Things had not gone as planned. Li Xiangqian had originally intended to attend two banquets, but the lunchtime drinking party went on until late afternoon, almost evening. More people kept joining, and in the end they simply combined the two gatherings and invited the evening guests over too. Most of them knew one another anyway, and those who did not became brothers after raising a couple of glasses at the table.
Li Long waited outside the canteen until the banquet broke up, then helped a thoroughly tipsy Li Xiangqian into the vehicle and drove to the hotel.
The hotel rooms the commendation ceremony organizers had booked for the attendees were only covered until noon. Anyone wanting to stay longer had to pay out of pocket.
The attendant recognized Li Long and Li Xiangqian and efficiently wrote out their bill. After paying, Li Long helped Li Xiangqian toward their room.
This time Li Xiangqian was truly drunk. Before they even reached the room, he threw up a large puddle. Li Long could only wait until he finished, help him into bed, cover him with a quilt, and then return to the corridor to clean up the mess.
Seeing Li Long take the initiative to clean up and behave considerately, the attendant said nothing, helped him finish, and left. Attendants in those days were different from those in later years; their sense of service really was not particularly strong.
The smell in the corridor was quite strong, so Li Long went to open the window at the far end, letting in fresh air to disperse the stench.
By a conservative estimate, Li Xiangqian had drunk at least two or three bottles this time. He had really had his fill.
Back in the room, Li Long saw that Li Xiangqian was already asleep.