"When did that happen?"
"Not long after you joined the show. It trended for days." The alcohol was going to Duan Qizhao's head, and he started speaking without thinking.
"Later, the production team released a statement, and Brother Yanchu switched between a dozen or so accounts to curse them out every day. Only then did public opinion slowly turn around."
"Oh, right, people also said Shen Wangjing was a murderer before. That topped the trending list too. It was a huge deal. Your eldest brother probably did it because of that-"
Halfway through, something in his head snapped, and he instantly sobered up considerably.
Duan Qizhao turned his head stiffly and met Jiang Xun's unreadable face.
In the moonlight, Jiang Xun was still smiling, his dimples faint, but the light in his eyes had changed.
"Well," Duan Qizhao gave two dry laughs, "everything I just said was-"
"I'm going to the bathroom."
Jiang Xun walked behind the shrubs at the corner of the courtyard wall. Only after making sure Duan Qizhao couldn't see him did he slowly crouch down.
Moonlight filtered through the jujube leaves, breaking into little patches of silver on the ground.
Yellow Dog followed with a wagging tail, nuzzled his head into his arms, and let out low whimpers.
Jiang Xun rubbed the dog's head, burying his fingers in that warm fur.
He crouched there for a long time before standing up. By the time he returned, he had put those two dimples back on.
Duan Qizhao was still gulping down beer. When he saw him return, he guiltily tucked the bottle behind his back.
Jiang Xun didn't mention what had just happened. He sat back down, picked up his own beer, and tipped his head back for a long swig.
"Slow down. We've only got this