Chapter 42

Chapter 42

Li Muye held Shen Tingzhou and wept, "Why did they abandon me?"

People around them stopped and looked over.

Li Muye was oblivious, continuing to sob, soaking Shen Tingzhou's shoulder with his tears.

Under the scrutinizing gazes, Shen Tingzhou gritted his teeth and patted Li Muye's back, consoling him softly, "Don't be sad. I'll take you home first."

Li Muye felt utterly devastated and began to blame everyone and everything.

"Where is my home? They would rather stay in a hotel than at home. Is it because the rooms at home aren’t spacious enough, or the beds not big enough?"

"No! It’s because I’m at home. I’m an eyesore, a nuisance. I should have stayed in prison for life. I shouldn’t even breathe; only then would they be happy!"

Hearing his self-pity, Shen Tingzhou felt a throbbing pain in his temples.

"Don’t be like this..."

Just as Shen Tingzhou racked his brain for words to comfort him, a gentle voice came from nearby—

"Muye."

Li Muye, like a large dog suddenly fitted with a collar, instantly stopped his tantrum. Shen Tingzhou could almost "see" ears popping up on his head and a tail wagging behind him.

Li Muye lifted his head, his face brightening as if after a storm.

"Ningge." Li Muye immediately ran to Song Qingning, his tear-stained eyes still wet, but he was already eager to please.

Shen Tingzhou: ...

"What’s wrong?" Song Qingning looked up at Li Muye, worriedly asking, "Why are your eyes red? Are you sick?"

Li Muye’s gaze swept past Song Qingning to Li Jingchong and Li Jinghang, finally settling back on Song Qingning.

He slumped his shoulders in disappointment, "What are you doing here so late?"

Song Qingning explained gently, "I just saved a child and accidentally got my clothes wet. I came to the hotel to change into something clean."

Li Jinghang glanced at Li Muye, "What do you think we were doing?"

Li Jingchong added, "Focus more on your studies; that’s better than anything else."

Shen Tingzhou felt they seemed to be ganging up on Li Muye.

Li Muye, stung by his father and brother’s subtle jabs, retorted, "What are you all doing out so late? Even if it’s a family gathering, you should have included me. I knew I had no status in the Li family."

By the end, he sounded disheartened, his voice thick with emotion.

Hearing this, Song Qingning became anxious.

"No, it’s not like that. Jingchong and I went to a concert. Jinghang’s friend gave him a ticket, so we went together."

Li Muye’s expression softened, but he couldn’t help complaining to Li Jinghang, "Brother, why didn’t you get a ticket for me?"

Shen Tingzhou: Xiao Li, think again—is this really a coincidence?

When a couple plans to go to a concert together, even the least perceptive person knows not to be a third wheel.

But Li Jinghang did exactly that, turning their date into a trio.

Facing Li Muye’s accusation, Li Jinghang showed no emotion, while Song Qingning looked apologetic.

"I didn’t know you were coming back tonight," Song Qingning asked, "Have you eaten?"

Li Muye shook his head, "No."

He had come home to surprise Song Qingning, but instead, he saw them entering the hotel, turning his surprise into a shock.

Song Qingning thought for a moment and apologized to Li Jingchong and Li Jinghang, "Why don’t you two go ahead? I’ll take Muye home; he hasn’t eaten yet."

Their expressions soured, but they didn’t show it openly.

Ever since Li Muye spent some time in prison for Song Qingning and was depressed for days after being released, Song Qingning had been especially attentive to him, feeling guilty.

Hearing that Song Qingning would eat with him, Li Muye was elated, like a foolish dog.

Under the watchful eyes of Li Jingchong’s "mountainous paternal love" and Li Jinghang’s "heavy concern," Li Muye wagged his metaphorical tail and exclaimed, "Sure, sure! Let them go see the concert; they love those boring things anyway."

Shen Tingzhou: Xiao Li, read the room.

However, Li Muye’s innocence inadvertently struck a soft spot with Song Qingning.

The prison record might prevent him from getting a government job, but it earned him Song Qingning’s sympathy.

