan's health was not great to begin with.

Zhao Yayuan threw down his pen, leaned his chair back, and propped his long legs on the table's footrest, lazily asking, "Are you my mom?"

Lu Nian, "..."

She retrieved a can of cola from the fridge and placed it heavily on his desk.

Zhao Yayuan was working on some problems. Having talked extensively with him earlier, she now felt somewhat tired and didn't feel like sitting any longer. She got up and began to look around his room.

Zhao Yayuan's room was somewhat cluttered, filled with a variety of items that a young man might fancy. Despite the room being incredibly spacious, the excess of belongings made it feel somewhat cramped.

Her attention was captured by a picture hanging on the wall.

It was a somewhat aged photograph, framed nicely, yet still bearing the marks of time.

"Is this you?" Lu Nian asked Zhao Yayuan, her gaze fixed on the picture.

The age of the little boy in the white clothes in the photo was unclear, but he seemed to be under ten, boasting delicate and refined features. Although she felt an inexplicable familiarity, a closer inspection revealed that the facial features didn't closely resemble Zhao Yayuan's.

Nevertheless, considering the age gap, appearances could have changed drastically, making Lu Nian uncertain.

However, the gentle and serene demeanor etched between the brows of the boy, reminiscent of a bright moon, made it incredibly hard for Lu Nian to associate it with a young Zhao Yayuan.

Initially, Zhao Yayuan did not glance sideways, his mind seemingly elsewhere as he twiddled a pen in his hand.

At this moment, seeing her transfixed by the photograph, his expression seemed to flicker with something for an instant.

He raised an eyebrow, "... Can't tell?"

Lu Nian shook her head.

Zhao Yayuan said, "Then just assume it's me."

Lu Nian furrowed her brows.

What does he mean by "you can assume it's me"?

A thought flashed across her mind in a lightning-fast manner, but before she could ponder further or take another look at the picture,

Zhao Yayuan suddenly stood up, took down the photograph, and tossed it into a box nearby, "It was a good friend of mine from the past. I kept this picture as a memento after I moved."

He asked Lu Nian, "How do you solve this?"

Lu Nian pursed her lips, "Just apply the formula. Besides, I just explained it to you."

Zhao Yayuan, "I forgot."

Lu Nian flipped out a shorthand notebook and threw it at him.

"Are you angry?" Zhao Yayuan asked, "An unteachable student, indeed."

Lu Nian shook her head, not saying anything further.

Thus, the first day of tutoring passed uneventfully.

She didn't need to visit the Zhao residence daily. Zhao Yayuan mentioned that he was free throughout the winter break, and she could just choose a time convenient for her. Once it all ended, they would discuss the matters regarding Nan Qiao.

Lu Nian didn't quite believe his words.

Sometimes, transactions between people are nothing more than an exchange of bargaining chips, and the power to control this matter lay entirely in Zhao Yayuan's hands. She was unaware of everything, possessing no leverage that could bind him to his word, reliant solely on Zhao Yayuan's conscience.

At the moment, he did not appear to be an individual with a particularly strong conscience.

However, to be honest, she would even prefer staying at the Zhao residence instead of the Lu residence, idly whiling away the time each day. At least this allowed her a justifiable short respite from Lu Yang and Lu Zhihong.

Snow fell during the New Year, clogging the roads outside the city.

Transportation was stalled, the heavy snow seemingly isolating the entire city, with flights grounded and public transportation coming to a near halt.

"Zhixin and his group won't be able to make it this year," said Lu Zhihong, "We will have to wait until the Lantern Festival to gather again. This year, let's celebrate the New Year quietly at home."

"Invite the family of Xiao Yang over," Lu Zhihong instructed Xu Ruohai, "The New Year should still be festive."

Xu Ruohai naturally agreed.

The New Year arrived just like that. On New Year's Eve, the heavy snow turned to light snow, yet the Lu residence remained brightly lit.

A luxurious feast was prepared, but regrettably, the protagonist Lu Zhihong had to be absent.

An emergency arose at the company. A senior executive from the Lu corporation had been embezzling funds over a long period, using company money, and was threatened with exposure by a subordinate. Unexpectedly, after the matter came to light, he directly committed murder and fled. This malicious incident on New Year's Eve had wide repercussions, forcing Lu Zhihong to personally handle the matter at the company during this time.

The clock chimed ten times, amidst the clinking of glasses and the hum of conversation at the banquet.

Using the excuse of feeling unwell, Lu Nian returned to her room early.

Lu Yang hurriedly followed, "Nian Nian, where do you feel uncomfortable?"

