After several rounds of drinks, Jiang Huaixiao's ears had turned completely red. He sat upright, his back still straight, and spoke a beat slower than usual.
Whenever Jiang Xun smiled, his gaze followed, lingering on those two dimples for a long time.
Jiang Xun did not avoid his gaze. Using the serving chopsticks, he placed the tenderest piece of meat from the sea bass's belly into Jiang Huaixiao's bowl.
"Try it."
Jiang Huaixiao looked down at the piece of fish. Two seconds passed before he picked up his chopsticks, put it into his mouth, and chewed slowly.
Jiang Xun was still watching him, his elbows resting on the table and his chin on the backs of his overlapping hands. Alcohol had left his eyes misty, like two pools of warm water.
"Is it good?"
"It is."
Jiang Xun smiled, and that smile left Jiang Huaixiao dazed, as though he had been submerged in hot water, a swelling ache spreading from his fingertips to his heart.
If my little brother would smile at me like this every day, I'd probably give him anything, he thought. Even my life.
They ate until nearly nine, when Jiang Huaixiao finally slumped over the table.
Duan Qizhao leaned over and called to him twice. Getting no response, he pushed his shoulder, but Jiang Huaixiao did not so much as lift his eyelids.
Duan Qizhao turned back and gestured to Jiang Xun, whose smile slowly faded.
Getting him into the guest room took considerable effort.
Jiang Huaixiao was tall and broad-framed. Once deeply drunk, his body went limp as though he had no bones, his full weight bearing down on Jiang Xun and Duan Qizhao.
Supporting him on either side, they made the few dozen steps from the dining room to the guest room feel like