Wu Zhangkong and Long Bing drank with Kong Zi until well past midnight before they finally let Su Jiu leave in satisfaction.
When he returned to the door of his teachers' dormitory, the lights inside were still on.
When Su Jiu pushed open the door, Na'er was quietly lying alone over the coffee table in the living room, a faint smile on her lips as she seemingly pondered something.
"Brother Jiu, you finally decided to come back."
The moment she heard the door open, Na'er snapped out of her daze. Carrying a bowl of cool honey water filled with her affection, she walked toward Su Jiu.
Su Jiu accepted it, warmth flowing through his heart as he drained it in one gulp.
"Thank you for waiting up so late for me, Na'er. It's getting late. Hurry back and rest."
But Na'er threw herself straight into Su Jiu's arms, sniffed at him with her little nose, and frowned slightly. Her silver eyes were filled with dissatisfaction and resentment.
She didn't like the reek of alcohol all over him.
"Brother Jiu, can you stop drinking from now on? Na'er doesn't like the smell of alcohol on you."
With that, Na'er pushed Su Jiu toward the bathroom.
"Wash up properly. If you still smell like alcohol afterward, Na'er will be very unhappy!"
"Got it, got it. Na'er, I'm fine. You should get to bed early."
"Alright. Good night."
With a yawn, Na'er dove headfirst into Su Jiu's bed. Her meaning could not have been clearer—she was going to sleep here tonight, and he wouldn't be able to chase her away.
Su Jiu shook his head helplessly. The little girl truly had fewer and fewer boundaries around him.
Not long after, Su Jiu finished washing up and came to the bedside. Na'er's breathing was