Ding Ding had always handled social situations with ease.
Friendships between adults were subtle, sincerity always mingled with self-interest and superficial glamour, but with Bai Congming at the table, something about their relationships seemed to have shifted in a way no one could quite describe.
Alcohol inevitably helped warm up the atmosphere, but they stopped at moderation, never making it difficult for anyone to cope.
As glasses were raised and drinks exchanged, the conversation ranged from current affairs and market trends to Manager Liu's rebellious teenage son, then to Jeff's beautiful fiancée. There was no end to the everyday chatter.
Food was piled high in Bai Congming's bowl. One moment, Brother Ding was urging him to try the egg yolk chicken wings; the next, Fang Yun was giving him steamed buns with condensed milk. He had only eaten half the spring pancake Manager Liu had wrapped for him when Jeff got up to pour him another drink.
"I can't eat any more..."
His quiet complaint was drowned out by Jeff's hearty laughter, and no one heard it. Bai Congming blinked and began transferring the food in front of him into Ding Ding's bowl.
"I don't want any. Eat it yourself, Little Bai."
Slightly tipsy, Ding Ding failed to notice his rounded belly. He simply thought Bai Congming disliked the food he had passed over, so he picked up his chopsticks again and carefully selected another full bowl of all his favorites.
"..."
Fortunately, Fang Yun, who believed she had been entrusted with an important responsibility, noticed his predicament.
"Have you finished eating? Want to go outside first?"
Bai Congming wanted to go, but he did not want to leave food in his bowl when he left the table, so he shook his head with a deeply troubled expression.
Fang Yun