Seeing Li Muye was fine, Shen Tingzhou prepared to leave quietly.

Just as he took a few steps back, the overjoyed Li Muye called out, "Doctor Shen, have you eaten? Why don’t you join us?"

His intention was to show off, but it backfired...

Upon hearing "Doctor Shen," Song Qingning’s positive radar activated, switching to "I want to study hard" mode with the Li family.

He pushed Li Muye aside, ignoring Li Jingchong and Li Jinghang, and walked toward Shen Tingzhou like a pilgrim seeking enlightenment.

Song Qingning transformed into a well-behaved junior student, looking at Shen Tingzhou with a thirst for knowledge.

He changed his address from "Doctor Shen" to "Senior," eagerly reporting his academic progress to Shen Tingzhou.

"A few days ago, the teachers from the adult exam gave us a practice test using the 40th session's exam papers. I scored 647 points."

After saying this, he blinked frequently and looked at Shen Tingzhou, radiating an air of needing praise.

Seeing Song Qingning act like a well-behaved little rabbit, the three people behind her were grinding their teeth.

Although Song Qingning was usually very gentle, she never showed them such expressions.

The only one who enjoyed this treatment was Shen Tingzhou, who, upon hearing this, gave a very positive response.

"The exam paper from the 40th session was quite difficult. Scoring 647 points would place you in the top fifty in the province. To achieve such a high score with such short preparation time, you're amazing."

Song Qingning showed a happy yet restrained expression of shyness.

"Senior," Song Qingning looked up at Shen Tingzhou, "I plan to study medicine just like you."

Though it's said that encouraging someone to study medicine is like inviting a curse, for Song Qingning to regain her goals and become proactive is already quite commendable.

Shen Tingzhou sincerely encouraged her, "You are meticulous, responsible, and have a good temper—these are all qualities medical students need. If you want to learn more about specific medical fields, you can..."

Suddenly feeling a chill, Shen Tingzhou looked up.

Three pairs of eyes were staring at him gloomily, releasing cold air into the night.

"..." Shen Tingzhou forcibly changed his words, "You can ask my friend; he's more professional in this area."

In the cold wind, the hungry Li Muye called out, "Brother Song."

Song Qingning didn't hear him and continued to look up at Shen Tingzhou, nodding vigorously, "Yes, yes, I will definitely study hard."

Shen Tingzhou felt both gratified and under immense pressure, "Then keep it up."

"Qingning," Li Jingchong walked over, "Doctor Shen, there might be something else."

Shen Tingzhou forced a smile, "Right, I won't disturb you..." a family of unknown size.

Song Qingning still wanted to report her specific scores to Shen Tingzhou but, seeing he had matters to attend to, could only hide her disappointment, "Then come by often."

Shen Tingzhou smiled on the surface, "Sure."

Internally, he grimaced: Do you think he dares?

The three Li men glared at Shen Tingzhou, fearing he might take Song Qingning away.

Even though they knew that without Shen Tingzhou even asking, Song Qingning would happily follow him.

Li Jinghang also approached, saying indifferently, "Doctor Shen, please be careful on your way."

Shen Tingzhou thought, Got it, got it, he'll leave right away.

Li Muye turned into a gloomy puppy, "Doctor Shen, I'll see you off."

Shen Tingzhou was led forward by Li Muye. Once they left Song Qingning's vicinity, Li Muye's attitude warmed again, and he eagerly opened the car door for Shen Tingzhou.

"Doctor Shen, thank you for staying with me today. Without you, I might have burned down the hotel."

Looking at the teary-eyed Li Muye, Shen Tingzhou wasn't sure whether to marvel at his ability to change expressions or criticize his weak legal awareness, similar to Zhou Zitan's.

No wonder you two ended up in jail; with such thoughts and awareness, who else would?

A thousand words turned into a sigh, and Shen Tingzhou patted Li Muye's shoulder.

Li Muye watched Shen Tingzhou leave. When he returned to find Song Qingning, she had already gotten into Li Jingchong's car.

Li Muye: !!!

He hurriedly ran into the car, but the only seat left for him was the passenger seat.

