"Sister Hong, extra numbing spice and extra chili in the poached pork slices."
After ordering, Wang Xiaoliang called into the back again. The pickles and peanuts arrived first, along with a bottle of liquor. Huang Xueli had brought it-the one Wang Xiaoliang had given him over the New Year.
Wang Xiaoliang unscrewed the cap and poured two glasses. He pushed one over, then picked up his own, ready to down it.
"Come on, bro. It's been ages since we had a drink."
Huang Xueli reached out and pressed his glass down.
"Leave it. Until the dishes arrive and you've eaten, not a single sip."
"Why? You're treating me, and you still have all these rules?"
"No reason. Just because I'm your big brother. If you don't acknowledge me as one, go ahead and drink. I'll leave."
Wang Xiaoliang froze for a moment, then put his glass back down.
"Fine, I'll listen. You're my big brother, after all."
Huang Xueli picked up a peanut with his chopsticks and tossed it into his mouth. Chewing, he began leisurely.
"That's not how you drink. There's nothing wrong with drowning your sorrows, but you need limits. Stop when the booze starts hitting you, while your brain still works. Use that buzz to think properly about how to talk things through with Zijin. Don't just start chugging yourself to death and end up puking like a dumbass. That won't solve anything. You'll feel like shit mentally and physically."
Wang Xiaoliang said nothing, warmth welling up inside him.
"How did you know Zijin and I had a fight?"
Huang Xueli looked him up and down.
"Do I even need to guess? You haven't washed your face or shaved, and your white shirt's covered in dirt. Normally, Zijin wouldn't even let you leave the house without designer