Lu Nian shook her head, "Stomachache."

Lu Yang, "Is it serious? I'll call a doctor right away."

Lu Nian stopped him, her face pale and her waist alarmingly slender, "Brother, there's no need. I just want to lie down in my room for a bit. It's not very serious."

Lu Yang was somewhat elated by her use of the term 'brother', "...Alright, Nian Nian, rest well. Brother won't disturb you."

Lu Nian nodded and retreated to her room.

Lu Yang instructed Miaomiao, "Take good care of Nian Nian. If anything is amiss, inform me immediately."

There couldn't be any mishaps.

He understood the level of importance Lu Zhihong currently placed on Lu Nian.

Miaomiao hastily nodded, while Zhang Qiuping was busy outside, the corridor bustling with a constant stream of people coming and going.

"Don't come looking for me." After Lu Yang left, Lu Nian told Miaomiao, "I'm going to sleep, and I don't want anyone to come in."

Lu Nian seldom spoke to them in such a tone, which took Miaomiao aback. However, she still responded, "Okay."

Lu Nian stripped off the cumbersome evening gown and slipped into her nightgown, immersing herself in the soft, fluffy comfort of her duvet.

Throughout the night, her mind was restless, pondering the words Qin Si had sent her since their last encounter.

He owed her a New Year's Eve dinner.

If she wanted to, she could find him.

Since that day, she and Qin Si hadn't met again. Although they were in the same school, they were in different grades. Intentionally avoiding him since that day, and with Qin Si not taking the initiative to seek her out, they surprisingly hadn't bumped into each other once on campus.

Lu Nian held her phone, hesitating for a long time. Glancing at the snow drifting outside, she texted him, "Qin Si, do your words from last time still stand?"

About ten minutes passed.

Just when Lu Nian almost thought she wouldn't receive a response, his message popped up, "Now?"

Thankfully, he didn't ask her what she was referring to.

"Yes," Lu Nian replied.

She sniffled, typing each word nervously, "But, I can't come out now, there are many people at home... my parents, they won't agree."

"Do you want to come?"

"Yes."

Not much later, he sent another message, "Change your clothes."

An immediate follow-up arrived, "Wear something more comfortable."

Lu Nian assessed her current attire and hurriedly shed her nightgown. Her skin gleamed like jade, her curves exceedingly graceful. Her hands trembled slightly, seemingly anticipating what was about to happen. Her heart raced, and sweat beaded on her cheeks.

She simply maintained this state, darting into her walk-in wardrobe to look for clothes. However, all her thick coats for going out were stored in the outer wardrobe. Retrieving them would certainly alert the others.

She had no choice but to rummage through her room and found a thick skirt.

It was the thickest piece of clothing she could find in her room, long and made of substantial fabric, albeit with exceptionally wide cuffs and hem.

She hastily tied her hair into a messy bun, grabbing a new pair of shoes from the cupboard.

The phone screen lying on the bed suddenly lit up.

She hurried over, picking it up to read.

It was a text from Qin Si, just two words, "Hurry up."

Something seemed to resonate within her. She dashed to her balcony and opened the window.

The shadow of a tree shifted slightly, revealing a familiar young face. Under the faint glow of the lamp, for some reason, his features appeared exceptionally refined and aloof.

He said, "Come here."

She stood there, stupefied, feeling as if she had been beguiled by those eyes.

Lu Nian had been a well-behaved girl all her life, and this was the first time she was engaging in such an act.

She remembered during her childhood, she had persistently urged Qin Si to teach her how to climb trees. The young boy never agreed, no matter how much she pleaded. Now, as Lu Nian clambered from her balcony onto a tree branch, she truly understood the difficulty Qin Si had faced back then.

The height was less than that of two floors, yet she still trembled uncontrollably, extending a hand towards him.

The moment her hand touched the young man's skin, warmth radiated through her. Her small hand, dwarfed by his slender grasp, felt the tangible transmission of both temperature and strength.

Suddenly, her fear seemed to diminish.

Qin Si exerted a gentle force, and Lu Nian felt lighter. Before she could comprehend what was happening, she found herself sitting on a tree branch.

Qin Si quickly jumped down, his movements crisp and efficient.

He slightly tilted his face upward, the tree shadows reflecting in his dark eyes, and uttered, "Jump."

Lu Nian clung to the tree trunk, shivering. Behind her, the melodious strains of a violin emanated from the Lu residence.

She closed her eyes, gritted her teeth, and took the leap.

The wind whooshed past her ears, her scream stuck at the back of her throat.

Qin Si caught her.

The young man's arms were warm and strong.