Li Muye thought, Passenger seat it is, better than not getting in at all!

-

The next morning, the 4S store called Shen Tingzhou, informing him that his car could receive free maintenance this month.

Since Shen Tingzhou had nothing planned for the day, he scheduled the maintenance for the afternoon.

After lunch, Shen Tingzhou drove his three-year-old car to the shop for maintenance.

Handing the keys to the staff, Shen Tingzhou picked up a car magazine, intending to sit somewhere for a while when he suddenly heard a long-forgotten title—

"Class leader."

At first, Shen Tingzhou didn't realize it was directed at him, but he instinctively looked towards the source of the voice.

Two meters away, a man in casual suit and wearing sunglasses looked at him in surprise. Shen Tingzhou was puzzled.

"Class leader, it's me, Yang Lei."

The man removed his sunglasses, and Shen Tingzhou recognized him as their class's sports committee member.

Shen Tingzhou greeted him with a smile, "Long time no see. Why are you dressed like a young master? I didn't recognize you."

Yang Lei flashed a perfect eight-toothed smile, "Young masters rely on their parents; I rely on myself. Class leader, what are you doing here? Buying a car?"

Shen Tingzhou glanced at his own car, "No, just getting it maintained."

Yang Lei followed Shen Tingzhou's gaze and saw his car, his expression becoming somewhat subtle, and he fell silent for a moment.

Shen Tingzhou asked, "What about you?"

Yang Lei sighed, "I'm also getting my car maintained and checking out some new ones. The car I drive now is considered a tacky rich guy's ride."

Shen Tingzhou was curious. "What car do you drive now?"

Yang Lei: "A G-Class."

Shen Tingzhou laughed heartily. "Indeed a big spender. It suits your style."

Yang Lei: ...

Yang Lei glanced at the time on his watch. "I have a meeting at three this afternoon, so I need to go. Are you free the day after tomorrow? I want to gather our old classmates for a reunion; it's been years since we've seen everyone."

Shen Tingzhou nodded agreeably. "Sure."

Yang Lei answered a call while saying to Shen Tingzhou, "Then it's settled. You must come. If you're there, most of the girls will show up too."

Shen Tingzhou: "...I'm not that charming."

Yang Lei had already stopped listening and waved goodbye before stepping aside to take the work call.

Seeing Yang Lei's boss-like demeanor as he talked on the phone, Shen Tingzhou couldn't help but chuckle.

Back in school, Yang Lei had always been at the bottom of their class in terms of grades, but he was active in every other aspect.

Yang Lei was one of the few boarders in the class because his parents were busy and had no time to look after him.

Every month-end, Yang Lei would mooch off others, calling them "Dad." Shen Tingzhou was his longest-standing "Dad," supporting him through countless impoverished end-of-months.

Yang Lei often joked that he grew so tall thanks to Shen Tingzhou's support.

One "Dad," a lifetime of care.

Seeing how well the once talkative and cheerful underachiever had done, Shen Tingzhou genuinely felt happy for him.

Because of Yang Lei's invitation and Shen Tingzhou's participation, the long-dormant class group chat came alive again.

Yang Lei: "Everyone should come. I'll arrange everything and make sure you all have a great time."

Zhang Chengwei: "Boss Yang is generous!"

Jin Ziting: "Is the class monitor coming?"

Shen Tingzhou: "Going."

Zhang Wenfei: "Count me in, I'm going too."

"Let me see if the class monitor is still handsome after all these years."

"The class monitor is indeed popular."

[Yang Lei is lavish, but alas, the class monitor is too "beautiful," thus he loses.]

Everyone chatted and laughed for a long time.

Yang Lei felt a mix of emotions. Back in school, it was fine that the class monitor attracted girls, but now they were all adults.

In the adult world, ability is king. Now, it should be his turn to shine!

Yang Lei thought to himself: Ten years have passed; it's time for this Dragon King to make an impressive entrance!

Class monitor, sorry, but you'll be my first target.

Hehehe, hehehe!

