After eating and drinking their fill, Deng Tianxin helped the thoroughly drunk Liu Erlong to her feet and said to Di Qiu'er and Xiao Wu, "Qiu'er, Xiao Wu, I'll take Sister Erlong back to her room to rest."
Deng Tianxin half-supported, half-carried Liu Erlong back to her room at the inn where she was staying.
She had drunk quite a lot. Her steps were unsteady, yet she still muttered that she was not drunk and only urged him to shut the door quickly.
Deng Tianxin helped her sit by the bed, poured her a cup of warm water, and turned to wring out a wet towel.
"Deng Tianxin." Liu Erlong suddenly called out to him, her voice no longer as hearty as it had been in the tavern.
Deng Tianxin turned around and saw her looking at him, her eyes slightly red. He could not tell whether it was the alcohol or something else.
"Sister Erlong, get some rest first. Whatever it is, we can talk about it tomorrow..." Deng Tianxin had barely begun when Liu Erlong staggered to her feet and threw herself forward. Her arms wrapped tightly around his waist as she buried her face against his chest.
"I like you." Liu Erlong's muffled voice carried a hint of a sniffle. "I've liked you for a long time. Back then, you weren't even as tall as my leg, and I already thought you little bastard were annoying but lovable. Do you know that I searched for you for years? I went through several cities. Every time I heard news of you, I wanted to find you immediately, but I was afraid you'd find me annoying."
Her voice grew quieter and quieter until it was nearly no more than a breath. "Now that you've grown up, I still like