It felt as if she had fallen into a star's embrace.

With her nerves still jittery, Lu Nian relished the stability and warmth in his embrace, almost unwilling to leave. She wished to nestle in his arms a bit more.

Qin Si had already set her down, remarking nonchalantly, "Let's go."

He pursed his lips, glanced at her attire but said nothing. He merely removed his coat and tossed it towards her.

Lu Nian obediently wrapped herself in it, stumbling in the darkness as she followed him. In her mind, it felt as though a taut string was being pulled. The girl in the oversized white dress, wearing an ill-fitted men's coat, had her hair come undone at some point, fluttering in the breeze behind her.

It felt like walking on the moon.

It resembled a painting.

The brightly lit Lu residence receded further and further into the distance, her heart feeling increasingly light. Her steps became graceful, and due to the excitement and nervousness, her face was flushed with a rosy hue. She asked, "Can you ride a motorcycle?"

Qin Si briefly responded, "A little."

Lu Nian wasn't surprised.

In her memory, it seemed like he could do anything.

After she took her seat in the back of the vehicle, her cheeks felt slightly sore from the whipping wind, yet she still swung her legs playfully, her eyes twinkling like stars.

Her vision suddenly dimmed as the hood of her coat was pulled up, covering the majority of her petite face. The strings were tightly knotted, with the black coat enveloping almost her entire face and head.

The streets were desolate on New Year's Eve, with only the two of them, the streetlights nearby and the accumulated snow on the ground. She asked loudly, her voice clear and crisp, almost breaking into a song, "Qin Si, where are we going?"

The young man replied, "To eat."

Lu Nian exclaimed with joy, "That's perfect, I haven't had my fill yet. The beef noodles last time were really delicious."

After dismounting the motorcycle, she followed Qin Si through several winding and turning alleys, eventually stopping in front of a small establishment.

It was a tiny storefront, and through the window, a warm yellow light radiated from within.

Qin Si opened the door, releasing a burst of enticing aroma of food into the air.

"Brother Qin?" The person who opened the door was a skinny young man in his twenties with a somewhat exaggerated hairstyle, holding a set of cards in his hand.

Huang Zhengmao immediately noticed the girl peeking out curiously from behind him.

Her slender waist and legs were wrapped in his coat, appearing somewhat timid. Her long hair was slightly disheveled, yet it couldn't hide her delicate face that seemed to radiate a celestial beauty.

"Damn, kidnapping a girl on New Year's Eve?" The young man's eyes widened more than a bell, "Have you finally decided to embrace your talents and walk down this no-return path?"

He slapped his thigh enthusiastically, "Damn, I bet on this with Xiao Qu just a few days ago. Xiao Qu, bring the money..."

Before he could finish, the young man raised an eyebrow coldly and kicked him, not holding back his strength.

"Mama Mia, Brother Qin, go easy!" The young man wailed. "We, with delicate constitutions, can't handle your strength."

Standing at the door, Lu Nian couldn't help but burst into giggles.

She followed him inside, her eyes darting around curiously to take in her surroundings.

It was a small storefront, yet it was unclear what its primary function was. It seemed they had entered through the back door; perhaps the main storefront was at the front.

Hearing the commotion outside, the other two individuals who were previously playing cards rushed back inside.

There was another young man in his twenties wearing glasses, his hair as messy as a bird's nest. The last one, Lu Nian recognized, was the bar owner who had given her Qin Si's phone number, seemingly called Ming Ge.

Ming Ge, seeing her, didn't seem too surprised, greeting her warmly, "The young lady is here? Come, come, sit here. Welcome, warmly welcome."

"We have prepared everything, just waiting for you two," he said to Qin Si. "I was saying it's about time for you to come back."

Qin Si responded with a simple, "Hmm."

He settled down calmly beside them, seeming to be well-acquainted with this place.

Qin Si had many facets, some that Lu Nian had seen, and some not. He seemed to have a magical ability to fit in effortlessly wherever he was, including here, of course.

Whether he was quietly working on an exam paper in the classroom or interacting with people she didn't know and with whom he generally didn't associate, he never seemed out of place.

Lu Nian suddenly realized that the source of the pleasant aroma in the room was coming from the pot situated in the center of the space.

"We are not fussy about this," Ming Ge said, "none of us have places to go back to for the new year, nor do we have women to help us with the preparation. The food we cook ourselves doesn't taste great, so we decided to have hot pot instead."

Lu Nian's face turned a charming rosy hue from the smoke, and she exclaimed with a sweet smile, "Hot pot is wonderful, I really love it. Thank you, brother."

