Friends Reunited

Guo Lantai had truly never imagined that reading a book could cost him his life. After transmigrating into it, he had not had a moment of peace.

Aside from catching up on sleep for an entire morning, his mind had barely stopped working. Being a programmer had already killed enough brain cells, but who would have thought that after entering a wealthy family, he would have to start studying household infighting?

But did this even count as household infighting?

It was all because he usually spent all his time working and never properly watched dramas to enrich himself. Otherwise, he could have borrowed the protagonists' successful experiences and saved himself some trouble!

Upon arriving at Golden Pavilion, Guo Lantai could not help clicking his tongue as he stared at the lavish, imposing building before him. Rich people's entertainment venues all looked so respectable on the surface!

Golden Pavilion Grand Court, Golden Pavilion Grand Court!

"Fuck! I can't stay here!"

Seeing those glittering golden words, Guo Lantai immediately quickened his pace. If he remembered correctly, wasn't this one of Cen Group's properties?

After Cen Muxiao took over, he had swept in and acquired it. Its original operating model had largely remained unchanged, while he naturally became the boss behind the scenes.

This was Cen Muxiao's territory. Guo Lantai felt it would be best to stay as far away as possible!

"Hey, Yu Tu, where are you?"

Guo Lantai hurriedly called to find him. Since he was treating, they could totally change locations—somewhere safer and more comfortable.

"Are you crawling here? Have you arrived yet?"

Yu Tu teased him the moment he answered, then told him his location. "Third floor, 316. Hurry up!"

"You already booked a private room?"

Although he knew he was already too late, Guo Lantai could not help asking.

"The booze is already open. We're just waiting on you. Don't tell me you can't find your way!"

The sound of another bottle being opened came from Yu Tu's end of the line. "Want me to come downstairs and get you?"

"No need, I'm coming up now!"

Guo Lantai hurriedly stopped him, thinking, You'd better stay put and keep your face hidden. Who knows whether Song Anning might come wandering out right now? If he spots you, even if nothing happens now, something probably will soon enough!

With that in mind, he entered through the main doors, gave the surroundings a quick glance, and headed straight for the elevator.

As soon as the elevator doors opened, Guo Lantai had barely stepped inside when someone followed close behind and swiftly pressed the button for the third floor before he could.

Guo Lantai silently took a step back and stood there obediently. He could only see the back of the man's head, but his outfit was truly eye-catching—nothing but international luxury brands. The style was somewhat flamboyant, especially the skull covered in crystal sequins that filled his entire back and practically blinded anyone looking at it.

With a ding, the elevator doors opened. Guo Lantai was not sure if it was an illusion, but he sensed that before getting out, the man seemed to give him a casual glance. Then he lifted his chin high and turned away.

Guo Lantai frowned. Had that expression meant the man looked down on him? They did not even know each other. He wondered which family's spoiled young master he was.

"Lantai! Over here!"

The moment he stepped out of the elevator, he heard Yu Tu calling him. Turning his head, he saw Yu Tu leaning out from the doorway of a private room and waving at him. Room 316 was diagonally across from the elevator.

"Coming."

Before walking over, Guo Lantai glanced in the direction the man had gone and saw a server leading him toward a private room at the far end of the corridor.

"Come on, Lantai, let me introduce you. This is my cousin, Tang Xu. He's attending university back home and came over to look around since it's summer break."

The moment Guo Lantai entered, Yu Tu pulled him over for introductions. Then he tilted his chin at the boy who had already stood up and was smiling at him. "Xiao Xu, this is your brother's best buddy. Hurry up and greet him!"

Tang Xu scratched the back of his head shyly, then greeted him with a smile. "Hello, Brother Guo. I'm Tang Xu."

"Hello. Since you're Yu Tu's cousin, don't be so formal. Sit down!"

Guo Lantai looked Tang Xu over. He seemed very shy, a stark contrast to Yu Tu's carefree, blunt personality.

Still, Guo Lantai secretly recalled the original plot and did not seem to remember a character named Tang Xu. At the very least, Yu Tu's cousin definitely had not been present at that small gathering he had organized back then.

It seemed that his transmigration had not only changed some plot developments, but had even brought new characters into the story. He just did not know whether Tang Xu's appearance would be good or bad for him.

"Just the three of us?"

Guo Lantai sat beside Yu Tu, raising his brows as he swept his gaze around the room. It was a proper large private room, easily spacious enough for twenty or thirty people.

"Yeah. I saw those two go up to the third floor, so of course I had to follow them. This was the only empty room left, so quit being picky!"

The corner of Guo Lantai's mouth twitched slightly. How had Yu Tu decided he was being picky?

And besides, why did Yu Tu have to follow just because those people had come to the third floor? Out of sight, out of mind!

Yu Tu spoke as if it were only natural, then pushed the wineglass in front of him toward Guo Lantai. "Red wine, beer, baijiu—I even ordered foreign liquor. They'll bring it up in a bit. Help yourself. There are no outsiders here today, so if you've got any grievances, let them out!"

As he spoke, he slapped his own shoulder several times, raising his brows. "Your buddy can't help with much else, but this shoulder is exclusively yours. Lean on it whenever you want!"

Guo Lantai could not help punching him after hearing that, laughing as he scolded, "You're acting drunk before you've even had a drink. What grievances could I possibly have? You think I need to cry on your shoulder?"

As he spoke, he stared at the table full of alcohol with obvious disapproval. "Your cousin is still a student. Aren't you afraid of leading the kid astray?"

Guo Lantai was grateful for Yu Tu's good intentions, but he understood that this was not a time for melancholy. There was no need to turn himself into some resentful wife shut away in the inner chambers just because Song Anning had appeared, unable to find comfort from his own husband and coming out to complain to friends instead.

As soon as he finished speaking, Tang Xu smiled and said, "Brother Guo, I'm fine. I usually go out with my classmates too, and drinking a little is no big deal!"

Oh? He had just praised the kid for being different from Yu Tu, and now he was showing his true colors. From the look of things, he could hold his liquor too.

"See? It's not me leading him astray. He already taught himself. Come on, let's get started!"

Without another word, Yu Tu stuffed a glass of beer into Guo Lantai's hand, then threw his head back and downed a glass himself.

After gulping down the beer, he turned his glass upside down and took a deep breath. "I've set the example. Do whatever you want!"

Now Guo Lantai had no choice but to drink. Shaking his head, he lifted his glass and clinked it against Tang Xu's across the table. "Come on, then. Bottoms up!"

"Okay."

Tang Xu politely answered while holding his glass, and then the two of them raised their drinks and drained them at the same time.

Before the original owner fell for Cen Muxiao, he had lived freely and boldly. Even knowing that the arranged marriage might come to nothing, he had never considered backing out, nor had he ever felt wronged or complained.

However, everything changed when Song Anning appeared. Anxiety, unease, jealousy, and the frustration of being neglected had taken root and flourished in the instant before he resolved to kiss Cen Muxiao, swiftly filling his entire heart.

Guo Lantai, who had transmigrated into the body afterward, had truly experienced those emotions firsthand. Now that he had good friends with him, he might as well drink to his heart's content!

A farewell to his former self in the real world, and a toast to the new life before him. Guo Lantai would live well!