The celebration lasted late into the night. With their parting imminent, everyone wanted to seize these last moments together. They ate, drank, and celebrated to their hearts' content-and did their utmost to get Xia You drunk.
It went on for several hours. Once the celebration ended, Xia You first sent his companions back to rest, then found a quiet, deserted corner and made his calls.
He had plenty of calls to make.
Sabrina, Erika, the Ecruteak Sisters, and even High Priestess Maya all needed to hear from him.
A simple word of thanks would suffice for his ordinary friends, but the important women in his life naturally required more thoughtful conversations. He shared the joy of his victory, accepted their sincere congratulations, and exchanged the tender words lovers shared.
Those conversations lasted over an hour.
He had just hung up and turned to head back when he nearly collided with someone.
Once he saw who it was, Xia You curled his lip. "Oh, it's you. You startled me."
Cynthia looked him up and down, noting the faint smell of alcohol on him. Arms folded, she leaned against the wall with an ambiguous smile. "If you haven't done anything wrong, why would you be startled?"
Xia You was in an excellent mood after winning the championship that day and had no desire to bicker with Cynthia.
"You're dressed all in black, standing silently in the shadows. Anyone would have missed you. Wait... how long have you been here? Don't tell me you were eavesdropping on my calls?"
"I don't have that much time on my hands." Cynthia stepped out of the darkness, taking the opportunity to stretch her legs, which had grown somewhat stiff from standing so long. "I only came to congratulate you. What, don't you want my congratulations?"
"Oh,