With this idea in mind, Yang Lei drove his most expensive car out of the garage, put on his most expensive watch, wore his most expensive clothes, and booked the most expensive private room at a restaurant, ready to make the most extravagant appearance.

He, Yang Lei the Dragon King, was going to dazzle everyone with his entrance!

Yang Lei went all out for the high school reunion. The moment he arrived, he indeed captured everyone's attention.

The entire room stared at him for three or four seconds without speaking until Jin Ziting, the class beauty, burst into laughter first.

"I know you're rich, but do you really need to show off like this?"

They were in the advanced class, with 95% of them attending prestigious universities and excelling in various fields.

Yang Lei's face turned red, but he maintained his ostentatious demeanor, feigning ignorance. "Huh? This is how I usually dress."

Zhang Wenfei joined in. "Do you usually wear slicked-back hair, a flashy watch, and clothes covered in logos? How do you manage business like this without people suspecting you're a front company?"

Everyone laughed.

Zhang Chengwei stepped in to smooth things over. "Alright, alright, let's not tease Boss Yang. He's our benefactor today. Shouldn't we treat the client better? How do you usually conduct business?"

Zhang Chengwei pulled out a chair next to him. "Come, Boss Yang, sit here."

Yang Lei walked over with dignity and deliberately flashed his gold watch again when he sat down, blinding the girl opposite him with its glare.

As Yang Lei drank water, the watch continued to flash, making the girl grit her teeth.

If I can't avoid it, I'll dodge it!

She moved her chair slightly away from the glaring watch.

The door to the private room opened, and Shen Tingzhou appeared at the entrance, wearing a white shirt and black pants, looking clean and refined.

Jin Ziting sighed with relief. "Thank goodness maturity is all you've gained; you haven't lost your freshness. If you had become greasy, I'd really cry."

Another male classmate chimed in, "You're still the same young man, unchanged. Time has only tested the belief planted in the hearts of the girls, which hasn't diminished..."

Shen Tingzhou: "...Shut up, I want to live."

Everyone except the male classmates burst out laughing.

Yang Lei chuckled twice, then suddenly remembered his mission. He composed himself, stood up, and said to Shen Tingzhou, "Xiao Shen, come over and sit."

The name "Xiao Shen" stunned everyone.

Shen Tingzhou didn't react much; he calmly walked over and sat down next to Yang Lei.

Yang Lei, as affable as a community center director, poured Shen Tingzhou a cup of tea and then initiated the first step of his belittling—

He asked about his occupation.

Yang Lei handed the tea to Shen Tingzhou, "Xiao Shen, what have you been doing lately?"

Shen Tingzhou took a sip of tea, "Still a doctor."

Yang Lei spoke in the tone of a boss, "Oh, I heard that. You're a doctor for the rich, right?"

Jin Ziting frowned and chimed in, "That's a good job; you can meet many influential people."

Yang Lei disagreed and pontificated, "In the service industry, it's hard to make an impression, especially on the rich. They've been accustomed to being served since childhood. To stand out and gain their recognition requires a lot of effort."

Zhang Wenfei couldn't listen anymore, "Who dares say they aren't in the service industry? Aren't you?"

Yang Lei wanted to go deeper into his belittling. He wanted to say that there are different levels within the service industry.

He made over a hundred million a year—could Xiao Shen?

You can't overlook my success just because Xiao Shen was excellent in school!

Any car in his garage is better than Shen Tingzhou's.

No matter how smart Shen Tingzhou is, he's still a bookworm who can't turn knowledge into money—he's a loser in this room.

But Yang Lei couldn't bring himself to say it.

Remembering high school, when Shen Tingzhou helped him with meals and tutoring, and even gave him the sneakers he always wanted but couldn't afford, Yang Lei couldn't bring himself to speak ill of him.

As Shen Tingzhou was drinking tea, listening to their debate on the service industry, Yang Lei suddenly grabbed his hand.

Shen Tingzhou: ?

Yang Lei held Shen Tingzhou's hand, shaking his head silently and patting his hand, his expression a mix of complexity, bitterness, and a hint of pity.