The young man's eyelashes fluttered slightly.

Ming Ge remarked, "Ah, I hereby acknowledge you as my younger sister from today onwards, you are my real sister now."

Huang Zhengmao chimed in, "I am older than you as well!"

Lu Nian was in high spirits at the moment, her voice honeyed as she greeted, "Happy New Year, brother."

Xiao Qu hurriedly adjusted his glasses, adding, "I am also..."

He met Qin Si's icy gaze and promptly closed his mouth.

Lu Nian's eyes curved in a smile, "Happy New Year to you too, brother. Thank you all for welcoming me."

Xiao Qu blushed, stammering, "Ah, there's no need to thank us. You were brought here by Brother Qin, so of course, we should treat you well."

Lu Nian glanced sidelong, querying, "Eh, does he often bring people here?"

Xiao Qu hurriedly responded, "Not at all."

In fact, it was the first time.

Qin Si quietly separated a pair of chopsticks, saying nothing.

The hot pot was boiling vigorously, with Ming Ge adding ingredients to it. Lu Nian, who had never had the chance to experience hot pot at the Lu residence, instantly transformed into a greedy little cat.

Her eyes were fixed eagerly on the pot, exclaiming, "This looks delicious, and that seems quite tasty as well!"

And just like that, naturally and effortlessly, she concluded her New Year greetings.

...

The young man pursed his thin lips tightly, ultimately remaining silent.

Huang Zhengmao, noticing his expression, surreptitiously shifted his stool a bit to the side.

Qin Si could be quite terrifying when angered, and he did not want to be caught in the crossfire.

The first ingredient to go into the pot was beef.

There were no formalities here; the four men dining would naturally grab whatever they could get their hands on first.

However, now that a young lady had joined them, the dynamics changed. Naturally, the first piece of cooked meat would be offered to Lu Nian.

She was wrapped in his jacket, sitting beside him, her spirits soaring as she picked up the first piece of meat with her chopsticks.

Qin Si remained silent throughout, which wasn't a rare occurrence given his naturally reserved demeanor.

Everyone was accustomed to it and didn't find it particularly noteworthy.

Unexpectedly, a piece of beef appeared in his bowl.

Lu Nian, who had picked up the first piece of meat, very naturally placed that piece of beef into his bowl with her chopsticks.

Qin Si lifted his eyelashes to look at her.

Lu Nian didn’t look back, already enthusiastically vying with the other three for the next piece.

In a lull of the beef-grabbing frenzy, she found a moment to turn her head towards him and explained, “When I picked that piece for you just now, my chopsticks were brand new, untouched. You can eat it without worry! You prefer the spicy ones, right?”

She knew Qin Si might find it off-putting, perhaps due to a germ phobia or something else. It had always been this way since childhood - he decidedly would not use chopsticks that she had used.

The young man remained silent but ate the piece of beef.

They enjoyed the hot pot meal immensely, leaving the other three utterly dumbfounded.

Huang Mao was astounded, saying, "You really can't tell."

Xiao Qu shook his head, echoing, "You really can't tell."

Ming Ge exclaimed with awe, "Really, who would have guessed!"

This young lady, appearing so petite and embodying the delicate and ethereal beauty of a fairy, had an unexpectedly enormous appetite, feasting voraciously as if she could never be satiated.

Ming Ge clicked his tongue in amazement, foreseeing that Qin Si might have to allocate a substantial budget just for food expenses in the future when nurturing his wife.

Lu Nian wondered if her current growth spurt or perhaps a period of physical recuperation necessitated such nourishment, or maybe her elevated mood allowed her to consume such an astonishing amount of food. It seemed somewhat magical to her.

Midway through the meal,

Huang Mao brought over a bottle of strong liquor, asking, “Little sister, do you drink?”

Lu Nian, who had just taken a bite of lettuce, responded, “Eh?”

The young man seemed to be focused on his food, paying no attention to them, yet the bottle in Huang Mao’s hand suddenly became light.

In a blink, the bottle had transferred to those distinctly knuckled hands, and then, with a swift, clean motion, he tossed the bottle back into a nearby box.

Xiao Qu & Huang Mao, "......"

Xiao Qu hurriedly stood up, "I have fruit wine, a peach wine I bought before. It’s not very strong and quite sweet."

Ming Ge chimed in, "Let’s go with the peach wine then. It's the New Year, no need for such strong liquor."

Lu Nian, who had never tasted alcohol before, felt intrigued by Xiao Qu’s description and eagerly chimed in, “I want to try!”

Qin Si pressed his lips together, refraining from further comments.

Thus, the bottle was opened successfully.

