Bi Dashan stared at him blankly, then suddenly grinned. "Good, good. I believe you. Come, drink!"
"I'll drink with you."
The two of them drained another bowl.
Watching this scene, Liu Xiulan felt both heartbroken and comforted.
She softly said to the silent Bibi Dong, "Your father... he's suffered too much in his heart these past years. Being able to say it today is a good thing."
"Mm, I know."
They drank until the middle of the night.
Bi Dashan went from being emotionally agitated at first, to rambling on later, until he finally could not hold on any longer. With a thud, he collapsed onto the table, completely drunk.
"Uncle? Uncle?" Qian Xunji gently nudged him.
The response was earth-shaking snoring.
Bibi Dong sighed. "Qian Xun, could you help carry him back to his room?"
"Of course."
Qian Xunji and Bibi Dong helped Bi Dashan up from either side.
The old father was drunk as a puddle of mud, unable even to stand straight. He had to be supported by both of them as they walked.
After much difficulty, they made it to the doorway. Liu Xiulan, who had been meditating, opened her eyes and hurriedly rose to help.
The three of them worked together to settle Bi Dashan on the kang bed. Liu Xiulan tucked him beneath the covers, then looked at her husband's deeply sleeping yet still-furrowed face and shook her head with a bitter smile.
"Sorry to trouble you two."
"You should rest early too. Qian Xun still has to travel tomorrow."
Qian Xunji nodded. "All right, but Xiao Xi seems to be asleep."
Hearing that, Liu Xiulan smiled ambiguously. "Then he can sleep in Dong'er's room."
"But..."
"But what? Qian Xun, have you really been sleeping with Xiao Xi all these days?"
Bibi Dong said