My poor Xiao Shen, so talented yet in the wrong profession, driving a car worth only forty thousand and wearing a watch worth a few thousand, probably without a house or a girlfriend.

If we become wealthy, we must not forget each other.

Now that I, Little Yang, have risen to the top, how could I let you, Xiao Shen, live so hard?

Yang Lei patted Shen Tingzhou's hand, lost in some sorrowful contemplation, making Shen Tingzhou feel uneasy.

Mainly because his hand was turning red from the patting.

Shen Tingzhou tried to pull his hand back, but Yang Lei held it tighter.

Yang Lei generously unclasped his watch, slipped it off, and put it on Shen Tingzhou's wrist, "Take it, it's yours!"

Shen Tingzhou: ?

The female classmate whose eyes had been dazzled by the gold watch earlier: Thank you...

She had just moved opposite the class monitor when the annoying watch was placed on his wrist.

What, are you targeting me specifically? Wherever I go, you put the watch there.

When she heard it was meant for him, Shen Tingzhou's expression became subtle.

Never thought he could avoid Zhou Zitan's gold watch but not Yang Lei's.

Shen Tingzhou politely declined, "I appreciate the gesture, but I'll pass on the watch."

Yang Lei saw Shen Tingzhou's "overwhelmed" look and thought about how many hardships he must have endured, losing his former confidence.

Yang Lei felt heartbroken and angrily pulled out his car keys, slamming them in front of Shen Tingzhou.

"Don't be shy, take it and drive!"

Seeing the car logo, Shen Tingzhou didn't want to drive such an environmentally unfriendly car.

Shen Tingzhou pushed the keys back, "My current car is fine."

Yang Lei hesitated, then finally said, "Xiao Shen, don't deprive yourself. If you need anything, call me."

Shen Tingzhou, though puzzled, nodded, "I understand. You too."

Yang Lei: Look, even in poverty, he still cares about his successful classmates. Xiao Shen, you're like this... no wonder you're poor. To be rich, you need to be ruthless and shameless.

Can capitalists ever be good people?

Today, there are too many people here, including classmates in government positions, so Yang Lei couldn't talk about his business tactics. He would discuss it privately with Shen Tingzhou later.

Seeing Yang Lei finally speaking normally, Jin Ziting started chatting with her familiar friends, no longer paying attention to them.

After eating and drinking, Yang Lei refused to let anyone leave, insisting on going to a bar for more drinks and singing.

"In high school, we sang secretly behind our teachers' backs. Now that we're adults, everyone must sing. No one leaves until their voices crack. I've already booked a private room. Anyone who doesn't go will have bad luck all year."

Yang Lei left his harsh words and then went to settle the bill.

After leaving the restaurant, since most of them had been drinking, they discussed how to get to the bar.

Only two girls who were allergic to alcohol hadn't drunk, but with over ten people, two drivers clearly weren't enough. Waiting for designated drivers might as well be taking taxis.

As the group was hailing taxis at the restaurant entrance, a black business car pulled up in front of them.

The window slowly rolled down, revealing Li Jinghang's indifferent yet handsome face.

He had seen Shen Tingzhou standing at the intersection and intended to greet him. Although he did indeed have some reservations about Shen Tingzhou because of Song Qingning, as long as it wasn't related to her, Li Jinghang still had a good impression of Shen Tingzhou.

Li Jinghang asked Shen Tingzhou, "Waiting for a taxi?"

Seeing it was Li Jinghang, Shen Tingzhou walked over to greet him, "Yeah, going somewhere else with old classmates."

Li Jinghang glanced around; there were quite a few people, and his car clearly couldn't fit them all. "Do you want me to drop you off first?"

Shen Tingzhou smiled and politely declined, "No need, I'll go with them."

Li Jinghang didn't insist and was about to leave when someone approached, "President Li?"

Yang Lei, who had just finished settling the bill, saw Li Jinghang's car and quickly walked over, surprised, "What a coincidence, President Li came here to eat too?"

Li Jinghang glanced at Shen Tingzhou and said to Yang Lei, "No, just greeting a friend."

Yang Lei was taken aback, "Oh."

