Zhu Wuneng sidled up to Chen Mu with a grin. "Fifth Young Master, you can't put it that way. You're carefree and dashing too, riding the wind without a care. When it comes to beauty that could topple a kingdom-uh, I mean, debonair charm and the elegance of a jade tree in the breeze, you're every bit her equal. Absolutely no less stunning than Sister Xiao Yi!"
Smack! A juicy piece of pomelo struck Zhu Wuneng squarely in his glib, oily face.
Chen Mu cursed with a laugh. "Eight Precepts! Shut your damned mouth! I'm a proper man, standing tall between heaven and earth! What do you mean, 'beauty that could topple a kingdom'? What do you mean, 'stunning'? How does everything turn so sleazy coming out of your mouth? You're asking for a beating, aren't you?"
Chen Bin added coldly, "A dog's mouth spitting out ivory."
Chen Mu feigned anger. "Zhu Wuneng! If I don't make you drink until you crawl home today, I'll follow your lead from now on!"
Zhu Wuneng's face fell, and he clasped his hands in a pleading bow. "No, no, no! Spare my life, Fifth Young Master! There's more drinking tomorrow. Have mercy and leave this humble fellow a way to survive! I know I was wrong!"
Chen Mu snorted and swept his hand through the air. "Come on, let's have a round! Without that tight-lipped Sixth and little sister Xiao Yi, we boys can really let loose! Eight Precepts, sit beside me. Let me show you how well I'll 'take care' of you!"
He hooked an arm around Zhu Wuneng's neck and half dragged, half hauled him over.
Gao Cuilan and Su Ningxia exchanged a glance, each seeing relief in the other's eyes. They hurried after them, silently praying that the two in