In his previous life, Li Ye had known that even when everyone sat at the same drinking table, they would most likely split into several little circles.
Usually, they would form groups of two or three, each chatting about their own things and murmuring over different topics. Even if you tried to force your way into another circle, you would not truly hit it off.
A single small drinking table could show you the realities of society and all the myriad faces of life, teaching you one truth—if it was not your circle, do not force your way in.
Take the present moment, for example. Teacher Jiang and Yin Changshan were talking about amusing incidents from their school days, as well as the recent circumstances of this person or that person in their field.
The university students formed another group, though they did not have much idle chatter between them. They could only hover around Teacher Jiang and Yin Changshan, occasionally squeezing in a sentence or two to forcefully display their presence.
Young people still liked to show themselves off in front of senior figures in their field. After studying for so many years and learning so much knowledge, they desperately wanted a word of recognition or praise from their elders.
As for the remaining Li Ye, Lu Linsheng's father, and driver Xiao Liu, they were reluctantly bundled into a group.
The three of them had not known one another before, making them the sort most likely to fall into awkward silence.
At times like this, driver Xiao Liu's value became apparent.
Why did some people bring drivers along when they drank? Because a driver's identity was mystical in a way—whether speaking up or speaking down, they could always find an opening.
Ever since Li Ye had asked him, "Can