After Li Jinghang left, Yang Lei asked, "You know President Li?"

Shen Tingzhou replied, "He's my employer."

Yang Lei was shocked, "You work for Li Jinghang?"

Shen Tingzhou added, somewhat speechlessly, "I'm a doctor, his family doctor."

Yang Lei knew that Shen Tingzhou worked as a private doctor for wealthy people, but he didn't expect it to be for their company's client.

Yang Lei stared at Shen Tingzhou with a complex expression, "Xiao Shen, no, Class Monitor, you really keep a low profile."

Shen Tingzhou responded, "We're all in the service industry; there's nothing to hide."

Yang Lei: ...

Feeling that the other person was mocking him, but the sincerity in the response made him feel rather dark-hearted.

-

Yang Lei booked a newly opened bar, which was sizable and had a good reputation. It was said that the DJ was brought in from abroad, and most patrons were young people.

Shen Tingzhou, who rarely visited bars, was immediately bombarded by the strong beat of the music upon entering.

Yang Lei was cheered on to dance in the dance floor.

As a gold bachelor, he used to come to places like this to dance and relieve stress whenever he had free time a few years ago. In recent years... he started following the trend of health preservation.

But the dance king's prowess remained undiminished, even dancing on stage around a pole.

Not satisfied with dancing alone, he dragged Shen Tingzhou onto the stage to release some stress.

Shen Tingzhou had no idea how to dance and moved a bit under Yang Lei's cover.

This place was too noisy, and Shen Tingzhou broke into a sweat after moving a little. His ears felt like they weren't his own, and everything sounded muffled.

A hand tapped his shoulder from behind, and Shen Tingzhou turned around. Zhou Zitan's youthful face appeared somewhat surreal under the laser lights.

Zhou Zitan spoke to him, and Shen Tingzhou leaned in to hear.

Just as the music stopped, Shen Tingzhou heard Zhou Zitan ask, "Doctor Shen, what are you doing here?"

Shen Tingzhou shouted back, "Came to play with classmates. What about you?"

Zhou Zitan had been frequenting various bars for a long time and was accustomed to the noise. His hearing had not only not deteriorated but had become incredibly sharp.

"Doctor Shen, you don't need to shout; I can hear you. This bar is run by a friend of mine, and he insisted I come to evaluate it."

The word "evaluate" sounded funny.

But it was true. Zhou Zitan was an expert in eating, drinking, and having fun, often referred to as the living guide and encyclopedia of the capital's bars.

To outsiders, this seemed like idleness, but to bar owners, Zhou Zitan, who knew how to party and had a group of idle second-generation friends, was a living deity to be revered.

Zhou Zitan was famous in the DJ world, and many bar owners wanted to hire him for performances.

Because he often dyed his hair a provocative pink, using the pinkest head to play the wildest tracks, he was known as Pink Master.

He spent most of his time in bars, which allowed him to say famously—

"My friends are in bars, and my enemies are also in bars."

Zhou Zitan might not open a bar himself, but he was the best judge of whether a bar was fun or not.

Zhou Zitan asked, "Have you booked a private room?"

Shen Tingzhou's ears were still ringing, and he couldn't control his volume, "Yes, my friend booked one."

Zhou Zitan said, "Ask him which room it is, and I'll have someone waive your drinks and room fees."

Shen Tingzhou hesitated, "That's not right, after all, they're running a business."

Zhou Zitan shrugged it off, "I didn't want to come out tonight at all. He called me dozens of times to nag me. Consider the drinks and room fees for your private room as my payment for showing up today."

Shen Tingzhou felt that Zhou Zitan sounded really cool when he said that.

"Alright, I'll go ask."

Shen Tingzhou went to ask Yang Lei for the room number and mentioned that drinks could be complimentary.

He didn't come to places like this often. Yang Lei, on the other hand, had been a regular here a few years ago and knew everything about the place. His expression turned strange as he asked, "Who told you that? Is he trying to hit on you?"

Shen Tingzhou was completely stunned. "Huh?"