The peach wine was a clear pink hue, effervescing with tiny bubbles and emitting a cool fragrance, stirring an exceptional curiosity in Lu Nian.

She lifted her glass, taking a gentle sip and savoring it with a slight pout.

The young girl's lush, crimson lips touched the rim of the glass, dampened slightly by the fruit wine. She extended her tongue delicately, lightly licking her lips to taste the wine's essence.

...

The young man beside her put down his chopsticks.

Despite the warm steam rising from the hotpot and the air conditioning humming in the room, he felt an unyielding dryness. He loosened his collar, picked up his glass, and gulped down a large portion of the wine in one go.

The restlessness within him showed no signs of subsiding even slightly.

He remained silent amidst the merry laughter and banter that filled the room. The trio was sharing delightful conversations, and the girl seemed exceptionally joyful that evening, her eyes twinkling as if filled with scattered stars.

Lu Nian realized that her alcohol tolerance was indeed quite low. After drinking half a glass and consuming some of the food fished from the pot, her head suddenly felt light and dizzy, exacerbated when she accidentally bit into a piece of chili.

She picked up her glass, taking a sip to alleviate the spiciness, then placed it back down.

The hand of the young man, holding his chopsticks, froze.

...That was his glass.

Lu Nian's actions were fluid and uninterrupted, leaving no room for interjection.

After finishing her drink, she returned the glass to its original position, unnoticed by anyone as the lively, warm atmosphere continued uninterrupted with everyone indulging in food and drink.

His fingers became somewhat stiff, and he never touched that glass of wine again.

...

Unbeknownst to them, time had passed.

Lu Nian had already drifted to sleep, her long eyelashes casting shadows on her cheeks. In a nondescript roadside establishment at this late hour, she slept even more peacefully and sweetly than she would on the large bed at her home.

Xiao Qu and Huang Mao were ushered to the adjacent room to continue their drinking contest.

Qin Si's jacket was draped over her, snugly enveloping her frame.

"Once this New Year passes," Ming Ge said, his words tinged with drunken lucidity, "you will become an adult."

And about to enter the third year of high school, the university entrance exams looming ahead.

He asked, "Are you prepared to leave?"

The world is vast, and with Qin Si's capabilities, he could thrive anywhere. He ought to have a brighter and grander future ahead.

From the time Qin Si was a ragged little boy, Ming Ge firmly believed, upon their first meeting, that he would achieve great things in the future.

He was destined to be a standout individual, a true phoenix amidst people.

As the years went by, his belief only solidified.

Qin Si remained silent.

In the dim light of the room, the young man's profile appeared even more elegant and extraordinary. The play of light and shadow accentuated his sharp eyebrows, narrow eyes, and thin lips, giving his face a hint of sharp and cold beauty.

Ming Ge understood his sentiment, giving a soft sigh. He gestured towards the girl sound asleep and whispered, "Reluctant to leave?"

"Tch, she's asleep," Ming Ge expressed helplessly, "Don't look at me like that. What do I do for a living, run a bar, right? Can't I tell if someone is truly drunk or pretending?"

Qin Si spoke indifferently, "It has nothing to do with her."

Ming Ge acquiesced, "Yes, yes... nothing at all."

All it would take is a word from her, a phone call, no matter when or where.

A single plea from her, and he would arrange everything.

This is what it means to be utterly devoted, humble to the point of merging with the dust.

Yet, also possessing an extreme form of pride, so well-concealed that no one could glimpse even a hint of it.

"Make your own decision," Ming Ge advised, "A man's choice, eh? As long as there are no regrets, weighing the gains and losses is something only you can do."

"I'll go clean up," Ming Ge said as he got up somewhat unsteadily, picked up a plate, and headed towards the kitchen.

Qin Si slowly shifted his gaze back; the girl beside him was sleeping soundly.

The table was a bit messy, dishes and cups scattered haphazardly.

He studied her profile for a moment before averting his eyes.

The glass with the unfinished fruit wine still sat at a distance.

After a long while.

The young man extended his distinctly articulated fingers, gently lifting that glass of fruit wine.

The part where the girl's lips had touched.

His pale, thin lips quietly met that spot,

As if in a silent offering, clinging tightly to that place, he slowly sipped the cool liquid.

Qin Si had a high tolerance for alcohol, having indulged in many drinking sessions before, sampling all kinds, from cheap to expensive, from those that burned like fire down the throat to those that left one with a lingering hangover lasting several days.

And this utterly ordinary fruit wine, with an alcohol content so low it was almost negligible, was neither strong nor fragrant.

He was intoxicated.