Yang Lei explained, "Places like this make their money from selling drinks. Even if we don't order the most expensive ones, with so many of us, it would still cost five figures. The minimum spend for the room I booked is eighteen thousand. What kind of friend do you have who can get drinks waived? Is he trying to impress you by showing off?"

Yang Lei had heard of Master Pink, but since Zhou Zitan had dyed his hair black, he didn't recognize him.

Shen Tingzhou: ...

There was zero chance of Xiao Zhou showing off in front of him, and even less chance of him hitting on him.

Zhang Chengwei came over, pointing in Zhou Zitan's direction and asked Shen Tingzhou, "Is that your friend?"

Shen Tingzhou nodded.

Zhang Chengwei asked again, "Is his surname Zhou?"

Shen Tingzhou: "Yeah."

Yang Lei leaned in, "Do you know him?"

Zhang Chengwei, resting his chin in his hand, said, "Have you heard of Zhou Zhizhong?"

Yang Lei replied, "Isn't that obvious? Of course I know him."

Zhang Chengwei patted his shoulder, "This is Zhou Zhizhong's son, my boss's cousin. I used to see him at the company all the time."

Zhang Chengwei worked as an executive in He Yanting's company and recognized people by their faces, not their hair color.

Zhang Chengwei sighed, "If it's really Zhou Zitan, then his face can indeed open doors."

Xiao Zhou had already gone to use his face, calling out the bar owner and pointing at Shen Tingzhou, asking him to waive the drink charges.

The bar owner readily agreed, "Waived! A friend of Young Master Zhou is my buddy. Don't worry, I'll take good care of them. The best drinks and the biggest room, guaranteed."

Zhou Zitan frowned, "I've already told you, I'm going to change my surname soon. Call me He Zitan from now on."

The bar owner hurriedly said, "There's so much going on lately; I must have forgotten. Look, about the DJing..."

Zhou Zitan, with his rich second-generation status, flamboyant DJing style, arrogant behavior, and good looks, had quite a following in this industry. Many people came specifically to party and drink because of him.

Zhou Zitan was a bit impatient. With his brother in this state, how could he have the mood to DJ?

The bar owner wanted to say more, but someone called out to Zhou Zitan, "Xiao Zhou."

Hearing Shen Tingzhou's voice, Zhou Zitan immediately ran over eagerly, "Hey, I'm here, Doctor Shen."

*Call Me He Zitan From Now On*

Bar Owner: You have two faces, don't you?

-

Shen Tingzhou thought about it and still felt bad about making the owner lose money.

In the end, they agreed that tonight's room expenses would be discounted by seventy percent, with no minimum spend. They could spend whatever they wanted.

The owner generously gave them a bottle of fine wine, along with several fruit platters, snacks, and desserts.

Feeling very honored, Yang Lei ordered all kinds of drinks—red, white, and beer.

Yang Lei found Shen Tingzhou to drink, "Come on, Class President, let me toast you."

Shen Tingzhou wondered how he became the class president again.

Beside them, Jin Ziting teased, "Oh, isn't that Xiao Shen? How did he become a 'president'?"

Yang Lei blushed.

He had always been a clown in school, and after graduating and working his way up in society, his skin had thickened even more. He grabbed onto Shen Tingzhou's leg, saying, "Once a father, always a father. Dad, my long-lost dad."

Jin Ziting laughed and took a picture of this touching reunion scene.

Shen Tingzhou tugged at Yang Lei, "Get up, please."

After Yang Lei finished his toast, Jin Ziting also came over to drink with Shen Tingzhou, "I almost confessed to you back then. Good thing I didn't, or I'd be the stepmom to such a big son."

Shen Tingzhou: ...

Yang Lei: ...

Eventually, Shen Tingzhou got quite drunk. He only had a few glasses, but either he had picked up the wrong one or someone had mixed his drinks. The combination made the alcohol hit hard.

Shen Tingzhou collapsed on the circular sofa, feeling dizzy.

Seeing that he had drunk quite a lot, everyone left him alone. Shen Tingzhou lay on the sofa sleeping.

After some time, his phone kept ringing. He answered it groggily, spoke a few words, and fell asleep again without noticing if he had hung up.

After a while, Shen Tingzhou felt someone nudging him.

The person whispered in his ear, "Class President, is your family here to pick you up? Wake up."

Family?

Shen Tingzhou struggled to open his eyelids. Before he could see who had come, he was lifted up, and his arm was placed on a broad shoulder.

A warm breath brushed against his cheek, and the person supporting him said, "I'll take him back first."

Shen Tingzhou tried to look, but the person in front of him was blurry, their features indistinguishable. The figure was tall and slender, with a faint scent of tea.

It smelled nice.

Shen Tingzhou involuntarily turned his head to sniff twice, and the hand on his waist tightened noticeably.

Dazed and leaning heavily on the other person, Shen Tingzhou followed him out of the bar.

The cool breeze brought some clarity to Shen Tingzhou's mind.

The person beside him asked softly, "Are you feeling unwell?"

Shen Tingzhou looked at the handsome face and shook his head blankly.

Xu Xun opened the car door, helped Shen Tingzhou inside, and then bid farewell to the classmates who had accompanied them out.

The group watched as the car drove away, speculating about the relationship between this person and their class president.

Their behavior seemed quite intimate; could it be...

Only Yang Lei focused on the car. It looked understated but was actually high-end and very expensive.

He couldn't help but marvel, "Indeed, our class president is no ordinary person."

The boss will always be the boss, and the class president will always be the man.

-

Sitting in the car, Shen Tingzhou was already somewhat sober and felt embarrassed.

Rubbing his aching head, he asked Xu Xun, "Did I call you?"

Xu Xun hummed in acknowledgment, unscrewed a bottle of water, and handed it over. "Have some water."

"Thanks." Shen Tingzhou reached for it, but Xu Xun placed the bottle directly to his lips.

With his brain numbed by alcohol, Shen Tingzhou reacted slowly, opening his mouth and drinking the water Xu Xun offered.

"Lie down for a bit," Xu Xun's voice was gentle and soothing in the enclosed space. "I'll wake you when we get home."

Under the calming tone, Shen Tingzhou's eyes drooped, almost closing.

Just before they closed completely, he suddenly opened them again, blurting out, "I didn't drink too much."

"I know." Xu Xun gently pressed Shen Tingzhou's head onto his shoulder. "Rest a little."

Shen Tingzhou thought, I'm not that sleepy.

But once his head rested, his eyelids closed of their own accord.

In the faint scent of tea, Shen Tingzhou felt a sense of security, and as his mind relaxed, sleep instantly overtook him.

Xu Xun watched Shen Tingzhou, his eyes deep and still in the night.

Shen Tingzhou's face was flushed from the alcohol, his long lashes resting on his cheeks, his lips red and moist. He slept soundly and peacefully.

Xu Xun touched Shen Tingzhou's burning eyelids and brushed his lips, which were dry yet soft.

-

When he woke up the next day, it was already nine in the morning. The typical symptoms of a hangover were evident: headache and thirst.

A glass of water was on the table, which Shen Tingzhou grabbed and drank down.

After drinking the water, Shen Tingzhou realized he wasn't in his own home, and the clothes he was wearing weren't his.

The dark gray tracksuit was loose on him, but the fabric was light and comfortable.

Shen Tingzhou spent seven or eight seconds recalling the events of the previous night, running a hand through his hair.

Getting out of bed and tidying himself up, Shen Tingzhou held his temples, looking miserable as he walked out of the room.

Xu Xun happened to be coming upstairs, and they met in the hallway. Shen Tingzhou felt embarrassed. "Thank you for taking care of me last night."

Xu Xun asked, "Do you remember what happened last night?"

Shen Tingzhou smiled bitterly. "I remember most of it. We had a class reunion, and I had a couple more mixed drinks..."

Xu Xun interrupted him, saying astonishingly, "I meant, do you remember kissing me when you were drunk last night?"

Shen Tingzhou froze, doubting his ears.

What? Who kissed whom?

Author's note:

Doctor Shen: Impossible, absolutely impossible! Even if I was drunk, I wouldn't do something like that!